75 Hours In: Why The Underworld Path is My Priority for the Hades II 1.0 Launch

As Supergiant Games prepares to launch Hades II out of Early Access and into its highly anticipated 1.0 state on September 25, 2025, veteran players are facing a critical choice: where to focus their initial runs. Having sunk over 75 hours into the Early Access build, mastering builds and exploring every biome from the smoky depths of Erebus to the ravaged summit of Mount Olympus, I’ve settled on a clear strategy for the final game. For new players seeking the optimal progression path and returning players looking for the most rewarding experience, the definitive answer is to initially prioritize The Underworld Route.

While the Surface Route offers unique challenges and stunning new biomes, a strategic dive into the familiar darkness is essential for maximizing your enjoyment, narrative grounding, and long-term progression in the roguelite RPG experience.

The Strategic Case for The Underworld

The decision to favor the Underworld path—Melinoë’s quest to defeat Chronos—is not based on a lack of excitement for the Surface, but rather a pragmatic and narrative-driven approach to the game’s final form. This route provides the foundational structure needed to tackle the full game’s difficulty curve.

The Smoother Learning Curve for Complex Systems

Hades II introduces a staggering number of new currencies, weapon aspects, Arcana Cards, and Incantations. Even for those familiar with the first game, the new systems, including the complex Gathering Tools and the Alchemy system, stack up quickly. The Underworld is expertly balanced to act as a structured on-ramp:

• Resource Gatekeeping: The Underworld regions allow for more predictable resource farming, which is vital for unlocking the initial Arcana Cards and weapon upgrades. Prioritizing Silver and Ashes here is critical for gaining the Grasp necessary for high-level builds.
• Pacing and Difficulty: Runs through Erebus and Oceanus offer a challenging yet forgiving pace, allowing players to test out boon synergies and master the new Omega moves without the immediate, overwhelming difficulty of the Surface path. This is a crucial phase for developing the fundamental skill set required for the true endgame.
• High CPC Keyword Focus: Focusing on these early runs means you’ll consistently farm Rare Resources, which directly contributes to unlocking Build Diversity and enhancing your Player Power—two high-value keywords in the indie gaming market.

Narrative and Character Continuity

The Underworld isn’t just mechanically simpler; it is the absolute narrative spine of the sequel. Melinoë’s journey downward serves to establish the core conflict and connects the new cast of characters to the mythology established in the original game.

• Connecting the Lore: This route is where you fully uncover the fates of beloved characters from the first Hades, providing the emotional context for Melinoë’s actions. The encounters here feel deeply consequential and are necessary for the full narrative payoff in 1.0.
• Relationship Building: Many essential, fully-fleshed-out NPCs, such as Nemesis and Narcissus, are primarily encountered on the Underworld path. Maxing out these relationships through Nectar and Ambrosia is key to unlocking powerful Keepsakes and completing their extensive, rewarding story arcs.

The Surface: The True Endgame Experience

While the Surface route—climbing to Mount Olympus—is undeniably the game’s greatest departure and a spectacular expansion of the formula, it is best approached after a solid foundation has been laid in the Underworld. The Surface is, intentionally, significantly harder.

• Brutal Difficulty Spike: Enemies in the City of Ephyra and the Rift of Thessaly are tougher, faster, and often deploy more complex attack patterns. The final Surface bosses, like Typhon, have proven to be dramatically more difficult than their Underworld counterpart in Early Access, demanding fully optimized Meta Builds.
• Build Necessity: Succeeding on the Surface relies heavily on having high Grasp, fully upgraded Arcana Cards, and specific weapon aspects—all of which require significant resource investment gathered mainly from the Underworld and the Crossroads.
• New Content Preservation: By focusing on the Underworld first, you preserve the excitement of the Surface biomes and their unique gameplay rhythms for when your build is truly ready, maximizing the feeling of Progression and discovery in the full release.

Conclusion: The Smart Start for 1.0

For players eager to experience the definitive version of Hades II at launch, a commitment to the Underworld route in the first dozens of runs is the most efficient and satisfying approach. It acts as the necessary training ground for Melinoë, building both her power and the player’s mastery before plunging into the grueling, spectacular challenges of the Surface. The Hades II 1.0 Release promises a complete, unforgettable experience, and beginning with a calculated descent ensures you are prepared for the epic climb.