When a sequel arrives to such a beloved game like Hades, expectations skyrocket instantly. Hades 2 managed to tap into that excitement right out of the gate, clocking an unprecedented number of concurrent players in Early Access. Seeing so many fans eager to jump back into the underworld with Melinoë, the new protagonist, sets a promising tone for the journey ahead.
The original Hades never launched in Early Access on Steam but still reached a respectable peak of 37,749 players during its full release. Hades 2, by contrast, has already more than tripled that peak simultaneously, signaling just how much anticipation was brewing among fans and newcomers alike.
Within a 24-hour span, over 103,567 players have plunged into the realm as Melinoë — Zagreus’ younger sister and Hades’ daughter. This surge is remarkable for an Early Access title and highlights the fresh perspective the sequel delivers.
The plot advances several years past the original, focusing on Melinoë opposing her grandfather, the Titan of Time known as Chronos. Aided by the dark sorceress Hecate and wielding weaponry like spears, sickles, and daggers, this new hero offers players a different combat style and narrative to explore.
How Long Will Hades 2 Remain in Early Access?
Image via Supergiant Games.
Supergiant Games mentions that Hades 2’s Early Access build already contains more content than the final version of the first game. Their goal is to provide a deeply satisfying experience even before the full release, with all progress preserved for players when the official launch arrives.
Currently, the studio aims for the full version of Hades 2 to release sometime in early 2025, giving fans a clear target beyond the Early Access phase.
The official word indicates Early Access will continue throughout 2024. Despite this timeline, it’s worth remembering the original game’s nearly three-year Early Access period could suggest a similar duration. However, considering the polish already on display, a sooner transition to full release isn’t out of the question.
Throughout this Early Access phase, expect ongoing refinements to the game’s art, story, and how characters interact. While already impressive, Hades 2 will evolve significantly leading up to its official unveiling.
Currently, this Early Access version is only playable on Windows PCs. Console and other platform releases will likely come after the full launch, following the pattern set by the original game’s rollout.
As an Early Access build, Hades 2 is only available exclusively on Windows PCs.