Highlights
- Hades 2 is Supergiant Games' highly anticipated sequel to the immensely successful Hades , and the reveal trailer showcased a return to the beloved art style and gameplay, along with a new protagonist named Melinoe.
- While fans are eager to learn more about Melinoe, many are curious about the role of Zagreus, the protagonist from the first game. It is still unclear how Zagreus will fit into the narrative of Hades 2 , but his canonical ending from Hades will likely factor into the sequel's plot.
- Zagreus becoming a boon-giver in Hades 2 would tie him to a core mechanic of the game and offer a fresh dynamic for players. This could also allow Zagreus to mentor Melinoe and provide words of wisdom throughout the game.
Hades 2 will mark Supergiant Games first pass at a sequel to one of its titles, which has fueled speculation on how the indie darling studio will iterate and pay tribute to the game's predecessor. The reveal trailer at the 2022 Game Awards showcased a glorious return to the vivid art style and satisfying gameplay of Hades back and better than ever for Hades 2, as well as an all-new protagonist that players will fight through the world of Greek mythology as. Melinoe, princess of the Underworld, is a character that fans are eager to learn more about, but many wonder what role the beloved Zagreus will play throughout the course of Hades 2.
Not even players familiar with Supergiant Games' previous titles could have anticipated the monumental success of Hades. Released in early access in 2018, its full release a couple of years later introduced millions to its gorgeously-realized world, sharp writing, likable characters, and an addictive gameplay loop that propelled it to the forefront of game of the year conversations for 2020. Hades stands among the timeless pantheon of games that helped to redefine and grant mainstream relevance to the rogue-like genre. Some had theorized that in light of its success, Supergiant Games would go back to the well of Hades for its next title, and the 2022 Game Awards trailer for Hades 2 joyously proved those theories correct.
Zagreus' Role in Hades 2 is Unclear
Most information fans have gleaned about the game comes from Hades 2's initial trailer. The plot appears to hinge on Melinoe defeating her grandfather, the Titan of Time. How this unfolds from the true ending of Hades has yet to be explained, but it stands to reason that Melinoe will have the full support of the gods of Mount Olympus on the quest. Beating Hades ten times and then following the requisite steps for the epilogue treats players with a wholesome reunion between the Olympian gods and those that dwell in the Underworld, with Zagreus having successfully rescued his mother, Persephone. While there may be a time gap between Hades and Hades 2, this canonical ending will undoubtedly factor into the plot of the sequel.
As a direct continuation, Hades 2 is near-assured to feature Zagreus at some point. Its narrative arc between the first game should show the development of its former central protagonist as the reins are passed to his sister. There are a number of interesting paths that Supergiant Games could take this passing of the torch, but perhaps the most intriguing would be to cast Zagreus in the role of Boon-giver, a central mechanic in assisting players on their journey to slay Chronos.
Hades 2 Can Honor the Original Without Living in Its Shadow
A central mechanic in Hades, the various gods encountered by Zagreus would offer thematic perks and modifiers for combat that add to combat effectiveness and shape play styles, essential for the ultimate goal of dispatching the eponymous Hades. Promoting Zagreus from slayer to boon-giver would be a clever nod to his ascension at the close of the first game, while tying him to a core mechanic of the games. It would also add variety, giving the developers an opportunity to design an all-new theme for a set of boons that players could build around for each run.
With the dialogue system of Hades, making Zagreus a boon-giver would not pigeon-hole the character, instead imbuing him with a vast breadth of sagely words of wisdom, amusing callbacks from the first game, and a sense of mentorship as Melinoe comes into her own as a character. This mentor role for Zagreus could be expanded on, perhaps overshadowing the role of a boon-giver, but the trailer hinted at the mysterious Hecate guiding Melinoe. Whatever the case may be, Hades 2 easily charts as one of the most anticipated indie games in development right now.
Hades 2 is in development.