Hades 2is still in early access, but it’s already considered one of the best roguelikes of the past several years. Whether that perception is reflective of Supergiant’s talent or a condemnation of the industry at large may be up for debate, but one thing is certain:Hades 2is a faithful, meaningful expansion of the formulas and mechanics laid out by its smash-hit 2020 predecessor.
But as an early access game,Hades 2is, by definition, incomplete. It’s quite feature-rich as-is, make no mistake, but Supergiant is still planning on expanding it through new areas, gameplay elements, and narrative beats ahead of its full launch. What exactly these new additions will entail is somewhat unclear, but if they areanything like the recent Olympic Update, then audiences can likely expect some major gameplay and story expansions over the course of the next year or so. Indeed,Hades 2is a fascinating early access title to keep an eye on, and future patches are sure to only make this IP more intriguing. Some will be more vital than others long-term, though.
Hades 2’s True Ending Will Have to Choose Between Decisive and Open-Ended
Hades Could End Here or Continue to Grow as a Franchise
Hades 2is the first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games, which says a lot. The developer’s previous games,Pyre,Transistor, andBastion, were all quite successful and are often cited as some of the best indie games ever made, so the fact thatHadesis the only one to ever receive a follow-up is indicative of both its incredible quality and potential for growth. All of that is to say thattheHadesIP morphing into an ever-present, never-ending franchise likeCall of Dutyis far from a given.
The firstHadesdoesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, nor does it leave too many loose ends that a sequel could tie up. But at the same time, its ending doesn’t negate the possibility of future entries, as all the principal characters are still alive and active. But one could imagine a scenario that puts a bow on theHadesfranchise: perhapsHades 2will end with the main cast denouncing violence entirely, or cutting themselves off from other godly conflicts. Conversely,Hades 2could conclude in a way that directly sets up a third entry, leaving major questions unanswered or even introducing a new protagonist. SinceHades 2is an unprecedented sequel from Supergiant, either scenario seems possible.
The Pros and Cons of Hades 2 Ending On a Definitive Note
One of the most respectable aspects of Supergiant as a developer is its restraint. While other studios latch onto an IP as soon as it shows signs of success, Supergiant is constantly looking ahead and starting new projects, pushing the envelope and never getting stale.Hades 2sidesteps the issue of franchise fatiguenot only because it’s just the second entry in a series, but because it doesn’t shy away from creative leaps. Supergiant could have easily madeHades 2about Zagreus facing some new threat, banking on players' love for the character, but it instead chose to introduce a new protagonist and turn the premise of the first game on its head.
So, unless Supergiant is able to act with this same boldness for a third entry, perhaps it would be best to makeHades 2the end of the series. If the door is still left open for a sequel that may or may not come to fruition, then the finale of the game could be unsatisfying. On the other hand, ifHades 2is too definitive with its ending, Supergiant could be closing itself off to new opportunities in its world. Thus, this narrative decision will need to be handled deftly—a feat that Supergiant will no doubt be able to manage.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
