Mastering the Divine Gifts: Your Comprehensive Guide to Hades 2 Boons

Are you ready to discover the most powerful boons in Hades 2? Melinoë faces an immense challenge, not only confronting Chronos, the formidable god of time, but also leading an assault on Mount Olympus. It’s certainly a busy day for our heroine! To triumph in Hades 2, mastering the perfect build to match your unique playstyle is crucial. Boons are divine gifts that enhance your abilities, offering both powerful upgrades to your existing skills and entirely new ways to obliterate Melinoë’s adversaries.

Every Boon in Hades 2

Beyond increasing their effectiveness through ranks, each boon possesses a distinct elemental affinity. Once you unlock the Divination of the Elements at the cauldron, you’ll observe an element displayed in the top-left corner of each skill as you select it.

Generally, these affinities align with the deity providing the boon – for instance, Zeus often grants Air-elemental boons, while Poseidon bestows Water-elemental ones. However, there are exceptions, with some gods offering skills tied to multiple elements. Certain boons also require you to have an affinity for specific elements, which you acquire by accumulating them from your previously chosen skills. There are other methods to gain elements; for example, one of Narcissus’s perks grants you one of each type.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all Hades 2 boons, highlighting our top recommendations for each god:

Aphrodite

Aphrodite’s core strategy revolves around stacking Weak effects, which significantly diminishes an afflicted enemy’s damage output by 30%. This makes close-quarters combat much safer. For optimal results, consider Broken Resolve, Rapture Ring, Glamor Gain, and Secret Crush among Aphrodite’s perks.

Boon	Effect	Element
Broken Resolve	Your Weak effects are more potent.	Water
Burning Desire	Hestia Duo: Up to 120 Lone Shades appear in locations. Sprint into them to launch a fiery blast.	Aether
Ecstatic Obsession	During encounters with multiple foes, one foe is always afflicted with Charm.	Aether
Flutter Flourish	Your specials deal more damage to nearby foes.	Water
Flutter Strike	Your attacks deal more damage to nearby foes.	Water
Glamor Gain	In each encounter, one foe is always Weak. You gradually restore Magick near Weak foes.	Air
Healthy Rebound	Whenever you exit a location, restore 100% of your life if you’ve not lost more than a percentage.	Water
Heart Breaker	Whenever you use 30 Magick, create a Hearthrob. This is an explosive that revolves around you and expires after 20 seconds.	Water
Island Getaway	Poseidon Duo: You take less damage from nearby foes. Boons of Aphrodite treat all foes as nearby.	Aether
Life Affirmation	Any max life rewards you find will have a greater effect.	Air
Nervous Wreck	When you inflict Weak, also inflict a curse from another Olympian.	Air
Passion Rush	Your Dash blasts foes near where you start and end, and also inflicts Weak.	Air
Rapture Ring	Your Casts drag foes in and inflict Weak.	Air
Romantic Spark	Zeus Duo: If you sprint into Blitz-afflicted foes, the effect activates immediately and is stronger.	Aether
Secret Crush	After you enter a location, Prime 20 Magick to add Power to your attack.	Air
Shameless Attitude	While you have at least 80% health, you deal more damage.	Air
Soft Caress	Hephaestus Duo: The first time you would take damage in each Encounter, get HP instead.	Aether
Soul Mate	Hero Duo: Foes with Hitch take more damage and are Weak, but only two can be afflicted at a time.	Aether
Spiritual Affirmation	Any max health increases you find have a greater effect.	Air
Sunny Disposition	Aphrodite Duo: Whenever you create Heartthrobs, create more.	Aether
Wispy Wiles	Infusion: Gain +3% dodge chance for each Air element you have.	N/A

Ares

Ares, the god of war, is singularly focused on inflicting pain upon anyone who dares oppose you. His signature status effect, Wound, causes affected enemies to suffer increased damage for a brief period. For maximum carnage, prioritize Ares Boons such as Grievous Blow, Mutual Destruction, Profuse Bleeding, and Vicious Strike.

Boon	Effect	Element
Arterial Spray	Poseidon Duo: Your Splash effects from Poseidon may hit twice.	Aether
Blood Spree	While you have less than 40 health, your attacks and specials restore health.	Earth
Coffin Nail	Your falling blades fall immediately and deal more damage	Aether
Cut Above	Your Omega moves also cause a falling blade to appear over each foe struck.	Earth
Cutting Edge	Your falling blades drop an additional time and deal more damage in a large area.	Earth
Fourth Degree	Hestia Duo: Your fireball effects inflict Wounds with even greater power.	Aether
Grievous Blow	Foes with Wounds may suffer additional damage when attacked.	Earth
Grisly Gain	Striking Foes with your weapon may spill Plasma, which also restores ten Magick.	Earth
Heinous Affront	Inflicting Wounds may also trigger your ‘after you take damage’ effects.	Aether
Hostile Environment	Your Omega cast is stronger and follows you, even as you channel.	Aether
Meat Grinder	Your Omega cast also creates a Blade Rift in the binding circle.	Earth
Mutual Destruction	Gain a chance to deal 200% damage that increases the less health you have.	Earth
Open Heart	Aphrodite Duo: Whenever you collect a Blood Drop, create a Heartthrob.	Aether
Profuse Bleeding	Whenever foes with Wounds take damage, they may spill a Blood Drop.	Earth
Rallying Cry	Infusion: While you have eight Earth Boons, any of your damaging effects are stronger.	N/A
Sanguinary Savor	Each Blood drop has improved potency and is drawn to you.	Earth
Single Elimination	You deal more damage to foes that are isolated.	Earth
Stabbing Rush	Your dash creates a row of falling blades along your path.	Earth
Sword Ring	Your casts create a falling blade over each foe in the binding circle.	Earth
Universal Donor	Whenever you exit a location, keep some of your Blood Drops.	Aether
Vicious Flourish	Your specials deal more damage and inflict Wounds.	Earth
Vicious Strike	Your attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds.	Earth
Visceral Impact	After you take damage or a foe is slain, spill Blood Drops.	Earth

Apollo

Apollo’s boons empower you to inflict the Daze ailment upon your enemies. This status effect has a chance to make foes deal no damage when they hit you. While not always consistent, it can be a lifesaver during challenging boss encounters. The most advantageous Apollo boons include Back Burner, Blinding Sprint, Critical Miss, Dazzling Display, Extra Dose, and Nova Strike.

