With Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 on the horizon, players are likely wondering whether they need to beat the first game. Here’s what you need to know.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, the first game in the series, is a critically acclaimed title that pretty much everyone should play. However, it’s no surprise that many have missed it, especially considering its dark themes. Of course, with the sequel coming out, more and more players may now be flocking to try it out. But, for those who have limited time, you may be wondering whether you need to play it at all before jumping into Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. After all, most sequels these days are designed to be enjoyed as standalone experiences.
Should You Play Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice Before Playing Hellblade Senua’s Saga?
Yes, you should absolutely play Hellblade 1 before playing Hellblade 2. The first game focuses on Senua, the protagonist of both games and her personal journey. The sequel, titled Hellblade 2 for a reason, is a continuation of that personal journey. While it introduces new characters and a new location, it is, nevertheless, first and foremost, about Senua. Therefore, it is recommended you play the first game before the sequel, so you can better understand Senua and her struggles.
Fortunately, the first game, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, is not very long. It only takes around 8 hours to beat and is relatively linear in its design. It’s also very frequently on sale and is currently included in the Xbox Game Pass lineup. It shouldn’t take you much longer than a weekend to play it, and you’ve still got plenty of time before Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 launches on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. You can check out the game’s overview below to get a sense of how the two games are connected.
However, if you really don’t want to or don’t have the time to play the first game, you’ll likely be able to jump into Senua’s Saga and still enjoy it. As previously mentioned, it is set in a new location and features new enemies and allies for Senua to meet. She’s also come to terms with her psychosis, which is the basis of the first game.
Additionally, back in 2021, Ninja Theory founder Tameem Antoniades explained that they “didn’t want to do a straight sequel; [they] wanted to do something extra special.” So, it’s likely that Hellblade 2 will be a standalone experience, although we suspect that without playing the first game, you’ll lose a lot of appreciation for Senua as a character and her journey.
That’s everything you need to know about whether to play Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice before Senua’s Saga. For more guides just like this one, be sure to check out our Guide Hub.