Hades 2: Get to Know all the Gods in early access

With its early access release date set to May 4, 2024, Hades 2 was one of the most anticipated games of the year. Hades, the first game in the franchise developed by Supergiant games, received numerous awards as an excellent roguelike, placing high expectations on its sequel. Hades 2's early access has become available, and the developers have decided to keep the game at this early stage while making improvements throughout the year; However, we already have vast and renewed content about the intrigues that revolve around Melinöe, the new protagonist.

Not only famous for the quality of its gameplay, the game densely explores the entire Greek mythological culture with mastery, something that has already been used in several media, and has always attracted audiences. Here, we will explore the main characters of Greek mythology, the Gods, their importance and role in the game, and some differences compared to the first game.

Zagreus was the initial protagonist of the franchise, son of Hades and older brother to Melinöe, the prince of the underworld had as a main objective to escape the underworld and learn a little more about his family origin and purpose in the house of Hades.

Moving on to Hades 2, the protagonist is now his younger sister, Melinöe. The character is also a Goddess of the Chthonic pantheon, and is known as the princess of the underworld. Daughter of Hades and Persephone, and her story revolves around her thirst for revenge for Chronos, who took control of the underworld.

Melinöe is known as the Goddess of funeral rituals and ghosts, and this is featured in her sorcery throughout the game. When she was young, she was taken in and as an apprentice by Hecate, Goddess of magic, from whom she received teachings and learned combat to complete her revenge in the future. This plot key constitutes the main conflict in Hades 2.

A little Greek history will remind us that Chronos is the Titan of Time, a primordial being and father of the primary pantheon: Hades, Poseidon and Zeus, in addition to Hestia, Demeter and Hera. The titan was remarkably powerful and cautious, however, on a visit to the Oracle, he discovered that one day, he would be dethroned. Discontented and suspicious, he decided to swallow all his children when they were born; the exception was Zeus, who was saved by his mother by tricking the Titan. Subsequently, Zeus prepares a magic potion which makes Chronos vomit all the children that he had devoured, and a war begins for the Celestial pantheon, where Zeus is victorious, and the Titan is condemned to eternal imprisonment in Tartarus.

This motto defines the initial confrontation of Hades 2: Chronos escapes from his prison in Tartarus and takes control of the underworld, imprisoning Hades, Zagreus and members of the house of Hades to carry out a direct attack on the celestial pantheon, and restore his ancient reign.

Also present in the base game, Hades rules the underworld and father of the two protagonists. He is responsible for listening to all the cries of spirits, in addition to assigning punishments and housing to everyone who is condemned to the region. Here, he grants blessings for Melinöe to face his father Chronos.

Returning from the first game, Zeus is king of the Olympians, and God of the sky and thunder. Hades' younger brother returns to offer blessings against their father, using lightning attacks that benefit from fighting enemies in large groups. Zeus is one of the most described and present Gods in Greek mythology, and has countless stories with his brothers, lovers, and children.

The God of seas, earthquakes and horses also returns to assist Melinoe. Poseidon offers blessings that revolve around the area, such as bonus knockback, extra damage to enemies thrown into walls, traps, among others. The character is also characterized by his relaxed and laid-back personality.

Demeter is the Goddess of the seasons, and mother of Persephone. In the first game, her appearance only occurs after one of the endings is reached, which makes her blessings rarer throughout the game. Assisting Melinöe, she offers ice attacks that slow and freeze enemies, with some survival utility as well.

Artemis is the Goddess of hunt and sister of Apollo, God of Light. Linked to ranged combat with a bow, the character offers blessings such as the hunter's mark, which increase the critical chance when attacking specific enemies. She also sometimes appears in certain chambers and assists in combat against opponents.

Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite offers blessings of weakness, which make enemies vulnerable and susceptible to damage. Known for her seductive and optimistic personality, she is known for having conflicting decisions with the Goddess Athena.

Hypnos is the God of Sleep, son of Nyx and younger brother of Thanatos. An assistant in Hades' house, the character does not offer blessings, but writes down all the names of new arrivals to the kingdom of the underworld on a checklist, and often sleeps during work.

Appearing less frequently, the God of speed, commerce and travel is the messenger of all Gods. He works to assist Charon by guiding souls in the underworld to their resting place. In Hades 2, Hermes infiltrates Chronos' army to acquire information.

Chaos, unlike the other characters, is a primordial entity, who has influenced the universe since its conception. Here, their blessings are only granted after the protagonist faces challenges, and their personality is represented by an emotionless voice which at the same time carries the tune of several different voices in unison.

A direct subordinate of Hades, the boatman works in the underworld taking souls across the Styx river to their resting place. He is also a merchant who offers powers in exchange for money to the protagonist, and this role is maintained in both games.

Eris is the personification of conflict, and the daughter of Nyx. Here the Goddess is one of the antagonists of the new game, and comes into confrontation with Melinöe.

Hephaestus is the God of the Forge, son of Zeus and Hera, as well as being the younger brother of Ares, who did not appear in the second game, and husband of Aphrodite. His blessings deal delayed damage, applying attacks to enemies 5 seconds after they are hit.

Selena is a Titan and the direct personification of the Moon, and makes her first appearance in Hades 2. Contemplative and poetic, she stands out for being one of the few Titans who acts in favor of the Gods’ rule. Throughout the game, she grants moon blessings that temporarily transform enemies into helpless animals.

The Olympian Queen Goddess Hera is the wife of Zeus, and has a direct connection with marriage relationships. In the game, her blessings grant the effect of dealing damage to enemies afflicted by her mark when other enemies are hit, making gameplay more complex.

Long-awaited, Nyx's daughter is the embodiment of retribution and revenge. She is Melinöe's direct rival, competing with the protagonist on who can annihilate the most enemies, and can also block paths and buy items in stores.

Titan goddess of witchcraft, necromancy, crossroads and magic, Hecate is the protagonist's mentor in her fight, despite appearing several times throughout the game, her objectives are mysterious.

God of Light and the younger brother of Artemis, Apollo offers blessings which increase the chance of enemies not dealing damage.

Goddess of hearth, flame and housing, here her blessings involve fire, which can accumulate and cause damage over time to enemies.

Due to the game being in early access, we know that there are still chances of other characters appearing, such as Ares and Athena who haven’t shown their intentions in the new events yet. In any case, there is still a lot that hasn’t been described here to explore in the game, and learn more about the wonderful universe that is Greek mythology.