Exploring the Underworld Once More: A Deep Dive into Hades 2, the Sequel to the Award-Winning Roguelike Game Hades

The anticipation for the release of Hades 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed roguelike game Hades, has been building since its announcement at the 2022 Game Awards. Developed by Supergiant Games, the studio behind the original, Hades 2 promises to deliver a rich and immersive experience that continues the story of the Underworld of Greek mythology. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of Hades 2, exploring its release date, platforms, story, gameplay, and development.

Release Date and Platforms

Hades 2 is set to be released in Early Access during the second quarter of 2024 (between April 1 and June 30). The 1.0 version of the game is expected to follow, though a specific release date has yet to be announced. Hades 2 will first be available exclusively on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) in Early Access. The 1.0 release is expected to come to consoles as well, but the specific platforms have not been named yet.

Early Access Details

According to Supergiant, Hades 2 will have at least as much content from day one in Early Access as the original did when it launched in Early Access on Steam. Players can expect updates throughout its time in Early Access, including content additions, expansions to the story, and gameplay/systems refinements. Early Access players will have access to the 1.0 version upon its release, and Supergiant is committed to making sure their save data works all through development, including once the 1.0 version is launched.

Story

Hades 2 is a direct sequel to the original, set in and around the Underworld of Greek mythology. Players take on the role of Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld and sister of Hades protagonist Zagreus. Melinoë is an immortal witch and sorceress with powerful magical abilities, deadly skill with a variety of shadowy weapons, and a score to settle. In the sequel, Hades is imprisoned, and his father, Chronos, the Titan of Time, serves as the main villain. After escaping his own imprisonment, the deity wages war on Olympus. The question remains: Can Time itself be stopped?

Supergiant is incorporating the myth’s deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft into the game. At the heart of this is Hecate, the secretive goddess of witchcraft and the crossroads, who trains Melinoë in the game’s reveal trailer. The story continually unfolds through every setback and accomplishment, promising a sweeping narrative that builds upon the original’s compelling escape-from-hell plot.

Gameplay

Hades 2 is a single-player-only, roguelike dungeon crawler, much like its predecessor. It features action-heavy combat played from an isometric perspective. Supergiant has yet to reveal much about the sequel’s updates to gameplay, but players can expect new locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises.

Reveal trailers have shown Melinoë wielding various weapons and abilities, including a whip, a staff, and a shadowy familiar. Boons, the good-for-one-run skills and buffs granted to the playable character by the Olympian Gods, return in the sequel. Players can also expect the return of God Mode, which reduces damage taken from enemy attacks by 20 percent and adds 2 percent resistance after each death, capped at 80 percent.

Development

Hades 2 is being developed by Supergiant Games using improved versions of the same proprietary development tools the company has leveraged since the development of its first game, Bastion. The development team has added a few more employees for the sequel, though it still comprises fewer than 30 people.

Supergiant began development “in earnest” at the start of 2021. Hades 2 is the developer’s first-ever sequel; its previous four games—Bastion, Transistor, Pyre, and Hades—were all original IPs. All four games received a review score of 9 or higher from IGN.

Should You Play Hades Before Hades 2?

While Supergiant says you don’t need to play the original before Hades 2, it is recommended that you do so. The game sets up a direct sequel, and players will find plenty of connections. Hades is an extraordinary game worth playing, and its quality writing will likely be rewarding to understand these connections. Hades is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC for $25. It will also be released on iOS (iPhone and iPad) in 2024, exclusively through Netflix Games, which requires a Netflix subscription.

In conclusion, Hades 2 is an exciting prospect for fans of the original game and roguelike enthusiasts. With its rich story, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals, Hades 2 is poised to continue the legacy of its predecessor and set a new standard for roguelikes. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated sequel.