Hades is a critically acclaimed action roguelike game developed by Supergiant Games. This indie gem has managed to captivate players with its beautiful art style, engaging gameplay, and a rich, detailed story that keeps players coming back for more. One of the most interesting aspects of Hades is its narrative structure, which unfolds as you progress through the game. In this article, we will dive into the game’s ending and epilogue, breaking down the various elements to provide you with a comprehensive understanding. Please note that this article contains major spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t finished the game yet.
The Story So Far
Hades follows the story of Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is trying to escape the Underworld in search of his mother, Persephone. The game’s narrative is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, with numerous gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures making an appearance.
Throughout his journey, Zagreus receives assistance from various Olympian gods who grant him boons, while also uncovering the truth about his past and family. The game is structured as a roguelike, with each run becoming increasingly difficult, but also rewarding players with more pieces of the story.
Escaping the Underworld
After multiple attempts, Zagreus finally manages to defeat his father, Hades, and escape the Underworld. This marks a significant moment in the game, as Zagreus finally achieves his goal of reaching the surface. Upon reaching the surface, he is reunited with his mother, Persephone.
Their reunion is bittersweet, as Zagreus soon learns that he cannot survive on the surface for long. Each time he reaches the surface, he begins to wither away and is eventually forced to return to the Underworld. This sets the stage for a cyclical pattern in which Zagreus must continuously fight his way through the Underworld, reach the surface, and return, with each cycle revealing more of the story.
The True Ending
To unlock the true ending, players must successfully complete ten runs and defeat Hades ten times. After the tenth victory, Zagreus will once again be reunited with Persephone, but this time, things are different. Persephone decides that she will return to the Underworld with Zagreus, reuniting the family and bringing balance to the realms.
Upon returning to the Underworld, Hades reveals that Zagreus’ repeated escapes were actually part of a larger plan. He wanted Zagreus to grow stronger and learn the truth about his past. Hades had been testing his son, preparing him for the future.
The Epilogue: Work and Family
Once the true ending is unlocked, players can continue playing to experience the game’s epilogue. This post-ending content is titled Work and Family and focuses on the aftermath of Persephone’s return to the Underworld. The epilogue offers additional story content, character development, and even new gameplay challenges.
In this epilogue, Zagreus takes on the role of an ambassador between the Underworld and Olympus. This new role sees him continue to fight his way through the Underworld, but with a new purpose: maintaining the delicate balance between the realms and mending relationships between the gods.
Players are also given the opportunity to interact more deeply with the game’s diverse cast of characters. Many of these characters have side quests and storylines that can be explored, providing further insight into their personalities and backstories.
One of the most significant aspects of the epilogue is the introduction of the Pact of Punishment. This feature allows players to increase the difficulty of their runs, but also offers greater rewards. The Pact of Punishment adds modifiers to the gameplay, such as stronger enemies, new boss mechanics, and other challenges. By completing runs with these added difficulties, players can earn valuable resources and further develop their characters.
In addition to the Pact of Punishment, players can also engage in the Fated List of Minor Prophecies. This feature presents players with a series of objectives to complete, such as using specific weapons, boons, or reaching certain milestones in the game. Completing these objectives rewards players with additional resources and offers a sense of progression beyond the main storyline.
Throughout the epilogue, players can continue to upgrade the House of Hades, unlocking new areas, decorations, and amenities. These upgrades not only improve the aesthetic of the game but also provide various gameplay benefits and unlock new character interactions.
As Zagreus continues to fulfill his duties as an ambassador and maintain the balance between the Underworld and Olympus, players will encounter several heartwarming and emotional moments. The story’s focus shifts to themes of family, reconciliation, and personal growth, offering a satisfying and meaningful conclusion to Zagreus’ journey.
Final Thoughts
Hades is a game that masterfully blends its gameplay and narrative, providing players with a deeply engaging and rewarding experience. The game’s ending and epilogue offer a satisfying conclusion to Zagreus’ journey while still allowing players to continue exploring the rich world of Hades.
The true strength of Hades lies in its storytelling and character development. As players progress through the game, they will not only improve their skills and abilities, but also witness the growth and evolution of Zagreus and the other characters within the game. This combination of satisfying gameplay and immersive storytelling makes Hades a must-play for fans of action roguelikes and narrative-driven games alike.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of Hades for yourself, the game is available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
