Summary
As you traverse throughoutHades 2, it’s inevitable that you’ll come across areas that you absolutely love and areas that you absolutely dread going through. However, one thing that Hades 2 does really well is changing up the pace of the game a bit.
Rather than feeling as if you’re dragging your feet to get through the end, the new areas find ways to feel refreshing, continuously keeping you engaged in the fight against time. Whether you’re on the Surface or heading beyond Erebus, each area has its own quirks that make them enjoyable - though some are definitively more enjoyable than others.
Please note that Hades 2 is still in Early Access, and some information may be subject to change.
7Crossroads And Training Grounds
A Reprieve From The Fight
Although the Crossroads and Training Grounds are some of the most essential areas in the game, they’re hardly the most exciting ones. Most of their excitement comes from building on and adding areas that allow you to interact with the different NPCs.
There is some excitement that stems from building up your relationship with those around you, but it’s, overall, likely one of the areas you’ll spend the least amount of time in. There’s certainly something to be enjoyed with your moment of respite, but they’re a mix between an area of victory or of bitter failure, with little in between.
6Erebus
Out Of Sight, Out Of Time
Erebus is the very first area that you’re introduced to when you’re battling your way out of the Crossroads. It’s fairly run of the mill, requiring that you pick between one to two doors for your prize, usually. It’s a notably beautiful area, lush and green, with darkness that lingers at the edges.
The environmental hazards are less hazardous to you and more so to your enemies, making them brilliant fighting tools. However, the Wailers are the bane of most players' existence. Annoying and nightmarishly difficult to avoid, Wailers can easily end your run far too early.
5Oceanus
Walking The Line Between Poseidon’s And Hades' Domains
Oceanus is a really interesting area because of the unique stage designs combined with the ability to unlock extra doors to exit through, should you want to take the risk. The only downside of Oceanus is that, until you get a grip on how they function, the environmental hazards can feel almost unpredictable and slightly annoying.
From water spouts that will pelt you until you hit the edge of the stage to drums that will explode if tapped just a few too many times, Oceanus will teach you to be careful where you step as Melinoe. However, reachingScylla and the Sirens makes it all worth it, given that their boss battle is fun and refreshing.
4Tartarus
Strangely Familiar, Yet So Different
Tartarus can get chaotic incredibly quickly if you’re not careful. Although this level is a sign that you’re nearing the end of your journey, you can spend an almost obscene amount of time in its halls. The more time you spend, though, the more enemies you will have to fight (to the point where you run the risk of crashing your game).
Still, if you’re confident in your skills to take on Chronos’ underlings, then you should be fine with taking on each and every challenge. The rewards certainly make the risk worthwhile, and you get to spend all your hard-earned coinswith Charonbefore you leave.
3City Of Ephyra
A City Sundered By War
Ephyra is the opening stage on your journey to Olympus, leading you into a city in ruins, destroyed, and abandoned courtesy of Chronos’ army. If you unlock the Bat Cages, then you can get an overhead view of the city, allowing you to see every reward option. Unfortunately, you don’t get to claim every reward you want, so you’ll need to pick and choose carefully until you’ve run out of pylons to deactivate.
There is also a fountain, which is free to grab at any time - but only once. Ephyra is a unique experience, adding some needed nuance between your runs into Tartarus, but it’s not the best area the journey to Olympus has to offer.
2Rift Of Thessaly
On A Boat, The (Second) Best Place To Be
The Rift of Thessaly is incredibly cool. Not only are you jumping from boat to boat, but if you kill the captain at the wheel, you have a chance to change the reward you get for your efforts completely. If you do decide to change course, you will have to take out a brief wave of enemies, but the risk should be worth it (hopefully).
There’s also a chance thatyou can run into a somewhat elusive boss, Charybdis. The Rift of Thessaly, aside from just being cool, is full of surprises and makes for a fun fight.
1The Mourning Fields
Just Want To Stay Here Forever
The Mourning Fields feel almost endless - at least until you run into the Shade wall. But that doesn’t make Mourning Fields one of the best, if not the best, area. What makes Mourning Fields stand out above the rest is the sheer number of rewards that you’re able to claim on your own.
Sure, the area doesn’t feel as long as others, but there are minor rewards littered along every stage that you can claim, alongside the bigger, more fruitful ones. Not to mention, Echo is an absolute charm, and getting to see her is always delightful.
