Descending into Myth and Magic: Hades 2 Takes Center Stage!

After the resounding success of Hades, a roguelike that managed to win over even those who weren't fans of the genre, the natural next step was a sequel from Supergiant Games.

At The Game Awards 2022, Hades 2 was officially unveiled as the follow-up to its predecessor. In a departure from the first game's protagonist Zagreus, the sequel shifts the spotlight to his sister, Melinoë, who embarks on her own journey into the Underworld.

When Can We Expect Hades 2?

Hades 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Hades, is scheduled to hit Early Access sometime in Q2 2024, specifically between April and June. Players can look forward to accessing the game on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.

But why the slight delay in the launch? Supergiant Games has a compelling reason. They're committed to delivering as much content in Early Access as the original Hades had when it entered Early Access on Steam. Quality, it seems, takes precedence over haste.

Fine-Tuning the Early Access Experience

As the Early Access release of Hades 2 draws near, Supergiant Games plans to conduct a technical test with a select group of players. This testing phase aims to identify and address any technical or compatibility issues, ensuring a smooth gameplay experience for Early Access players. Further details about the Hades 2 Technical Test will be shared as the Early Access launch approaches.

Meet the New Protagonist

One of the most intriguing aspects of Hades 2 is the introduction of a new protagonist, Melinoë. She takes on the role of the immortal Princess of the Underworld and happens to be Zagreus' sister, the original game's hero.

Melinoë's character is steeped in ancient Underworld mythology, promising a captivating journey for players. As they follow her quest to rescue her father from Chronos, the Titan of Time, they'll receive guidance from Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, and interact with various other Olympian gods and heroes.

The mystery surrounding Melinoë's character has fans speculating about what this means for the Underworld family, especially considering the prophecy that suggests Hades can't have an heir, let alone two children. There's even speculation that she might not be Hades' daughter, with existing myths suggesting she's Persephone's daughter by Zeus.

Diving Deeper into Greek Mythology

While a deep knowledge of Greek mythology isn't a prerequisite for enjoying Hades 2, the game draws inspiration from these ancient tales. Notably, it weaves a captivating narrative around Hecate, the enigmatic goddess of witchcraft and the crossroads.

Hecate's significance in classical mythology, especially in her connection to Hades and the Underworld, strongly influences the game's development. The studio's dedication to respecting the mythology and folklore surrounding Hecate is evident, resulting in a narrative that's rich and engrossing.

More Exploration Awaits

Hades 2 remains true to the core gameplay elements that made its predecessor a hit. It's a roguelike dungeon crawler set in a larger mythic Underworld, offering players ample opportunities for exploration. New locations, challenges, and upgrade systems will enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Melinoë wields a unique arsenal, showcasing her abilities as a witch and sorceress who can master powerful magical abilities and wield deadly skills with shadowy weapons. The debut trailer provides a glimpse of her combat prowess as she confronts the forces led by the Titan of Time. Just like in Hades, players will have the backing of Olympus' powers as they navigate the Underworld.

A Plan for Ongoing Updates

As with the original Hades, Supergiant Games has a plan to extend the gameplay experience through several significant updates during the Early Access phase. These updates will culminate in the v1.0 launch, which will offer the conclusion to the story and incorporate any final touches to enhance the game.

While the exact timeline for reaching v1.0 remains uncertain, Supergiant Games' dedication to delivering a polished and immersive experience remains unwavering. As development progresses, the focus is on creating core content, including environments, characters, weapons, Boons, story events, music, and more.

As we eagerly anticipate Q2 2024, the gaming community is on the edge of their seats, ready to once again delve into the depths of the Underworld. Hades 2 promises an extraordinary adventure, building on the success of the original game while delving deeper into the realms of myth and magic.