Summary
Hades 2will be the first-ever sequel from critical darling Supergiant Games, and while hopes are high for the successor to 2020’s smash-hit roguelike, its unprecedented nature means that it’s entering a bit of uncharted territory. The sequel will need to recapture thecharm and spirit of the originalHadeswhile further innovating and offering a fresh story, gameplay mechanics, and progression system. With the firstHadesexcelling in so many areas, topping it will be a tall order, and there’s onestepHades 2could take to help secure its success.
Though most players were introduced toHadeswhen it released in 2020, this official launch was preceded by two years of early access, exclusive to PC. Like many other games that would go on to achieve widespread acclaim for their 1.0 release,Hadeshammered out a lot of its technical issues and game design hiccups during this early access window, becoming all the better for it. It looks likeHades 2is following a similar path, and one tweak could make its time in early access even more beneficial.
Hades 2’s Early Access Should Be Available to Game Pass Subscribers
Xbox Game Pass has featured several early access titles, with many of them being made available for both PC and Xbox console users. Viral early access games likePalworldandGroundedhave had their visibility increased greatly by Game Pass, with the service offering players an affordable, low-stakes way to check out a promising title. This helps build the communities of these games, which in turn provides more data for the developers during their early access which, hopefully, leads to a better final product.
Drawing More Players to Hades 2’s Early Access
Early access can be a tricky thing. While some players are more than willing to support a project that they know is unfinished, others are more hesitant to put money down for a pre-1.0 version of a game. Of course, theoverwhelming success of the firstHadescould move the needle on public sentiment regarding its sequel’s early access, but still, its customer base will likely be primarily comprised of major fans of the first game who want to support the sequel, or get their hands on it as quickly as possible.
This could cause some issues, as Supergiant may be getting feedback from biased sources: if someone already loves the first game and has already decided that the sequel will be as good or better, then they will see what they expect to see during early access, possibly turning a blind eye to certain issues. By combining the first game’s dedicated fanbase with the massive install base of Game Pass, Supergiant could cast a far wider net, get better, more diverse feedback, and ultimately makethe ambitious development ofHades 2a little bit clearer and more efficient. If the game’s early access version could launch on Xbox consoles as well as PC, then even better.
The firstHadeswas available on Game Pass for a little over a year, setting a precedent for Supergiant to return to the platform.
All of this is easier said than done, and there’s a possibility that Supergiant Games may not consider the benefit of Game Pass visibility to be worth the cost of missing out on traditional purchases. After all, the hype forHades 2means that it will probably sell well, even if it is in early access.Hades 2spending some time in early accessshould be beneficial regardless of Game Pass involvement, but reaching a wider audience with Xbox’s help could wind up being the best move for both consumers and Supergiant.
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’re able to brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
