Hades 2: Warsong Update: Everything you need to know about Ares and the new final boss
2.20.2025
By Jason Rodriguez, Contributor
Our Hades 2 Warsong Update guide takes a look at some of these key additions, most notably the inclusion of the god of war Ares and his boons. We also discuss the final boss found atop Mount Olympus’ summit, as well as various changes to gameplay mechanics. Likewise, we’d like to remind you that this article contains minor spoilers.
New Olympian: Ares
The god of war Ares finally makes his return as part of the Warsong Update. We initially encountered him in one of our forays in the underworld, where he granted us his boons.
In the previous game, Ares’ abilities apply Doom, a status effect that causes a burst of damage after a few seconds' delay. In Hades 2, however, some of Ares’ powers inflict "wounds" instead. This causes strikes to gain +50 power, and it can be reapplied after three seconds. Ares also has certain perks that make Blood Drops appear on the ground. Each Blood Drop you pick up provides +1% movement speed and strike speed. This is further bolstered through the Sanguinary Savior legendary boon, which automatically draws in Blood Drops that grant +100% movement speed and strike speed.
Moreover, your Ares-boosted Sword Ring (cast) and Meat Grinder (omega cast) create falling blades and slashing vortices within the applicable radius, dealing rapid damage to your foes. For best results, we recommend wielding the Sister Blades, as the fast attack speed and backstab damage greatly complement Ares’ perks.
Here are Ares’ duo boons that can be unlocked in conjunction with other Olympian abilities:
- Aphrodite: Open Heart - Creates a Heartthrob that deals +80 damage whenever you collect a Blood Drop.
- Apollo: Cutting Edge - Increases falling blade radius by +50% and the blades drop +1 time in succession.
- Demeter: Hostile Environment - +100% omega cast damage; your omega cast follows you around even as you start to channel it.
- Hephaestus: Coffin Nail - Falling blade effects from Ares drop immediately and deal +40 damage.
- Hera: Universal Donor - Whenever you exit a location, you get to retain up to 20 Blood Drops.
- Hestia: Fourth Degree - Grants +250 fireball wounds bonus power.
- Poseidon: Arterial Spray - Grants a +25% double splash effect chance from Poseidon’s abilities.
- Zeus: Heinous Affront - Inflicting wounds also triggers all “after you take damage” effects. This effect triggers after 12 seconds for each foe.
New location and final boss: The Summit and Typhon
The Hades 2 Warsong Update presents an even greater challenge for those who wish to brave the dangers of the surface world. After eliminating Prometheus at the gate of Mount Olympus, Melinoe will be able to ascend to a new area known as The Summit. This location has tough foes, including shark-rhino hybrids and gigantic tentacles that strike you from above. If you’re lucky enough to make it all the way to the end, then you’ll get to battle none other than Typhon, the Father of All Monsters.
Typhon is the final boss of the surface world path. Make no mistake: This encounter will test your mettle. The boss doesn’t even have a health bar, perhaps to keep you guessing how long it will last.
Typhon’s abilities include firing dozens of purple orbs—smaller ones track your movement, while larger ones explode and deal tremendous damage. Typhon also spawns eggs that eventually hatch into deadly monsters, including the aforementioned shark-rhino hybrids. In addition to this, you have to be mindful of your surroundings, since tentacles can emerge from the ground to swipe and slash at Melinoe. If you’re able to survive long enough, then perhaps Zeus and Olympian allies will be able to assist you. From there, you just need to play it safe while avoiding all of Typhon’s attacks and projectiles.
Defeating Typhon nets you the Void Lens, a special item used for late-game incantations. If you try to exit this monster’s chamber, you’ll be sent back to the Crossroads, though there’s a hint that there’s more to this story.
More changes and additions
The Hades 2 Warsong Update has more in store for long-time fans and newcomers. For instance, players can discover a new pet familiar named Gale the Polecat. Gale is the fifth and final animal companion in the game, and this creature provides bonus movement speed and dodge chance. Moreover, you no longer need to prioritize Gathering Tools. As long as you’ve unlocked each tool, you’ll be able to collect any resource in your runs.
Nocturnal Arms weapons have also been reworked. For instance, the Witch’s Staff received buffs to its combo string sequence, omega attack, and special move. Meanwhile, several deity blessings are either completely new or have undergone huge changes. For example, Hermes’ new legendary boon Paid Dues causes Melinoe to lose gold instead of her health points whenever she takes damage. Speaking of deities and characters, there are new Chaos Trials based around some of the game's gods and goddesses, such as the Ares-themed Trial of Slaughter. Likewise, you can sing with Artemis whenever you spot her at the Crossroads hub.
Perhaps the biggest change can be seen in the Altar of Ashes, where you select Arcana Cards. All cards have new art and several have been reworked, most notably the Eternity card, which makes enemies move slower whenever you channel your omega moves. This is the same effect that was initially seen in the Sorceress card before it was switched to the Hecate keepsake. Now this perk is back, making it integral for all playthroughs. Naturally, the Hecate keepsake has a different effect, as it simply grants +50 maximum magick by default.
That does it for our Hades 2 Warsong Update overview. You can learn about all the new changes and improvements listed in the patch notes. Of course, don’t forget to pick up Hades 2, the godlike roguelike that’s available as an early access title on Epic Games Store.