This is a really good moment for Hades II fans. This finally happened. New content, regions, and features have dropped in a flurry of new content in the first major update for the game since early access.
It’s a free expansion entitled The Olympic Update that brings new characters, pets, and—most importantly—the last weapon in the game—in other words, a whole new experience. This update isn’t just an addition for those deep into the mythological adventure; it completely changes the game.
New locations in Hades II’s first major update
And the most exciting addition to this year’s Olympic Update is the new region, of all places, Mount Olympus itself. Fans of both Hades I and Hades II now get to ascend to the mountain home of the Greek gods, a place fans have predicted since before the release of Hades I. This is the last region before you meet the game’s ultimate boss. For Melinoe’s protagonist, this is yet another perilous journey. Still, for fans, it is a new area that just screams a visually stunning and immersive place with many challenges and surprises.
The update doesn’t stop at Olympus. New music, decorations, and unlocking features have also been applied to the Crossroads region. This update feels so epic and fresh. Supergiant Games went above and beyond to make it feel new and different. There are no lows in terms of new sights.
Hades II’s first major update brings new weapons, allies, and familiars
New allies and familiars to fight beside you are not the only new elements in this update — its new locations also make it any different. Two iconic Greek gods return: Athena, in a dazzling battle helmet and golden armor, and Dionysus, who is decidedly more relaxed (and minimal). Boons and keepsakes can be received as boons call (different quality of keepsakes), and each has its own set of boons to offer players, each in a new way to approach combat.
Supergiant has also introduced two animal familiars: Raki, the raven of weakened foes, and Hecuba, the loyal hound who can cause enemies to be stunned as they dig up valuables. Some of these additions aren’t just for aesthetic reasons—they come with new strategies, allowing players to tinker or experiment with how they’d like to tackle a certain challenge.
Perhaps most importantly, this update adds the final weapon to Melinoe’s arsenal: Xinth, the Black Coat. Fans are eager to try this weapon’s power in the new region, which offers challenging new combat experiences.
Dialogue, balance tweaks, and beyond
That wasn’t all; players will enjoy over 2,500 new lines of dialogue, new story events, and familiar encounters with characters like Dora, Narcissus, Echo, and Arachne. Also included in the update are major balance tweaks, bug fixes, and performance improvements to improve gaming. Although fixes like Chronos no longer unpausing the game mid-fight is a welcome change for frustrated players, Supergiant’s commitment to polishing is clear from the get-go.
Even as an early access title, Hades II is jam-packed with content that rivals full releases. There is plenty in the game for players to sink over 100 hours into, all thanks to new features like a tarot card system for upgrades and new abilities to explore. Given that the full release date is still a ways off, this update shows that the game has already become an incredibly robust experience.
What’s next for Hades II?
More content is on the horizon, according to Supergiant. There will be a climactic showdown between the events of the recently added region, and various boons and enemies will also be introduced. In the meantime, more can be found in the Olympic Update for fans to keep them engaged.
Soon after the update is out, it’s very easy to get excited by the new stuff. This update is evidence that Supergiant Games has no intention of slowing down with superhigh-quality content. With the update, the mythical world of Hades II gets bigger. Bold moves are made, even by gaming giants like Supergiant Games. Other companies make major moves, as well. As it had to restructure, Meta let employees go. It turns out that things change all the time in the world of games.
Hours of new gameplay are promised in the latest Olympic Update for Hades II. This is one of the most expansive early-access titles, especially when there’s so much already out there. Get ready to tackle Olympus.
Image credit: Hades II
