Bloody Hell, Where's the Garlic? A Wizard's Guide to Hades 2's Most Elusive Bulb
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Garlic in Hades 2 is crucial for upgrades and incantations, but acquiring it is a multi-stage quest involving unlocking the Surface, surviving its curse, and painstakingly hunting for cloves in the City of Ephyra before finally harvesting them in your garden.
Right, mates, let's talk about garlic. Not the kind you chop for your pasta – though, fair dinkum, a good bolognese needs it – but the elusive, mystical bulb that's currently hiding itself in *Hades 2* like a shy imp in a shadow realm. You'd think a simple bit of greenery wouldn't be such a bloody faff, eh? But in the ever-shifting rogue-lite underworld, even your veggies come with a questline longer than my last spell-casting mishap.
See, garlic in *Hades 2* isn't just for warding off digital vampires; it's a key ingredient for some seriously important upgrades and incantations. We're talking about things that can restore your beloved Crossroads Taverna – because, let's be honest, who doesn't want their home base feeling a bit more… homey? So, while it might seem like a minor botanical pursuit, this isn't just about growing a pretty plant; it's about progressing your journey, empowering Melinoë, and generally making your afterlife a touch less hellish.
Now, here's where it gets interesting, or perhaps, infuriating, depending on your RNG luck. Garlic cloves – the precious seeds, if you will – are *only* found in a rather exclusive, secret area: the City of Ephyra. And where, pray tell, is this mythical city? Why, on the Surface, of course! Because why make things easy when you can make them an epic multi-stage boss fight disguised as a fetch quest?
**The Grand Expedition: Punching Through to the Surface**
Before you can even sniff a garlic bulb, you’ve got to unlock the Surface. This isn't just a casual stroll; it's an undertaking. First off, you need to defeat Hecate. Yes, *that* Hecate. The one who's probably kicked your arse a few times already. Once she's been suitably... persuaded, you'll need to encounter Hermes during one of your randomized runs. Hermes, bless his swift digital feet, tends to show up when he feels like it, which, of course, adds a delightful layer of chance to your grand plan. It's like trying to hail a cab in a magical dimension; you just stand there hoping for a miracle.
After that, you'll need to brew the 'Permeation of Witching-Wards' incantation. This particular concoction demands three Moly, one Cinder, and one Shadow. Gathering these isn't too tough once you know where to look, but it's another rung on the ladder to your garlic glory. It’s a classic *Hades 2* move, isn’t it? Every step forward requires three steps sideways and a brief detour through a monster-infested lava pit.
**The Chthonic Clock: Battling the Sunshine Curse**
Ah, but here's the rub, mate. Once you *do* break through to the Surface, Melinoë won't be able to survive up there for long. There's this rather inconvenient 'Chthonic Fate' curse, which essentially means sunshine is about as good for her as a rogue fireball to the face. You’ll find yourself on a frantic, ticking clock, desperately trying to find what you need before Melinoë spontaneously combusts from atmospheric incompatibility. It's like trying to get your shopping done before a potent spell wears off – incredibly stressful, and often results in you just grabbing the first vaguely edible thing you see.
Luckily, our clever little witch can counter this curse. To get rid of that pesky ticking timer, you'll need to brew the 'Unraveling a Fateful Bond' incantation. This one's a bit of a grocery list: two stacks each of Nightshade, Lotus, Moss, and Thalamus. Now, Moss is also found on the Surface, which is a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation, isn't it? You need to go to the Surface to find the cure for the Surface, and also to find the Moss for the cure for the Surface. Head-spinning, I tell ya! The good news is, Moss tends to spawn a bit earlier in your Surface runs, making it somewhat easier to snag before the curse gets you. But only *somewhat*.
**The Great Garlic Hunt in Ephyra**
Once you’ve successfully breached the City of Ephyra and (hopefully) lifted your Chthonic curse, it's time for the actual garlic hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for digging spots – those tell-tale small piles of dirt that practically scream 'treasure!' Interact with them, and with a bit of luck, you'll unearth a couple of those precious garlic cloves. Fair warning though, these digging spots spawn randomly. So, if you're not having any luck, well, it's just *Hades 2* being *Hades 2* – a game that delights in making you work for your rewards.
But what happens if you're like me, always forgetting where you parked your broomstick, let alone where the next digging spot is? Well, that's where your trusty hound, Hecuba, comes in handy. If you’ve unlocked the 'Bravery of Familiar Spirits' incantation, you can upgrade Hecuba's 'Earth Bond' skill with witch's delights. Bring her along on your runs, and she’ll increase your likelihood of finding those elusive digging spots. It's like having a magical truffle hog, but for garlic. Every little bit helps when you're on a vital ingredient quest, right?
**The Garden's Reward: Patience is a Virtue**
Got your garlic cloves? Brilliant! Upon your next visit to the Crossroads – which, let's face it, is probably to lick your wounds and re-arm – head straight to Melinoë’s garden. Plant those precious cloves, and then… you wait. It's not an instant gratification kind of deal. It’ll take five turns, which translates to five completed rooms during any kind of run, for your garlic to mature and be ready for harvest. Five turns, they say. Enough time to stew over your last failed run, ponder the meaning of existence, or maybe just go grab a cuppa while your digital crop matures. A nice little meta-game, isn't it? It grounds you, makes you appreciate the fruits (or bulbs) of your labor.
So there you have it, a somewhat convoluted, yet ultimately rewarding, journey for a single, powerful ingredient. It's a testament to *Hades 2*'s genius, turning a simple 'how-to' into a mini-adventure of its own. Every resource feels earned, every obstacle overcome adds to the rich tapestry of Melinoë's struggle. And in the end, that garlicky goodness tastes all the sweeter for the effort.
This insightful dive into *Hades 2*'s botanical mysteries was initially conjured by Marloes Valentina Stella over at Polygon. Cheers to them for paving the way!
Tags: Hades 2, Roguelike, Gaming Guide, Resource Management, Supergiant Games
Original article: Polygon