Unlocking Ambrosia: A Guide to Gifting the Gods in Hades

The path to fully realized relationships in Hades is paved with both Nectar and Ambrosia. While Nectar flows relatively freely in the early game, Ambrosia is a far more precious commodity, unlocking deeper connections and ultimately, Companions that can aid Zagreus on his escape attempts. So, the burning question: When can you start giving Ambrosia?

The simple answer is: after you’ve gifted a character the maximum amount of Nectar they will accept initially (typically six), and after you’ve fulfilled any specific favor they require. Think of Nectar as the foundation of your relationships, and Ambrosia as the mortar that cements them, unlocking their full potential. But that “favor” requirement is key, and varies wildly from character to character.

Understanding the Ambrosia Gifting Process

Before you can shower the denizens of the Underworld (and beyond) with Ambrosia, it’s crucial to understand the overall system. Each character has an affinity gauge that you fill by gifting them Nectar and Ambrosia. This gauge culminates in the awarding of a Companion (in some cases) and represents the strength of Zagreus’s bond with that individual.

1. Nectar First: Almost every character requires you to gift them several Nectar bottles before they’ll even think about accepting Ambrosia. Usually, this number is six Nectar. This initial gifting phase is essential for triggering the character’s unique favor.

2. The Favor Requirement: This is where things get interesting. After you’ve maxed out the Nectar gifts, the character will usually hint at a problem or a task they need help with. This is their “favor.” Completing this favor is the gatekeeper to Ambrosia gifting. The specifics of each favor are unique to the character.

3. Ambrosia Unlocked: Once the favor is complete, you can return to the character and offer them Ambrosia. The first Ambrosia gift typically rewards you with their Companion, a powerful summon that can assist you in your runs. Further Ambrosia gifts deepen your relationship, though beyond the first, they offer no mechanical benefits.

4. Exceptions to the Rule: There are, as always, exceptions. Some characters, like Hades himself, Bouldy, and those who cannot be gifted Nectar, will never accept Ambrosia.

Obtaining Ambrosia

Now that you know when you can give Ambrosia, let’s touch on how to obtain it.

The primary method for acquiring Ambrosia is by completing prophecies listed on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies at the House Contractor. Completing these prophecies rewards you with varying amounts of Ambrosia. This list should be your priority for stocking up on this valuable resource. You can learn more about the significance of games in education at the Games Learning Society website, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

You can also sometimes obtain Ambrosia through the Wretched Broker in the House of Hades, in exchange for other resources. This is usually not the most efficient method, but it can be helpful in a pinch.

Character-Specific Ambrosia Unlocking

Here’s a breakdown of when you can start giving Ambrosia to some key characters:

• Thanatos: After gifting six Nectar, encounter him during a run where he acknowledges Zagreus’s strength. The next time you see him in the House of Hades, you can gift him Ambrosia.
• Achilles: Gift six Nectar, then speak to Patroclus. He will ask you to relay a message to Achilles, which prompts Achilles to request a change to his pact with Hades. Pay the Contractor 7 Diamonds to alter the pact. After this, you can gift Achilles Ambrosia.
• Megaera: After gifting six Nectar, you must complete her favor, which involves progressing the main storyline. Once that is done, you can offer her Ambrosia.
• Nyx: After gifting six Nectar, complete her favor, which also revolves around resolving another character’s storyline. Afterwards, Ambrosia gifts are possible.
• Dusa: Give her six Nectar and continue to invest in the Lounge upgrades, eventually she will confide in you about cleaning duties. Invest in her cleaning service with the House Contractor, and you can give her Ambrosia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I give Ambrosia to a character even after giving them six Nectar?

Most likely, you haven’t completed their specific favor. Each character has a unique task or goal that needs to be achieved before they’ll accept Ambrosia. Check dialogue cues and progress through the game’s main story to unlock these favors.

2. How do I know what a character’s favor is?

Characters will usually hint at their favor through dialogue after you’ve given them six Nectar. Pay close attention to their conversations, and look for opportunities to help them with their problems.

3. Which characters give Companions when I give them Ambrosia?

The characters who offer Companions are: Achilles, Dusa, Megaera, Sisyphus, Skelly, and Thanatos. These Companions are powerful summons that can aid you in your runs.

4. Can I give Ambrosia to Hades?

No. Some characters, including Hades, Bouldy, and those who cannot be gifted Nectar, will never accept Ambrosia.

5. Is there a limit to how much Ambrosia I can give a character?

Yes. After receiving their Companion and maxing out their hearts, gifting additional Ambrosia no longer provides mechanical benefits.

6. How do I efficiently farm Ambrosia?

Focus on completing Prophecies from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies. These prophecies are the most reliable source of Ambrosia.

7. Can I buy Ambrosia?

Yes, you can purchase Ambrosia from the Wretched Broker in exchange for other resources. However, this is generally not the most efficient method.

8. Does gifting Ambrosia affect the story?

Yes, gifting Ambrosia and completing character favors is crucial for progressing the overarching story and unlocking character-specific endings.

9. I accidentally gave a character Nectar during a run, and now I can’t give them Nectar in the House of Hades. Why?

This is a known quirk. If you gift a character Nectar during a run right before they appear in the House of Hades, they won’t be available for gifting in the House. Wait until your next encounter with them.

10. Is there a “best” character to give Ambrosia to first?

This depends on your playstyle. All Companions are useful, so choose the character whose Companion’s abilities best suit your needs. For example, Mort (Dusa’s Companion) provides ranged attacks, while Battie (Megaera’s Companion) offers powerful area-of-effect damage.

11. Does Ambrosia do anything besides unlock Companions?

While the first Ambrosia gift unlocks the Companion, subsequent gifts deepen your relationship with the character and may unlock additional dialogue or story elements.

12. Can I romance every character in Hades?

No. While Hades features romance options, not every character is romantically available. Dusa, for example, is aroace, meaning that while you can develop a deep friendship with her, a romantic relationship is not possible.

13. What happens if I reject a character’s romantic advances?

You can choose to remain friends with a character who expresses romantic interest. This choice will not negatively impact your ability to interact with them or progress their story.

14. How does the House Contractor affect my ability to give Ambrosia?

The House Contractor is crucial for completing certain character favors, such as altering Achilles’ pact. Investing in upgrades through the Contractor can also unlock new dialogue and story events that are necessary for progressing relationships.

15. Is it worth giving Ambrosia to characters who don’t offer Companions?

Yes, if you want to fully explore their storylines and unlock all of their dialogue. While they don’t provide mechanical benefits like Companions, deepening your relationships with these characters enriches the game’s narrative experience.

Unlocking and strategically gifting Ambrosia is a crucial part of the Hades experience. By understanding the system, completing character favors, and prioritizing Fated Prophecies, you can forge strong bonds with the denizens of the Underworld and unlock their full potential. Good luck, and may your escape attempts be ever successful!