Summary
Hades 2andRotwoodboth being roguelikes naturally means that their gameplay loops share plenty of core mechanics, although comparing the explicit differences between the two games can be a bit like comparing apples to oranges. Either way, bothHades 2andRotwoodbring something unique to the table that fans of roguelike games should consider checking out, given that both games have recently been released in early access. Otherwise, players who prefer to wait for their full releases will only have to wait until at most, late 2025.
Rotwoodis a 2.5D roguelike brawler developed by the Indie studio Klei Entertainment, known forgames likeDon’t Starve,Mark of The Ninja, andGriftlands. This likely comes as no surprise for fans of the studio’s past games, considering that Klei Entertainment’s signature stylized graphics are immediately recognizable inRotwood. Though, while the influence of Klei Entertainment’s past games is clear inRotwood, the game charts its own path separate from both its predecessors and other roguelike games.
How Rotwood’s Gameplay Compares to Hades 2
One of the main differences betweenHades 2andRotwoodis thatHades 2is strictly a single-player game, whileRotwoodfeatures both local and online co-op between up to four players, while still supporting solo play. This naturally provides a vastly different experience, as playingRotwoodco-op will allow players to revive fallen teammates and unlock other skills specific to co-op mode that can provide unique team synergies between players. Additionally, players can carry over any progress by freely bringing their custom character between co-op and single-player modes inRotwood.
Rotwood’s online multiplayer features both public and private matchmaking options.
Rotwood’s Co-Op Combat is its Biggest Strength
Another major difference between the two games is that thedifferent Expeditions inRotwoodact as standalone dungeons that culminate in a major boss fight. Whereas inHades 2, the different paths will take players through a longer series of connected dungeons with no midway checkpoints. Not only does this mean thatRotwood’s story and character progression are more episodic, but since runs ofHades 2are generally longer, the opportunities to experiment with temporary builds inHades 2within each run are more in-depth.
However, this isn’t to say thatRotwooddoesn’t provide players with ample buildcrafting opportunities, given the variety of armor, weapons, and temporary skills that players can unlock in the game.
While bothRotwoodandHades 2feature distinct weapon types to choose from, for now,Rotwoodoffers a larger selection of weapons, each with its own unique perks and weight classes that affect players’ mobility and attack combos. Not to mention, players can also invest in permanent armor that provides additional perks, in addition to increased defenses and weight class stats.
WhileHades 2could arguably be considered a brawler the same way thatRotwoodcan, this description is more fitting toRotwoodsince attack combos play a much larger role in combat. Players can still perform combos with any of the weapons inHades 2, though these combos don’t quite manage to have the same synergy as theweapon combos fromRotwood.
Ultimately,Rotwood’s focus on old-school, cooperative beat-‘em-up gameplay is the game’s biggest strength, whereasHades 2has a much more involved plot. As asequel to the originalHadesthat continues to draw on the stylized mythos of the Greek pantheon,Hades 2’s story arguably stands out among the genre.
However,Hades 2andRotwoodeach have their strengths as roguelikes, especially for players looking for either a story-driven single-player game, a more lighthearted co-op game, or both. So, roguelike fans may want to keep an eye on both upcoming games throughout their early access development periods if they aren’t already doing so.
Rotwood
WHERE TO PLAY
The world has been thrown into chaos, and it’s up to you and your friends to battle the corrupted beasts of the Rotwood. Upgrade your gear, choose your preferred weapon, and sharpen your skills to defend your safe haven.Rotwood is about getting better, getting stronger, and taking on challenges you once thought impossible. Featuring rich and varied fighting mechanics, play solo or co-op with up to three other friends to battle your way through the Rotwood and its increasingly frenzied inhabitants.Surviving the Rotwood is no walk in the park. It’s going to take practice, strategy, and skill to take on the game’s most challenging encounters.Complex and Rewarding CombatButton mashing and decent gear will only get you so far. You will need to make use of your skills and whatever you can gather before venturing too far into the Rotwood.Choose your target and fight your way through interesting encounters that increasingly demand timing, creativity, and skill to reach your quarry – a corrupted beast that will put your abilities to the test.
