The burning question on every Hades 2 player’s mind is, “Can you pet Cerberus?” The iconic three-headed dog of the Underworld makes a return in Hades 2, and naturally, players are eager to show some love to this familiar canine companion. Let’s delve into the current situation with petting Cerberus in the early access version of Hades 2.
Cerberus is indeed present in Hades 2, though he’s found himself in a less than ideal circumstance. With Zagreus absent and Hades imprisoned, Cerberus is located in the Fields of Mourning. This area, true to its name, reflects Cerberus’s somber mood. Interestingly, your first encounter with Cerberus in Hades 2 is not a friendly one. Instead of the gentle giant from the first Hades, you face a warped and aggressive version of the hellhound as a combat encounter. However, upon defeating him – crucially, not destroying him – Cerberus thankfully returns to his senses. You’ll then find him alongside a chained Hades, both embodying a rather gloomy atmosphere.
At this stage in Hades 2, the game does present you with an option to attempt to pet Cerberus. The interaction prompt appears, inviting you to press the button, seemingly fulfilling the desires of players wanting to interact with the loyal dog. However, upon pressing the button, disappointment awaits. Cerberus, in his current state, refuses any attempts at affection. Instead of a happy bark or tail wag, he responds with a forceful pushback, an “anger forcefield,” making it clear that petting is not on the table at this moment. You can try to pet him each time you return to this location during your runs, but his reaction remains consistently negative.
The inability to pet Cerberus in Hades 2 feels particularly notable when considering the broader context of the game. Hades 2, even in early access, is surprisingly generous with opportunities to interact with and pet other creatures. From Frinos the frog to Toula the cat, and even Hecate’s pets, the game world is filled with pettable animals. This abundance of pettable creatures makes Cerberus’s refusal all the more conspicuous. In the original Hades, petting Cerberus was a rewarding interaction available after almost every run. His current unavailability feels deliberate, a stark contrast to the petting generosity elsewhere in the game.
This deliberate withholding of affection for Cerberus suggests a narrative purpose. Supergiant Games, known for their storytelling prowess, might be setting up a significant moment for players. It evokes the idea of “Chekhov’s dog pet” – a delayed gratification that promises a potentially powerful emotional payoff later in the game’s development. Given that Hades 2 is in early access for a considerable period, this setup could be a long-term investment in player emotion. Imagine the impact of finally being able to pet Cerberus after experiencing his sadness and rejection for hours of gameplay.
Therefore, while the answer to “can you pet Cerberus in Hades 2?” is currently a definitive no, this is likely not the final word. The intentionality behind this decision, contrasted with the pettability of other creatures, strongly hints at a future update where petting Cerberus will become possible, and emotionally resonant. When that moment arrives, that single button press will carry a weight of anticipation and relief, especially for players who have been with Hades 2 since early access. Perhaps, in time, we will even be able to pet all three of his heads, offering triple the affection to this deserving hellhound.
