Summary

  • Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 will only have a digital release, disappointing gamers who prefer physical media.
  • The game is highly anticipated and has showcased a dark Nordic setting and detailed combat in trailers.
  • The decision for a digital-only release is puzzling considering the studio's partnership with Xbox and the game's AAA status.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has been confirmed to be having a digital-only release to the dismay of many gamers who prefer physical media. Headlining Xbox's January 2024 Developer Direct, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 had a huge presence, showcasing more of its dark Nordic setting, incredibly detailed combat, as well as finally providing its long awaited release date.

It's been a very long wait for fans of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, which originally released on PlayStation 4 in 2017 and came to Xbox One a year later. After Xbox's purchase of developer Ninja Theory in 2018, and the reveal of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 next to the unveiling of the Xbox Series X at the 2019 Game Awards, the sequel has become one of Xbox's most highly anticipated first-party exclusives. An all-new motion capture studio, the use of Unreal Engine 5, and several dazzling gameplay trailers have catapulted Hellblade 2 into becoming a potential show-stopping title for fans of Xbox.

iceland senuas saga hellblade 2 volcano erupting
Hellblade 2's Historical Setting Explained

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 will be set in a location rarely seen in historical games, and will likely hold many surprises in the sequel.

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After its stunning appearance at Xbox's recent Developer Direct, Xbox Wire has confirmed that Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is set for a digital-only release and will forego the release of a physical version. While surely disappointing for those who prefer to buy physical, a lower price tag of $50 helps to rectify the strange decision. Of course, Hellblade 2 will also be available on Game Pass just like any other first-party Xbox game, which may likely be how the majority of Xbox users play the title.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was essentially considered an indie game and, as such, had a digital-only release, which made sense. However, since Ninja Theory has been a part of Xbox Game Studios for quite some time now, and considering the studio has beefed up its ranks with the backing of Xbox for Hellblade 2, the sequel missing a physical release is quite puzzling, as it's one of the biggest AAA first-party games Xbox has had in the pipleline over the past several years.

Recently, Remedy Entertainment's very long-awaited sequel, Alan Wake 2, caused an uproar when it announced a digital-only release late last year. The game went on to become one of the most highly praised titles of 2023 and won three categories at The Game Awards. With that in mind, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is still very much in a position to amaze despite its lack of a physical option.

After many release date-less showings over the years, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is finally slated for May 21. Over a year after its launch, the original Hellblade received a physical release in 2018. Perhaps something similar is in store for Hellblade 2, though with the much larger presence of Xbox Game Pass and the ongoing and unfortunate decline of physical media, fans shouldn't get their hopes up.

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Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Tag Page Cover Art
8 /10

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
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Action-Adventure
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Systems
PC-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 79%
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Released
May 21, 2024
ESRB
m
Developer(s)
Ninja Theory
Publisher(s)
Xbox Game Studios
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without.

A crafted experience of cinematic immersion:  Sink deep into Senua’s world and story, with beautifully realized visuals and encapsulating sound.

Senua’s unique perspective:  Experience the world through Senua’s eyes and ears, as a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis.

A journey into Viking Iceland:  An epic journey across 10th century Iceland, recreated from real locations in stunning detail.

Every fight tells a story:  Brutal and visceral combat as Senua battles for survival.

Genre(s)
Action-Adventure