Hades 2 continues to be within the early levels of testing, however the recreation appears to be like good. Like, actually good.
On Wednesday, developer Supergiant Video games launched a part of the sport as a technical check that gave followers their first take a look at the sequel to Hades, 2020’s widespread motion roguelike, because it was introduced in 2022. The restricted launch solely covers the primary part of the sport, but it surely already gave gamers an in-depth thought of what to anticipate — spoilers, it appears to be like very attractive.
Certain, new hero Melinoë’s black magic-inspired gameplay appears to be like nice and all, however there’s much more to see. Each new and recurring character simply appears to be like so dang good. The builders confirmed off returning characters from Hades, like Aphrodite and Hypnos, who bought full-on redesigns, after which revealed new characters, just like the blacksmith Hephaestus, who’ve impressed their justifiable share of thirst.
If there was any takeaway from that technical check, it’s that the solid might be an enormous draw for each new and outdated followers. Given this, we at Polygon have rounded up each character we’ve seen within the recreation thus far. At this level, we’re basing this checklist off of who we’ve seen in the course of the technical check, however we’ll replace this publish as we hear about extra characters within the recreation.
[Ed. note: This list contains spoilers for content shown in the Hades 2 technical test, including new characters, character redesigns, and dialogue. Since the game is still in development, some of these details could change before release.]
Aphrodite
![An image of Aphrodite in Hades 2. She is unclothed, with her pink hair covering her body, and she’s wielding a golden spear.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T_ws-zRylTyXio0WUpC4oOMDqqs=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407079/Hades_II_4_17_2024_5_16_56_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Aphrodite, the goddess of affection, returns to Hades 2. This time round, she’s leveled up her outfit by merely taking it off. I feel the look works for her!
Apollo
![An image of Apollo in Hades 2. He has golden hair and glittering armor. ](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ECjW3KgvWhW7jVv0ZcNp-ykBe0k=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405545/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_40_24_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Apollo, the god of sunshine, makes a completely shiny return. His complete look makes him appear a bit extra regal and godlike than in Hades.
Arachne
![An image of Arachne in Hades 2. She looks like a tiny anthropomorphized spider.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WD1qXVIDLqDcO2r5OjWejkJ-Ly4=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407075/Ship_Screenshot_2024.04.17___20.58.31.81.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Arachne may be an itsy-bitsy spider, however her specialised armor will give Melinoë the assist she wants when combating by baddies.
Artemis
![An image of Artemis in Hades 2. She is wearing a pelt and has a stick rest on her shoulders.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xWs9KGY1Y_LTRDvMTzDFCZHXKfE=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407059/Hades_II_4_17_2024_5_19_21_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Should you’re in a decent spot and a inexperienced arrow out of the blue involves your help, then you definitely’ve been fortunate sufficient to stumble upon Artemis. Her beastlike however assured look makes for an ideal design. Her design hasn’t modified a complete lot from the unique, however her pelts look a bit extra trendy now.
Charon
![An image of Charon in Hades 2. He has no face and just looks like a cloaked being. ](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Pc_6S67PV6yI6ZmexXAHZHodpLA=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407060/Hades_II_4_17_2024_5_22_28_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Charon, the shopkeeper, may not be chatty, however he’s relatable. I additionally lengthy to be a faceless being draped in beautiful materials. That is the one design that doesn’t look nearly as good because it did within the first recreation, however possibly it’ll get changed as growth continues.
Demeter
![An image of Demeter in Hades 2. She has an aged look but stands tall and looks like a warrior.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n1EsAc2xUC_FIUDwpWA-38Rixno=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405556/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_52_01_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Grand-mommy? Demeter is the grandmother of Melinoë and an icon in Greek mythology. This time round, she’s leaning into the warrior look relatively than her aged sage visage within the authentic. No matter she’s doing to take care of her well being, it’s working.
Dora
![An image of Dora in Hades 2. It looks like a little ghost with a mischievous smile.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OGsGnUqpJZz8URqD93hAG5r7ysM=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407082/Hades_II_4_18_2024_10_43_45_AM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
At any time when Melinoë dies, Dora the shade might be there to greet her at residence. The cheeky little ghost might be a welcome buddy throughout robust instances.
Hecate
![An image of Hecate in Hades 2. She looks like a buff wizard with a six pack.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7NG7GZAH9h3MreH_iQbQyNW6_TE=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405548/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_46_23_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Within the statues I’ve seen, artists are likely to painting Hecate in a really classical and stereotypically female means. That’s why I really like this design; it’s darkish, commanding, and reveals us that she’s a pressure to be reckoned with. Extra darkish magicians that appear to be this, please!