Boon	Effect	Element
Back Burner	Foes with Daze take more damage if struck from behind.	Fire
Beach Ball	Poseidon Duo: Your sprint creates a watery sphere behind you. After it stops, it surges ahead and bursts.	Aether
Blinding Sprint	Your sprint is fast and inflicts Daze on nearby foes.	Fire
Critical Miss	Foes take damage whenever Daze causes them to miss.	Air
Dazzling Display	Your attacks may inflict Daze.	Fire
Exceptional Talent	Your Omega Attack and Omega Special fires twice, but use up more Magick.	Air
Extra Dose	Your attack has the chance to hit multiple times.	Fire
Glorious Disaster	Zeus Duo: You can channel +30 Magick into your Cast to repeatedly strike foes with lightning bolts.	Aether
Light Smite	After you take damage, your foe takes damage, and you inflict Daze on all foes.	Fire
Lucid Gain	While standing in your Casts, gradually restore Magick.	Air
Nova Flourish	Your Specials deal more damage in a larger area.	Air
Nova Strike	Your attacks deal more damage in a larger area.	Air
Perfect Image	In each encounter, you deal more damage until you take damage.	Air
Phoenix Skin	Hestia Duo: Give up 100 HP. If you do not take or deal damage for three seconds, rapidly restore HP.	Aether
Prominence Flare	After your Omega cast expires, rapidly deal damage in the area.	Fire
Self Healing	Infusion: While you have at least three fire boons, whenever you take damage, restore some life.	N/A
Solar Ring	After your Omega Cast expires, rapidly deal damage in the area for two seconds.	Fire
Stellar Slam	Hephaestus Duo: Your blast effects from Hephaestus deal damage in a larger area.	Aether
Sun Worshiper	Hero Duo: In each encounter, the first foe you kill returns to fight alongside you.	Aether
Sunny Disposition	Aphrodite Duo: Whenever you create Heartthrobs, create more.	Aether
Super Nova	Your Casts expand in size until they expire.	Air
Torrential Downpour	Demeter Duo: Each time you use your Omega Cast in an encounter, it gets stronger, but also uses +5 Magick.	Aether

Arachne

Arachne is an NPC you’ll encounter in Erebus. She offers a choice of three distinct dresses, each providing a significant armor buff and a unique perk. Should your armor deplete, any armor purchased from Charon’s shop will replenish it, and certain Arcana Cards can further enhance its durability.

For magick users, the Azure Dress or Lavender Dress are excellent choices. If guaranteed health recovery is your priority, opt for the Emerald Dress. Finally, if you’re looking for increased area-of-effect damage, the Scarlet Dress is your go-to.

Boon	Effect	Rarity upgrades
Azure Dress	Don a +40 armor outfit that makes you restore five Magick every second.	N/A
Emerald Dress	Don a +50 armor outfit that makes you restore two life whenever you exit a location.	N/A
Lavender Dress	Don a +30 armor outfit that makes you channel 40% faster.	N/A
Moonlight Dress	Don a +20 armor outfit that grants plus five gold whenever you exit a location.	N/A
Onyx Dress	Don a +60 armor outfit that creates +1 Fate Fabric now.	N/A
Scarlet Dress	Don a +10 armor outfit that makes your Casts deal +100% damage	N/A

Artemis

Artemis occasionally intervenes from off-screen during your runs, assisting with large waves of enemies. After their defeat, she’ll appear, allowing you to converse with her and receive one of her powerful boons. Her offerings primarily boost your critical hit chance or grant additional attacks. Our top recommendations are Easy Shot, First Blood, Lethal Snare, or Support Fire.

Boon	Effect	Element
Death Warrant	A random foe occasionally becomes Marked. If it takes Critical damage, this repeats.	Earth
Easy Shot	A piercing arrow fires toward any foe damaged by your Casts.	Air
First Blood	Foes with at least 80% health or 80% armor may take critical damage.	Earth
Lethal Snare	Foes in your Casts may take critical damage from your attacks.	Earth
Pressure Points	Any damage you deal may be Critical.	Earth
Silver Streak	After you dash, your Omega moves deals more damage for two seconds.	Air
Support Fire	After you hit with your attacks or Specials, fire a seeking bow.	Air

Chaos

Chaos boons are among the more unique you’ll encounter. Typically, you’ll sacrifice some health to enter their realm, enduring a temporary curse for several encounters before finally reaping a powerful, lasting buff. With numerous options available, the curses that are easiest to manage while offering substantial rewards are Addled Blood, Fixated Affluence, Ordinary Defiance, and Rejected Will.

