Although still in early access, Hades 2 has already made waves as an incredible roguelike, attracting many who enjoy the genre. While there is no telling when its official release will be, this may be a good thing as the game not being tied down to any promised date means it has all the time it needs for improvements. With all the features of Hades 2 confirmed so far, Supergiant Games' creation seems to be set up for success. However, one area of the game could still use a few changes, as its current state isn't allowing it to meet its full potential.
In Hades 2, Melinoe can use many different tools to help with the journey throughout the Underworld or the Surface. Aside from weapons, keepsakes, and boons, one of the more interesting forms of help comes from familiars. They are animal companions with active and passive effects which are useful in many scenarios. As good as they are, they seem to be underutilized as the game still only has two of them, and there is the potential for more with even stranger abilities. Since the game is still in its early access state, there is still time to work on the feature to improve it before full release.
Predicting Hades 2's Full Release Date
Hades 2 has only been in early access for three months, but there is already enough evidence to speculate on a possible full release date for it.
How Hades 2 Can Improve Its Familiar Feature
Hades 2's familiars have the most potential compared to other features, as its current state is already polished well and can be even more so with the right changes. They are already a good asset in combat, but there are at least a few ways they could be improved:
- Have more choices than just Frinos and Toula, as more familiars mean new ways to handle runs throughout the Surface or Underworld
- Allow the familiars to have more active and passive effects with a limit to how many can be equipped, letting players choose which ones best suit their playstyle
- Give players the ability to acquire accessories for the familiars that will increase the power of certain effects, incentivizing them to play more in order to collect them
The familiars in their early access state in Hades 2 are a functional and helpful feature, but these changes can help them become even more meaningful in gameplay.
As Melinoe's companions, they are expected to provide aid in many unique ways, and for now, the way they do so can feel somewhat underwhelming. With the right modifications, familiars can become one of the most essential and standout features that may set the tone for future roguelikes.
How Improving Familiars Could Potentially Lead to Another Big Change for Hades 2
The familiars getting an update could lead Supergiant Games to see that perhaps animals or animal-like creatures aren't the only companions Melinoe can take on her journey. The characters of Hades 2 already pack a ton of charm, and they all seem capable of combat, so giving the player the option to have them accompany them during runs would be a sensible feature. It would require some gameplay balancing, but being able to fight together with characters such as Odysseus or Nemesis could lead to some interesting combat scenarios and visuals.
Also, it allows for the possibilities of new content, such as an additional narrative depending on who Melinoe takes with her on her runs. If improving the animal companions can lead to all these changes, then Supergiant Games has something to consider.
The familiars are a feature that can help Hades 2 excel if improved in the right areas. Their usefulness in and out of combat already makes them a great asset, but they have the potential to do more than what they're currently capable of. If they receive the right changes, they could become one of the biggest things that help Hades 2 stand out against all its other competitors, maybe against even its predecessor.
-
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
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Hades
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
