What is the Final Keepsake in Hades? Unlocking the Secrets of the Underworld
The final keepsake in Hades is the Sigil of the Dead, obtained from Hades himself. This is not your typical keepsake acquired by simply gifting nectar. The Sigil of the Dead is unique and requires completing the main storyline of Hades before it can be unlocked. This makes it a coveted item for dedicated players, offering a powerful combat advantage that is thematically tied to the game’s final boss. The Sigil, when equipped, sets Zagreus’s call to Hades’ Aid, granting him a brief period of invisibility and a significant damage boost, mirroring the combat mechanics of the Hades boss fight. Obtaining the Sigil is a milestone signifying a player’s journey through the game, marking the ultimate reward for persistence and skill.
The Unique Acquisition of the Sigil of the Dead
Unlike other keepsakes acquired by giving Nectar to characters for the first time, Hades’ keepsake requires a second gift of Nectar. This second gift option only becomes available after completing the main storyline of Hades. This involves confronting Hades multiple times and eventually achieving an escape from the Underworld. After the main storyline, Hades will finally accept a second offering of Nectar. This unlockable second gift is essential to obtaining this powerful keepsake. It’s a testament to the game’s design, which requires players to not only master combat but also to invest in the narrative to unlock all its secrets. This adds another layer of complexity and replayability to the game.
The Power of Hades’ Aid
The Sigil of the Dead isn’t just a memento; it dramatically enhances Zagreus’ combat abilities. When equipped, it replaces Zagreus’ standard call with Hades’ Aid. Activating this ability makes Zagreus briefly invisible, making him untargetable. Moreover, during this period of invisibility, his movement speed increases, and his next attack inflicts bonus damage. This ability effectively mirrors the Hades boss fight, making the player a force to be reckoned with during escape attempts. It can provide a crucial edge in battle, especially in encounters that typically demand considerable finesse and strategy. The Sigil of the Dead is not only a powerful tool, but it also allows players to fight with an ability familiar from the final boss battle, closing the narrative loop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Keepsakes in Hades
1. What are Keepsakes in Hades?
Keepsakes are items in Hades that Zagreus can equip to gain various benefits during escape attempts from the Underworld. They provide a range of bonuses, from increased health and damage to special abilities and perks that can enhance your runs in different ways.
2. How do you get Keepsakes in Hades?
Most keepsakes are acquired by giving Nectar to various characters in the game for the first time. Characters range from the gods of Olympus to inhabitants of the Underworld. Each character has a unique keepsake with unique properties. However, some keepsakes, like the Sigil of the Dead, have unique unlock requirements beyond a simple Nectar gift.
3. What is the best Keepsake in Hades?
The “best” keepsake varies based on a player’s preferred playstyle and builds. Some highly ranked keepsakes include the Lucky Tooth (Skelly) for survivability, the Lambent Plume (Hermes) for increased speed and dodge chance, and the Evergreen Acorn (Eurydice) for damage reduction. However, the Sigil of the Dead is often considered one of the most powerful due to its significant damage potential and its ability to render Zagreus briefly untargetable.
4. What are Legendary Keepsakes in Hades?
Legendary Keepsakes, also known as Companions, are items that grant Zagreus the ability to summon a specific character to aid in battle. These are obtained by completing favors for characters after gifting them enough Nectar (usually 5-6) and Ambrosia. Each companion offers a unique summon ability per run.
5. How do I unlock legendary keepsakes in Hades?
To unlock Legendary Keepsakes, you must first max out the affinity gauge of a character by gifting them nectar and completing a favor for them. Once the favor is complete, gifting Ambrosia will unlock their legendary keepsake or Companion.
6. What does the Sigil of the Dead do?
When equipped, the Sigil of the Dead replaces Zagreus’s standard Call with Hades’ Aid. Using this ability will briefly make Zagreus invisible, increases his movement speed, and causes his next attack to inflict bonus damage. This mirrors the Hades boss fight and can be a significant boon in battle.
7. How many Nectar gifts does it take to get Hades’ Keepsake?
You must gift Hades Nectar twice in total to obtain his keepsake; however, the second gift cannot be made until after the main storyline has been completed. The first Nectar gift is the same as other characters, but the second gift is gated behind an in-game milestone.
8. Can you use a keepsake twice in one run?
No, you cannot equip the same keepsake twice during a single run. You can change keepsakes between biomes to gain their benefits, but you cannot reequip a keepsake once you switch from it.
9. Which character should I gift first in Hades?
For new players, Cerberus and Skelly are good initial options for Nectar gifting. Cerberus’ Old Spiked Collar increases Zagreus’s health, while Skelly’s Lucky Tooth can save you from a fatal hit, offering extra survivability.
10. How do I deepen my relationship with Skelly?
After gifting Skelly six Nectars, you must complete his favor. Following that, gifting him Ambrosia will earn you his Companion, the Rib. His affinity gauge is maxed at 9 hearts, requiring 6 Nectar and 3 Ambrosia gifts.
11. What is the best weapon in Hades?
The “best” weapon varies greatly on play style. However, the Twin Fists are a fan favorite for their aggressive potential. The Aspect of Demeter is considered a strong option for aggressive play styles.
12. How do I get the secret gun in Hades?
To unlock the Adamant Rail, you must complete the following steps: fight the final boss at least once (win or lose), unlock 5 aspects of any Infernal Arms, and obtain the Fated List of Minor Prophecies from the House Contractor.
13. How do I get Titan Blood in Hades?
Titan Blood is obtained by defeating the first and final bosses for the first time with each weapon, claiming bounties at each heat level, fulfilling prophecies, and trading with the Wretched Broker. It is primarily used to upgrade weapon aspects.
14. How do I get the Pom Blossom?
The Pom Blossom is obtained by escaping from the Underworld 10 times, and then giving Persephone a gift of Nectar in the House of Hades. Its effect increases a random Boon level each time Zagreus survives a set number of encounters.
15. Why can’t I give Nectar to Patroclus?
You can’t give Nectar to Patroclus until his name is revealed, which is done either by reading his Codex entry or speaking to him while wearing Achilles’ Myrmidon Bracer. Before his name is known he will act cold and bitter and will refuse gifts.
In conclusion, the Sigil of the Dead is a powerful keepsake that requires considerable investment to acquire but offers substantial combat rewards in Hades. Its unique mechanics and connection to the game’s final boss make it a standout item. By understanding how to obtain and use this keepsake effectively, players can further optimize their builds and enhance their experience in the Underworld.