There’s a lot of reasons that Hades, the title by Supergiant Games, has been all the rage lately. For one, it’s a fantastic example of how even indie titles can become GOTY contenders. Another reason is that it’s an incredible blend of fast-paced rogue-lite action and the amazing storytelling that Supergiant is known for.
But, one of the biggest reasons is because every single character in Hades is just so incredibly well-written! These are the gods, goddesses, and deities of the Greek World, after all, they’re the best of the best (which is likely why they’re all so insanely beautiful). Out of Hades’ diverse Underworld-specific cast, who is the most beloved?
10 The Musicians, Orpheus, & Eurydice
Starting things off with a pair of characters that are so attached at the hip they might as well count as one entry, Orpheus and Eurydice. The legend behind these two is tragic, as it involves Orpheus unintentionally betraying Eurydice by looking at her, and banishing her to the Underworld forever.
Hades plays around with this by making Orpheus seem immediately regretful for his actions and Eurydice takes a while to even think about forgiving him. But over time, and through some in-game events, the two are reunited, and it’s here that they really flourish. Both of them are just soulful, well-meaning individuals, who delight players’ ears by singing whenever they happen upon Eurydice’s abode in Asphodel. And, funny enough, turns out Orpheus’ style of singing is actually based on a real-life person.
9 Sisyphus, The Ex-King Of Corinth (And Bouldy)
If anyone playing knew about Sisyphus from Greek myth, they must’ve been surprised by this iteration of him. This is obviously a much-reformed Sisyphus who seems much more like a gentle giant than the legends of deceit and murder make him seem. Yes, he tricked Thanatos while he was alive, but the man has changed now, and that’s mostly thanks to Bouldy.
Sisyphus was a great addition to the Hades cast because he works as a way for Zagreus to start talking and relating to mortals early on. Plus, he and Bouldy are fantastic methods of getting more Darkness later on in the game.
8 The Watchdog Of The Underworld, Cerberus
Usually, the dog would be higher on a list of beloved characters because everyone loves man’s best friend. Therefore, Cerberus being this far down just goes to prove that the characters in Hades are so well-made.
That said, Cerberus is still such a good pupper. This dog defends Tartarus with all his might, and never shows Zag his fearsome side. Cerberus doesn’t have much in the way of dialog, but the narrator does a decent enough job characterizing the dog anyway. And, Cerberus’ Keepsake is by far one of the most useful in the game.
7 The Ferryman Of Styx, Charon
Charon was always going to be a fan-favorite, it was obvious from the first time he groaned at Zagreus. There’s just something so charming about a character who doesn’t appear to actually speak an understandable language but is understood anyway.
Over the course of events in Hades, it’s shown just how many of the top people in the Underworld, such as Hades and even Hermes, put their faith in Charon and trust him. He’s an integral part of the process down there, a son of Nyx, a real good friend, and a fantastic shopkeeper.
6 The Most Likable Training Dummy, Skelly
Ah, Skelly, the character gamers either know everything or nothing about, depending on if he’s ever told Zag the truth or not. Who is he working for? Does he even have a contract in the first place? Is that hidden Obol in his mouth a hint? Why doesn’t anyone else in the House of Hades seem to even know or care about his existence?
Regardless, Skelly is quite the goofy charmer, joking around with Zag and changing the subject with a smile whenever the topic of his life comes up. It’s one of the rare instances where players can really bond with their training dummy.
5 The Warrior & Guard To Hades Bedroom, Achilles
Achilles basically acted as a surrogate father to Zagreus. Their bond needs no label, as fans can immediately tell it’s deep from their first conversation. Achilles taught Zag how to fight, he gives him plenty of advice, and always approaches any of Zag’s problems with a seemingly limitless amount of emotional depth.
For someone so well-known for his fury and wrath on the battlefield, Achilles acts the exact opposite in Hades. Furthermore, his relationship with Patroclus is just so adorable and doesn’t feel forced in the slightest. All in all, Achilles is just an A+ character with very few flaws if any at all.
4 Death Himself, Thanatos
Thanatos is likely the most attractive version of Death incarnate there ever has been or will be. He’s a bit cold at first, but once he starts to bond with Zag, it becomes clear as day that Thanatos has tons to offer, he just has trouble phrasing things in a way that isn’t purely logic-based.
That said, Thanatos is another one of those Bonds that gets exponentially better the further it progresses, even to the point that it involves other NPCs such as Megara. He has a fantastic design, a sight for sore eyes out in the realms of Tartarus, and a real dedicated worker.
3 Megara, Of The Three Fury Sisters
Megara is without a doubt the character in Hades (outside of Zagreus) who has been drawn by fans the most. Her design is just so striking, and it’s clear as day that this Fury means business. While she and Zagreus can become much “closer” with tons of Ambrosia/Nectar, she’s an independent person by choice.
No one messes with Megara, and she makes that clear from the first sentence she utters. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg, as Meg really develops a ton over the course of her Bond, quickly transitioning from a no-nonsense worker with an anger problem to a deeply emotionally understanding person who just has a bit of trouble communicating
2 The Gorgon Maid, Dusa
It all comes down to this, the final two. It was tough to decide who gets the #2 slot between Megara and Dusa, but with Dusa’s gigantic fanbase (since Hades already has a 1+ million player base), it wouldn’t make sense if she was third. From the time the game was first released into early-access, fans have been in love with this floating Gorgon shade. Her voice is just so adorable and she tries so hard in everything that people couldn’t help but max out her Bond first.
Sure, Megara is stunning, but she can obviously handle herself. Dusa was a bit of a mess at first just like Zagreus and one of the best parts of Hades is seeing both of them come into their own and grow as individuals. It feels odd to be talking so intricately about a character who is essentially a floating snakehead, but that’s just how good Dusa is.
1 Night Incarnate, Nyx
Nyx was always going to be at the top. The original ruler of the realm Hades now rules, daughter of Chaos (another NPC that’s deceptively scary), and mother to many, Nyx is an unfathomable powerhouse. She’s independent, competent, empathetic, adaptable, and loving. She might seem a bit unemotional and cold at first, but that’s just her manner of speaking.
The more runs you finish, the more of a deeper character Nyx becomes, and it quickly becomes clear that she is basically without flaws. Even when she wrongly fires someone late in the game, she only does it because they were overworking themselves to the point of exhaustion. Best video game mom ever, hands down.
NEXT: 10 Games You Should Play If You Like Hades
