The critically acclaimed roguelike dungeon crawler, Hades, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in player activity on Steam following the launch of its sequel, Hades 2. This article delves into the phenomenon, exploring how the release of the sequel has reignited interest in the original title and fueled anticipation for the upcoming chapter in the series.
A Legacy Rekindled: Players Return to the Underworld
Supergiant Games’ Hades captivated players with its addictive gameplay, rich storytelling, and captivating art style upon its release in 2020. The game quickly garnered a loyal fanbase and established itself as a modern classic in the roguelike genre.
Fast forward to 2024, and the long-awaited sequel, Hades 2, made a surprise entrance into Steam Early Access. While Hades 2 has already garnered significant attention with its promising early content, the launch has unexpectedly sparked a surge in player activity for the original Hades.
Numbers Don’t Lie: A Spike in Online Activity
According to data from SteamDB, a website dedicated to tracking Steam game statistics, Hades has witnessed a series of online player records since the launch of Hades 2 on May 6th, 2024. Before the sequel’s arrival, the peak online player count for Hades hovered around 35,000. However, in the days following the launch of Hades 2, this number skyrocketed, exceeding 52,000 players over the weekend.
This surge in activity suggests a two-fold phenomenon:
- Returning Champions: Existing Hades players, captivated by the announcement of the sequel, are revisiting the original game to refresh their memories and prepare for the next chapter in the underworld adventure.
- New Recruits: The hype surrounding Hades 2 is attracting new players to the franchise. Intrigued by the upcoming sequel, these newcomers are diving into the original game to experience the world and story that captivated veteran players.
A Testament to Quality: Impressive Review Scores Remain High
The positive sentiment surrounding the original Hades remains strong. As of today, the game boasts a near-perfect user rating on Steam, with over 98% of reviews being positive. This impressive score, coupled with over 250,000 reviews, underscores the enduring appeal of Hades and its captivating world.
Hades 2: Early Access Success and the Road Ahead
Hades 2 has made a strong first impression in its Early Access phase. Within the first week of its launch, the game received over 20,000 positive reviews on Steam, translating to a positive review rate of approximately 94%. The peak online player count for Hades 2 has already surpassed 103,000, demonstrating the community’s excitement for the sequel.
However, players eager for the full experience of Hades 2 will need to exercise patience. Supergiant Games has stated its intentions to keep the game in Early Access until at least the end of 2024. This timeframe allows the developers to continue refining the game based on player feedback and ensure a polished final product upon launch.
A Franchise Forged in Fire: The Future of Hades
The resurgence of the original Hades and the positive reception for Hades 2 paint a bright future for the franchise. This latest chapter demonstrates the enduring legacy of the original game and the passionate community it has fostered. As players continue to explore the depths of Hades and eagerly await the release of Hades 2, one thing is certain: the underworld adventure is far from over.
FAQs:
Q: Why is the original Hades experiencing a surge in player activity?
A: The launch of Hades 2 has rekindled interest in the original game. Existing players are returning to refresh their memories, while newcomers are discovering the world of Hades for the first time.
Q: How long will Hades 2 remain in Early Access?
A: Supergiant Games anticipates keeping Hades 2 in Early Access until at least the end of 2024.
Q: What is the user rating for the original Hades on Steam?
A: Hades boasts a near-perfect user rating on Steam, with over 98% of reviews being positive.
Q: Where can I find more information about Hades and Hades 2?
A: You can find information about both games on the official website of Supergiant Games or by searching for them on Steam.
