Hades: Unlock Achilles' Companion - The Antos Guide

Alright, fellow escape artists, have you ever wondered how to get Achilles' Companion in Hades? You know, that super cool summon that can give you a massive edge in the perilous depths of the Underworld? Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into the intricate, yet incredibly rewarding, journey to unlock Antos, the powerful companion gifted by none other than the legendary Achilles himself. This isn't just about smashing buttons; it's about building relationships, uncovering ancient prophecies, and navigating the rich narrative of Hades. So buckle up, because by the end of this guide, you’ll be well on your way to adding a formidable ally to your arsenal, making those escape attempts just a little bit easier and a whole lot more epic.

Getting companions in Hades isn't always straightforward. It often involves a blend of gifting Nectar and Ambrosia, completing specific Fated List prophecies, and engaging in many, many dialogue exchanges across multiple escape attempts. Achilles' Companion, known as Antos, is particularly special because it's tied to one of the game's most poignant and complex side stories, revolving around Achilles' past and his relationship with Patroclus. This guide will walk you through every single step, ensuring you don't miss any crucial conversations or items. We'll cover everything from your first interactions with Achilles in the House of Hades, through the long and winding questline that ultimately leads to you wielding Antos in combat. Trust me, guys, this companion is worth every effort, offering a unique combat advantage that can turn the tide in the toughest encounters. Prepare to delve into the lore, engage with fascinating characters, and significantly boost your power as you strive to break free from your father's grasp!

What Are Companions in Hades?

Before we dive into how to unlock Achilles' Companion, let's briefly chat about what companions are in the world of Hades and why they're such game-changers. In a nutshell, Companions are special items you equip that allow you to summon an allied character into battle a limited number of times per run. Think of them as your personal, highly effective emergency buttons. Each companion is tied to a specific character in the House of Hades, and unlocking them requires you to forge a strong bond with that character, typically by showering them with Nectar and Ambrosia, and often by completing a personal questline related to them. These aren't just cosmetic additions, guys; they provide crucial tactical advantages. Whether you need a burst of damage against a boss, some crowd control against a horde of enemies, or even a bit of healing, there's a companion for that. They add an incredible layer of strategy to your escape attempts, allowing you to customize your playstyle and overcome challenges that might otherwise seem insurmountable. The sheer utility of having a friendly face (or projectile, or spectral warrior) pop up to lend a hand cannot be overstated, especially as you climb the Heat levels and face increasingly difficult foes. Mastering when and where to use your companions effectively is a mark of a truly seasoned player, transforming potentially devastating encounters into manageable victories. These unique summons significantly enhance your combat capabilities, offering more than just raw power; they also deepen your connection to the rich narrative and character development that Hades is so famous for, making your journey through the Underworld feel even more personal and impactful. They truly make a difference in your fight against Hades, offering a helping hand when you need it most, whether against tough mini-bosses or the final boss encounters themselves. Each companion has its own unique ability and summoning animation, adding to the charm and replayability of the game. For example, Batties (Megaera's companion) deals damage in an area, while Shady (Skelly's companion) acts as a temporary distraction. Antos, Achilles' Companion, offers a distinct and powerful offensive capability that we'll explore in detail, proving its worth in countless intense combat scenarios. Building these relationships is a core part of the Hades experience, and the rewards, like Antos, are well worth the effort!

Meeting Achilles: The First Step to Antos

Your journey to unlocking Achilles' Companion, Antos, begins, as many great stories do, in the House of Hades. Achilles is one of the very first characters you'll encounter after your initial few escape attempts. He's often found pacing near the weapons rack in the Great Hall, or sometimes by the exit leading to the underworld. He’s usually sporting his classic Spartan-esque armor, looking contemplative and ready with advice. Achilles serves as your mentor in many ways, providing valuable insight into the various weapons, boons, and strategies you'll need to survive. From the very beginning, he's a fount of knowledge, offering cryptic warnings and seasoned wisdom about the dangers that lie ahead. He's a stoic figure, deeply entrenched in the mythology of the game, and his presence sets a significant tone for the story. Building a relationship with him is not just about getting the companion; it’s about delving into his past, understanding his regrets, and helping him find a measure of peace. Your early interactions will primarily involve basic dialogue, where he'll offer tidbits of lore, comment on your progress, or give you advice on your next escape attempt. Don't rush these conversations, guys! Every line of dialogue in Hades is meticulously crafted, and listening closely to Achilles will not only deepen your appreciation for the narrative but also subtly nudge you towards the specific actions you'll need to take later on. He’s not just a static NPC; he’s a character with a rich history and deep emotional scars, and his story is central to the overall lore of the game. So, make sure to engage with him every time you return to the House of Hades after a failed (or successful!) run. Keep an eye out for that exclamation mark above his head, indicating new dialogue. These early interactions are foundational, setting the stage for the deeper bond you’ll need to forge to eventually claim Antos as your own trusted ally. This initial rapport is absolutely critical for progressing his story and ultimately earning his trust and, more importantly, his legendary companion, which will become a key tool in your arsenal against the forces of the Underworld. Building this early relationship is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Hades narrative and truly appreciate the depth of its characters and their interwoven stories.

Building Your Bond with Achilles

To eventually get Achilles' Companion, Antos, you'll first need to forge a strong bond with Achilles himself. This isn't a quick sprint, but a marathon of thoughtful interactions and generous gifts. The core of this relationship-building involves two key items: Nectar and Ambrosia. You've probably already started collecting these on your runs, but let's break down their importance here.

Gifting Nectar and Ambrosia

Your first step to deepening your connection with Achilles is to gift him Nectar. You'll find Nectar bottles as room rewards, from certain boons, or by trading with the Wretched Broker. Each Nectar you give to Achilles will fill a segment of his affinity gauge, visible as hearts on his character screen. Keep gifting him Nectar until his affinity gauge is completely full. When you give someone Nectar for the first time, they'll usually give you a Keepsake related to them. Achilles' Keepsake is the Myrmidon Bracer, which reduces damage from the front. This is a nice bonus, but remember, our ultimate goal is Antos! Once his Nectar affinity is maxed out, you'll need to switch to Ambrosia. Ambrosia is a rarer resource, often found after defeating bosses or as rewards from high-tier encounters. Gifting Ambrosia to Achilles will further deepen your bond and, more importantly, progress his specific storyline. This is where the real narrative meat of his quest begins to unfold. Each Ambrosia gift will unlock new, often more personal and emotional, dialogue sequences. These conversations are crucial, guys, as they reveal Achilles' troubled past, his relationship with Patroclus, and his profound regrets. You'll need to give Achilles several Ambrosia, interspersed with runs and other character interactions, to fully explore his backstory and set the stage for the later stages of his quest. Don't worry if it feels like it's taking a while; patience is a virtue in Hades when it comes to character progression.

Engaging in Dialogue and the Fated List

Beyond just gifting, constantly engaging Achilles in dialogue after every escape attempt is paramount. Look for that exclamation mark above his head, indicating new dialogue options. These conversations aren't just fluff; they are the narrative triggers that advance his story. He will eventually start to open up about his