Hades II Is Finally Here: A Beginner's Guide to the Roguelike of the Year
Supergiant Games released Hades II and it's already being called one of the best roguelikes ever made. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
What Makes Hades II Different
Hades II builds on everything that made the original Hades a masterpiece while taking the formula in new directions. You play as Melinoe, the Princess of the Underworld and sister to Zagreus, on a quest to defeat the Titan of Time. The biggest changes from the first game are the dual biome structure where you can choose between going up to the surface or deeper into the Underworld, the witchcraft system that adds resource management to combat, and a dramatically expanded cast of Olympian gods offering boons. If you played the original, expect familiar mechanics with much more depth. If this is your first Hades game, you are in for a treat.
Your First Run Will Be Brutal, and That Is the Point
Unlike most games, Hades II expects you to die. A lot. Each death is not a failure but a chance to earn permanent upgrades, unlock new weapons, and progress the story. Your first run should focus on learning enemy patterns rather than winning. Pay attention to which attacks you dodge successfully and which ones catch you off guard. The game rewards players who treat each run as a learning opportunity. By your tenth attempt, enemies that seemed impossible will feel manageable.
Choosing Your Weapon for the Early Game
Melinoe starts with several weapon choices, and the right pick for your first runs depends on your playstyle. The Witch's Staff is the most beginner-friendly option, offering safe ranged attacks while you learn enemy patterns. The Sister Blades are fast and reward aggressive play but punish mistakes harshly. The Moonstone Axe hits hard but leaves you vulnerable during wind-up animations. Our recommendation for new players is to start with the Staff, get comfortable with the core mechanics, then experiment with other weapons once you can survive the first few chambers consistently.
Olympian Boons: Which to Pick
When an Olympian god offers you a boon, the choice can feel overwhelming. As a general rule for early runs, prioritize damage boons on your main attack over situational effects. Zeus and Apollo offer flat damage increases that are hard to go wrong with. Aphrodite's Weak effect reduces enemy damage, which is huge for survivability. Avoid stacking too many different gods without a plan, as some boons synergize while others waste your Duo potential. Once you get past the first area consistently, start experimenting with build variety.
The Witchcraft System Changes Everything
Hades II introduces witchcraft mechanics that let you craft cards and arcana for permanent build customization. Do not ignore this system thinking it is optional. The arcana cards you equip between runs can dramatically change your power level and unlock new strategies. Focus on unlocking a few key cards early rather than spreading your resources thin. The Moon arcana cards that boost critical hit chance and magic damage are especially strong for most builds.
Get Help When You Are Stuck
Even the best guides cannot prepare you for every situation Hades II throws at you. Some boss fights have specific mechanics that are easier to see than to describe. If you find yourself stuck on a particular encounter or wondering why a build is not working, screenshot the moment and use GameSnap to get personalized advice tailored to your exact situation. It is much faster than scrolling through Reddit threads looking for someone with your exact problem.
The Verdict
Hades II is already a strong contender for game of the year. The combat is tighter, the story is more ambitious, and the roguelike loop is more addictive than ever. Whether you are a genre veteran or trying your first roguelike, this is the perfect entry point. Expect to lose track of time once you start. The game has depth that will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours, but the first few runs are the most important for setting the foundation for everything that comes later.
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