Arachne is one of the most fascinating side characters introduced in Hades II. Far more than just a mythological reference, her story unfolds across dialogue, gameplay, and character interactions that dig deep into themes of pride, punishment, and personal growth.
Mythological Backstory
In Greek myth, Arachne was a mortal woman known for her incredible weaving skills. She became infamous for challenging Athena (goddess of wisdom and crafts) to a weaving contest. Though Arachne’s tapestry was flawless, it insulted the gods, prompting Athena to:
- Rip her tapestry apart
- Strike her out of rage
- Ultimately curse her by turning her into a spider
This eternal punishment — to weave forever as a spider — is the core of her identity in Hades II.
Arachne in Hades II
Where to Find Her
Arachne is encountered randomly during your runs.
She appears in Erebus, the first region of the game.
Her chamber is marked by two cupped hands on the doorframe icon.
Note: She does not appear in every run, making her bond progression slower than other characters.
Her Role
- Ally, Not Enemy: Arachne is not a boss or combatant. She’s a support character, similar in role to Eurydice in the first game.
- Silken Fineries: Her primary service is crafting armored outfits (called “Fineries”) for Melinoë.
- These provide defensive armor points
- Some Fineries offer bonus effects (e.g., increased resistance or effects while armor is intact)
- Her boons differ from Olympian gifts — they are passive and strategic, not offensive upgrades.
Personality
- Arachne’s dialogue is steeped in bitterness and dry humor.
- She’s resentful toward Athena and holds a grudge about her transformation.
- As you interact more, her layers unfold — she’s not just a victim of divine wrath, but someone actively seeking closure.
How to Build a Bond with Arachne
1. Give Her Nectar
Like most characters in Hades II, you can gift Arachne Nectar to increase Affinity.
Each gift progresses her bond and unlocks new dialogue.
2. Trigger Character Interactions
Her story is tied directly to two other key figures: Athena and Hecate.
With Athena:
- Athena was the target of Arachne’s challenge, and her actions led to Arachne’s curse.
- You must unlock and progress Athena’s dialogue tree to advance Arachne’s bond.
Tips:
Use the Gorgon Amulet Keepsake — it guarantees Athena will appear at least once per run.
Gift her Nectar and exhaust all dialogues.
Athena eventually appears in the Underworld (not just Olympus), especially after the Epilogue mission.
Athena is considered one of the hardest characters to fully bond with due to her progression requirements being late-game dependent.
With Hecate:
Hecate performed the actual curse on Arachne, under Athena’s command.
Progressing her story unlocks key revelations about Arachne’s past.
Tips:
Speak with Hecate frequently in Crossroads and after boss fights.
Later in the game (post-epilogue), Hecate disappears from her normal location and is only available in her battle arena.
Defeat her again, then gift her Bath Salts. This triggers a revealing confession that directly ties into Arachne’s arc.
By the time you’ve:
- Built Arachne’s Affinity
- Completed Athena and Hecate’s story arcs
- Reached the epilogue of the main game
…Arachne’s story comes full circle. You’ll witness a transformation not just in her relationship with the gods, but also in her self-worth.
She goes from a cursed myth to a symbol of resilience, finding peace not by reversing her fate, but by redefining it on her own terms.
Arachne is one of Hades II’s best examples of how myth, gameplay, and emotion can merge into something truly memorable. Her encounters may be brief, but every interaction is rich with narrative depth.
If you’re aiming for full character bonds, don’t ignore Arachne — and make sure you follow the threads that tie her fate to Athena and Hecate.