Hades 2 came out in Early Access on May 6, 2024, for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The full 1.0 release does not yet have a confirmed date, but Supergiant Games has stated it will likely take “at least through the end of 2024” to complete the Early Access period, with the full launch expected sometime in 2025.
Early Access Launch Details
Supergiant Games announced Hades 2 during The Game Awards in December 2022, surprising fans who had assumed the studio would move on to a new IP. The sequel was developed alongside a paid Early Access model, similar to the original Hades, which launched in Early Access in December 2018 and stayed there for nearly two years before its full release in September 2020.
The Early Access version of Hades 2 launched with a substantial amount of content: two complete regions (the Underworld and the Surface), a full cast of Olympian gods with boons, a new protagonist, and several weapon aspects. Supergiant has since released multiple major patches, each adding new characters, areas, and quality-of-life improvements. The studio has been transparent about its roadmap, posting detailed patch notes and development updates on Steam and the official Supergiant Games website.
What Is the Story and Setting?
Hades 2 is a direct sequel to the 2020 roguelike dungeon crawler Hades, which was based on Greek mythology. The story follows Melinoë, the daughter of Hades and Persephone, who was first mentioned in ancient Greek sources as a goddess of ghosts and nightmares. In the game, Melinoë is training to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time, who has escaped from the underworld and is besieging the house of Hades. The narrative is set after the events of the first game, with many familiar characters returning, including Zagreus, the protagonist of the original, who appears as a supporting character.
The game expands the setting beyond the Underworld, allowing players to explore the surface world of Greece, including locations like the Thessalian plain and the city of Ephyra. This dual-region structure is a major new feature: players alternate between descending into the Underworld and ascending to the Surface, each with its own set of enemies, bosses, and environmental hazards.
How Does Gameplay Differ From the First Game?
Hades 2 retains the core loop of the original: fast-paced combat, procedurally generated dungeons, and a story that unfolds through repeated runs. However, several key changes set it apart:
- New protagonist: Melinoë uses a two-handed blade called the Sister Blades, but she also has a unique mechanic: her magic system. She can cast spells that create area-of-effect zones, and her “Omega” moves are charged attacks that consume magic.
- New resource: Instead of the Darkness and Keys of the original, Melinoë collects Ash, Psyche, and other materials to unlock abilities and upgrade the Crossroads (the hub area).
- New gods and boons: The Olympians return, but new gods like Apollo, Hestia, and Hephaestus offer boons, while the original’s gods have some altered abilities. The game also introduces a new cast of minor gods and spirits.
- Companion system: Players can befriend animal companions like a frog, a cat, and a crow, each granting a unique active ability.
- Dual weapons: Melinoë can equip two weapons at once and swap between them mid-run, a first for the series.
Platforms and Availability
Currently, Hades 2 is only available on PC (Windows) via Steam and the Epic Games Store. There is no official console version yet, but the original Hades was eventually released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, so it is highly likely that Hades 2 will follow a similar path. Supergiant has not announced a Switch version specifically, but they have said they want to bring the game to as many platforms as possible after the full release. Console players will have to wait for the 1.0 launch, which is expected to be in 2025.
Price and Editions
During Early Access, Hades 2 is priced at $29.99 USD, which is the same price the original Hades launched at in Early Access. The full release price may increase, as Supergiant has said they plan to raise the price to $34.99 or $39.99 when the game leaves Early Access. There is no deluxe or collector’s edition announced yet, but the original got a physical release later, so that is a possibility for the sequel.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Hades 2 is a full release because it has been available for over a year. In reality, the game is still in Early Access, meaning it is not feature-complete and may contain bugs, placeholder art, and unpolished dialogue. Supergiant has been clear that the story is not finished, and the final ending will only be added at the 1.0 launch. Another frequent question is whether the game requires knowledge of the first Hades. While it helps to know the characters, the game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, with a codex that summarizes the lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the full release of Hades 2?
Supergiant has not given a specific date, but they have said the Early Access period will last “at least through the end of 2024.” Based on the original Hades’ timeline, which took 21 months from Early Access to full release, a 2025 launch is likely, but it could slip to 2026 if the team decides to expand scope.
Will Hades 2 come to Nintendo Switch?
No official announcement has been made, but the original Hades was ported to Switch, and Supergiant has expressed interest in bringing Hades 2 to consoles after the full release. It is highly likely that a Switch version will come, but it may not be available until 2025 or later.
Is Hades 2 a roguelike or a roguelite?
Like the original, Hades 2 is a roguelite: death sends you back to the hub, but you keep permanent upgrades (like the Mirror of Night) and story progression. The game also has a “God Mode” that reduces damage taken, making it more accessible.
Can I play Hades 2 on Steam Deck?
Yes, Hades 2 is verified on Steam Deck, meaning it runs well with the default settings. The game supports cloud saves, so you can switch between PC and Steam Deck without losing progress.
How long is a typical run in Hades 2?
A single run takes about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on your skill and how much you explore. The game has a similar length to the original, but the dual-region structure means you may spend more time in each run if you choose to do both the Underworld and the Surface in one attempt.
What’s Next for Hades 2?
Supergiant Games continues to update Hades 2 with new content. As of late 2024, the game has received several major patches, including the “Olympic Update” that added a new region, a new weapon, and a new companion. The studio has also announced that they will add a third region (the Temple of Styx) and a final boss fight before the 1.0 release. The full version will include the complete story, voice acting, and all planned features. Until then, players can enjoy the Early Access build, which already offers dozens of hours of content.
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