Boon	Effect
Addled Blood	For the next three encounters, each time you use Casts, you get hit for -6 life. Afterward, whenever you exit a location, restore ten life.
Addled Flourish	For the next three encounters, each time you use Casts, you get hit for -6 life. Afterward, your Specials deal +71% additional damage.
Addled Mind	For the next three encounters, each time you use Casts, you get hit for -6 life. Afterward, gain max Magick.
Atrophic Affluence	For the next four encounters, you have -22 Max life. Afterward, any Gold Crown you find is worth +50%.
Atrophic Discovery	For the next four encounters, you have -22 Max life. Afterward, you have a 62% chance to find +100% resources with your Gathering Tools.
Atrophic Flourish	For the next four encounters, you have -22 Max life. Afterward, your Specials deal +80% additional damage.
Atrophic Revelation	For the next four encounters, you have -22 Max life. Afterward, you channel your Omega moves 10% faster.
Atrophic Soul	For the next four encounters, you have -22 Max life. Afterward, gain +35 Max life.
Caustic Celerity	For the next X encounters, slain foes toss an Inferno-Bomb at you. Afterward, you move and Sprint faster
Caustic Creation	For the next three encounters, slain foes toss an Inferno-Bomb at you. Afterward, gain one of each elemental stone.
Caustic Favor	For the next three encounters, slain foes toss an Inferno-Bomb at you. Afterward, Boons have a +47% chance to be Rare or better.
Caustic Talent	For the next three encounters, slain foes toss an Inferno-Bomb at you. Afterward, you use -45% Magick.
Doomed Affluence	You have 120 seconds to clear the next three encounters, or you get hit for -500 life. Afterward, any Gold Crown you find is worth +105%.
Doomed Chasm	You have 120 seconds to clear the next two encounters, or you get hit for -500 life. Afterward, your Casts deal +66% additional damage.
Doomed Favor	You have 120 seconds to clear the next two encounters, or you get hit for -500 life. Afterward, Boons have a 44% chance to be Rare of better.
Doomed Mind	You have 120 seconds to clear the next three encounters, or you get hit for -500 life. Afterward, gain +62 max Magick.
Doomed Revelation	You have 120 seconds to clear two encounters or get hit for -500 life. Afterward, you can channel your Omega Moves 15% faster.
Doomed Will	You have 120 seconds to clear two encounters or get hit for -500 life. Afterward, restore five Magick every one second.
Enshrouded Chant	For the next five locations, location reward previews are hidden. Afterward, your Omega moves deal 36% additional damage for each Aether you have.
Enshrouded Soul	For the next four locations, location reward previews are hidden. Afterward, gain 27 max life.
Enshrouded Will	For the next five locations, location reward previews are hidden. Afterward, restore five Magick every second.
Excruciating Affluence	For the next five encounters, you take +33% damage. Afterward, any Gold Crown you find is worth +40%
Excruciating Blood	For the next five encounters, you take +33% damage. Afterward, whenever you exit a location, restore 11 life.
Excruciating Celerity	For the next four encounters, you take +33% damage. Afterward, you move and sprint faster.
Excruciating Creation	For the next five encounters, you take +33% damage. Afterward, gain Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Aether.
Excruciating Talent	For the next three encounters, you take +33% damage. Afterward, you use -35% Magick.
Excruciating Will	For the next five encounters, you take +33% damage. Afterward, restore 8.5 Magick every second.
Fixated Affluence	For the next three encounters, whenever you use Magick, Prime it. Afterward, your attacks deal +21% damage.
Fixated Blood	For the next five encounters, whenever you use Magick, Prime it. Afterward, whenever you exit a location, restore life.
Fixated Chasm	For the next three encounters, whenever you use Magick, Prime it. Afterward, your Cast deals +71% damage.
Fixated Discovery	For the next three encounters, whenever you use Magick, Prime it. Afterward, you have a 75% chance to find +100% resources with your Harvesting Tool.
Fixated Mind	For the next four encounters, whenever you use Magick, Prime it. Afterward, gain +33 Max Magick.
Fixated Soul	For the next four encounters, whenever you use Magick, Prime it. Afterward, gain 60 max life.
Flayed Blood	For the next four encounters, each time you use Specials, you get hit for -5 life. Afterward, whenever you exit a location, restore 11 life.
Flayed Favor	For the next four encounters, each time you use Specials, you get hit for -5 life. Afterward, Boons have a chance to be Rare or better.
Flayed Mind	For the next four encounters, each time you use Specials, you get hit for -5 life. Afterward, gain +48 Max Magick.
Flayed Will	For the next four encounters, each time you use Specials, you get hit for -5 life. Afterward, restore 13.5 Magick every second.
Gagged Discovery	For the next three encounters, each time you use Omega Moves, you get hit for -6 Life. Afterward, you have a 66% chance to find +100% resources with your Harvesting Tool.
Gagged Revelation	For the next three encounters, each time you use Omega Moves, you get hit for -6 Life. Afterward, you channel your Omega Moves 18% faster.
Gagged Talent	For the next three encounters, each time you use Omega Moves, you get hit for -6 Life. Afterward, you use -40% Magick.
Hobbled Affluence	For the next five encounters, your Dash is slower and also uses five Magick. Afterward, any Gold Crown you find is worth 50% more.
Hobbled Creation	For the next five encounters, your Dash is slower and also uses five Magick. Afterward, gain +2 Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Aether.
Hobbled Favor	For the next four encounters, your Dash is slower and also uses five Magick. Afterward, Boons have a +55% chance to be Rare or better.
Hobbled Soul	For the next five encounters, your Dash is slower and also uses five Magick. Afterward, you gain +30 Max Life.
Maimed Chasm	For the next four encounters, each time you use Attacks, you get hit for -5 Life. Afterward, your Casts deal +47% damage.
Maimed Favor	For the next three encounters, each time you use Attacks, you get hit for -5 Life. Afterward, your Casts deal additional damage
Maimed Revelation	For the next four encounters, each time you use Attacks, you get hit for -5 Life. Afterward, you channel your Omega Moves 24% faster.
Maimed Soul	For the next four encounters, each time you use Attacks, you get hit for -5 Life. Afterward, gain +30 Max Life.
Maimed Wall	For the next four encounters, each time you use Attacks, you get hit for -5 Life. Afterward, restore 10.5 Magick every second.
Ordinary Affluence	The next two boons you find are limited to Common blessings. Afterward, any Gold Crown you find is worth +85% more.
Ordinary Defiance	The next three Boons you find are limited to Common blessings. Afterward, you gain +1 use of Death Defiance this night.
Ordinary Discovery	The next three Boons you find are limited to Common blessings. Afterward, you have a set chance to find +100% resources with gathering tools.
Ordinary Revelation	The next two Boons you find are limited to Common blessings. Afterward, you Channel your Omega moves 15% faster.
Ordinary Strike	The next two Boons you find are limited to Common blessings. Afterward, your Attacks deal +29% damage.
Ordinary Will	The next two Boons you find are limited to Common blessings. Afterward, restore Magick every second.
Paralyzing Blood	For the next four encounters, whenever you take damage, you are stunned for 1.1 seconds. Afterward, whenever you exit a location, restore 20 Life.
Paralyzing Charm	For the next five encounters, whenever you take damage, you are stunned for 0.5 seconds. Afterward, your Casts deal +55% additional damage.
Paralyzing Chasm	For the next four encounters, whenever you take damage, you are stunned for 1.1 seconds. Afterward, your Casts deal +29% damage.
Paralyzing Strike	For the next four encounters, whenever you take damage, you are stunned for 0.9 seconds. Afterward, your attacks deal +41% damage.
Paralyzing Talent	For the next four encounters, whenever you take damage, you are stunned for 1.1 seconds. Afterward, you use -60% Magick.
Pauper’s Revelation	For the next three encounters, you cannot earn Gold Crowns. Afterward, you Channel your Omega Moves 14% faster.
Rejected Chasm	The next three Boons you find have one fewer blessing to choose from. Afterward, your Casts deal +45% damage.
Rejected Creation	The next three Boons you find have one fewer blessing to choose from. Afterward, gain +1 Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Aether.
Rejected Mind	The next three Boons you find have one fewer blessing to choose from. Afterward, gain max Magick.
Rejected Revelation	The next four Boons you find have one fewer blessing to choose from. Afterward, you Channel your Omega moves 13% faster.
Rejected Will	The next three Boons you find have one fewer blessing to choose from. Afterward, restore 8.5 Magick every one second.
Slothful Blood	For the next four encounters, your movement and sprint are 59% slower. Afterward, whenever you exit a location, restore four Life.
Slothful Celerity	For the next three encounters, your movement and sprint are 59% slower. Afterward, you move and sprint faster.
Slothful Favor	For the next four encounters, your movement and sprint are 59% slower. Afterward, Boons have a 63% chance to be Rare or better.
Slothful Strike	For the next five encounters, your movement and sprint are 59% slower. Afterward, your attacks deal 25% additional damage.

