Why Hades 2 Needs to Explore New Realms Beyond the Original's Setting

Upon its release in 2020, Supergiant Games' roguelike Hades became an instant hit, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the sequel that was announced in 2022. With the first game receiving universal acclaim, expectations for Hades 2 are already sky-high, leaving many players curious as to how the developer will deliver yet another thrilling and fast-paced entry. While Supergiant Games has revealed some changes, such as a new protagonist in the form of Zagreus' sister Melinoe and a greater emphasis on magic, little else is known about the highly-anticipated sequel. While new characters such as the goddess of witchcraft Hecate and Chronos, the Titan of Time, are set to be introduced in Hades 2, fans are also eager to see what elements from the beloved first game will be retained. With its gripping non-linear narrative and challenging combat, Hades captivated players with its world rooted in Greek myths and legends. However, some aspects of the game, such as its God Mode setting, may be better left in the past.

Hades' God Mode Explained

Players have the option to select God Mode difficulty in Hades, which grants them a 20% damage resistance that increases by 2% each time Zagreus dies during an escape attempt. The damage resistance cap is 80%, providing players with a significant advantage against Hades' foes. While not for everyone, the developers implemented God Mode as an option for players who want to experience the game's narrative without repeatedly dying. If players want to try God Mode temporarily, they can turn off the setting without any repercussions or missed achievements. This feature also makes Hades more accessible to players who are not accustomed to the fast-paced combat or do not enjoy the circular structure of dying and restarting. The God Mode fits well with Zagreus' backstory as the Prince of the Underworld, and it also provides players with a humorous buff called 'Deus Ex Machina', inspired by a term used in ancient Greek theater to describe divine intervention in resolving a conflict.

Why Hades 2 Should Remove God Mode

Some players enjoy the option of a God Mode in video games, allowing them to become nearly invincible and easily defeat tough enemies. However, this feature is not universally popular and not everyone wants it included in Hades 2. For many gamers, the challenge of overcoming difficult obstacles is what makes a game satisfying, and God Mode can take away from that sense of achievement. Furthermore, the narrative and gameplay of Hades 2 may not lend itself well to this feature, and many fans are hoping it will not be included in the sequel.

Hades 2 is in development.