Hades 2' s technical test recently launched, with Supergiant Games streaming the first part of the game to fans. Many fans who applied for the technical test and were lucky enough to be accepted, along with those who watched the official stream, may have noted the visual changes in the designs of the Olympians. Although the design changes are linked to the story events in Hades 2, their new designs, Aphrodite's in particular, are also clever links to their original myths in Ancient Greece.
Aphrodite in Hades
Aphrodite's New Appearance and its Connection to Ares
Hades 2 takes place during a war between the Olympians and Chronos, the Titan of Time. All the Olympians shown so far in Hades 2 are depicted in battle armor, a contrast to their outfits in Hades where only the gods of war, Athena and Ares, are depicted in armor. Even Aphrodite, the goddess of love, joins the fray. Aphrodite appears nude as in the previous Hades game, but come the new game, she has the addition of a spear and shield. Aphrodite also has an additional appearance change in a subtle smear of war paint across her eyes in Hades 2.
Aphrodite's new war paint mirrors Ares' appearance in Hades. This is a nod to Aphrodite and Ares' relationship in Greek mythology, where the two gods were notoriously lovers and had several stories together, despite Aphrodite's marriage to Hephaestus. This also points to one of her most little-known roles in some parts of Ancient Greece as a warrior goddess, the aspect of Aphrodite that appears in Hades 2.
Aphrodite in Mythology
Most depictions of Aphrodite show her solely as the goddess of love, and references to her participating in battle in the Iliad result in her failure, with Zeus telling her to leave the fighting to the war gods such as Athena. However, there is evidence that the earliest versions of Aphrodite depicted her as a war goddess. The version of Aphrodite seen in the Iliad may have been Athenian propaganda that pushed back on the Spartan depictions of Aphrodite as a goddess of war.
Aphrodite Areia in Hades 2
Deities in Greek mythology were given epithets, or titles, for their different forms, and Aphrodite's war form was called Aphrodite Areia, or "warlike Aphrodite." This version of Aphrodite was common in Sparta, and there have been temples found dedicated to both Aphrodite and Ares together as a war couple. Hades 2's creating a connection between Aphrodite and Ares through Ares' iconic war paint is a clear reference to their mythological connections.
The Aphrodite depicted in Hades 2 is clearly Aphrodite Areia, a version of Aphrodite rarely depicted in art or literature. Aphrodite Areia is very thematically appropriate for Hades 2, and Supergiant Games paying homage to this little-seen version of the goddess of love is a great Easter egg for fans of Greek mythology. Another reference to Aphrodite being greater than she appears is Demeter's comment in Hades 2 that Aphrodite is very, very old, a reference to the fact that Aphrodite is the most ancient of the Olympians.
Aphrodite and Ares
It's unknown if Ares will appear in Hades 2, but as the god of war, it's likely he'll appear at some point, either as an addition during Early Access or during a later stage of the game. As Aphrodite and Ares are now visually linked, the pair may have a dual boon to bestow on Melinoe if the mechanic is still a part of the game.
Hades 2
- Released
- September 25, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft.
BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLD
As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you'll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.
MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERY
Infuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.
MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
Meet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.
EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURE
New locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.
THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITY
Thanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don't have to be a god yourself to experience what Hades II has to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
Rich, atmospheric presentation and storytelling fused with responsive action is the hallmark of Supergiant's titles. Vivid new hand-painted environments, even smoother real-time 3D characters, and an electrifying original score make this mythic world burst with life.
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Franchise
- Hades
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
