Hades 2 overview

19 April 2024

One of the best indie roguelike gems will soon welcome a sequel. Hades 2 takes us back to the Underworld, this time as Melinoë, who has to defeat the Titan of Time, Chronos.

Update 19.04.2024: Technical test

Since Supergiant Games released a much-anticipated technical test of Hades 2, fans have been eagerly diving into the sneak peek of what the sequel to the beloved rogue-like game will offer. The initial impressions are nothing short of spectacular, particularly when it comes to the breathtaking visuals and signature art style that Supergiant is renowned for.

Delving deeper into the technical test, players have been delighted to discover a diverse array of characters awaiting them in this new adventure. While familiar faces like the god of sleep, Hypnos, make a return, the sequel introduces a fresh lineup of gods and titans, such as Selene, Hephaestus, or Hestia, promising an exciting new dynamic to the gameplay. Despite the consistency in art style that fans have come to appreciate, subtle alterations in the clothing of familiar characters from Hades hint at intriguing developments in their narratives.

The unveiling of these additional details has only served to heighten the anticipation among fans, sparking discussions and theories about the storyline and gameplay mechanics that Hades 2 will bring to the table. Seeing new weapons and Melinoe’s abilities in action promises, that the sequel is going to be a real treat for roguelike games fans. You can watch the entire technical test stream here.

That leaves the querstion and the possible Hades 2 release date. Whilst the stream didn’t provide any details on this topic, we know that the early access version of Hades 2 will appear sometime in the second quarter of 2024 on Steam and Epic Games.

Story and Setting

You step into the role of Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, a daughter of Hades and Persephone. She’s also a sister to Hades’ previous protagonist, Zagreus. Our epic quest will bring Melinoë to defeat the formidable Titan of Time, Chronos. The events take place sometime after the narrative from the first installment.  However, there’s no need to know the first game to play and understand the story.

The captivating narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Underworld’s intricate labyrinthine passages and mysterious realms. The enriched gameplay experience will not only preserve the essence of the classic Hades tale but also introduce a plethora of new environments, trials, and intriguing characters waiting to be discovered. 

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about the story’s details. However, we can expect the same level of depth and complexity that Supergiant Games is known for. Knowing the creativity of the developer, we are more than sure we will be positively surprised by the Hades sequel. 

Gameplay details

The core roguelike gameplay remains intact, revolving around the exploration of varied dungeons, intense battles against formidable bosses, and acquiring permanent enhancements. We will see elements tailored to Melinoë’s unique playstyle. Players can expect spectral weapons that mirror her profound link to the deceased and spiritual entities, in addition to engaging with diverse magical abilities that further enhance the gameplay experience.

The official reveal trailer shows some bits of gameplay and visuals we will experience in Hades 2. Go and watch it now to get a glimpse of what is waiting for us in this exciting roguelike game!

Hades 2 protagonist

Who do you play as in Hades 2? Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, is a brand new character introduced in this title. She is the daughter of Hades and Persephone, making her a sister to Zagreus, the protagonist from the first game. Our new hero boasts a characteristic spectral arm with her bones visible. She also has heterochromia exactly like her brother.

In Greek mythology, Melinoë is a goddess of ghosts, nightmares, madness, and fear. She’s also believed to protect the dead. In some texts, she was also associated with a witch named Hecate, who, in Hades 2, will be her teacher. 

Other Hades 2 characters

Inspired by the richness of Greek mythology, the game is poised to captivate fans with its beautifully crafted world and a cast of diverse, multifaceted characters. From cunning gods to formidable monsters, each character is intricately designed to immerse players in a compelling narrative experience. We will meet, among others, these well-known names from Greek mythology: 

  • Hecate: goddess of witchcraft and magic,
  • Chronos: the titan of time,
  • Nemesis: goddess of retribution,
  • Moros: god of doom,
  • Apollo: god of light.

When does Hades 2 come out?

Hades 2 release date is probably what you are curious about. This roguelike will be released in Early Access in the second quarter of 2024, meaning that it might appear very soon. The game will be launched on Steam and Epic Games simultaneously.