Hephaestus
![An image of Hephaestus in Hades 2. He is sitting in a wheelchair and is missing a leg. He’s rocking a man bun.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NSEZe98Iai2bnAq80IhSKkHJGQY=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407085/Ship_Screenshot_2024.04.18___01.02.05.30.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Mount Olympus who? Hephaestus might need been kicked out of the realm of the gods, however we will see he’s maintained his godly beauty. Out of all the brand new characters, he’s particularly drummed up lots of pleasure.
Hestia
![An image of Hestia in Hades 2. She looks like a robed character with no face.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0SdvFlrdU8TlEwAx_GIR7KCGp3E=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407057/Hades_II_4_17_2024_5_15_16_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Hestia’s flames burn vivid, however we nonetheless don’t have a fantastic take a look at her but. It’s potential that this character design is a placeholder because it appears to be like much like Charon’s, and we all know that Hestia typically seems as an outdated lady in Greek myths. Regardless, I’m curious to see how this character shapes up.
Hypnos
![An image of Hypnos in Hades 2. He is laying in a hammock and sleeping like a baby angel with his flowing hair.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dbJsJymfG6btMt_ANRahNMKEZNg=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405554/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_48_36_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Out of all of the redesigns we’ve seen thus far, I like Hypnos’ probably the most. In Hades, he had a really implike expression that made him appear a bit quirky. Now we get to look him cuddled up with beautiful lengthy locks, and he appears to be like like a straight-up angel.
Melinoë
Melinoë is the princess of the Underworld and our beloved new protagonist. I feel the web collectively gasped when Supergiant Video games first revealed her as a result of, like all people else on this checklist, she appears to be like wonderful and like she will be able to kick critical ass. To date, we’ve seen two designs for her, together with one part that reveals her as a baby.
Moros
![An image of Moros in Hades 2. He looks like a dark night and has giant pecs, horns, and long flowing hair that drapes over his horns.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qb4nYzTNuCsraFcI_Yc5iG114ec=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407077/Ship_Screenshot_2024.04.17___21.09.07.09.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
I don’t care if Moros is actually titled “Doom Incarnate”; I might welcome him into my residence any day of the week and chase him down relentlessly.
Nemesis
![An image of Nemesis in Hades 2. She looks like a buff warrior and wears dark armor.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oYYaf-x3a2waDBRuuxl8s3z-0QA=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407051/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_47_01_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Nemesis is without doubt one of the handful of characters you possibly can meet on the base camp. She doesn’t appear thrilled to speak to Melinoë, however possibly she (and subsequently you) can win this muscle mommy over in time.
Odysseus
![An image of Odysseus in Hades 2. He has a friendly smile and has a bag stuffed with scrolls attached to his belt.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eEXv3hRutDXAMkdeqoBRRHipisA=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405553/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_47_16_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
I feel my highschool English trainer didn’t convey simply how sizzling Odysseus could possibly be. Cute, sturdy, and approachable, he’s a fantastic pal to have across the base camp.
Poseidon
![An image of Poseidon in Hades 2. He is leaning casually to the side and has aquamarine colored hair.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ts0lefed5V-jKjZS7WffGVFPLnw=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407056/Hades_II_4_17_2024_5_06_20_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
I feel Poseidon regarded nice in Hades, however his artwork in Hades 2 has a bit extra character to it. He effuses the type of easy confidence I’d affiliate with a shampoo industrial.
Schelemeus
![An image of Schelemeus in Hades 2. He looks like a living skeleton with a gray beard.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iaXKyo5RQVrLz6xRV1j4ABVgJ14=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405551/Hades_II_4_17_2024_4_49_56_PM.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Followers are already theorizing that Schelemeus and Skelly from Hades have some type of secret connection due to their designs and roles in every recreation. It’s too early to say but, however I recognize the quirky drill sergeant vibes this man brings to Hades 2.
Selene
![An image of Selene in Hades 2. She is riding a horse and wears long flowing garb as she’s lit by the moon.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eMgg--CFvVSdX_VF87IaHd7TD4s=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407070/Ship_Screenshot_2024.04.17___20.53.08.19.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
All hail Selene, the brand new moon mommy of Hades 2. She appears to be like nice, however she’ll additionally supply Melinoë an assortment of hexes to help her combat. It is a standout design from the technical check, and her magnificence actually jogs my memory of Alucard from the Castlevania anime a bit.
Zeus
![An image of Zeus in Hades 2. He is wearing a golden chest play and has long white hair that flows from his head. He’s standing confidently with his hands on his hips.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NE5i-whRKkQd-SQEuFbBgitALhU=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407090/Ship_Screenshot_2024.04.17___21.15.27.26.png)
Picture: Supergiant Video games by way of Polygon
Can I say that daddy’s residence? Zeus, the king of the Olympians and father of Mount Olympus, returns to supply his help within the combat. He appears to be like fairly much like his first design, besides this time he’s bought a sick new golden chest plate with abs.