Hades update – What to expect for version 1.0

✓ VideoGamer Summary

• The full release builds on the acclaimed early-access version, bringing the roguelike to its final state with a complete story, new challenges, and the ability to face Chronos for a true ending.
• Players can now experience the full narrative arc, including Melinoë’s quest to free her family and conclude various character storylines, all spread across multiple runs.
• Over 50 achievements, new keepsakes, cosmetic options, Crossroads décor, and balance changes to weapons and bosses are included, though the main focus of the update is on finishing the story rather than adding major new areas.
• Achieving the final ending involves multiple runs, defeating Typhon, collecting rare materials, and attaining a great weapon at the bottom of the underworld.
• Minor patches will follow, but no major updates are planned; saves carry over from early access.

While it may be hard to believe due to the quality of its early access build, Hades 2 has officially been released. What had already been released has been among the best roguelike experiences on the market. If you want to learn more about how Hades 2 lives up to and exceeds the standard set by Hades 1, you can read our Hades 2 review here. 

This Hades 2 update brings the game into its final 1.0 state and has a ton of new content, not least of which is the promise of being able to take on Chronos and truly kill time. Beyond that, players are excited to see the conclusions for our friends at the Crossroads and what the final challenges of Hades 2 will bring. Read on for a breakdown of everything you can expect from this monumental update to the hellish roguelike. 

This breakdown includes spoilers for the later stages of Hades 2. Read ahead at your own risk. 

What does the Hades 2 update include

As far as major gameplay changes go, not much is new on the surface. Similar to the 1.0 patch of its predecessor, Hades 2’s 1.0 patch primarily brings the game to a final state across its platforms and provides a satisfying ending to the story. Though it adds no new Hades 2 weapons or areas, these story additions should not be understated. 

Players will discover an in-depth ending that unfolds across multiple runs through the depths of the underworld and the heights of Mount Olympus, revealing much more to explore. Besides the true ending, minor gameplay adjustments were made, additional minor prophecies were added, and over 50 new achievements were finally introduced to the game. A more in-depth breakdown is below. 

Additions to the Hades 2 story 

Since the game launched in early access, players have been eagerly awaiting more details on what follows after defeating Chronos and how he might be sealed away for good. With this comes the promise of a family reunion for Melinoë, Hades 2’s main character. How this will play out is something we will discuss below; however, players are definitely rewarded at the end of their runs. Achieving the true ending will require players to complete multiple runs of Olympus and the underworld; an epilogue has also been included.

Plenty of other character-driven storylines await as well. 1.0 will bring with it the chance to finally rouse Hypnos from his slumber. Conclusions to personal story arcs for each of the major characters at the Crossroads have also arrived. 

Hades 2 gameplay updates

As Hades 2 has released a few major updates before Hades 2 full release date, many of the gameplay elements have been essentially completed. Supergiant has said that the focus of this update will be on finishing the story and not on major areas, routes, or weapons. 

However, this does not mean we have received nothing. Major changes to gameplay detailed in the patch notes include: 

• Over 50 new achievements
• New cosmetic options for familiars
• New unlockable decor for the crossroads
• Nerfs and buffs to the nocturnal arms and their aspects.
• New keepsakes that unlock on maxing affinities 
• Changes to boss battles for balance purposes.

It is worth noting that early access players will lose access to all Z-sand and Void Lenses. These have instead been converted to Kudos (Hades 2’s prestige currency). 

Is Zagreus in Hades 2 1.0?

Zagreus has been teased since the game left early access; rewarding our runs with everyone’s favourite boy was to be expected. If you still want a chance to see the Zagreus content for yourself, we’ve linked a video below. Be mindful, however, as this video contains major spoilers.

The above cutscene is a core part of the true ending, though to reach it,  players will be expected to complete quite a few runs. 

To achieve the true ending, players will be expected to gain five Z-sands and five V-Lens. This is, as we will need Hecate to cast two key spells: The dissolution of monstrosity and the dissolution of time. Though the dissolution of the time spell is locked behind the true death of Typhon, ensuring players will have to clear both runs. Killing Typhon is no easy feat, as one of the ingredients required is Gigaros, the spear of Hades. 

This is obtained through our communion with dear Zagreus at the end of an underworld route. Once you truly defeat Typhon and gather the materials, you can entrust everything to the Underworld’s head of security and see the true ending.

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