Welcome to the Crossroads. Death to Chronos.

Hades 2 is a dungeon-crawling rouge-like from SuperGiant Games that is now available for early access. In this edition, players can test out new mechanics, run through the layers to hell, fall in love with new allies, and revisit old companions. Upon the game’s announcement in 2022, speculations about who and what we’d see in the game surfaced. Now we have confirmation.

Hades 2 follows Melinoë, the daughter of Hades and Persephone, who was ripped away from her family when the titan, Chronos kidnapped her family. In the chaos, Hecate escaped with the baby Melinoë and raised her with the other Underworld patrons who fled Chrono’s grasp. Now, with a grown-up Melinoë, Olympus and the Underworld aid the princess in restoring her father’s order. 

The Foundation

Hades was released in 2020 on the Nintendo Switch with additional ports in 2021. Hades follows Zagreus, son of Zeus and Persephone, as he struggles to find his place within the Underworld. This leads him to attempt to escape the Underworld to look for his place in the world.

Hades is well known for its fun, customizable battle system and progression. Death never means failure. It is a moment of respite to grow stronger. During these moments, players further their understanding of the Underworld’s workings by conversing with its gorgeous residents and falling in love with our charming protagonist, Zagreus. 

The battle mechanics are fun and customizable allowing players to test different types of builds and synergies between the different gods. Players can also unlock abilities that allow players to traverse Tartarus with less difficulty. 

The Deviations

Hades 2 follows the same formula with some updated features. Most of the original cast returns with updated visuals that reflect the dire tone of Melinoë’s journey. We also meet new characters throughout our travels down to Tartarus that have players swooning.

Zagreus is a physical fighter using rails, shields, fists, swords, and spears that have multiple forms with different abilities. Melinoë uses a mix of physical and magical damage. She uses a staff, a sickle and dagger, torches, an axe, and a magical exploding skull. Melinoë also has access to variations of her current weapons as well.

The difference between their fighting styles warrants a change in battle mechanics. Hades players are used to running around with unlimited stamina and ammo. However, with Melinoë’s magical abilities, there is a new battle mechanic: magic points. Players must now manage their magic points and be mindful of available abilities.

Playing into Witchcraft

Melinoë is raised by Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, and the game reflects this in multiple ways.

Tarot cards are used to boost health, magic, and other abilities that help in exploration and combat. Gardening is a new feature that allows Melinoë to collect seeds during exploration and plant them in a garden back at the starting area. Growing these plants and gathering resources allow players to unlock new abilities and cast spells. Casting spells and hexes unlock boons and aid in the descent to Tartarus. One of these spells allows Melinoë to find familiars that aid her in her journey. As of now, two familiars are available but maybe more will be added in future patches.

Many witches use the power of the moon to charge spells and bless themselves. In Hades 2, moon boons come in the form of a skill tree that boosts abilities during exploration. 

Release Date?

Hades 2 is expected to be in early access until 2025. During this time, players of this edition of the game will receive updates to the game up until launch. When the game launches, the early access game will evolve into the final product without any additional cost. As of now, Hades 2 is only available on Steam and Epic Games, but future ports will be announced closer to its official launch date.