Circe

When you encounter the enchantress Circe in the Rift of Thessaly, she’ll offer a choice of three powerful upgrades. The most effective options are Old Herbal Remedy, Lapis Lazuli Insight, and Red Citrine Divination, depending on your needs.

Boon	Effect
Lapis Lazuli Insight	Randomly draw one of your active Arcana and upgrade it this night.
Old Herbal Remedy	Any healing effects are +25% stronger. Gain 50% life now.
Red Citrine Divination	Randomly draw one of your inactive Arcana and activate it this night.
Word of Greater Girth	Grow in size, so that your strikes deal +15% damage.
Word of Smaller Stature	Shrink in size, so you move +15% faster and have a +15% chance to Dodge.

Demeter

Melinoë’s grandmother, Demeter, grants her a chilling touch, allowing her to freeze opponents in place. This ability is especially useful against shielded or highly aggressive enemies, making it a strong choice for ranged weapons or attacks. The premier Demeter boons are Arctic Ring, Cold Storage, and Ice Flourish for their freezing capabilities. Additionally, Rare Crop is excellent for buffing other perks, while Winter Coat provides a valuable defensive shield.

Boon	Effect	Element
Apocalyptic Storm	Zeus Duo: Your Blitz effects last longer and activate against all Blitz-afflicted foes at once.	Aether
Arctic Ring	Your Casts repeatedly deal damage in the area and inflict Freeze. (Water)	Water
Cherished Heirloom	Hera Duo: Most other Keepsakes you equip are stronger this night (if possible).	Aether
Coarse Grit	Infusion: While you have at least six Earth Boons, you cannot take more damage per hit than the limit.	N/A
Cold Storage	Your Freeze effects last longer.	Water
Freezer Burn	Hestia Duo: Whenever you inflict Freeze, amplify any Scorch effects already on the foe.	Aether
Frigid Sprint	Your sprint forms a cyclone around you that lingers after you stop. (Water)	Water
Gale Force	Your Casts also create a Cyclone at the binding circle. (Water)	Water
Hearty Appetite	Aphrodite Duo: You deal more damage the more life you have.	Aether
Ice Flourish	Your Specials deal more damage and inflict freeze. (Water)	Water
Ice Strike	Your attacks deal more damage and inflict freeze. (Water)	Water
Local Climate	Your Omega Cast deals bonus damage and follows you, even as you start to channel it.	Earth
Natural Selection	Poseidon Duo: Location rewards exclude max life, max magic, and Gold Crowns. Boons are more likely to be Rare or better. (Aether)	Aether
Plentiful Forage	Whenever you gather plants, seeds, or mushrooms, gain Max Life. Receive one Mystery Seed now. (Earth)	Earth
Rare Crop	Your boons become common, then gain rarity every three encounters. (Earth)	Earth
Room Temperature	Hephaestus Duo: Your Blast effects from Hephaestus clear Freeze.	Aether
Torrential Downpour	Apollo Duo: Each time you use your Omega Cast in an encounter, it gets stronger but also uses +5 Magick. (Aether)	Aether
Tranquil Gain	After remaining inactive for one second, rapidly restore Magick until you act. (Earth)	Earth
Tropical Cyclone	Apollo Duo: While standing in a gust, you randomly fire gales.	Aether
Weed Killer	Your Omega Attack deals more damage, but uses ten Magick. (Earth)	Earth
Winter Coat	After you enter a location, Prime a barrier that absorbs one instance of damage. (Earth)	Earth
Winter Harvest	Freeze-afflicted foes shatter at 10% HP, dealing damage in the area.	Earth

