Hades 2: How To Defeat Polyphemus (Boss Guide)

Polyphemus is the first boss you face when you start a run on the surface in Hades 2, and this boss guide has all you need to know about him.

Boss guide for Polyphemus in Hades 2 (Image via Supergiant Games)
Boss guide for Polyphemus in Hades 2 (Image via Supergiant Games)

Although Polyphemus is one of the easier bosses in Hades 2, you must still be careful if you want to defeat him soundly. This boss guide contains all the info you need regarding his attack patterns, rewards, and the best way to fight him.

Read on to know more about this one-eyed enemy who stands in your way.

Where To Find Polyphemus in Hades 2?

Go to the surface (Image via Supergiant Games)
Go to the surface (Image via Supergiant Games)

Polyphemus is the final boss of the City of Ephyra region on the surface. Once you clear this area and are ready to move on to the next region, the Rift of Thessaly, Polyphemus is the challenge you will have to overcome.

The slow-moving cyclops is quite easy to beat, especially if you memorize his limited moves.

Polyphemus’ Moveset in Hades 2

Watch out for shockwaves (Image via Supergiant Games)
Watch out for shockwaves (Image via Supergiant Games)

Most of Polyphemus’ moves are melee attacks and slow in nature. You can dodge most of these attacks fairly easily with a bit of precision. Here are the moves to watch out for:

  • Smash: Polyphemus raises one arm and smashes the ground with it.
  • Shockwave Jump: The boss jumps over a distance, usually toward Melinoe. After landing, this attack creates a shockwave that travels outward, indicated by a red light. He can combo this attack multiple times in a row.
  • Devouring Grab: Polyphemus will raise both hands and try to grab Melinoe if she is close by. Immediately dash away when you see the tell for this attack.
  • Leg Sweep: He will kick out at Melinoe and release a damaging wave in the direction kicked. Moreover, he twists his body to ensure that the kick is launched at Melinoe.
  • Shepard Foes: Polyphemus summons foes to assist him in combat. Dispatch them quickly to turn your focus back toward the cyclops.
  • Heavy Walk: Polyphemus walks and generates a damaging wave with every step.

Sheep can also appear in the middle of the fight against Polyphemus. You should kill these sheep as quickly as possible, as some of them can chase you around and become annoying.

How To Defeat Polyphemus in Hades 2

All in on offense (Image via Supergiant Games)
All in on offense (Image via Supergiant Games)

Polyphemus is a slow and melee-focused boss. Almost all his attacks have obvious tells that can be exploited to predict his moves. Moreover, having a ranged attack can trivialize this boss fight.

Polyphemus is manageable for two main reasons: he has predictable attacks and is limited to melee options. So, you can use a good ranged build to safely whittle his health down to zero.

Best Boons To Defeat Polyphemus

These are the best Boons that can make it easier to fight Polyphemus:

GodBoonEffect
AphroditeGlamour GainYou automatically inflict Weak on nearby foes and gradually restore Magick near them.
HestiaControlled BurnYour Omega Special also launches a fireball, but uses +10 Magick.
ArtemisDeath WarrantA random foe occasionally becomes Marked. If it takes Critical damage, this repeats.
AthenaDefensive PostureAfter you take damage, you become Impervious for two seconds.
HeraEngagement RingYour Casts inflict Hitch and immediately deal damage based on foes in the binding circle.
HephaestusSecurity SystemAt the start of each Encounter, you gain Armor that lasts for 7 seconds.

Tips and Tricks To Defeat Polyphemus in Hades 2

Here are some tips to make the fight easier:

  • You can use Umbral Flames, Argent Skull or the Black Coat to keep dealing ranged damage to Polyphemus. Use the individual build guides to get better recommendations for each weapon.
  • Security System is great if you can deal high damage. You can hit his first health stopper within the first few seconds by focusing solely on offense.
  • Polyphemus does not hit hard (compared to other bosses), so you can focus on offensive boons and buffs instead of defensive ones.

Rewards After Defeating Polyphemus in Hades 2

You get the following rewards from defeating Polyphemus:

  • Wool
  • Path to Oceanus unlocked

The next region, Oceanus, is locked behind Polyphemus. You must first defeat this boss to make your way to the next region, where you will face Scylla and the Sirens in combat.


Hades 2 logo.

We provide the latest news and create guides for Hades 2. Meanwhile, you can check out the following articles or catch us playing games on YouTube: