In 2020, Hades took the gaming world by storm, and in 2025, its sequel has done the same. Hades 2 takes everything the first game did right — compelling characters, an engaging story, gorgeous art, smooth and fast-paced gameplay — and did it even bigger and better than before. And just like the first game, it's a mythology lover's dream come true.
The developers at Supergiant put a lot of time, thought, and care into the details of this game, from boss fight mechanics to character designs. The game uses elements of everything from the most widely-known myths to obscure stories of the Iliad, making the world feel as rich and detailed as the canon of Greek myth itself. Not only that, but it integrates clever ties to its predecessor, making the series feel cohesive.
Best Hades 2 Characters For Cosplay
For those who love the character designs in Hades 2, these deities and immortals would make a great cosplay for anyone willing to craft it.
Chronos' Design
He's Been Pieced Back Together
When the gods first defeated Chronos, they tore him to pieces and scattered him in Tartarus. Hades 2 references this throughout the story, including multiple comments from Chronos on how he "pieced himself back together." How he did this remains vague, but it's reflected in his design.
In Hades 2, Chronos appears as a shadowy figure with golden streaks running through his face and torso. Visually, it's reminiscent of the pottery technique kintsugi, in which breaks are mended with gold or other precious metals such that they become part of the piece. Chronos didn't just mend himself — he bears his scars with an arrogant pride, sneering at his foes and taunting them with the fact that he can never be killed, even when torn to shreds.
Hecate's Familiars
Hecuba & Gale Come From Greek Mythological Canon
Hecuba the hound and Gale the polecat are Hecate's loyal animal companions, whom Melinoë can bond with to aid her on her journeys. But they're more than just adorable creatures — Supergiant did research into the depths of Greek mythology to find them.
In the Iliad and other Greek writings, Hecuba was the queen of Troy during the Trojan War, and the wife of King Priam. Some sources claim that she was given to Odysseus as a slave, and that she cursed at him. The gods turned her into a dog, allowing her to escape. Other legends claim that she was turned into a dog when she went mad after the deaths of her children and threw herself into the sea. In both cases, she was rescued by the goddess Hecate, and became one of her familiars.
Best Boons in Hades 2, Ranked
New and returning Gods in Hades 2 will offer Melinoë boons to help her accomplish her task – these are the best Boons for any build.
As for Gale, one myth tells of a witch named Gale who earned Hecate's wrath, and the goddess of witchcraft turned her into a polecat. A more detailed story, though, tells of Galinthias, a mortal woman who tricked Hera into ceasing the labor pains of Heracles' mother. For her trickery, Hera turned her into a polecat, at which time Hecate took pity on Galinthias and took her in as a familiar.
Musical Callbacks
Clever Uses Of The First Game's Music
Almost all the music in Hades 2 is new, but sharp listeners will hear the original game's leitmotifs a few times. For example, when Melinoë travels through the mirror to speak to Zagreus in dreams, the percussion riff that plays is the same track that players hear as Zagreus begins an escape run in the first game.
The song "Mountain of the Gods," which plays as Melinoë begins her climb up Mount Olympus, also features the main musical motif from the first game's track titled "On the Coast," which plays when Zagreus first reaches the surface. Though the circumstances are very different, it's a nod that Melinoë, like her brother, is a step closer to meeting the Olympian relatives who once seemed so far away.
The Adamant Rail
Zagreus Once Used The Aspect Of Eris
Several characters mention that Eris is in possession of the Exagryph, the Adamant Rail, a weapon that players will likely remember as being part of Zagreus' armory in the first game. Keen players may also remember that they could unlock the Aspect of Eris for this weapon. Not only does Eris wield the Adamant Rail in battle in Hades 2, but in her portrait, she holds it proudly over her shoulder — and its design is identical to Exagryph's Aspect of Eris in Hades.
But it's not just a matter of appearance. The way Eris uses the Adamant Rail reflects this Aspect's moveset in Hades as well. When Zagreus equips the Aspect of Eris, he can "absorb" the blast fired by his Special to deal more damage, in much the same way. Three times during her battle in Hades 2, when Eris has two-thirds, one-third, and almost no health left, Eris will fire off a massive shot into the air. She stands in the middle of the blast, and after it clears, will increase her damage by 100%.
An allusion to another aspect of this weapon takes place in dialogue with Hestia. When Melinoë accepts a boon from her after fighting Eris, Hestia may mention a time when she herself possessed the Adamant Rail. As some players might recall, the Aspect of Hestia is another option that Zagreus can unlock for Exagryph.
The Aspect of Nemesis
Nemesis' Portrait Shows Another Familiar Weapon
Exagryph isn't the only weapon from the original Hades that makes an appearance in the sequel. Although it's never mentioned outright, eagle-eyed players may have spotted another of Zag's Infernal Arms.
Hades 2: Overpowered Builds You Should Try
These powerful builds in Hades 2 will ensure you always come out on top in battle.
In the first game, one of the unlockable aspects of Stygius, or the Stygian Blade, is the Aspect of Nemesis. Taking a close look at Nemesis' design, the sword featured in her portrait bears a striking resemblance to the Aspect of Nemesis' physical appearance in Hades. It's a more subtle nod than Eris' weapon of choice, but is another example of Supergiant's remarkable attention to detail.
Pausing While Fighting Chronos
The Titan Of Time Is Not Pleased
If players need to pause the game while fighting Melinoë's sworn enemy, they'll find a clever fourth-wall break. Chronos grows immensely irritated with Melinoë/the player: how dare they halt the flow of time? That is his domain alone! He makes plenty of snide comments and leaves plenty of insults while the pause menu is up.
In Early Access, Chronos refused to let the player pause the game at all; he would declare that power over time is his alone, and start the fight again. Players could only pause this fight after creating a specific Incantation at their cauldron. This was altered in the full version of the game due to player feedback, but enacting the Vow of Rivals for Chronos' battle once again gives him the power to block the player from pausing.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- September 25, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
