Breakdown
- Hades 2 has been released in early access via Steam, full release could happen at the end of the year
- It already has more content than the full launch of Hades but key areas are missing
- Depending on the amount of content added, Supergiant might increase the cost of the game
After a quick technical testing period, Supergiant Games has officially dropped Hades 2 as an early access title via Steam.
While the developers did hint several times that the early access period would come relatively soon after the close technical testing ended, it still took fans by surprise when Supergiant dropped the news on May 6, sending the community into a frenzy.
Hades 2 is the first sequel developed by the independent studio, which has always preferred to move to different projects to keep things fresh and avoid stagnation. If there was one IP that deserved a sequel, it was definitely Hades though.
Originally released in 2020 for PC and Nintendo Switch, Hades found incredible success, ending in many Game of the Year lists from specialised critics and fans alike. PlayStation and Xbox fans would get to enjoy a cosy trip to the Underworld in 2021 and was even added to Netflix Games this year.
Hades spent two years in early access. This allowed Supergiant to gather direct feedback from players, a tactic they are repeating with Hades 2.
Hades spent two years in early access. This allowed Supergiant to gather direct feedback from players, a tactic they are repeating with Hades 2. The developers stated they'll be "monitoring direct feedback" as they continue to improve the experience.
As for how much content is currently available in the early access version of Hades 2, Supergiant states that it already has more than the 1.0 release of Hades but there are some key elements lacking such as "characters, foes, narrative events, and systems are still to come."
The plan is to drop major updates every few months. Depending on the scale, Hades 2 could remain in early access beyond 2024, although the current plan is that a full release of the game happens in 2025.
Supergiant Games has warned players that the price of the game might be raised depending on how much content it gets added. At present, the early access version is retailing for $30.
Talks of releasing it on other platforms have not started but it's almost a given that we'll see Hades 2 eventually come to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch at some point when the official release gets closer.