You’ve seen it. That subtle, metallic glint on a denim jacket or a backpack strap. For most people, it's just a cool-looking trinket with some Greek-inspired iconography. But for the folks who’ve spent dozens of hours dying and reborn in the Underworld, the Hades II engraved pin is basically a secret handshake. It’s a physical tether to Melinoë’s journey, and honestly, Supergiant Games really outdid themselves with this one.
Most game merchandise is, frankly, kind of trash. Plastic figurines that break if you breathe on them or t-shirts with iron-on transfers that crack after two washes. This is different. This pin feels heavy. It feels like it was pulled straight out of the Crossroads.
What’s the Big Deal With the Hades II Engraved Pin Anyway?
Supergiant Games has always had a "quality over quantity" vibe when it comes to their shop. They don't just slap a logo on a mug. When they announced the official Hades II engraved pin, they leaned into the "Witch of the Underworld" aesthetic. We're talking about a design that mimics the intricate, arcane symbols Melinoë uses to bind her foes or channel her Magick.
The craftsmanship is what catches you first. It isn't just a flat piece of enamel. The "engraved" part of the name isn't marketing fluff; there is actual depth to the metal. You can run your thumb over the grooves and feel the linework. Usually, these pins are made from a zinc alloy or brass, then plated to give them that weathered, ancient look. It’s specifically designed to look like something Hecate might hand you before a run into the surface.
It’s small. Maybe an inch and a half. But it carries weight.
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Tracking Down the Real Deal vs. The Knockoffs
Here is the thing: because Hades II became such a massive hit in Early Access, the market got flooded with fakes. If you’re looking for the authentic Hades II engraved pin, you have to be careful. The official ones usually come through the Supergiant Games store or authorized partners like Fangamer.
Fangamer is legendary in the gaming community for a reason. They don't just ship a pin in a plastic baggie. They create custom backing cards that look like they belong in a museum. If your pin arrives and it's just pinned to a piece of plain white cardboard, you’ve probably been bamboozled.
The real ones have a specific "antique gold" or "darkened silver" finish. It shouldn't look shiny like a brand-new penny. It should look old. It should look like it’s seen some things. Like it’s been through a few encounters with Chronos.
I’ve talked to collectors who obsess over the "clutch" on the back. Cheap pins use those rubber stoppers that fall off the second you brush against a doorway. The high-end Hades II engraved pin versions often use butterfly clutches or, if you’re lucky, locking backs. If you're planning on actually wearing this thing out in the world—which you should—replace the standard back with a locking pin keeper. Don't let $15-20 of art vanish because you caught your bag on a bus seat.
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The Symbolism Behind the Metal
Why this specific design? In Hades II, symbols are everything. Melinoë isn't just a brawler like Zagreus; she’s a practitioner of the unseen arts. The engraving on the pin usually features the crescent moon motifs associated with Hecate and the crossroads. It’s a nod to the Triple Goddess.
It represents the path.
The engraving process itself is a nice touch. Instead of just painting color onto the metal (which is what "soft enamel" pins do), an engraved or "die-struck" pin relies on the shadows created by the physical indentations. This means the design won't fade. You could leave this pin in a jar of salt for a year (don't do that) and the design would still be there. It’s as permanent as a Boon from Artemis.
Why Collectors are Obsessed
Gaming merch is a weird world. Some people buy everything. Others wait for that one perfect item. The Hades II engraved pin fits that "perfect item" niche because it’s understated. You can wear it to a wedding or a job interview and most people will just think it’s a cool, stylish accessory. Only the real ones know.
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There's a sense of permanence here. When we play digital games, we don't own much. We own a license to play. Having a physical, engraved piece of the world makes the experience feel more "real." It’s a memento mori, but, you know, for gamers.
How to Style and Protect Your Pin
- The Denim Jacket Move: This is the classic. Place it on the lapel, but slightly higher than you think. It draws the eye toward the face.
- The "IT" Bag: If you use a tech bag or a laptop sleeve, the pin adds a bit of personality to an otherwise boring piece of black nylon.
- Cleaning: Don't use harsh chemicals. A dry microfiber cloth is all you need. If it gets truly grimy, a tiny bit of warm water and mild soap will work, but dry it immediately. You don't want "authentic rust" unless that's the look you're going for.
- Storage: If you aren't wearing it, keep it out of direct sunlight. Even though it's metal, the plating can sometimes react to constant UV exposure over years.
Where to Buy and What to Expect to Pay
Price-wise, you’re usually looking at $12 to $18 USD for an official Hades II engraved pin. Anything cheaper is likely a bootleg using stolen art. Anything much more expensive is probably a reseller on eBay trying to take advantage of a sell-out.
Supergiant is pretty good about restocks, so if the official store is empty, just wait. Don't give $50 to a scalper. It’s not worth it. The wait makes the arrival of that little bubble-wrapped package feel even better anyway.
The Early Access period for Hades II brought a lot of eyes to the franchise. This pin was one of the first physical items available, making it a "First Edition" of sorts for the sequel's legacy. As the full game nears its 1.0 release, these early designs might be cycled out for new ones featuring different characters like Nemesis or Moros.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Underworld Collector
If you're ready to grab one, don't just click the first link on a search engine. Follow these steps to make sure you get the quality you’re paying for.
- Check the Source: Go directly to the Supergiant Games official website. They link to their trusted distributors. If the link doesn't start there, be skeptical.
- Inspect the "Engraving": Look at the product photos. If the lines look blurry or "puffy," it's a cast pin, not a truly engraved or die-struck one. You want crisp, sharp edges in the metal work.
- Upgrade the Backing: Buy a pack of "locking pin backs" (the ones that require a tiny Allen wrench or a spring-pull to release). It’s the only way to ensure your Hades II engraved pin doesn't end up on the floor of a convention center or a grocery store.
- Join the Community: Check the Hades subreddit or Discord. Fans often post "mail day" photos. This is the best way to see what the pin looks like in natural lighting versus a professional studio shot. Sometimes the "antique" finish is darker than it looks in the renders.
Owning a piece of the Underworld is a small joy. It's a reminder of the hours spent mastering the dodge, learning the patterns of the Sirens, and finally—finally—beating that one boss that’s been ruining your night. The pin isn't just metal. It's a trophy. Wear it like one.