Guide to Unlocking Hearts (Completing Favors)

Are locked hearts blocking storyline progression with a character, and you're not sure how to unlock it? This is a guide on what and how to complete the requirements to unlock that heart (also known as "completing their Favor") for all such characters!

Introduction

Welcome!

This guide provides information regarding how to unlock characters' locked hearts (also known as "completing their favor").

The order of characters in this guide is based on how they appear in the Codex: Chthonic Gods, Olympian Gods, then Others of Note. Within each category, they are presented from top to bottom.

Important Reminder/Tip about Unlocking Hearts!

If you think you've satisfied the requirements for unlocking a character's heart based on this guide, but they aren't progressing, please make sure that you are at the maximum hearts possible (so far, i.e. the next heart you see is locked), and have also talked to them enough times to eliminate dialogue RNG.

Some characters may be a part of multiple storylines, so it might take some time for them to cycle to the storyline-progression dialogue you seek.

Remember: When stuck, just keep doing runs, keep talking/gifting to characters, and (have some) good luck!

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By the way, make sure to check out one of my other guides, which may be of interest to you!

Hades 1.0 Endgame FAQ/Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2232655399

Hades 1.0 Endgame Vanity/Cosmetic Items
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2236312424

Gifting Mechanics + Chthonic Companion Info

As a quick refresher, there are two items that you can gift characters with.

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The first giftable item is Nectar.

Gifting characters nectar unlocks their first few hearts, up until a certain point which requires completing their "favor" to unlock the remaining (usually 3) hearts.

When you give a character Nectar for the first time, they will give you a Keepsake, which is an item that you can equip to give you buffs during a run. Subsequent gifts of nectar will only progress their affinity (hearts) level with you; you do not gain any more items or benefit besides storyline progression.

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The second giftable item is Ambrosia.

After unlocking a character's final set of hearts by completing their favor, you need to gift Ambrosia to them to progress the final few hearts.

When you give a character Ambrosia for the first time, they will typically comment on the rarity of the stuff. A few characters (noted below) upon the first gift of Ambrosia will give you a special item, called a Chthonic Companion, which is basically a summon ability which you can use a few times per run.

Otherwise, you gain no additional items/benefits from gifting Ambrosia besides storyline progression, except for when you completely max out an affinity gauge (the heart gauge). Upon completing the heart gauge, you'll have "Forged a Bond" with the character, and receive a Chibi Icon next to the character's keepsake in the Keepsake Selection Menu. They're very cute icons!

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Here is a table of which characters offer Chthonic Companions and what they do.

Chthonic Companions can be upgraded with Ambrosia (requires 1/2/3/4 Ambrosia), to increase the number of uses per run from 1 to 2/3/4/5.

Chthonic Companion Name + Picture	Obtained From	Ability
Companion Battie	Megaera	Deals 2500 Damage in a line. Cannot be used against the Fury Sisters (Tartarus Boss) nor against the Final Boss.
Companion Mort	Thanatos	After a brief delay, deals 3500 damage in a wide area in front of you (similar to Thanatos' AoE attack during his "Death Approaches" encounter. Cannot be used during "Death Approaches" Thanatos encounters, nor against the Final Boss.
Companion Rib	Skelly	Summons Skelly (with 250 HP) to taunt enemies (force enemies to attack Skelly and not you). Note that you deal reduced damage if you accidentally hit Skelly while he is taunting enemies. Cannot be used when fighting a secret boss.
Companion Shady	Sisyphus	Deals 1000 damage in a small area, and leaves a "care package" of ~4 "small heal potions"/food (restores ~10 HP per "small heal potion"/food) + 1 Coin Package (worth 30 Obols) + 1 Darkness Package (+10 Darkness) No restrictions on disallowed usage in specific encounters.
Companion Fidi	Dusa	Summons Dusa to spit 70-damage boulders which petrify/stun enemies (similar to the Gorgon Heads you see in Asphodel) for up to 15 seconds. Cannot be used against the Final Boss.
Companion Antos	Achilles	Deals 1500 damage to two separate enemies. Cannot be used against the Final Boss.

Note: Technically, all of the companions end up being able to be used against the Final Boss after beating the game (post-credits) plus unlocking some additional dialogue.

Hades

Complete the base game (post-credits).

Shortly afterwards, a cutscene dialogue will unlock the ability to continue to gift to Hades.

Please refer to my other guide if you need assistance in determining whether you've completed the game (and other common endgame FAQ).

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2232655399

Nyx

Complete the “Night and Darkness” prophecy from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, which once given, requires you to purchase the Work Order to restore the Eldest Sigil, for 3142 Darkness.

For assistance in getting the prophecy quest: it requires talking to Chaos and Nyx enough times so that Nyx mentions attempting to reconnect with Chaos. You must have Administrative Chamber access.

(Same requirement as Chaos)

Charon

Spend at least 10,000 gold in his shops.

There is no known way of tracking how much gold you've spent so far.

Hypnos

Talk to both Hypnos and Thanatos (while both are in the House of Hades) enough times to progress the storyline of improving Hypnos’ work ethic/ability.

Once the storyline is complete, Hypnos' heart will unlock.

Note that this storyline is quite long, and is not guaranteed to progress each time you respawn. If you are sure that you have gifted Thanatos/Hypnos enough times, just keep doing runs and you'll get progress on this storyline every so often.

Thanatos

Romanceable Character

After getting to the locked heart, beat (or tie) Thanatos during one of his “Death Approaches” unique encounter in a run.

Afterwards, the heart should unlock upon talking with Thanatos some more (both in the House of Hades + in his encounters).

Megaera

Romanceable Character

Once you encounter Megaera enough times while escaping Tartarus, a cutscene will appear where Megaera will talk to Zagreus in his room. After the second of such cutscenes, the heart should unlock.

Note: the first cutscene is simply Megaera retrieving her belongings from Zagreus’ room., so you want the cutscene AFTER that one.

Note: You need to meet the other Furies for this to progress (should come naturally).

Chaos

Complete the “Night and Darkness” prophecy from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, which once given, requires you to purchase the Work Order to restore the Eldest Sigil, for 3142 Darkness.

For assistance in getting the prophecy quest: it requires talking to Chaos and Nyx enough times so that Nyx mentions attempting to reconnect with Chaos. You must have Administrative Chamber access.

(Same requirement as Nyx)

Zeus

Requires you to hear at least 5 other gods’ opinions about him.

Hint on how to trigger the opinions dialogue: get boons from Zeus and a different god in the same run.

Note that these lines are not necessarily the interaction-lines you get from Duo Boons; you're looking for the occasional dialogue where sometimes the gods will mention how you are holding a boon from a different god casually, before giving you their boon.

Poseidon

Acquire the Rod of Fishing, then catch at least 18 fish in total.

To unlock the Rod of Fishing, it requires reaching the Surface (i.e. getting to the final boss fight, though not necessarily beating him!) at least once before the House Contractor offers it for purchase.

The next time you talk to Poseidon, having already caught a fish in that run (important!), he will comment on your success.

Note: you can purchase a Lounge Upgrade which tells you how many fish you've caught.

Athena

Requires you to hear 3 unique congratulatory lines from Athena, upon completing a successful run (the lines will trigger on your next run if you get Athena to show up).

Note: the congratulatory lines remark on your (Zagreus) strength and ability.

Aphrodite

Complete all three romanceable characters’ storylines: Thanatos, Megaera, Dusa.

See each individual character’s section to figure out how to complete them!

Artemis

Talk to Artemis enough times to progress through her dialogue regarding her hunting-partner, Callisto.

This storyline is fairly long and not necessarily guaranteed to progress each time you talk to Artemis, so just keep talking to her (and gifting!) to eventually get the unlock.

Ares

Complete the “War-God’s Bloodlust” prophecy, which you will "randomly obtain" after killing many enemies and talking to Ares enough times.

How many enemies slain is enough to trigger the quest? At least 2000.

To complete this prophecy, it requires you to slay at least 10,000 enemies total across your runs.

Note: you can check how many enemies you’ve killed (and how many runs you’ve attempted) by purchasing a Bedroom Upgrade item (the Pool of Scrying) for Zagreus’ room.

Dionysus

Gift Ambrosia to at least 6 different characters, with a total of at least 10 Ambrosia gifted total.

Dionysus will remark about how you’re just handing that stuff out!

Hermes

Talk to Hermes with a fully upgraded (three-star) Lambent Plume, which is his keepsake.

You do not need to have it stacked to a certain threshold during the run, you just need to have it equipped at max rank.

