Should I Play Hades?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You enjoy deep storytelling and want to experience the full narrative arc that culminates in Hades 2. Playing the original game first lets you appreciate character development, recurring jokes, and plot seeds that pay off later.
• Good fit: You are new to roguelike action games and want a well‑polished entry point. Hades offers a forgiving learning curve, clear tutorial cues, and a rewarding progression system that eases newcomers into the genre before tackling the potentially steeper challenges of its sequel.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Your primary goal is to jump straight into the latest content and you have limited gaming time. Starting with Hades could feel like a detour, delaying access to fresh mechanics and story introduced in Hades 2.
• Warning sign: You already own extensive knowledge of Hades’ characters, weapons, and plot from other media (e.g., streams, summaries) and you feel the replay experience would add little value. In that case, you might prefer to allocate your time elsewhere.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Story continuity: Playing the original gives you context for references, character arcs, and Easter eggs that enrich Hades 2.
• Skill foundation: Hades teaches core combat, weapon synergy, and strategic use of boons, reducing the learning curve for the sequel’s more complex systems.

Cons

• Time investment: Completing Hades can take 20‑40 hours, which may feel like a sunk cost if you’re eager for the sequel’s content.
• Potential redundancy: Some players may encounter similar mechanics and narrative beats, leading to a sense of déjà vu rather than fresh excitement.

Decision Checklist

• Do I value narrative continuity and want to see how characters evolve from the first game to the sequel?
• Do I have enough free time to enjoy a full playthrough of Hades without sacrificing other priorities?
• Am I comfortable revisiting familiar mechanics, or would I prefer brand‑new gameplay experiences?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re unsure, you could watch a comprehensive walkthrough or story recap of Hades first. This approach lets you grasp the plot and key mechanics without the full time commitment, after which you can decide whether a full playthrough is worth it. Another option is to start Hades 2 and see if the early chapters feel engaging enough to motivate a retroactive play of the original.

Final Recommendation

For players who cherish story depth, enjoy mastering foundational roguelike systems, and have the leisure to invest 20‑40 hours, playing Hades before Hades 2 is a solid choice. If you’re pressed for time, primarily interested in new content, or already familiar with the first game’s narrative, you may safely skip ahead and dive straight into Hades 2. As with any leisure decision, balance enjoyment with your broader schedule, and consult community reviews if you need further perspective.