Summary
Supergiant Games’Hades 2is currently only in early access, which means there is likely a hefty amount of content on the way. In fact, the developer has already confirmed that a plethora of features will soon be added toHades 2, including a new region for players to explore, an update that allows players to further customize the Crossroads, and a brand-new weapon for Melinoe. Furthermore, with plans forHades 2to be in early access throughout the remainder of 2024, it’s likely the game has even more in store for it that Supergiant has yet to announce.
While a new explorable region and the option to customize the Crossroads are appealing enough, a new weapon for Melinoe is undoubtedly going to be one of the game’s biggest additions.Hades 2’s story is certainly a significant part of what makes it such an enjoyable experience, but its combat is also unforgettable, challenging, and fun. As such, a new weapon to experiment with has the potential to change the game, especially if it ends up significantly diversifying itself from the rest ofMelinoe’s arsenal. Supergiant has yet to reveal what the new weapon will be, but there is one aspect of Melinoe’s gameplay that sets her apart from her brother Zagreus, the star and main character of the first game, that should arguably be the most prominent feature ofHades 2’s next weapon.
Melinoe’s Next Weapon Should Utilize Her Sprint Ability
Unlike Zagreus, Melinoe Can Sprint Across the Battlefield
WhereasHades' Zagreus is a brute-force powerhouse, his sister, Melinoe, is an evasive witch. For the most part, Melinoe relies on her magick to deal damage while avoiding her foes as much as possible. In some ways, her evasive maneuvers aren’t much different from Zagreus', butHades 2clearly places a greater emphasis on movement thanHadesdid. BothZagreus and Melinoecan dash, but one major thing that sets Melinoe apart from Zagreus is her ability to sprint.
When players dash inHades 2, they can simply hold down the dash key/button to activate Melinoe’s sprint. With it, players can more effectively evade their foes than they could inHades. Furthermore, players can also find variousBoons inHades 2that improve Melinoe’s sprint, granting it passive damage and stun abilities it didn’t have before. Even with these helpful Boons, however, Melinoe’s sprint is heavily underutilized. This is especially unfortunate considering how much it alone differentiates her from Zagreus.
In light of this,Hades 2ought to make more use of Melinoe’s sprint by transforming the unique ability into a weapon itself.
Melinoe’s Next Weapon Should Be Footwear of Some Kind
It’s currently unclear what Supergiant already has in the oven in terms of Melinoe’s nextweapon inHades 2, but some kind of footwear for the charming witch seems in order. Currently, she runs around barefoot in the game, and although there are Boons out there that can improve her sprint, something a bit more permanent could be even better. Perhaps Melinoe could don footwear that would leave a trail of fire or poison behind her, damaging any enemies chasing her around the battlefield. Additionally, the ability to dash into and deflect projectiles back at enemies could serve as both an offensive and defensive maneuver against ranged attacks.
Hades 2has a chance to do something unique with its next weapon by giving Melinoe something that might be considered a bit unorthodox when it comes to gameplay. If Melinoe’s next weapon were footwear of some kind, players would need to get used to sprinting rather than attacking. However, since a large portion ofHades 2’s combat emphasizes movement, it might not be too drastic of an adjustment to make. WhateverHades 2’s next weapon ends up being, it needs to be something worth waiting for, and footwear for Melinoe might be the best route to take.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