Demeter

Demeter's heart is unlocked after completing the Epilogue and upon talking to her in subsequent runs.

Please refer to my other guide for FAQ about the Epilogue.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2232655399

Achilles

Complete the storyline which reunites Achilles and Patroclus.

You need to talk to Achilles and Patroclus enough times for Patroclus to mention a code phrase that he requests Zagreus to tell Achilles the next time Zagreus sees Achilles. Afterwards, Zagreus can purchase the contract binding Achilles to the House of Hades.

For help in acquiring the contract, make sure to talk to Nyx enough times for her to help locate the contract; requires Administrative Chamber access, and then after purchasing the contract from House Contractor, Achilles is free to go find Patroclus in Elysium. Note that access to this contract also requires that you have freed (at least) one of Sisyphus, or Orpheus + Eurydice, from their respective contract(s).

Upon seeing them together in Elysium, the heart for Achilles is unlocked.

(Same requirements as Patroclus)

Orpheus

Complete the storyline which reunites Orpheus and Eurydice.

After talking to Orpheus and Eurydice (separately) enough times and hearing their implied longing to see one another, Zagreus can purchase the contract binding Orpheus to the House of Hades.

For help in acquiring the contract, make sure to talk to Nyx enough times for her to help locate the contract; requires Administrative Chamber access, and then after purchasing the contract from House Contractor, Orpheus is free to go find Eurydice in Asphodel.

Upon seeing them together in Asphodel, the heart for Orpheus is unlocked.

(Same requirements as Eurydice)

Sisyphus

Complete the storyline to lighten Sisyphus' punishment.

After encountering Sisyphus enough times in Tartarus, Zagreus will mention attempting to lighten Sisyphus’ punishment.

To progress, talk to Hades and Megaera enough times to get their opinions on Sisyphus' punishment, and then purchase the contract binding Sisyphus to his eternal punishment.

Note: if this quest doesn't seem to be progressing, make sure to talk to Bouldy (the big rock/boulder next to Sisyphus). Yes, you can talk to Bouldy and yes, it is important in advancing this storyline!

For help in acquiring the contract, make sure to talk to Nyx enough times for her to help locate the contract; requires Administrative Chamber access, and then after purchasing the contract from House Contractor, Sisyphus’ punishment is lightened.

The next time you meet Sisyphus in Tartarus, the heart for Sisyphus is unlocked.

Eurydice

Complete the storyline which reunites Orpheus and Eurydice.

After talking to Orpheus and Eurydice (separately) enough times and hearing their implied longing to see one another, Zagreus can purchase the contract binding Orpheus to the House of Hades.

For help in acquiring the contract, make sure to talk to Nyx enough times for her to help locate the contract; requires Administrative Chamber access, and then after purchasing the contract from House Contractor, Orpheus is free to go find Eurydice in Asphodel.

Upon seeing them together in Asphodel, the heart for Eurydice is unlocked.

(Same requirements as Orpheus)

Patroclus

Complete the storyline which reunites Achilles and Patroclus.

You need to talk to Achilles and Patroclus enough times for Patroclus to mention a code phrase that he requests Zagreus to tell Achilles the next time Zagreus sees Achilles. Afterwards, Zagreus can purchase the contract binding Achilles to the House of Hades.

For help in acquiring the contract, make sure to talk to Nyx enough times for her to help locate the contract; requires Administrative Chamber access, and then after purchasing the contract from House Contractor, Achilles is free to go find Patroclus in Elysium. Note that access to this contract also requires that you have freed (at least) one of Sisyphus, or Orpheus + Eurydice, from their respective contract(s).

Upon seeing them together in Elysium, the heart for Patroclus is unlocked.

(Same requirements as Achilles)

Cerberus

Pet Cerberus at least 20 times. Cerberus is such a good boy! <3

This can be done all in one sitting, or across multiple runs.

Dusa

Romanceable Character

Complete the “A Place of Revelry” prophecy.

To trigger the prophecy, simply talk to Dusa enough and progress the storyline regarding the Lounge area.

To complete the prophecy, purchase a minimum of 12 Lounge Upgrades (including at least one rug for the Lounge), in addition to the work order which cleans up the mess made by Cerberus.

