Hades 2 room symbols are the small icons shown on the door and portal choices after you clear an encounter, and they tell you what kind of reward or event you will get next. Each symbol corresponds to a specific reward type, such as a boon, a Centaur Heart, or a Daedalus Hammer, and knowing them lets you plan your run efficiently.
What Each Symbol Means
In Hades 2, the symbols appear on the door frames or on the floor in the chamber selection screen. The icons are similar to the original Hades but with some new additions. Here is the full list of standard symbols you will encounter:
- Boon (golden laurel wreath) – A boon from one of the Olympian gods (e.g., Zeus, Poseidon, Aphrodite). The specific god is shown as a small portrait above the door.
- Centaur Heart (red heart) – Increases your maximum HP by a set amount.
- Daedalus Hammer (hammer) – Upgrades one of your weapons with a special modification (e.g., faster attack, more damage, new move).
- Pom of Power (purple/pink leaf) – Levels up one of your existing boons.
- Obol (gold coin) – Gives you a number of Charon’s Obols (the in-run currency) to spend at shops.
- Key (silver key) – Gives you a key used to unlock new weapons, aspects, or other meta-progression.
- Gemstone (blue diamond) – Gives you gems used for the Fated List and other cosmetic or meta upgrades.
- Darkness (purple crystal) – In Hades 2, this is replaced by Ash (a grey/white powder) and Psyche (a purple orb) – both are meta-currencies for the Mirror and other upgrades.
- Nectar (amber bottle) – Gives you Nectar to gift to characters for relationships and companion items.
- Trial of the Gods (two crossed swords) – A special room where you choose between two gods’ boons, but you must fight the other god’s minions.
- Shop (Charon’s bag) – A room with a shop where you can buy items, boons, and health.
- Story (exclamation mark or NPC portrait) – A room that advances a story or character quest.
Note that some symbols are rare and may only appear under certain conditions or in specific regions.
How the Symbol System Works
After you clear a room, you are presented with one or two doors (or sometimes a choice of portals). The symbol on each door indicates the reward for the next room. You do not get the reward immediately; you must clear the next room to earn it. The game uses a weighted random system, but your choices can influence what appears. For example, if you have not yet received a boon from a particular god, that god may appear more often. Also, if you have a specific boon that affects room rewards (like the Golden Rule from Zeus), the symbols may change.
How to Choose the Best Room
Your choice of room should depend on your current build, your health, and your meta-progression goals. Here are some general guidelines:
- If you are low on HP, prioritize Centaur Hearts or shops (to buy healing items).
- If you have a strong boon but it is under-leveled, choose a Pom of Power.
- If you want to maximize damage, go for boons from gods that synergize with your weapon (e.g., Zeus for fast attacks, Aphrodite for big hits).
- If you are aiming for a specific weapon aspect unlock, pick Keys or Gems.
- If you see a Trial of the Gods, it is usually worth taking for two boons, but be prepared for a tougher fight.
- If you are in a region with a boss next, try to get a Daedalus Hammer or a strong boon before the fight.
Remember that you can also see the god’s portrait on the boon symbol, so you can plan for synergies.
Common Misconceptions
One common mistake is thinking that the symbol on the door is the reward you get immediately after the next room. Actually, the symbol indicates the reward for clearing the room after the one you are about to enter. Another misconception is that the Darkness symbol from the first game is still present; in Hades 2, it is replaced by Ash and Psyche, which serve similar roles but for different upgrade trees. Also, some players think that the Trial of the Gods room gives you a choice of boons without a fight, but you always have to fight a wave of enemies from the god you do not choose.
Differences from the Original Hades
Hades 2 changes a few things about room symbols. The most obvious is the replacement of Darkness with Ash and Psyche. Additionally, there are new symbols for the new resource types, such as Fated List items (which show a scroll icon) and Incantation ingredients (like Moly or Thistle). The game also introduces a new symbol for Boons from the Olympians that are specifically for your Hex (a special ability), which shows a small moon icon. Finally, the Chaos Gate symbol (a swirling void) is still present, but it now sometimes offers a choice of Chaos boons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the golden laurel wreath symbol mean?
It means you will get a boon from one of the Olympian gods in the next room. The specific god is shown as a small portrait above the door, so you can see which god it is before you choose.
How do I get more Daedalus Hammers?
Daedalus Hammers appear randomly, but you can increase your chances by choosing rooms that show the hammer symbol. Some boons (like from Hermes) can also increase the chance of finding one. In Hades 2, you can also get a hammer from a specific NPC in the hub area if you have the right upgrade.
What is the difference between Ash and Psyche?
Ash is used to unlock and upgrade the Arcana Cards (a new system in Hades 2), while Psyche is used to unlock and upgrade the Grasp (which lets you equip more Arcana Cards). Both are meta-currencies that persist across runs.
Can I skip a room reward?
No, you cannot skip a room reward. You must take whatever the room gives you after clearing it. However, you can sometimes choose between two doors, so you can avoid a reward you do not want by picking the other door.
Why do I sometimes see a door with no symbol?
This usually indicates a story or event room, where you will talk to an NPC or trigger a narrative event. These rooms are important for advancing quests and relationships, so it is usually worth entering them.
Conclusion
Understanding room symbols is key to successful runs in Hades 2. By learning what each icon means and how to prioritize them, you can tailor your run to your build and goals. Keep an eye on the god portraits, plan ahead for boss fights, and don’t be afraid to take a story room when it appears – they often lead to permanent upgrades.
Related
- Moon Lady Mythology: Origins & Meaning
- Moon in Hindu Mythology: Chandra, Soma & Lunar Lore
- Hades Origin Story: Greek God of the Underworld
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.