GamesRoguelikeHadesHades 2Hades 2’s huge new update is finally letting me confront enemies the best way I know how: with my fists firstWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesRoguelikeHadesHades 2Hades 2’s huge new update is finally letting me confront enemies the best way I know how: with my fists firstWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Supergiant Games)

The last two days have reminded me whyHadesnever fails to pull me back in, no matter how much time has passed – in this case, almost five months – since my last run. Now armed with the final addition to my Nocturnal Arms collection, I’m gritting my teeth through hordes of automaton defenders, reveling in the joy of seeing Dionysus and Athena again, and loving every minute of uncovering the mysterious intentions of a brand new Titan up on the surface. The best thing about this update for me, though? Realizing that the Black Coat might actually be my new go-to weapon in Hades 2, teething problems and all.
Fist bump
(Image credit: Supergiant Games)

Together we shine(Image credit: Supergiant Games)Hades 2 review: “as tight and cutthroat as its predecessor”
Together we shine
(Image credit: Supergiant Games)Hades 2 review: “as tight and cutthroat as its predecessor”
(Image credit: Supergiant Games)

Hades 2 review: “as tight and cutthroat as its predecessor”
After testing it out, I’m pleased to announce that yes, Mel is officially a fistfighter worthy of entering the ring with the likes of Mike Tyson. Part jetpack, part rocket launcher, part hard-hitting melee machine, the Black Coat is a weapon I never knew I needed so much in Hades 2. Picking up a new piece of gear is always a bit of a struggle for me in roguelikes, especially when I already havesuch a clear favoritein the Sisters Blades' Aspect of Artemis. I soon remember that with Hades 2 still being in Early Access, though, this splendid gift comes with a mean tradeoff. I take to the Black Coat’s moveset like a shade to the River Styx, but now, I’m left grappling with the sad fact that my favorite boon has been removed from the game. It’s moments like these that make Early Access worthwhile. Now, I can give myself a new challenge: how can I maximize the potential of this new item while experimenting with retooled boons?
What did I tell you? This build is an unexpected winner. Or so it seemed.
What did I tell you? This build is an unexpected winner. Or so it seemed.
The Black Coat did not lead me to victory this time around, but it’s still showing promise as one of the best Nocturnal Arms in the whole game. True, I’m still working through exactly what its omega attack can actually block (note:notsaid eagle’s AOE onslaughts) and I really think those rocket launcher specials ought be a little more targeted and precise, but I am already sold on how powerful the latest Hades 2 weapon can be. How will it evolve over the course of the game’s development, I wonder? The answer is, like all things Hades, in the hands of the Fates. Or, you know, Supergiant.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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