Note that there is a quirk in that even after completing Dusa’s hearts, her romance option is not complete until you have a cutscene with her in your room. This cutscene is a bit finicky to trigger, as it may require Thanatos and Megaera to be present in the house at the same time to trigger. Just keep doing runs until it triggers, if you're sure you have all the prerequisites.

Also, note that later, when Dusa offers you the choice to take back all of the Ambrosia, there is no repercussion if you choose to take them back (or let her keep them)—the game is not lying to you when it says she won’t mind either way!

Skelly

Complete the "Eternal Rest" prophecy.

To trigger the prophecy, unlock 3 (possibly 4; some reports that it takes 4 now) aspects which are NOT the "Aspect of Zagreus" of any weapons.

To complete the prophecy, "kill" Skelly with a Level 5 Aspect of Zagreus Stygian Blade (sword).

Endgame Spoiler Character

Of course, this character is Persephone.

After beating the game (post-credits), continue to talk to Persephone after each run when she is back at the House of Hades.

Eventually (this may take upwards of 20-30 runs), Persephone will offer dialogue which discusses whether Zagreus thinks she is a good mother, after which her hearts will unlock.

Conclusion

That's it! Thanks for checking out this guide, and please let me know if anything is unclear.

As a reminder, regarding a very important tip for unlocking hearts...

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Important Reminder/Tip about Unlocking Hearts!

If you think you've satisfied the requirements for unlocking a character's heart based on this guide, but they aren't progressing, please make sure that you are at the maximum hearts possible (so far), and have also talked to them enough times.

Some characters may be a part of multiple storylines, so it might take some time for them to cycle to the storyline-progression dialogue you seek.

Remember: When stuck, just keep doing runs, keep talking/gifting to characters, and (have some) good luck!

---

By the way, make sure to check out one of my other guides, which may be of interest to you!

Hades 1.0 Endgame FAQ/Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2232655399

Hades 1.0 Endgame Vanity/Cosmetic Items
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2236312424

[ChefWhatnot]

I completed the Ares prophecy but his heart is still locked. Any help?

[GAMER3223]

I have caught a grand total of 85 fish, and Poseidon's favor still refuses to unlock. HELP???

[Cosmo]

There is a significant amount of luck and fudgery going on behind the scenes, a lot requires reloading the House (i think petting Cerberus needs to be ONCE per House reload, not 20 pets in one go, unlike the Lyre which can be spammed), which if you're doing successful runs, can take 20-30 minutes each time. Some things are chained in weird ways too (achilles didn't progress until orpheus had the chat with hades that it's ok to have fubbed his paperwork, and achilles directly referenced that). Poseion's fish thing is beyond random also, and overall, i got to the final-final-final epilogue and i still had hearts locked on gods and i was missing two keepsakes. I always picked Sisyphus path but i never fully unlocked it (i bet it was after megara/thanathos max hearts but i was really done with the game by that point). etc.

TL;DR, I feel the chaining is a lot more strict and linear/long form than just something that you can progress in paralel with multiple people at the same time.

[Asian girls lover]

I beated the game, but I can progress with Hades.
Also, how do you unlock Persephone? Because she's not at the base.

[Badger]

Great guide appreciate the work that went through this.

[Entropy]

I have been at the locked heart with Poseidon for a long time now, I have caught fish numerous times and then accepted one of his boons, and still the heart is locked. Either there is a significant amount of RNG or there is another requirement.

Same with Demeter, this says it just needs ambrosia but I've been stuck at her locked heart for ages.

[ram]

@Khalenjin it takes a bit of time/a few run-in's with the gods to trigger the correct dialogue option that will unlock their hearts/officially complete their favors. it's a bit annoying, but it really is just doing more runs and running into the gods.

[Khalenjin]

I made the prophecy of Ares, but his heart still hasn't been opened. Also, even though I filled almost everyone's heart, Dionysus is still locked.

[Songbird]

@Beldr It is not strictly completely War-God's Bloodlust that unlock's Ares' heart; rather, it is a piece of dialogue with Ares that you can only receive after completing that prophecy. Similar to all other gods (Poseidon being the most annoying), if there are other valid new dialogue options that the god can give you, those may occur before the one that unlocks their heart, requiring you to die or finish the run and try again in the next run, since you only get one chance at dialogue per run.

[Beldr]

Completed War-God’s Bloodlust but Ares heart did not unlock