Easiest Companion to Get in Hades

Imagine this: you've just cleared a grueling chamber, your health is low, and your resources are spent. You're teetering on the edge of defeat. Then, like a miracle, you summon Bouldy, and the entire room becomes manageable again. If you're looking for a quick, reliable, and potent companion to help you through the trials of the underworld, Bouldy is your go-to.

But here's the kicker – not only is Bouldy incredibly useful, but he's also the easiest companion to unlock in the game. There's no convoluted questline, no obscure requirements, just simple, straightforward progress through Sisyphus’ storyline.

Unlocking Bouldy: Step-by-Step Unlocking Bouldy is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other companions in Hades, such as Achilles’ patrol or the complicated task of getting Thanatos on your side. Instead, all you need to do is follow these steps:

1. Befriend Sisyphus: Sisyphus, the tragic yet oddly optimistic figure, can be found in Tartarus. To start, you’ll want to give him Nectar. Like all other NPCs, Sisyphus will respond warmly, and eventually, you’ll start learning more about his plight.

2. Complete His Favor: Sisyphus’ favor isn't nearly as complicated as some of the others. You'll need to speak with Megaera or Hades, then talk to Sisyphus again. Essentially, you’re petitioning for his release. Once you’ve completed the necessary dialogues, the favor will be done.

3. Max Out Affection: Keep giving Sisyphus Nectar and eventually Ambrosia. Once you’ve given enough, he will reward you with Bouldy as a companion.

Why Bouldy? Now, why is Bouldy so important? Well, in Hades, each companion has its niche. Skelly’s companion gives invincibility, Dusa’s helps with crowd control, but Bouldy provides a unique combination of damage, healing, and resources. Summoning him in a chamber brings about area-of-effect (AoE) damage to all enemies, but that's not all. He can also randomly grant you health, Darkness, or Obols (currency), making him not only a damage dealer but also a utility tool. For players running low on health or resources, Bouldy becomes a safety net.

Comparing Bouldy to Other Companions Let’s briefly look at some of the other companions and see how they compare to Bouldy.

While Thanatos’ Mort deals significant AoE damage and can be a game-changer in harder runs, unlocking him requires far more effort, not to mention that his damage-only utility doesn’t help with healing or resources. Skelly’s Lucky Tooth grants invincibility, but that only delays the inevitable if you’re low on health or resources. Bouldy, on the other hand, does a bit of everything—making him incredibly versatile and ideal for both beginners and veterans.

Tips for Maximizing Bouldy’s Effectiveness If you’re using Bouldy as your go-to companion, here are some tips to get the most out of him:

1. Use Bouldy in Tougher Rooms: Bouldy’s AoE damage can clear out weaker mobs, but the real benefit comes from his healing and resources. Use him when you’re in a bind, especially in rooms where you’re taking a lot of damage, or your resources are running low.

2. Pair Him with Defensive Boons: Combine Bouldy with defensive boons from Athena or Aphrodite to ensure you stay alive long enough to reap his benefits. Athena’s Divine Dash, for example, allows you to deflect incoming attacks while Bouldy wreaks havoc on the enemies.

3. Don’t Forget About the Resource Bonus: One of the unique aspects of Bouldy is the random resource reward. Whether it’s health, Darkness, or Obols, these bonuses can turn the tide of a run. Keep an eye on your resource levels and summon Bouldy when you’re low to maximize his utility.

What About Other Easy Companions? While Bouldy is the easiest companion to obtain, there are a couple of other companions that might also be considered “easy” but with caveats.

• Skelly’s Lucky Tooth: This is another relatively easy companion to get, as you just need to max out your affinity with Skelly. The downside is that it doesn’t provide any direct damage or resource benefits, but it does give you a second chance during fights by making you invincible for a short period.

• Megaera’s Battie: Battie is moderately easy to unlock, though not quite as simple as Bouldy. You’ll need to progress through Megaera’s story, but once unlocked, Battie offers high single-target damage, ideal for boss fights. However, she lacks the versatility that Bouldy offers.

Conclusion: Bouldy Reigns Supreme In the world of Hades, there are many powerful companions to choose from. But if you're looking for the easiest companion to unlock without sacrificing power or utility, Bouldy stands head and shoulders above the rest. With a simple, straightforward unlock path and a versatile ability set that combines damage, healing, and resources, Bouldy is the perfect companion for any Zagreus trying to escape the clutches of the underworld.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Bouldy will be there, rolling along with you through every challenge Hades throws your way.