Hades 2: Ranking the Best Athena Boons

In Hades 2, the Olympic update brings back Athena and Dionysus from the first game. While Athena was one of the strongest gods due to her powerful Boons in the original Hades, she now appears as a Helper NPC, offering limited assistance rather than ongoing Boons. Players can only encounter Athena on the Surface route, where she appears randomly in the Olympus area as a “Divine Intervention.”

Despite having only six available Boons, Athena’s best power-ups still return, including the highly sought-after Divine Dash. Here’s a ranking of Athena’s Boons in Hades 2 to help players optimize their gameplay.

6. Defensive Posture

Effect: After taking damage, gain 2 seconds of Impervious status.

Recharge Time: 13 seconds

Defensive Posture is a solid choice for defense, but its effectiveness is limited since it requires Melinoë to take damage to activate. With a cooldown of 13 seconds, it may not be worth picking over other Athena Boons unless you find an upgraded version. Epic and Heroic tiers offer a recharge of under 10 seconds, providing extra protection in intense battles against enemies like Prometheus and Chronos.

5. Phalanx Shot

Effect: Adds a projectile with Deflect to your Specials, recharging every 2 seconds.

Base Damage: 10

Athena’s Deflect ability was a fan-favorite in Hades, letting Zagreus bounce projectiles back to attackers during a Dash. In Hades 2, this returns through several of Athena’s Boons. Phalanx Shot is among the weaker Deflect options, as it provides a minor damage boost and only activates every two seconds. This Boon is best used with slow Specials, like the Black Coat or Sister Blades, as their multiple projectiles make aiming more challenging.

4. Stalwart Stand

Effect: Grants +1 Death Defiance in each Location, but increases Magick Prime requirement.

Base Magick Prime: 150

Death Defiances are essential in Hades 2, allowing Melinoë to recover Health upon defeat instead of returning to the Crossroads. Stalwart Stand grants a Death Defiance in every Location but requires a high cost of 150 Magick Prime. If you have over 250 Magick, a solid Magick regeneration Boon, or aren’t relying on Omega Casts, this Boon can be invaluable in reaching the end of a run.

3. Mental Block

Effect: Adds a burst of damage to your Casts and activates Deflect briefly.

Base Cast Damage: 60

Mental Block offers one of the best ways to Deflect with Athena’s Boons, as it boosts Cast damage and provides a short Deflect window. The great thing about this Boon is that Melinoë can Deflect immediately upon casting, regardless of her position. This Boon is highly effective, but if you have the choice between Mental Block and Divine Dash, the latter remains superior.

2. Renewed Faith

Effect: Restores all Death Defiance charges and enhances their effectiveness.

Extra Health Restoration: 20%

As players progress through Olympus, they may have already depleted most of their Death Defiances. Renewed Faith replenishes all Death Defiance uses and increases the Health restored when revived by 20%, making it easier to push toward the final battle with Prometheus. However, if you still have all your Death Defiances or find Divine Dash, the latter might be a better pick for generating Deflect and surviving longer.

1. Divine Dash

Effect: Damages enemies upon Dashing and can Deflect projectiles.

Base Dash Damage: 10

When it comes to the top Athena Boon, Divine Dash narrowly beats Renewed Faith. While Renewed Faith is invaluable when low on Death Defiances, Divine Dash is consistently useful throughout any run. With this Boon, Melinoë can Dash to Deflect incoming projectiles without aiming or waiting for a cooldown, making it the most versatile and reliable option in most scenarios.

Whether you’re aiming to Deflect projectiles with ease or replenish your Death Defiance, these Athena Boons offer significant boosts to your survival and damage potential in Hades 2.