How to Steal the Heart of Death Himself: A Guide to Romancing Thanatos in Hades
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So, you’ve set your sights on the brooding, darkly handsome Thanatos in Hades? Excellent choice, my friend! Romancing the personification of death himself is a rewarding endeavor, adding depth and intrigue to your escape attempts from the Underworld. But how exactly do you win the favor of this stoic god? The path to his heart, much like Zagreus’s journey, requires dedication, persistence, and a generous supply of Nectar and Ambrosia. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve your romantic goals:
The Path to Thanatos’s Affection: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gift Nectar and Earn His Favor
Initially, you’ll need to start gifting Nectar to Thanatos whenever you encounter him. You can find him during your runs through the various regions of the Underworld, typically appearing in chambers where you’ve cleared out all enemies. He’ll offer his assistance in clearing the room, presenting an opportunity to interact with him. Gift him Nectar each time until you’ve given him six bottles.
Step 2: The Competition and Completing His Favor
After gifting him his 6th Nectar, further gifts will be locked until you complete his favor. To earn Thanatos’s favor, you must simply beat him once in competition, i.e., kill more enemies than he does when he appears during your escape attempts. This requires careful planning and maximizing your damage output. Focus on powerful builds that allow you to quickly eliminate foes. Once you’ve bested him in combat, he’ll acknowledge your strength and the next step will be unlocked.
Step 3: Ambrosia and Maxing Out Affinity
With his favor completed, it’s time to move on to Ambrosia. Gifting Thanatos Ambrosia will now unlock his Companion, Mort. Continue gifting him Ambrosia after you get the Companion. Thanatos’s affinity gauge is maxed out at 10 hearts, requiring the gifting of 6 Nectar and 4 Ambrosia in total.
Step 4: The Romantic Choice
After reaching maximum affinity with Thanatos, a cutscene will trigger in Zagreus’s room. Here, Thanatos will express his feelings, and you’ll be presented with a choice: pursue a romantic relationship with him or remain friends. Choosing to pursue a romance will solidify your bond and unlock further interactions.
Step 5: Embrace the Polyamorous Possibilities
Unlike some romance options in other games, romancing Thanatos doesn’t lock you out of other relationships in Hades. You can also romance Megaera and Dusa simultaneously, leading to unique and entertaining interactions. If you pursue relationships with both Thanatos and Megaera, eventually, a scene will occur where they both appear in Zagreus’s room, offering a polyamorous relationship. The choice is yours whether to accept!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Romancing Thanatos
1. Can I romance Thanatos and Megaera at the same time?
Yes! Hades embraces polyamory. You can romance both Thanatos and Megaera (and Dusa) without any negative consequences. This will eventually unlock a special scene where they discuss the situation and offer Zagreus a polyamorous relationship.
2. How many Nectar bottles do I need to give Thanatos?
You need to gift Thanatos six bottles of Nectar initially before you can progress to gifting him Ambrosia.
3. What happens if I choose to remain friends with Thanatos?
If you choose to remain friends, your relationship with Thanatos will be platonic. You’ll still receive the benefits of his Companion, Mort, but you won’t experience the romantic interactions.
4. Does Thanatos have genuine romantic feelings for Zagreus?
Yes, unlike Dusa, Thanatos harbors genuine romantic feelings for Zagreus. This is evident in his dialogue and the overall tone of their interactions.
5. Is there a specific build that makes it easier to beat Thanatos in the competition?
While there’s no guaranteed build, focusing on high damage output and area-of-effect attacks is generally effective. Boons that enhance your attack speed, critical hit chance, or special abilities are particularly useful. For example, a build focused on the Aspect of Chiron with boons that enhance your special can quickly eliminate enemies.
6. What is the Companion Mort, and how do I get it?
Companion Mort is a summon that Zagreus can use during runs. It summons Thanatos to assist in battle, dealing significant damage to enemies. You receive it after gifting Thanatos your first Ambrosia after completing his favor.
7. Does romancing Thanatos affect the gameplay in any significant way?
Romancing Thanatos primarily adds to the narrative experience. There are no significant gameplay changes, aside from the enjoyment of the additional story elements and interactions.
8. Can I reverse my decision if I choose to remain friends with Thanatos initially?
No, your choice is permanent after the cutscene with Thanatos in Zagreus’s room. Choose wisely!
9. How do I find Thanatos during my runs?
Thanatos appears randomly during your escape attempts, typically in chambers where you’ve defeated all enemies. He’ll announce his presence, offering his assistance in clearing the room more quickly.
10. Is Thanatos Zagreus’s brother?
In the beginning, Zagreus believes that Thanatos is his brother but it is later revealed that is not the case.
11. Are there other romance options in Hades besides Thanatos?
Yes, you can also romance Megaera and Dusa, and even enter a polyamorous relationship with them.
12. What happens if I break up with Thanatos?
There is no “breaking up” mechanic in Hades. Once you’ve solidified a romantic relationship, it remains consistent throughout the game.
13. Does romancing Thanatos give me any special perks or abilities?
Beyond the Companion Mort, romancing Thanatos doesn’t directly grant any specific perks or abilities. The main benefit is the enriched narrative and character development.
14. What kind of personality does Thanatos have?
Thanatos is generally stoic, reserved, and somewhat melancholic. However, he also possesses a strong sense of duty and a hidden vulnerability that is revealed as you deepen your relationship with him.
15. How does Hades portray relationships and queerness?
Hades has been praised for its inclusive portrayal of relationships and queer characters. The game allows for same-sex romances, polyamorous relationships, and asexual representation, providing a diverse and authentic depiction of love and connection. The game provides many learning opportunities related to social dynamics, and we hope it finds its way into educational contexts discussed at GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, romancing Thanatos in Hades is a rewarding experience that enriches the game’s narrative and adds depth to your understanding of the characters. By following these steps and answering these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to winning the heart of the God of Death and forging a meaningful connection in the Underworld.