Hades 2: Starter Guide

To the delight of all but Chronos, Hades 2 was finally released in Early Access, thus bringing to both newcomers and long-time fans the next chapter of its story, paired with a plethora of new features and the return of many of the beloved mechanics that turned the first game into a genre-defying success. But true to that, it is not a surprise that a few players might be a bit overwhelmed when attempting to dive into the title. To help you be fully ready for what’s ahead, here’s everything you need to know about Hades 2.

• Table of Contents:
  • About Hades 2
  • Understanding It’s Gameplay
  • Do You Need to Play Hades to Play Hades 2?
  • All System Requirements
  • Frequently Asked Questions

(This guide does not feature any heavy spoilers regarding the story of both Hades and Hades 2, so dive in without fear).

About Hades 2

A sequel to the award-winning rogue-like by Supergiant Games, Hades 2 puts players in the flaming shoes of the Princess of the Underworld and Zagreus’s little sister Melinoë, as she fights to take the head of the Titan of Time Chronos and save both her family and the whole Greece from his clutches.

Understanding It’s Gameplay

The foundation of the Hades 2 experience lies in adventuring toward either the House of Hades or Mount Olympus. During each path, you will be able to move forward by completing encounters, a feat you can do 9 out of 10 times by defeating hordes of enemies and bringing down bosses. After each encounter, players will then be able to get buffs, which will offer exclusive perks to Melinoë during their run.

When in combat, Melinoë can make use of many different offensive and defensive moves, going from her dash to her regular attacks, Special, and Cast. The latter three can be enhanced by holding their buttons. While in the field, you will also be able to gather a wide array of resources by either using tools or simply interacting with them.

What Else Can You Do?

Like in Hades, Hades 2 allows players to go way beyond combat by performing a wide array of activities, which starts with the ability to interact with a wide cast of characters, be it while accepting their boons/during encounters in the field, or while resting and gathering your strength at The Crossroads —the game’s hub. You will be transported to The Crossroads after each successful run (or death).

Don’t forget to talk to your allies at every chance. Doing so will allow you to both learn more about them and advance the game’s narrative. While at the hub, you will also be able to unlock new mechanics and areas by performing Incantations, as well as get weapons and buffs. You can also deepen your bond with almost all of the game’s cast by interacting with them, gifting them, and inviting them out, which, needless to say, is another cornerstone of the experience. 

Do You Need to Play Hades to Play Hades 2?

Although a direct sequel of it, you can enjoy Hades 2 without having played or finished the first game. It’s important to point out, however, that only those familiar with it will be able to get the full experience narrative-wise and grasp all of the references and callbacks featured in it. Some heavy moments might also not hit as hard for those unfamiliar with the franchise.

All Hades 2 System Requirements

For the relief of all, Hades 2 can be played at max settings, even on more dated systems. You can check out an overview of the minimum and recommended system requirements for the game below:

Frequently Asked Questions

To leave nothing to your imagination and close off our guide, here are a few frequently asked questions regarding Hades 2, including if the game is Steam Deck verified, its release date, and more.

Can you play Hades 2 with a controller?

Yes,Hades 2 can be played with a controller, and the dev team encourages you to use a gamepad. You can play Hades 2 with a controller by simply plugging your chosen one into your PC. Once your controller is plugged in, just make any input to change the game’s interface accordingly. 

Is Hades 2 on Game Pass?

Hades 2 is not part of the Game Pass catalog at the time of writing.

Is Hades 2 Steam Deck Verified?

Yea. Hades 2 is completely playable in the Steam Deck and has the verified seal.

Is Hades 2 available for consoles?

Hades 2 is available for Early Access and can be played exclusively on PC, via Steam and the Epic Games Store. According to Supergiant Games, there are plans for the game to arrive on consoles once the Early Access period ends.

When will Hades 2 be released?

It is still unknown when Hades 2 will be released, as the game has just entered its Early Access phase. On that note, the game’s Early Access period is expected to last until at least the end of 2024.

If you are a console player, you can currently play Hades on pretty much all platforms. The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch.