4 Biggest Changes Hades 2’s 1.0 Launch Makes to the Early Access Version (& How It’s So Much Better)

When I first jumped into *Hades 2* during Early Access, I was honestly shocked at how complete it already felt. The story wasn’t fully done yet, but everything that *was* there was super polished. So, I was really happy to come back for the 1.0 release and see that Supergiant Games had managed to make an already amazing roguelike even better! The full release finally adds that ‘True Ending’ everyone was waiting for, but it also just generally polishes up the whole game. Even if you were enjoying it in Early Access, you’ll be blown away by the finished product.

Now that *Hades 2* is officially released (version 1.0), there’s a lot to love, especially for those who waited for the full game. After playing both the Early Access version and the complete release, I noticed some key improvements. Here’s a look at what makes *Hades 2* even better now that it’s fully launched.

4. Better Balance for Boons & Abilities

Supergiant Games has been consistently refining the game’s balance during the Early Access period and beyond. In a game like *Hades 2*, it’s important to create a progression system that feels rewarding – players should feel powerful enough to overcome challenges, but not overwhelmingly so. The team has made substantial improvements to both the boons offered by the Greek Gods and Goddesses, and to Melinoe’s unique abilities, throughout Early Access and leading up to the full release of *Hades 2*.

We’ve updated the Boons available since the Early Access period. Some have been completely replaced with new options, and others have been tweaked for better balance. This makes combat more engaging and ensures that the Boons you collect each night have a noticeable effect. Rare and Epic Boons now feel even more rewarding, particularly when you’re starting out in 2024.

3. Arcana Card & Character Portrait Artwork

The new Arcana menu is beautifully designed! Whether you’re a fan of Tarot or not, the fully illustrated cards are really impressive. The menu has also been improved overall – it’s more attractive and much easier to use.

We’ve given the character portraits a final touch-up, alongside the Arcana cards. The Gods and Goddesses now have a subtle shimmer to highlight their powers. Portraits that were still in progress, like Medea’s, are now complete, helping *Hades 2* feel incredibly polished and refined.

2. More Consistent Difficulty Curve 

Players who spent a lot of time with the early version of the game found areas like Erebus could become too simple. Now that the full game is released, Supergiant has addressed this by adding stronger enemies to areas you’ve already beaten. This keeps the game challenging even as you progress and ensures your skills stay honed. While these new enemies are tougher, previously easy areas are still manageable.

It’s really nice to see how different and engaging the enemies are in *Hades 2*. Discovering new opponents and mini-bosses throughout each playthrough helps keep things exciting. They’re a great way to test out different combinations of upgrades and weapons, and they help you improve your skills as you prepare for the tougher challenges ahead.

1. Journal Feature with Info on Characters, Enemies, & More

One of the best additions to *Hades 2* since the Early Access version is definitely the Journal. It’s a really useful tool that lets you look up all sorts of information, like the enemies you’ve encountered and how your relationships with characters are progressing. In the Early Access version, I often couldn’t even remember enemy names, and tracking character relationships was impossible.

The improved way to track details in the initial release of *Hades 2* is a major improvement. It’s really useful whether you’re trying to build relationships with characters or simply monitor your progress. Plus, it’s satisfying to see your numbers increase as you defeat more enemies, to be honest.

Have you started playing *Hades 2*? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-09-25 21:11