Having racked up over 200 hours in the first Hades, I launched into Hades II fully expecting the new game to be just as good as its predecessor. And truthfully? It doesn’t disappoint. It simultaneously feels both new and familiar, having new weapons, different god boons (blessings), and a combat system that encourages new methods of play.

Easy to Learn, Easy to Love

The brand new Hades II game is very much approachable for a new subscriber. The game’s loop is simple enough, fighting through chambers, collecting Boons from the gods, and pushing as far as you can before you die and start all over again. The first game isn’t particularly special, and the mechanics are explained gradually, at which point you are slashing, dashing, and casting like a pro in minutes. 

Veterans with experience in Hades I also consider the learning curve to be very smooth. For new players, the game is designed to be welcoming enough, but not in a way that causes players to feel overwhelmed.

New Weapons and Boons

Along with the anticipated arsenal in Hades II, there is also the satisfaction of testing each weapon. Every weapon performs differently, with each of them having versatile motions and combination techniques. The champs’ favors on each run alters your playstyle. Much like the predecessor, every try does not feel identical. Although the roguelike structure is still in place, Hades II enhances the available tactical choices and makes every single choice, weapon modification, route selection, or blessing, feel significant.

The Dash Change

A notable gameplay adjustment comes with the dash mechanic. In Hades I, dashing was near-instant and spammable, letting Zagreus zip around the battlefield. In Hades II, Melinoë’s dash has a slight delay after each use.

This small tweak changes the flow of combat:

• You can’t rely on dash-spamming to escape danger.
• Positioning and timing are more important.
• It forces a balance between dodging and attacking.

The fights feel a bit more deliberate, which adds depth without slowing the pace too much.

Hades II needs no introduction. You do not have to play the first Hades to appreciate the sequel, which offers a wealth of new mechanics, fresh weapons, and new blessings to keep every run entertaining. It is still entertaining, simple to grasp, and filled with new mechanics, weapons, and blessings.

While Hades I first adds context and helps relate with the world and the characters, it isn’t necessary. Hades II is still a captivating and polished roguelike, with its own identity, regardless if you have spent countless hours exploring the Underworld, or if it is your very first time there.