Hades 2’s full release is almost here, the review embargo has lifted, and the early praise makes it sound like an instant contender for one of my top games of 2025. I’ve been glued to the Early Access version since launch, sinking more than 75 hours into its labyrinth of runs, restarts, and revelations. Every time I think I’m ready to put it down, its immaculate art direction, razor-sharp voice acting, challenging combat, and maddening “just one more run” cycle pull me right back in. So, I can hardly sit still just thinking that I’ll finally experience its full version.
I don’t usually play roguelikes. I’m not the type of gamer who thrives on permadeath or resets. But Supergiant Games has built Hades 2’s Early Access version with such intention that even my most frustrating moments in the game feel rewarding. Each death has a lesson to learn, each encounter feels lovingly crafted, and each return to the Crossroads draws me closer to Melinoe. Watching this game evolve in Early Access has been thrilling, but now that we’re only hours away from version 1.0, I’ve been reflecting on what route I’ll take first.
Both Hades titles aren’t just about surviving and escaping, they’re also about choosing. The sequel splits progression into two main routes: the familiar Underworld and the ambitious new Olympus path. Both are vital to unlocking everything the game has to offer, but after my dozens of hours in Early Access, I’ve decided there’s one clear starting point for Hades 2 1.0, and if you’re about to dive in for the first time, or join me after exploring Early Access, I think you’ll want to take this route, too.
Pros and Cons of The Underworld and Olympus Routes in Hades 2
The Underworld Route
For returning Hades players, the Underworld will feel instantly recognizable. It shares the DNA of Zagreus’s journey in the first game’s gauntlet through Tartarus, Asphodel, and beyond, each chamber testing your reflexes and resource management. It’s also the most welcoming route for newcomers. The pacing here eases you into the combat loop, and the boons from both new and familiar Olympian faces feel like a comforting on-ramp rather than a steep climb.
But the Underworld isn’t without its limits. Over time, the runs can start to blur together. The enemy pools are more predictable, and while you’ll unlock some of Hades 2‘s new weapons and deepen relationships with certain characters (Nemesis, Arachne, Narcissus, and more), the scope of these interactions caps out eventually. Still, it’s a rewarding, lore-rich path. It’s just not the most endlessly fresh one.
The Olympus Route
The Olympus route in Hades 2 feels like a whole new game. It introduces different biomes, mechanics, and a roster of new Olympians who expand your boon options in meaningful ways. It’s also the only way to eventually unlock every weapon, making it essential for long-term progression.
But make no mistake: this path is brutal. Enemy encounters escalate quickly, and the absence of some fan-favorite characters changes the rhythm of runs. Nemesis, for example, doesn’t appear on the Olympus route despite being one of the most fully fleshed-out NPCs in Hades 2‘s Early Access. Chaos, depending on your unlocks and progress, is also less reliably encountered here. These omissions make Olympus a harder sell if you’re chasing story content alongside challenge.
Why I'm Taking The Underworld Route in Hades 2 1.0, And You Should, Too
When I boot up version 1.0, I’m heading straight back into the Underworld. And you definitely should, too, regardless of whether you’re a Hades veteran or a newcomer.
- The Learning Curve: This point is particularly significant for me when making this recommendation. Even if you’re comfortable with roguelike RPGs, Hades 2’s systems stack quickly: new currencies, weapon upgrades, Arcana cards, incantations, and resource farming. It’s a lot to juggle, and the Underworld route eases you into these mechanics far more smoothly than Olympus. Runs are challenging but fair, with just enough variety to teach you how the game wants to be played without overwhelming you.
- The Story of Hades: The Underworld isn’t just familiar mechanically. It’s also narratively rich. Melinoe’s encounters here shed light on the fates of beloved characters from the first Hades, while also unpacking the circumstances that led to her rise as protagonist. If you want to understand why you’re fighting and how this sequel expands the mythology of the House of Hades, you’ll find that foundation in the Underworld. The encounters on this route don’t just pop up for flavor; they flesh out the stakes of the conflict.
- Mandatory, but Convenient: You can’t unlock the Olympus route without progressing through the Underworld first. That alone makes a practical choice: you’ll have to spend time here no matter what, so why not commit to seeing it through before moving on?
The Long Road Ahead of Hades 2 Players
The brilliance of Hades 2 is that it doesn’t make you choose one path forever. Both routes are essential, each with its own rhythms and rewards, and both contribute to the overall experience. But when Hades 2 1.0 releases, the Underworld offers a balance of challenge and clarity, a smoother ramp into the game’s dense systems, and a narrative spine that connects the sequel to its predecessor. That’s why, after experimenting, dying, and learning in Early Access, I’m prioritizing the Underworld route first. I know Olympus will be waiting for me with new boons, tougher enemies, and all the ambition Supergiant can muster. But I also know I’ll appreciate it more once I’ve truly dug deep into the Underworld.
And really, that’s the joy of Hades 2: it’s a game that rewards patience as much as persistence. The road is long, the runs are punishing, and the gods are fickle, but every choice shapes the journey. My choice for 1.0 is clear, and I hope I’ll see you in The Underworld.