Should you play Hellblade 1 before playing Hellblade 2?

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is right here to proceed, effectively, Senua’s saga. Hellblade 2 picks up an indeterminate period of time after 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.

The occasions of Hellblade 1 have a particular impact on Hellblade 2 — particularly on Senua — however do it’s a must to have performed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to take pleasure in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2? Let’s break it down.

Do you have to play Hellblade 1 earlier than taking part in Hellblade 2?

The brief reply is: You don’t must play Hellblade 1 earlier than taking part in Hellblade 2.

There’s a useful (skippable) recap film whenever you begin a brand new recreation of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. What’s extra, the occasions of the Senua’s Sacrifice are extra backdrop than foundational to the occasions of Senua’s Saga — they’re good to know they usually flesh out the world, however they’re not strictly obligatory.

Picture: Ninja Idea/Xbox Sport Studios by way of Polygon

Regardless, whenever you begin a brand new recreation, you’ll get a five-minute video with carved megalith visuals that covers all the occasions of Hellblade 1. It’s thorough sufficient to get you in control for Hellblade 2 with out too many questions.

For those who missed something within the video, although, right here’s the crash course to get you prepared for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2: Senua hears voices (the Furies). Her mom heard voices too. Senua’s father was a foul man and killed her mom as a result of he thought the voices have been evil. Senua fell in love, nevertheless it didn’t go effectively. Individuals died. Senua continued to listen to voices, and now had one other voice in her head — her father’s (The Darkness and, later, the Shadow). Senua went to Hel(l) to retrieve her misplaced love and kill a god. She was half-successful, lastly studying to just accept loss as a part of life (however nonetheless stabbing a god). She discovered to dwell with the voices as part of her.

That final half is why the voices you’ll hear all through Hellblade 2 are type of neither encouraging or discouraging — they’ve taken on a task extra as observers or commenters (or a Greek refrain) than as antagonists.

For extra Hellblade 2 guides, try our guides on the Freyslaug rune puzzle options, Hiddenfolk puzzle options, and Bardarvik sea large rune puzzle options.