Simplifier

Think of playing the first *Hades* game like watching the first season of a great TV show. It introduces you to the family, the world, and the story from the very beginning. If you start with the second game, you might feel a bit like you walked into a movie thirty minutes late; you’ll still have fun, but you’ll miss out on the "why" behind everything that is happening. The first game is also a perfect teacher. It uses a simple cycle: you try to escape a dungeon, you get defeated, you use what you learned to get stronger, and then you try again. Because it is a finished and polished game, it explains these basics very clearly. Starting here helps you get comfortable with the fast-paced action before things get more complicated in the sequel. Finally, playing the first game makes the second one feel much more rewarding. You will recognize old friends and understand the jokes and references that the characters make. It’s like visiting a town you used to live in; seeing what has changed is a lot more exciting when you remember how it used to look. Plus, since the first game has been out for a while, it usually costs less and works perfectly on almost any device.

Casual Gamer

Playing *Hades 1* first is a total blast because it’s so easy to jump into! The best part for me is definitely "God Mode." If things get a bit too tough, you can just turn that on and enjoy the ride without getting frustrated. It makes the game feel super accessible, so you can focus on the fun instead of stressing over every death. The story and the characters are just amazing, too. You get to hang out with all these cool Greek gods who are constantly chatting with you and giving you awesome powers. It feels like you’re part of a big, colorful family drama, and the art style is just gorgeous to look at while you’re relaxing on the couch. Starting with the first game lets you see where the story began without feeling overwhelmed. You get to unlock cool upgrades at your own pace, and every run feels rewarding because you're always making progress. It’s just a really chill, high-energy experience that sets the perfect stage for the sequel!

Gaming Budget Advisor

From a strictly financial perspective, starting with the original *Hades* is the smartest move. It is a complete, polished masterpiece that frequently goes on sale for $15 or less, whereas *Hades II* is currently in Early Access at a higher price point. By starting with the first game, you’re getting a guaranteed 50–100 hours of high-quality entertainment for a fraction of the cost of a modern AAA title. Furthermore, *Hades* is exceptionally well-optimized and available on almost every platform, including older consoles and mobile via Netflix. This means you don’t need to worry about hardware upgrades to enjoy a smooth experience. It allows you to test your interest in the roguelike genre with a minimal investment before committing more of your budget to the sequel. Finally, playing the first game maximizes the narrative value of the second. The story beats and character reveals in *Hades II* carry much more weight if you’ve already invested time in the original cast. By the time you’ve exhausted the massive amount of content in the first game, the sequel will likely be further along in development, more polished, and potentially even discounted, allowing you to stretch your gaming dollar even further.