Hades, the action RPG developed and published by Supergiant Games, has gained a significant following since its early access release in 2018 and its full release in 2020. The game has received critical acclaim for its fast-paced combat, compelling storyline, and unique take on the Greek mythology setting. However, one area where Hades 2 could be improved upon is the number of weapons available to the player and the depth from combining certain weapons with certain Boons. If Hades 2 can build upon what made Hades so enjoyable to play while maintaining the stellar voice acting, world-building, and plot, then it will surely soar as a classic in its genre.
One of the most appealing aspects of the original Hades is the ability to experiment with different builds and weapons to suit different playstyles. Each weapon has its own unique special and attack patterns, and players can use them in combination with varying sets of Boons (buffs and abilities granted by the Olympian gods) to create a variety of builds. However, the current selection of weapons and Boons is rather limited overall, and it makes sense to expand them in the sequel, Hades 2. It also didn't help the original Hades that each weapon's upgrades were strictly tied to the weapon itself and did little to expand gameplay through weapon combinations.
In Hades Players Had Access To Six Different Weapons Combined with Various Boons
In Hades, players could choose certain weapons, including a one-handed sword, a shield, a bow, a spear, fist gauntlets, and an adamant railgun. Each weapon had its own repeating attack pattern that certainly held some variation. Every weapon's special gave players an extra, usually spammable ability that would inject some variety into the usual combos. Dashing with each weapon also came with extra features depending on the weapon. On top of that, each weapon also had Aspects that were upgradable and expanded a weapon's functionalities. Beyond Aspects were many more upgrades that either added damage or further functionality.
Expanding upon the current selection of weapons would be the first and easiest change allowing players to experiment with new and unique playstyles. For example, adding new weapons like a dagger, whip, scythe, greatsword, and axe could bring extra variation to the many runs players commit to. Beyond just adding weapons, it could benefit Hades 2 to allow players to use two weapons at once or have two equipped and swap to one weapon at a time. By having two at once, and an expanded selection to choose from, players would have access to many different combinations that, when combined with Boons, would have much more gameplay depth.
In-Depth Weapon Customization Via A Crafting System Would Help Expand Gameplay
Another aspect of Hades that could be improved upon in Hades 2 is the customization of weapons and Boons. Currently, players can only acquire new weapons and Boons by playing through the game and unlocking them through various means. However, allowing players to customize their weapons and Boons through an in-game crafting system or by stacking and mixing upgrades would give them even more control over their builds.
These changes would, overall, allow Supergiant Games to dive deeper into Greek mythology and pull out more weapons, boons, and upgrades from such interesting mythos. Hades 2 is already looking impressive from early snippets of gameplay shown. How Supergiant Games expands upon the roguelite's gameplay in terms of extra weapons and depth remains to be fully seen, but at least some expansion can be expected - allowing Hades 2 to thrive.
Hades 2 is expected to go into early access in 2023.