Release date, platforms, developer, gameplay, trailers, and more – here is Everything We Know About Hades 2!
The hotly-anticipated sequel to arguably the most popular rogue-like dungeon crawler game in recent years, Hades 2, is developed and published by the original team at Supergiant Games. This time around, the protagonist is Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld and sister of Zagreus. The story will pick up after the events of the original game. While the overall playstyle of the game appears similar, Supergiant is sure to have some surprises in store, too! Let’s take a look at everything we know so far about Hades 2.
Hades 2: Early Access Release Date
There is no officially announced release date for Hades 2 Early Access, however, the developers from Supergiant Games have assured fans that it will be coming “relatively soon”. Recently, Supergiant ran a Technical Test of the game on Steam. It started on April 17 and concluded on April 29, 2024. The update on the official announcement for the Technical Test suggests that the test went very well. Therefore, the game will be released in Early Access before long. However, whether that means next week or early June is up for interpretation.
Furthermore, we do not have an official launch date for the full release of Hades 2. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the timeline from the original game. Hades went into Early Access on December 6, 2018, and then fully released on September 17, 2020. Thus, there was an 18-month time period while the game remained in Early Access. Therefore, assuming a similar timeline for Hades 2, we may expect to see the full game release sometime in late 2025.
Hades 2 Platforms: Will Hades 2 be available on Consoles?
The Early Access release of Hades 2 will only be available on PC platforms Steam and Epic Games Store. As usual, the game’s Early Access release will only allow players to play through a portion of Hades 2. Early Access allows developers to test their game and ensure it works as intended. Additionally, they can take player feedback and work on quality-of-life fixes and other improvements. Moreover, selling the game in Early Access can provide developers with additional financial resources to fund development further.
However, it is also expected that Hades 2 will eventually see a full release on all consoles. Previously, the console release was staggered with the original Hades as Supergiant Games worked on ports. The digital version of the game was released on the Nintendo Switch on September 17, 2020 (the same time as the full release on Epic Games and Steam).
It wasn’t until almost a year later that Hades was finally released on August 13, 2021, for platforms PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Players will likely hope that Hades 2 can have a full release on all PC and console platforms. However, Supergiant Games has made no commitments or comments on this matter.
Hades 2: Story and Setting
What we know about the story for Hades 2 is that it is set after the original game’s events. You will play as Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld and sister to the protagonist of the first game, Zagreus. Melinoë’s ultimate goal is to defeat Chronos. He is known as the Titan of Time in various interpretations of Greek mythology.
The reveal trailer introduces her training with her mentor, Hecate, the Witch of the Crossroads. In Greek mythology, Hecate is a goddess associated with crossroads, the night, and witchcraft, among many other things. Therefore, we’ll have to wait to see the full scope of her role in Hades 2.
The Crossroads: that have hidden ‘twixt the surface and the Underworld conceals those still loyal to Lord Hades, rightful ruler of the dead.
-Hades 2, official Crossroads description
Furthermore, the Crossroads will serve as Melinoë’s starting point. Instead of the House of Hades serving as your home base, where Zagreus would emerge from the River Styx, Melinoë will re-materialize within a circle of magic stones. Like the House of Hades, the Crossroads is full of interesting NPCs. So far, aside from Headmistress Hecate, we have seen the characters of Dora, Nemesis, Odysseus, and Hypnos.
Hades 2 Gameplay: How will Combat Change in Hades 2?
As Melinoë makes her way through the mists of Erebus, looking for a way down to the Titan, she’ll have to fight her way through numerous enemies. Unlike Zagreus’s mostly physical, melee-based playstyle in Hades, Melinoë is a witch. While there will still be weapons to unlock and equip, much of her playstyle will be based on magick and casting spells. Moreover, you will not only have the standard HP bar but will also have to manage a Mana Bar.
Additionally, much like in the first game, there will be multiple different ways you power up the protagonist. The Alter of Ashes is similar to the Mirror of Night. With it, you can purchase perks to increase the power of your attacks, the speed of your mobility, the strength of your defenses, and more.
The Arms of Night can be unlocked at the silver pool. Moreover, based on the six circles around the pool, there will be the same number of weapons to unlock as in the original game. We don’t yet know the weapons for Hades 2, but we have seen a dagger/sickle and staff.
Hades 2 New Gods and Boons
According to the developers, we know that Hades 2 will introduce new gods and a “whole bunch of new boons, and new ways to use them.” Apollo is one of the major Olympians who did not appear in the first game. However, he now appears to help Melinoë in her quest. In the image above, one of Apollo’s boons, Solar Ring, gives you a boost to damage after your omega cast expires. The omega cast are “powerful, magick-imbued moves” that can be charged and will take a bite out of your mana bar.
Consequently, one of the new types of boons that all of the Olympians will offer will focus on Magic Restoration. Apollo, for example, offers Lucid Gain. When in effect, while you stand in your casts, you will gradually restore mana at +12 every second. This is the base level of that boon, so higher levels will likely offer greater amounts of mana restoration.
Hades 2: Trailers
Unlike some games, which have multiple marketing trailers produced before release, the only official trailer Supergiant has released is the Reveal Trailer from December of 2022! Regardless, it is still worth watching for the brief but effective introduction it gives you to the main character.
Additionally, for an extended look at the game (possibly including spoilers), you can now watch a live stream recording done at the beginning of the April Technical Test. Supergiant Games’ Studio Director Amir Rao and Creative Director Greg Kasavin take Melinoë through a handful of runs!
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