Echo

Upon encountering a mysterious cloaked figure in the Mourning Fields, you’ll soon discover her unique ability: she can only repeat what she last heard. The best perks here depend heavily on your current run’s needs. If your previous run was particularly successful, ‘Boon Boon Boon’ can help you reclaim some of that former power. ‘Reward Reward Reward’ is another excellent choice, likely providing a duplicate of a powerful item that enhanced your current build.

Boon	Effect
Boon Boon Boon	Gain a random Boon from the previous night.
Evade Evade Evade	Gain +50% dodge, but lose 2% of this every time you dodge.
Fight Fight Fight	Gain +50% life and Magick based on their limits, but lose 5% of this after each location.
Reward Reward Reward	Manifest a copy of your most recently claimed Reward.
Survive Survive Survive	Replace all spent uses of Death Defiance with ones that restore life and Magick, then less and less.

Hades

Trapped in Tartarus, the former God of the Dead, Hades, is confined alongside his loyal guard dog, Cerberus. His perks uniquely influence aspects of the final boss or provide powerful advantages for swiftly eliminating them. Deep Dissent and Old Grudge are superb choices for disrupting Chronos, while Howling Soul offers the most consistent benefit among the remaining options.

Boon	Effect
Cinerary Circle	Whenever you use 60 Magick, summon six Soul Urns.
Deep Dissent	In your confrontation, Chronos summons fewer reinforcements.
Howling Soul	Your Casts launch a projectile dead ahead. The binding circle forms where it hits.
Last Gasp	Deal more damage for each spent Death Defiance.
Life Tax	Restore life for 1% of the damage you deal until you reach the limit.
Old Grudge	In your confrontation, Chronos takes a burst of damage after the first three seconds.
Unseen Ire	After you take damage, go Dark for ten seconds. Recharge in 40 seconds.

Hephaestus

Hephaestus stands out as one of the most potent divine benefactors, easily allowing you to craft powerful builds, especially with ranged weapons. His earth-based perks either provide substantial boosts to overall damage or apply the ‘Vent’ effect to enemies, delivering an additional burst of damage. This has the potential to make quick work of even the most formidable foes. Our top picks for Hephaestus boons include Furnace Blast, Molten Touch, Tough Trade, and Volcanic Flourish for sheer damage output, while Fixed Gain offers valuable defensive benefits and Magick recovery.

Boon	Effect	Element
Anvil Ring	Your Casts deal damage three times in succession, but in a small area.	Earth
Chain Reaction	Hestia Duo: If you use your blast effects from Hephaestus just after they recharge, they fire two times.	Aether
Fixed Gain	You take -10% damage and restore some Magick whenever you take damage.	Earth
Furnace Blast	Your blast effects from Hephaestus also inflict Vent on foes.	Fire
Heavy Metal	Gain some armor. Foes’ attacks cannot knock you away.	Earth
Martial Art	Infusion: Your attack and Special deal more damage for each Earth Boon you have.	N/A
Master Conductor	Zeus Duo: Your chain-lightning deals more damage per bounce and can bounce to you.	Aether
Mint Condition	At the start of each encounter, you are briefly Impervious.	Earth
Molten Touch	Your attacks and Specials deal bonus damage to armor.	Fire
Premium Service	Your Aspect on the Nocturnal Arms is even stronger.	Earth
Room Temperature	Demeter Duo: Your blast effects from Hephaestus clear Freeze.	Aether
Seismic Hammer	Poseidon Duo: Your Cast occasionally creates a blast that deals 500 damage in the area.	Aether
Smithy Sprint	After you Sprint for one second, use ten Magick to create a blast that deals damage to nearby foes.	Fire
Soft Caress	Aphrodite Duo: The first time you would take damage in each encounter, get HP instead.	Aether
Spiteful Strength	Hero Duo: Your attacks and specials deal more damage while not empowered by Boons.	Aether
Stellar Slam	Apollo Duo: Your blast effects from Hephaestus deal damage in a larger area.	Aether
Tough Trade	If you take damage during your attacks or Specials, they are stronger if they hit.	Fire
Trusty Shield	After you enter a location, Prime 30 Magick to gain armor until the next location.	Earth
Uncanny Fortitude	Gain bonus max life based on your Magick limit.	Earth
Volcanic Flourish	Your Specials occasionally create a blast that deals 400 damage in the area.	Fire
Volcanic Strike	Your attacks occasionally create a blast that deals 200 damage in the area.	Fire

Hera

Hera’s primary boon ability is ‘Hitch’, which allows you to deal damage to multiple enemies simultaneously. Once you inflict ‘Hitch’ on one foe, every subsequent hit you land on them will also splash damage to all other ‘Hitch’-affected enemies on screen. This effect is particularly devastating with ranged weapons. Our top picks for Hera boons include Dying Wish, Hereditary Bane, Sworn Flourish, and Nasty Comeback.

