Summary
Supergiant Games has provided an update regarding its plans for the early access launch ofHades 2, sequel to its critically acclaimed roguelike from 2020. WhenHades 2was first announced in late 2022, Supergiant promised details regarding early access before the end of 2023. This is that promised update, which includes a tentative release window forHades 2in early access as well as other important plans as development moves forward toward an eventual full launch.
What’s important to recall is that the originalHadesdid not have a traditional development cycle and launch. Supergiant initiallyreleasedHadesin early accessnearly two years prior to its full launch. It spent those two years iterating on the game, gathering feedback with each update, and adjusting gameplay based on player impressions. WhileHadeswas certain to be popular just based on Supergiant’s reputation, the developer attributes the early access feedback cycle to whyHadesbecame the critically acclaimed full game it grew into.
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In alengthy blog post shared by Supergiant, the developer confirmed that it will be bringing back the early access development cycle forHades 2. Starting in Q2 2024, a portion ofHades 2will be made available in early access exclusively on PC via both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Supergiant will gather feedback and use it to influence the development of future content. It will then deliver additional updates periodically, restarting the cycle.
Before the full early access launch, Supergiant also confirmed that it will be doing a Technical Test forHades 2. This will also be held in Q2 2024 and will serve as a flare forHades 2’s early access approaching. Only a limited amount of players will be included in the Technical Test, as Supergiant focuses on solving technical and compatibility issues that could potentially harm the early access launch. The technical test will feature much less content fromHades 2than the early access launch.
Supergiant does say that theearly access forHades 2will be differentfrom what it was for the originalHades. In short, Supergiant says it’s much better prepared this time around, as it knows what to expect. That could meanHades 2will have a shorter early access window, but that player feedback will still be just as important as with the firstHades.
Given thesuccess ofHades, it’s easy to seeHades 2’s early access launch being one of the most highly anticipated games of 2024. With that kind of success,Hades 2’s early access could prove to be much more controversial than the first game’s as a larger audience may be less empathetic regarding Supergiant’s goals. Supergiant deciding to do early access again shows that the developer truly believes in the benefits of the process, though. And it hopefully makesHades 2a better game in the end, just like its predecessor.
