Supergiant Games' Hades 2, the sequel to the hit Roguelike action RPG Hades, is officially in an indefinite early access period — until the developer feels the game has reached a place worthy of a full release. It took two years for Hades to leave early access, so the hope is that Hades 2 won't take that long. At the same time, Supergiant rightfully should spend the time it needs to with Hades 2, to ensure it is the best that it can be by adding frequent updates, and one other area Supergiant shouldn't neglect throughout Hades 2's early access period is the game's boss fights.
Hades 2's boss fights are both challenging and exciting. Each one has unique mechanics that will keep players engaged and, despite the game's Roguelike nature of having players repeat boss fights over and over, the challenge of each fight lends to their ongoing freshness. At the same time, Hades 2 adds more than a challenge to keep fights interesting. In fact, the climactic fight with Chronos at the end of Melinoe's Underworld expedition includes a hidden mechanic that may surprise players who think they can get away with setting the game down for a moment.
Hades 2’s Melinoe Is the Other Side of Zagreus’ Coin
Despite being siblings and sharing plenty of similar characteristics, Hades 2's Melinoe and Hades' Zagreus are still two sides of the same coin.
Hades 2's Hidden Chronos Mechanic Should Set a Precedent for the Game's Future
Hades 2's Chronos Fight Has a Somewhat Hidden Time-Based Mechanic
Chronos is the Titan of Time, and, as he claims, he is Time itself. In Hades 2, Chronos is the fuel behind Melinoe's continued ventures into the Underworld, as he is responsible for imprisoning the entire House of Hades (all but Melinoe) in an unending moment. This is the central story of Hades 2, and the initial main objective players are given.
After players fight their way through the Underworld's different levels, they will eventually happen upon Chronos, who proves to be one of the game's most challenging foes due to having two phases and being what is arguably the fastest boss in Hades 2.
During the fight, he will frequently swipe at the player with his scythe and occasionally attempt to trap them in a time zone that will freeze the player in place for a brief period. However, there is one other mechanic to his fight that makes it both immersive and even more challenging.
If players attempt to pause the game at any time during their fight against Chronos, he will comment on being the only one who can control time and force the game to resume. This is not only befitting of Chronos' character as the Titan of Time, but it also prevents players from being able to take a break during the intense fight to get their bearings. It is one of Hades 2's best hidden mechanics, and it should set a precedent for the game's future.
Hades 2 Could Afford to Implement Even More Hidden Boss Mechanics While It Still Has Time
While Hades 2 is still in early access, it could afford to implement even more hidden boss mechanics like Chronos' un-pause mechanic to its existing bosses or more it may add in the future. Supergiant has already proven that it is willing to add content of substance while Hades 2 is in early access, so adding another boss with similar hidden mechanics or altering the game's current boss fights to reflect this isn't entirely out of the question. Of course, it all depends on where Supergiant plans to take the sequel, and whether there are still more boss fights to be added on top of those already included in the game's early access version.
Hades 2
- Released
- September 25, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft.
BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLD
As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you'll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.
MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERY
Infuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.
MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
Meet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.
EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURE
New locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.
THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITY
Thanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don't have to be a god yourself to experience what Hades II has to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
Rich, atmospheric presentation and storytelling fused with responsive action is the hallmark of Supergiant's titles. Vivid new hand-painted environments, even smoother real-time 3D characters, and an electrifying original score make this mythic world burst with life.
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Franchise
- Hades
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