Boon	Effect	Element
All Together	Gain a variety of elements and one Infusion Boon for each.	Aether
Born Gain	Whenever you run out of Magick, Prime to restore all Magick up to the reduced limit.	Earth
Brave Face	Automatically use Magick to resist up to 50% of any damage.	Aether
Bridal Glow	Make one random Boon Heroic and increase its level.	Earth
Cherished Heirloom	Demeter Duo: Most other Keepsakes you equip this night are stronger if possible.	Aether
Dying Wish	Whenever Hitch-afflicted foes are slain, damage all other Hitch-affected foes.	Earth
Engagement Ring	Your Casts last 200% longer and deal damage to every foe that joins the encounter.	Earth
Family Trade	Any Sacrifice Boons you choose are stronger. One will be offered as soon as possible.	Earth
Funeral Pyre	Hestia Duo: While you channel your Omega Moves, repeatedly inflict Scorch on foes.	Aether
Golden Rule	Poseidon Duo: You deal more damage the more gold you have.	Aether
Hereditary Bane	Your Hitch effects deal more damage and last +5 seconds.	Earth
Keen Intuition	Whenever you use Omega moves while you have 100% Magick, they deal more damage.	Earth
King’s Ransom	Zeus Duo: Give up all your Boons of Hera. For each, raise the level for all Boons of Zeus.	Aether
Nasty Comeback	After you take damage, inflict your foe with Hitch and deal damage in greater measure.	Earth
Nexus Sprint	Your Sprint inflicts Hitch on nearby foes, which spreads to other foes near them.	Earth
Proper Upbringing	Infusion: While you have at least two of each element, all your Common Boons gain rarity.	N/A
Queen’s Ransom	Zeus Duo: Give up all your Boons of Zeus. For each, raise the level for all Boons of Hera.	Aether
Soul Mate	Aphrodite Duo: Foes with Hitch take more damage and are Weak, but only two can be afflicted at a time.	Aether
Spiteful Strength	Hephaestus Duo: Your attacks and specials deal more damage while not empowered by Boons.	Aether
Sun Worshipper	Apollo Duo: In each encounter, the first foe you slay returns to fight for you.	Aether
Sworn Flourish	Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Hitch.	Earth.
Sworn Strike	Your attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch.	Earth
Uncommon Grace	While none of your other Boons are Common, deal more damage.	Earth

Hermes

Hermes, the swift messenger of the Olympian gods, offers perhaps the most universally beneficial boons. His perks consistently focus on enhancing your dodge capabilities, boosting attack speed, or slowing down enemies and their projectiles. While you might not encounter many of them during a single run, our favorites for their impactful benefits are Hard Target, Hasty Retreat, Nitro Boost, Stutter Step, and Witty Retort.

Boon	Effect	Element
Hard Target	Most foes’ ranged shots are slower.	Air
Hasty Retreat	Gain dodge chance and move speed, scaling with the amount of Boons you have.	Air
Mean Streak	Each time you slay a foe, deal more damage for the next 30 seconds.	Air
Nimble Limbs	Your attack, special, and cast are all faster.	Earth
Nitro Boost	Your Sprint is 20% faster and gives you a barrier that ignores instances of damage.	Fire
Paid Dues	Whenever you take damage, you love gold before you lose health.	Air
Quick Buck	You find Gold Crowns in greater quantities. Receive 100 Gold Crowns now, plus the bonus.	Air
Racing Thoughts	Your Omega moves are faster.	Earth
Stutter Step	You can dash more frequently.	Earth
Success Rate	Your chance-based effects are more likely to occur, except for dodge or daze.	Earth
Tall Order	Infusion: While you have at least two of each of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire elements, you deal more damage.	N/A
Travel Deal	Your first purchase in each location costs less gold, and an additional item becomes available afterward.	Fire
Witty Retort	Your Hex requires less Magick before it is ready.	Earth

Hestia

Many of Hestia’s boons are centered around inflicting the ‘Scorch’ ailment, which deals damage over time. This can be incredibly effective for wearing down bosses from any range and effortlessly melting enemy shields. Our top Hestia Boon recommendations include Flame Flourish/Flame Strike, Smolder Ring, and Highly Flammable.

