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Hades 2 has a lot of systems that all intermingle to make one heck of a progression system. Everything from combat, to hitting rocks with sticks, and even plonking things into a pot all feed into – and play off of – each other. It can be a bit grindy from time to time, but it’s intoxicating more often than not.
Alchemy is one of many systems in Hades 2, and it’s one that you might not dabble in until later in your playthrough. Alchemy uses the Cauldron at the Crossroads, but it doesn’t quite work like your usual Incantations. In this guide we are going to break down how to use Alchemy, how it differs from Incantations, and every recipe in the game.
Note: Do be aware that Hades 2 is still in Early Access, so anything and everything is subject to change.
More Hades 2 content:
Beginner Tips | How To Reach The Surface | How To Survive The Surface | How To Get Nectar | How To Unlock Every Tool | How To Upgrade Your Tools | How To Unlock Every Weapon | How To Unlock Weapon Aspects | Complete Incantation Guide | How To Unlock Ever Keepsake | Complete Resource Guide
How To Use Alchemy In Hades 2
Alchemy is weird because its importance is not immediately obvious. Heck, it’s not unlocked until later in the game. We first unlocked Alchemy when we were trying to get to the surface and we stumbled across a hurdle – the acquisition of Shadow. This unlocked the feature, with additional recipes unlocking as time went on.
To use Alchemy, all you have to do is go to the Crossroads Cauldron (near Hecate), go to the Alchemy tab, and you are good to go. Alchemy, like most things, requires resources, so be prepared to grind.
Differences Between Alchemy & Incantations
Incantations and Alchemy are very different. Incantations, for the most part, deal with unlocking systems or altering the world in some way. These are permanent progression gates that you slowly break down over time. Alchemy is entirely resource-based. As in, you are using the mechanic to generate rare resources to help you progress in other areas. The temporary nature of alchemy makes it fundamentally different.
Not only that, but Alchemy takes time. Reciting some abracadabras and jazz hands’ing around a wok is immediate. Actually cooking up a storm requires a bit of patience. Once you start an alchemical recipe, the Cauldron is locked down until enough time has passed. Be sure you have incanted everything you want before you mix up some Shadow.
Every Alchemy Recipe In Hades 2
There are 5 alchemical recipes in Hades 2 and you will unlock them slowly over time. Speaking of time, each recipe will take time. Time passes when you enter a room during a run or when you spend time with NPCs at the bath.
| Name | Reward | Resources Required | Time |
| Beast-Loved Morsel | 2 Witch’s Delight | 1 Star Dust 2 Lotus | 14 |
| Shadow Extraction | 1 Shadow | 30 Ash 30 Psyche 3 Fate Fabric | 12 |
| Moonlit Essence From Shadow | 3 Moondust | 1 Cinder 1 Shadow | 8 |
| Sweet Nectar | 3 Nectar | 1 Golden Apple | 8 |
| Moonlit Essence From Stars | 5 Moondust | 1 Star Dust | 4 |
That’s all we have on Hades 2 for now. Be sure to check back for more tips, tricks, and guides.
