Highlights

  • Hades 2's technical test just dropped, and with Early Access is around the corner, fans are excited to potentially see Zagreus again.
  • However, Hades 2 may want to address Zagreus' love interests from the original game, and deciding which romance - if any - will be canon could prove difficult for Supergiant.
  • Romancing Meg, Thanatos, or Dusa provided varied dynamics in Hades, with the potential for polyamorous relationships also being something to consider.

Hades 2's technical test was just released, which means that its Early Access is just around the corner. The protagonist of Hades 2 is Melinoe, Princess of the Underworld and the sister of Zagreus. Zagreus was the protagonist of Hades, and is almost guaranteed to show up at some point in the course of Hades 2. However, one key question is how the sequel will go about addressing Zagreus' love interest from Hades, as there were three options, with the possibility of Zagreus romancing all three options at once.

Players had the option to romance Meg, the first of the Furies, Thanatos, the personification of Death, or Dusa, a Gorgon head. All three characters were popular with players, with each of the three options presenting different dynamics with Zagreus. The option to enter a polyamorous relationship with two or all three of the characters was also groundbreaking, as it was written in a respectful way that took all four characters' feelings and consent into account, with an emphasis on communication.

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Zagreus' Romance Options in Hades

Megaera

Upon meeting Meg, it's clear that she and Zagreus have a prior relationship thanks to their dialogue. If their relationship is nurtured over the course of Hades, they begin to open up to each other and become more understanding of their past mistakes and missteps. As the First of the Furies, Meg is caught in a difficult place between her job and professional loyalty to Zagreus' father, Hades, and her affection for Zagreus. Their relationship is compelling as it's clear that their two opposing personalities and goals clash, yet complement each other at the same time.

Thanatos

Thanatos and Zagreus have a less turbulent relationship that still has a great deal of tension thanks to Zagreus' impulsive actions. When Zagreus decides to leave without saying goodbye to Thanatos, his actions create a rift between the two lifelong friends. The player can choose to repair the rift and pursue a romance with Thanatos, who reciprocates in kind. Their romance is more tender and kind than Megaera's romance with Zagreus, though no less passionate. Despite Thanatos' prickly exterior, he shows up to help Zagreus escape the Underworld shows his commitment to Zagreus.

Dusa

Dusa's relationship with Zagreus is complicated by the fact that she's a servant in the employ of the House of Hades. She's clearly starstruck by Zagreus throughout the course of Hades, and the two struggle to have a full conversation before Dusa flees in a panic. As Hades progresses, and if the player chooses to improve their relationship, the two decide to continue a platonic relationship that could be read as queerplatonic. Dusa clarifies to Zagreus that what she feels for him isn't romantic or sexual in nature, but their friendship is deeper than what would typically be defined as such.

Canon Romances in Hades 2

Possible Canon States

With each romance in Hades offering something vastly different, defining a canon state for Zagreus' relationship status, especially if any of the three romance options were to appear in Hades 2. It could be that Hades 2 makes all three romances canon at once, or none of them.

The Best Option for Zagreus' Relationship Status

This will especially be important if any of the characters, including Zagreus, are encountered in Hades 2. Supergiant Games will need to decide on a canon relationship state for Zagreus if his personal life is discussed in any detail, or even as a nod to Hades veterans. Luckily, polyamory among the ancient Greek gods wasn't unusual, and it wouldn't be too far a stretch to make all three romances canon for Zagreus.