Boon	Effect	Element
Burning Desire	Aphrodite Duo: Up to +12 Lone Shades appear in locations. Sprint into them to launch a fiery blast.	Aether
Burnt Offering	Gain max life and max Magick, but give up one Boon selected by Hestia.	Fire
Cardio Gain	Whenever your attack or special deals damage, restore Mana.	Fire
Chain Reaction	Hephaestus Duo: If you use blast effects from Hephaestus just after they recharge, they fire twice.	Aether
Controlled Burn	Your Omega Special also launches a fiery projectile but uses +10 Magick.	Fire
Flame Flourish	Your Specials inflict Scorch.	Fire
Flame Strike	Your attacks inflict Scorch.	Fire
Flash Fry	Your foes perish in a blast that damages any surrounding foes.	Fire
Fourth Degree	Ares Duo: Your fireball effects from Hestia inflict Wounds with ever greater power.	Aether
Freezer Burn	Demeter Duo: Whenever you inflict Freeze, amplify any Scorch effects already on the foe.	Aether
Glowing Coal	Hold Cast to aim a fiery projectile that explodes on impact. The binding circle forms there.	Fire
Heat Rush	Your sprint destroys most ranged shots near you, and inflicts Scorch on foes that fired.	Fire
Highly Flammable	Whenever you inflict Scorch on a foe for the first time, inflict more.	Fire
Hot Pot	You have a chance to dodge, which is doubled against Scorch-inflicted foes.	Fire
Incandescent Aura	Hera Duo: Whenever you restore mana during encounters, damage surrounding foes.	Aether
Pyro Technique	Your Scorch effects deal damage faster.	Fire
Scalding Vapor	Poseidon Duo: If foes with Slip are struck by fire from Hestia, they are engulfed in steam.	Aester
Slow Cooker	Infusion: Your attacks and Specials gain Power for each Fire Boon you have.	N/A
Smolder Ring	Your Casts repeatedly inflict Scorch on foes.	Fire
Thermal Dynamics	Zeus Duo: Your Blitz effects also inflict Scorch whenever they deal damage.	Aether
Warm Breeze	Apollo Duo: Whenever your dodge or Daze causes a foe to miss, restore some health.	Aether

Icarus

You can find Icarus in the Rift of Thessaly, where he’ll present you with a choice of three unique inventions. The most beneficial Icarus Boons are Destructive Coating, which carries minimal drawbacks, and Supply Chain, an incredibly potent option for rapidly enhancing your boons.

Boon	Effect
Destructive Coating	Gain +40 armor. The next time you lose all your armor, deal 4,000 damage to nearby foes.
Explosive Intent	Your Omega moves also deal damage in an area around foes that hit, but they use ten more Magick.
Hazard Boom	Your Casts also blast the area after four seconds, dealing 500 damage to foes, but also 20 to you.
Ingenious Flourish	Your specials gain 20 power, but you prime 40 Magick.
Ingenious Strike	After you enter a location, Prime 20 Magick to give your attacks +10 Power.
Protective Coating	Gain +80 armor. The next time you lose all your armor, become impervious for eight seconds.
Supply Chain	Each time you clear five encounters, you receive +10 Healing and three Pom Slices.

Medea

Upon finding Medea in the City of Ephyra, her curses offer some of the most potent effects for surface runs. For those focusing on Magick builds, ‘Traces of Spirit’ is highly recommended. ‘Life from the Dead’ provides a small chance for recovery, which can be useful in a pinch. While ‘Suffering on Sight’ can be decent, its randomized nature means you can’t rely on it to consistently save you from tough enemies.

Boon	Effect
Life from the Dead	After a foe is slain, it has a 5% chance to drop +10 Healing (limit of one per encounter).
Malice in Kind	Whenever a foe makes you lose Death Defiance, it loses 15% life.
Suffering on Sight	After a foe joins the encounter, it randomly takes from one to 999 damage.
Traces of Spirit	After each encounter, gain +10 max Magick.
Wealth from the Dead	After a foe is slain, it has a 10% chance to drop +20 Gold Crowns (limit of two per encounter).

Narcissus

Within Oceanus, Narcissus’s gifts are universally valuable, adapting well to various needs. The quintessential choice is ‘Life Savings’, which essentially grants you an extra life. ‘Heartfelt Condolences’ offers the most significant boost to maximum health, while ‘Mixed Blessings’ provides a random boon from one of the gods, adding an element of surprise and potential power.

Boon	Effect
Ancestral Offering	Receive a gift of +25 max life and 50 bones.
Heartfelt Condolences	Receive a gift of +50 max life and ten ashes.
Life Savings	Receive a gift of one Death Defiance and one Deathcap.
Mixed Blessings	Receive a gift of one mystery Boon and one Mystery Seed.
Mystic Secrets	Receive a gift of +30 max Magick and 20 Psyche.
Precious Metals	Receive a gift of six Silver and 100 Gold Crowns.
Verdure Sampler	Receive a gift of one Pom Slice, two Moly, and three Nightshade.

Poseidon

As the God of the Sea, Poseidon’s water-based boons excel at pushing enemies away with powerful waves. This can be used to corner formidable foes, deal bonus damage to those affected by his ‘Slip’ ailment, or simply repel anything that gets too close. Therefore, these boons are ideally suited for melee weapon users. Our top recommendations for Poseidon Boons include Breaker Sprint, Flood Gain, Slippery Slope, Wave Strike, and Hydraulic Might.

Boon	Effect	Element
Arterial Spray	Ares Duo: Your splash effects from Poseidon may hit twice.	Aether
Beach Ball	Apollo Duo: Your Sprint creates a watery sphere behind you. After you stop, it surges ahead and bursts.	Aether
Breaker Sprint	Whenever you sprint, you damage and knock away the first foe you run into.	Water
Buried Treasure	Any minor finds and gold are worth more, and you receive gold, health, and Bones now.	Water
Depth Charge	After dealing damage with your Omega moves, create a water blast near the first foe struck.	Water
Flood Gain	After you strike a foe with your weapon, a Spirit Bubble may appear.	Water
Geyser Spout	Your Omega Cast gains power and knocks foes away.	Water
Golden Rule	Hera Duo: You deal more damage the more gold you have.	Aether
High Surf	Hit surrounding foes with a powerful splash as they start to strike, but you prime 30 Magick.	Water
Hydraulic Might	At the start of each encounter, your attacks and specials are stronger for ten seconds.	Water
Island Getaway	Aphrodite Duo: You take less damage from nearby foes. Boons of Aphrodite treat all foes as nearby.	Aether
Killer Current	Zeus Duo: Your lightning deals more damage to Slip-affected foes.	Aether
King Tide	Your Splash effects from Poseidon are larger and deal bonus damage to Guardians.	Water
Natural Selection	Demeter Duo: Location rewards exclude Life Up, Magick Up, and Gold. Boons are more likely to be Rare or better.	Aether
Scalding Vapor	Hestia Duo: If foes with Slip are struck by fire from Hestia, they are engulfed in steam.	Aether
Sea Star	Whenever you claim rewards other than Boons, Daedalus Hammers, or rare resources, a copy may appear.	Water
Seismic Hammer	Hephaestus Duo: Your Omega Cast occasionally creates a blast that deals 500 damage in the area.	Aether
Slippery Slope	Your splash effects from Poseidon also inflict Slip on foes.	Water
Tidal Ring	Your casts also immediately hit foes in front of you with a powerful splash.	Water
Water Fitness	Infusion: Gain max health for each water Boon you have.	N/A
Wave Flourish	Your Specials hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.	Water
Wave Strike	Your attacks hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.	Water

