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Animal Familiars

Hades 2: Unlock and Use Animal Familiars - Frinos & Toula

Last Updated: October 26, 2025

Melinoë with her animal familiar, Frinos the frog, in Hades 2.

Hades 2, the celebrated roguelike from Supergiant Games, expands its rich tapestry of mythological combat with a feature that provides both strategic depth and heartfelt companionship: Animal Familiars. As Princess Melinoë battles her way through the Underworld and beyond, she doesn’t have to do it alone. Loyal companions can now join her, lending their unique skills to the fight against the Titan of Time, Chronos.

This guide details everything you need to know about unlocking these powerful allies, understanding their abilities, and choosing the right one for your journey. These charming critters, Frinos the frog and Toula the cat, are more than just pets; they are a core tactical component that can define the success of a run.

Meet Your Underworld Companions: Frinos and Toula

The familiar system allows Melinoë to form a bond with one of two creatures, each offering distinct advantages. You can only have one familiar active per run, but you can switch between them at the Crossroads.

  • Frinos, the Undying Frog: This stout, friendly frog can be found chilling near the training grounds at the Crossroads from the very beginning. He’s a resilient, defense-oriented companion.
  • Toula, the Sly Cat: This sleek, independent cat will begin appearing at the Crossroads dock after you've ventured into the Rift of Thessaly a few times. She is a more offense- and utility-focused ally.

How to Unlock and Befriend Familiars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Acquiring your first familiar isn't immediately obvious and requires progressing through the game's main story and crafting systems. Here’s the exact process:

  1. Prove Your Mettle: First, you must defeat Hecate at the end of Erebus several times. After a few victories, she will comment on Melinoë's strength and hint at a new path of power.
  2. Perform the Incantation: This unlocks the "Faith of Familiar Spirits" incantation at the cauldron in the Crossroads. To perform it, you will need 2 Nectar and 1 Lotus. The incantation's description reads: "Bestow a gift of Nectar upon a worthy Animal Familiar to endear them to you and gain their aid."
  3. Craft a Witch's Delight: Completing the incantation grants you the recipe for Witch's Delight, the special gourmet treat required to befriend an animal. You can craft this at the cauldron using 1 Star Dust and 1 Lotus. Star Dust is a valuable resource earned by completing challenges from the Fated List or purchased from the Wretched Broker.
  4. Gift the Treat: With a Witch's Delight in hand, simply approach either Frinos or Toula at the Crossroads and gift it to them. The first one you gift will become your active familiar and join you on your next run.

Strategic Depth: The Abilities of Frinos and Toula

Each familiar comes with a unique set of skills that can synergize with different builds and playstyles. As you strengthen your bond by giving them more Witch's Delight treats, you will unlock and enhance their three abilities.

Frinos: The Stalwart Protector

Frinos is an excellent choice for players who value survivability and crowd control.

  • Life-Saver: Frinos will periodically hop in front of you to block a set number of enemy projectiles.
  • Toad-Stone: He can be commanded to leap at a distant foe, dealing a flat amount of damage in a small area. This is great for finishing off weak but hard-to-reach enemies.
  • Soul-Eater: When not in combat, Frinos will occasionally uncover extra Psyche for you to collect, helping you upgrade your Grasp of the Arcana faster.

Toula: The Fierce Hunter

Toula is perfect for aggressive players who want extra damage and a safety net.

  • Claw-Sharpening: Once per location, Toula will pounce on a random enemy, making them take more damage for a short time. She will also periodically swipe at nearby foes.
  • Nine Lives: Toula grants you an extra, temporary Death Defiance. If you lose it during a run, she can restore it once after you have cleared a certain number of encounters.
  • Heart-Seeking: When you encounter a fishing spot, Toula has a chance to catch a fish for you automatically, saving you from the minigame and guaranteeing a reward.

Bonding and The Path to Victory

The introduction of Animal Familiars is a masterful evolution of the Hades formula. It provides tangible combat benefits while also enriching Melinoë's journey with a sense of shared purpose and companionship. Experimenting with both Frinos and Toula against the ever-changing challenges of the Underworld is key to finding your perfect partner in the fight against Chronos. As Hades 2 continues its development in Early Access, the role of these loyal companions may yet expand, but one thing is certain: the path to victory is less daunting with a friend by your side.