Best Keepsake from Crossroads NPCs: Moros’ Engraved Pin
Speaking of Death Defiance, Moros’ Engraved Pin is another great option, albeit one that’s also extremely risky. Basically, if your HP drops to zero, Moros will start a 10-second countdown of your impending doom. If you manage to defeat all enemies within the time limit, then you just saved your life. If not, Melinoe will perish (or use up one of her Death Defiance tokens).
Engraved Pin is one of the best Keepsakes in Hades 2 since it triggers before all other Death Defiance tokens (the moment your HP reaches zero). Technically, it means you have an unlimited number of extra lives.
The biggest problem is if you’re unable to eliminate all hostiles within the 10-second time limit. For instance, maybe an additional enemy wave just spawned or the boss’ HP is still too high. It would mean Melinoe’s death or a wasted Death Defiance token. Likewise, it only grants a small amount of HP, and you’re often at risk of perishing against hard-hitting foes in the later stages of your run.