Selene

The Titaness of the Moon, Selene, emerges as an unexpected ally in your battle against Chronos. Her boons all profoundly impact your Hex attack. By expending Magick through Omega attacks, you’ll charge this unique technique. The optimal choice depends on your current build, but the best options include Lunar Ray for its potent burst damage, Moon Water for unparalleled recovery, and Phase Shift for its ability to drastically slow down everything, making combat much more manageable.

Boon	Effect
Dark Side	Your Hex turns you into an Impervious living nightmare with her own abilities for five seconds (Ready after 90 Magick).
Lunar Ray	Your Hex fires a beam that deals up to 1,200 damage over three seconds (Ready after 120 Magick).
Moon Water	Your Hex restores 25 life up to three times, which resets whenever you use fountains (Ready after 70 Magick).
Night Bloom	Your Hex raises one random slain foe from this encounter to fight for you for 12 seconds (Ready after 100 Magick).
Phase Shift	Your Hex makes everything else move 80% slower for five seconds (Ready after 150 Magick).
Sky Fall	Your Hex inflicts Shine and deals damage to a random surrounding enemy eight times (Ready after 60 Magick)
Total Eclipse	Your Hex blasts the target area for 1,000 damage after four seconds (Ready after 200 Magick).
Twilight Curse	Your Hex launches a seeking projectile that inflicts Morph on up to ten susceptible foes (Ready after 140 Magick).
Wolf Howl	Your Hex makes you rise up, then crash down in the target area for 200 damage (Ready after 80 Magick).

Zeus

Zeus’s electrifying skills curse your foes, but you must maintain relentless pressure to fully exploit them. When an enemy is afflicted by ‘Blitz’, they are struck by lightning after taking 120 damage within the curse’s duration. You can further amplify this with the most effective Zeus perks: Double Strike, Electric Overload, Heaven Flourish/Heaven Strike, and Storm Ring.

Boon	Effect	Element
Air Quality	Infusion: While you have at least five Air Boons, you can never deal less damage than the limit.	N/A
Arc Flash	Damage from your Omega moves immediately activates Blitz effects and makes them stronger.	Air
Divine Vengeance	After you take damage, your foe is struck by lightning, and again 50% of the time.	Air
Double Strike	Your lightning bolt effects may strike one more time.	Air
Electric Overload	Your chain-lightning deals more damage and bounces more times.	Air
Glorious Disaster	Apollo Duo: You can channel +30 Magick into your Cast to repeatedly strike foes with lightning bolts.	Aether
Hail Storm	Demeter Duo: Your freeze effects also cause lightning bolts to repeatedly strike afflicted foes.	Aether
Heaven Flourish	Your specials inflict Blitz.	Air
Heaven Strike	Your attacks inflict Blitz.	Air
Heinous Affront	Ares Duo: Inflicting Wounds occasionally also inflicts all your ‘after you take damage’ effects.	Aether
Ionic Gain	In each encounter, an Aether Font appears in the area, restoring all Magick when used.	Air
Killer Current	Poseidon Duo: Your lightning deals more damage to Slip-affected foes.	Aether
King’s Ransom	Hera Duo: Give up all your Boons of Hera. For each, raise the level for all Boons of Zeus.	Aether
Lightning Lance	Hold Cast to aim where the binding circle appears. Foes within are struck by lightning.	Air
Master Conductor	Hephaestus Duo: Your chain-lightning deals more damage per bounce and can bounce to you.	Aether
Power Surge	Whenever you use Magick, a random surrounding foe is struck by lightning.	Air
Queen’s Ransom	Hera Duo: Give up all your Boons of Zeus. For each, raise the level for all Boons of Hera.	Aether
Romantic Spark	Aphrodite Duo: If you Sprint into Blitz-afflicted foes, the effect activates immediately and is stronger.	Aether
Shocking Loss	Whenever you first deal damage to susceptible foes, you may destroy them outright.	Air
Static Shock	After you enter a location, prime 50 Magick to make your strikes emit chain-lightning.	Air
Storm Ring	Your Cast also causes lightning bolts to repeatedly strike one foe at a time.	Air
Thermal Dynamics	Hestia duo: Your Blitz effects also inflict Scorch whenever they deal damage.	Aether
Thunder Rush	Your sprint causes nearby foes to be struck by lightning bolts.	Air

Now that you know our picks for the best Hades 2 boons and have all the information you could need on the rest, you can pick and choose what works for you and create an unstoppable build. Before you jump in for real, be sure to check out guides on the Hades 2 Arcana Cards – an invaluable resource for surviving the underworld’s onslaught.