Hades 2 Early Access hits the Steam and Epic Games!
For dungeon crawler lovers, the name Hades evokes a thrilling mix of challenge and dark humor. Supergiant Games’ 2018 roguelike masterpiece took the world by storm, captivating players with its addictive gameplay loop, unforgettable characters, and gorgeously illustrated underworld setting. After a surprise announcement at The Game Awards 2022, the highly anticipated sequel, Hades 2, has finally arrived – albeit in Early Access on PC.
This isn’t entirely uncharted territory for Supergiant. Their previous title, Bastion, also enjoyed a successful Early Access phase, allowing players to experience the game’s development and provide valuable feedback. This approach seems to be resonating with Hades 2 as well.
What is in Hades 2 Early Access?
Hades 2 Early Access offers a unique opportunity for developers to gather player feedback and refine their creation throughout the development process. Players who purchase Hades 2 in Early Access gain access to a portion of the complete game, allowing them to delve into the Underworld and experience core gameplay mechanics. This includes battling through procedurally generated dungeons, interacting with a colorful cast of characters, and unlocking new weapons and abilities.
While the exact length of the Hades 2 Early Access period hasn’t been confirmed, the developers have stated their intention to remain in this phase until at least the end of 2024. This extended period suggests that Hades 2 might be more substantial than its predecessor, offering a deeper story and more content to explore.
Players are praising the game’s familiar yet refined combat system, the introduction of a new playable character (the exiled prince Zagreus’s sister, Melinoë), and the continuation of the captivating storytelling that fans adored in the original.
Steam reviews support the hype
Despite being in Early Access, Hades 2 has garnered a wave of positive reviews on Steam, boasting an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating.
Critics have also chimed in with positive remarks, highlighting the game’s stunning visuals, engaging narrative, and the addictive nature of its core gameplay loop. While some reviewers have noted minor bugs and limitations inherent to Early Access titles, the overall sentiment leans towards Hades 2 being a worthy successor to its critically acclaimed predecessor.
Open for business with a caution
For those eager to jump into the fray, it’s important to remember that Early Access titles are, by definition, unfinished products. Players should expect to encounter bugs, glitches, and potentially missing content. Additionally, the core gameplay mechanics and overall balance might be subject to change throughout the development process based on player feedback.
However, Early Access also presents a unique opportunity to be part of the development journey. Players who purchase Hades 2 in Early Access can provide valuable feedback to the developers, potentially influencing the final form of the game. This can be a rewarding experience for players who are passionate about the project and want to see it reach its full potential.
Hades 2 early access price did not surprise
Sticking with the Underworld theme, let’s address the cost of your escape attempt in Hades II. The Early Access price for Hades II likely won’t raise any eyebrows for fans of Supergiant Games or those familiar with Early Access titles in general.
Hades 2 is currently priced at $29.99 on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. This grants access to the Early Access version of the game, letting you explore the content available during this development stage of the sequel of one of the greatest dungeon-crawler games ever.
Featured image credit: Supergiant Games/YouTube
