Freeing Achilles in Hades: A Hero’s Journey Beyond the Underworld

Freeing Achilles in Hades is a multi-layered quest involving relationship building, resource management, and story progression. The primary steps involve: First, maxing out Achilles’ and Patroclus’ relationship by giving them Nectar. Second, triggering Patroclus’ request for Zagreus to deliver a message to Achilles: “Risk it all.” Third, paying the House Contractor 5 diamonds to release Achilles from his contract. Finally, progress through dialogue to witness their reunion. It’s a poignant journey that highlights the game’s focus on relationships and defying fate.

Unlocking Achilles: A Step-by-Step Guide

The quest to reunite Achilles and Patroclus is one of the most emotionally rewarding in Hades. It’s a process that demands patience, persistence, and a healthy dose of underworld exploration. Let’s break down each step in detail:

1. Building Initial Relationships with Nectar

Begin by gifting both Achilles and Patroclus Nectar. Each character can receive a maximum of six Nectars initially. This will deepen your bond with them and unlock their Keepsakes. Achilles gives you the Myrmidon Bracer, offering frontal damage reduction, while Patroclus provides the Broken Spearpoint, making you deal more damage to distant foes. Don’t underestimate these Keepsakes; they can be extremely useful in your runs. The key to unlocking the later stages of their quests is consistently interacting and gifting Nectar whenever possible.

2. Triggering Patroclus’ Request: “Risk it All”

After maxing out their initial Nectar gifts (six to each), continue interacting with Patroclus in Elysium. Keep running into him on your adventures through Elysium until he reveals that he misses Achilles terribly. He’ll eventually confide in Zagreus and ask him to deliver a specific message to Achilles: “Risk it All.” This is the catalyst that sets the reunion in motion. This step might take multiple encounters so do not get discouraged if the dialogue doesn’t immediately appear.

3. Relaying the Message to Achilles

Find Achilles in the House of Hades and relay Patroclus’ message. Upon hearing this, Achilles will express his desire to be with Patroclus, prompting him to request a change to his pact with Hades. This conversation is crucial as it unlocks the next stage of the quest.

4. Amending the Pact: Diamonds for Freedom

Now you need to speak with the House Contractor. You can find the House Contractor in the House of Hades. They will have the option to edit Achilles pact, but you must pay 5 Diamonds to release Achilles from his contract. Diamonds are a relatively rare resource, obtainable primarily from:

• Slaying the Bone Hydra in Asphodel with increased Heat: The higher the Heat level, the better the chance for a Diamond reward.
• Completing certain Minor Prophecies: These can be found on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies and often involve completing specific tasks or defeating certain bosses.

Once you have acquired the 5 Diamonds, pay the House Contractor to enact the change to Achilles’ pact.

5. Witnessing the Reunion and the Quest’s Resolution

After amending the contract, continue playing through runs. Keep interacting with both Achilles and Patroclus. Eventually, Achilles will depart from the House of Hades and join Patroclus in Elysium. This completes the main quest and unlocks the ability to gift Achilles Ambrosia, the final stage in deepening your relationship with him.

Maximizing Your Chances: Tips and Tricks

• Prioritize Nectar Gifts: Always carry Nectar with you on runs and give it to Achilles and Patroclus whenever possible.
• Focus on Diamond Acquisition: Increase Heat levels when fighting the Bone Hydra to maximize your chances of earning Diamonds. Complete Minor Prophecies that offer Diamond rewards.
• Be Patient: The dialogue for the “Risk it All” message and the subsequent reunion can take multiple runs to trigger. Persistence is key.
• Engage with Dialogue: Talk to all characters in the House of Hades and Elysium regularly to advance the story.
• Utilize Keepsakes: Use Achilles’ and Patroclus’ Keepsakes to aid your runs and make Diamond farming more efficient.

Beyond the Reunion: Ambrosia and Antos

Once Achilles has moved to Elysium, you can give him Ambrosia. After gifting him Ambrosia for the first time, he will give you the Companion Antos which can be summoned during your runs. Gifting Achilles more Ambrosia increases the potency of Antos’s ability.

FAQs: Deep Diving into the Achilles & Patroclus Quest

1. How do you unlock Achilles’ heart in Hades?

Achilles’ heart is unlocked when you see Achilles and Patroclus together in Elysium, after completing the storyline which requires you to deliver Patroclus’ message “Risk it all” to Achilles and pay the House Contractor to amend Achilles’ pact.

2. How do you unlock Achilles’ side quest in Hades?

The side quest to reunite Achilles and Patroclus involves giving them Nectar until their hearts are locked. Then, continue to engage with them in dialogue until Patroclus asks you to relay the message “Risk it All” to Achilles. This triggers the request to amend Achilles’ pact with Hades.

3. Why can’t I give Achilles Ambrosia?

After giving Achilles six Nectar, you cannot give him more gifts until you complete his favor, which is releasing him from his contract. After he is reunited with Patroclus in Elysium, you will then be able to gift him Ambrosia.

4. Why can’t I give Nectar to Patroclus?

Until Patroclus’ name is revealed to Zagreus, either by reading his Codex entry or by equipping Achilles’ Myrmidon Bracer and speaking to him, he will refuse gifts. He’ll be rather cold and bitter until then!

5. How do you pardon Achilles?

You don’t “pardon” Achilles; you release him from his contract with Hades by paying the House Contractor 5 Diamonds. This allows him to leave the House of Hades and be with Patroclus in Elysium.

6. Did Patroclus sleep with Deidameia?

The provided information states that Deidameia summoned Patroclus to have sex with her because she was jealous of Achilles’ love for Patroclus. Patroclus mentions that she seemed to want something more from him.

7. Who killed Achilles?

Achilles was killed by an arrow shot by the Trojan prince Paris. In most versions, the god Apollo guided the arrow to Achilles’ vulnerable spot, his heel.

8. Should I accept or decline Ambrosia from Dusa?

There is no consequence to either choice. It’s generally recommended to take the Ambrosia back, as you can use it to deepen your relationships with other characters.

9. Does Achilles refuse to eat?

Yes, after Patroclus’ death, Achilles refuses food due to his grief. He’s consumed by mourning.

10. Who is Achilles’ love interest in Hades?

Patroclus is Achilles’ love interest in Hades. Their relationship is a central theme of the game.

11. When can I give Achilles Ambrosia?

You can give Achilles Ambrosia after he moves to Elysium to be with Patroclus. This happens after you have amended his pact with Hades.

12. Is Achilles based on a real person?

While Achilles is primarily a mythological figure, some historians believe he may have been based on a real Thessalian warrior who was later mythologized.

13. Who killed Patroclus?

Patroclus was killed by the Trojan warrior Hector, who donned Achilles’ armor and led the Greeks into battle.

14. Who should I give Nectar to first in Hades?

For new players, giving Nectar to Cerberus and Skelly first is often recommended. Their Keepsakes provide useful survivability bonuses early in the game.

15. What is Achilles’ weakness?

Achilles’ legendary weakness is his heel. This is the only part of his body that was not immersed in the River Styx, leaving it vulnerable.

The Enduring Legacy of Love and Duty

Freeing Achilles in Hades is more than just completing a side quest; it’s about witnessing the power of love and duty. The game masterfully portrays the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, making their reunion a truly emotional and satisfying moment. It’s a testament to the game’s depth and its ability to resonate with players on a personal level. This quest underscores how games can be platforms for exploring complex themes like love, sacrifice, and defying predetermination, a concept relevant to discussions at the GamesLearningSociety.org.