Summary
The roguelike genre is all about experimentation. With every death comes a new run, and with that comes the opportunity to assess where the player went wrong, how they can improve next time, and what upgrades will see that strategy come to fruition. It’s through this cycle of experimentation that players become hooked bythe roguelike genre, and the deeper that experimentation is, the more hooked players are likely to become. AndHades 2knows that all too well.
Upping the ante of its predecessor in just about every way,Hades 2sets a new gold standard for the level of experimentation expected from a roguelike game. From Boons that can drastically affect the player’s build, to a wealth of new permanent upgrade systems, to new resources and encounter types,Hades 2ensures that no two runs are the same, and its slew of new weapons is at the heart of that approach, delivering five completely different ways for the player to attack.
Still in early access,Hades 2developer Supergiant plans on delivering one more weapon before the game’s eventual full release.
Every Weapon in Hades 2 Explained
Hades 2’s Witch’s Staff
The starting weapon forHades 2, Melinoe’s Witch’s Staffdoes a great job of introducing players to the new combat systems in the sequel. The Witch’s Staff has a fairly straightforward three-combo attack pattern, delivering a few forward-facing thrusts. Its special move launches a projectile that has a light homing effect. But much like the rest ofHades 2’s weaponry, the really exciting part about the Witch’s Staff is its Omega moves, charged versions of the Staff’s attack and special that have unique effects and do quite a bit of damage. The Staff’s Omega attack launches a straight line of magic both in front of and behind Melinoe, while the Omega special launches a projectile that explodes on impact.
Visually speaking, the Witch’s Staff is simple yet effective, immediately setting the sequel’s more magical-focused narrative and tone. As far as starting weapons go,Hades 2’s Witch’s Staff is a great iteration, with a flexible moveset that works well with many of the game’s Boons, and a versatile, accessible attack pattern that works with all playstyles.
Hades 2’s Sister Blades
Fast and frantic,Hades 2’s Sister Bladestake the form of a small dagger and sickle, fitting in very well with the rest of the game’s nocturnal visual theming. The Sister Blades are tailor-made for hit-and-run playstyles, with an attack combo that heavily encourages players to dash in, take a few quick stabs at their opponent, and dash back out again. They definitely take some getting used to, butHades 2’s Sister Blades can be lethal with the right Boons attached, capable of dishing out decent damage at an alarming rate.
Hades 2’s Umbral Flames
One of the most useful weapons inHades 2, the Umbral Flames are perfect for those who prefer a ranged build. Appearing as two magical torches, the Umbral Flames' primary attack sees players lob a series of projectiles at their opponent, and its special surrounds the player with those same projectiles. Its moveset is arguably the most basic of the lot, butHades 2’s Umbral Flamescan offer a much safer playstyle than the rest, with its moveset encouraging players to keep their distance.
Hades 2’s Moonstone Axe
Potentially the most lethal weapon inHades 2, the Moonstone Axeis capable of dishing out incredible amounts of damage, but is by far the slowest weapon in Melinoe’s arsenal. The Moonstone Axe’s attack delivers two sweeping slashes, and one powerful overhead slam, while its special blocks oncoming damage. The Moonstone Axe thrives with just about any Boon, but its slower attack speed can easily trip players up, especially when they encounter some of the game’s faster enemies and bosses.
Hades 2’s Argent Skull
The last weapon players will likely unlock inHades 2, the Argent Skull is an extremely unique weapon, but one that players will need to spend some time getting to grips with before they really start to see results. TheArgent Skull’s attackhas Melinoe throwing three exploding skulls which she then needs to pick back up, and the special has her charging forward with one. This collection mechanic makes the Argent Skull a high-risk/reward weapon, though some Boons can help to decrease that risk, such as the Daedalus Hammer attachment that automatically returns skulls but lowers the count to two.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
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 UNDERWORLDAs 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 SORCERYInfuse 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 MONSTERSMeet 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 ADVENTURENew 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 IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas 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.
