The highly anticipated sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, is set to release after years of waiting. Developed by Ninja Theory, the devs behind Devil May Cry, this third-person action-adventure game is geared up to be one of the best Xbox exclusives this year.
It’s been over four years since we fought through the depths of Hel with Senua to rescue the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela, so we’re ready to jump into a sequel. From what we’ve seen, the wait will be worth it, and the footage shown in 2021 was frankly breathtaking. Senua’s character model is unbelievably detailed (opens in new tab), as is the beautifully bleak world itself.
Therefore, we can likely expect this to be a real showcase of what the Xbox Series X is capable of. Read on for everything we know so far about Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2: cut to the chase
- What is it? The sequel to 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- When can I play it? TBC
- What can I play it on? Xbox Series X|S and PC b
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 release date and platforms
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will release for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC, while Xbox is yet to announce a release date we’re hoping to see this action-adventure game pop up around the end of 2023. It’ll also be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 trailers
Latest trailer
The most recent video released for Hellblade 2‘s was a Dev Diary (opens in new tab) that documented how Ninja Theory worked around the pandemic and location restrictions to ensure it portrays the game’s location in Iceland in the most authentic way possible.
More trailers
We’ve scattered a few extra trailers for Hellblade 2 throughout this article, but for more videos, be sure to check out Ninja Theory’s official YouTube channel. (opens in new tab)
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 story and setting
The first Hellblade saw Senua journey to find her dead lover’s soul. Venturing to the fires of Helheim, she fought against all the odds and even the goddess of death herself, Hella.
While the main story focused on action-adventure Hellblade also saw more mature themes woven through the narrative. Filled with psychological struggles, Senua slowly comes to terms with everything that has happened to her.
We hope that Hellblade 2 will carry on this thought-provoking journey, but as of yet, there are no solid storylines confirmed for this much-anticipated sequel.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 gameplay
Hellblade 2 is an action-adventure third-person game, with the only gameplay trailer (opens in new tab) being released at The Game Awards 2021 (opens in new tab).
In this six-minute trailer, we saw Senua and a group of warriors travel to a cold and wet coastal cave. Scattered with bones and debris, you instantly know that there is something wrong.
Similarly to the first game, your thoughts doubt you, as every action you take is met with quiet whispers of dread and discomfort. But after a short set-up, we can finally see what Senua came here to find and kill; a giant.
The fight ensues with the giant chasing Senua, calling her name and eating her fellow soldiers. The entire sequence is heart-racing and beautifully scripted. If this is anything to go off of, then, Hellblade 2 looks like it’s going to be a memorable sequel.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 news
Senua’s character model is incredibly detailed
Developer Ninja Theory has shared two images showing a close-up of Senua’s character model, and they’re unbelievably detailed. From the snot running out of Senua’s nose to the creases of her lips, Ninja Theory is definitely not messing around when it comes to the little details that make Senua look truly realistic.
The developer cites its development of skin and eye materials using studio references for its ability to make Senua look life-like. It’s certainly got us excited to see more of Hellblade 2, and Senua, in action.
Senua is brought to life in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II thanks to our development of skin and eye materials using studio references. pic.twitter.com/dTX2ETJmAKJanuary 20, 2022
No tricks here
Following the gameplay reveal of Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory Audio Director David García took to Twitter to provide some details about the trailer’s audio. According to García, the gameplay trailer was entirely captured in-engine in real-time and “almost all” of the footage’s 3D sounds use Project Acoustics and spatial audio.
Project Acoustics is Microsoft’s wave acoustics engine for 3D interactive experiences. Essentially, it allows for realistic acoustics to be introduced into 3D environments. Spatial audio, meanwhile, is an immersive sound that comes from (or seems to) all angles.
Some audio notes about our gameplay trailer: https://t.co/eJxBL8F3wU-Almost all 3d sounds use Project acoustics and spatial audio: incredible technologies. -Everything in this demo is in engine, real time, no tricks. This is real. As such not everything is perfect(yet :D)December 12, 2021
Running on Unreal Engine 5
Microsoft has confirmed that Hellblade 2 will use Unreal Engine 5 in an official Xbox Wire (opens in new tab) post.
According to Xbox, “The team will be building the game on Unreal 5 and leveraging the power of Xbox Series X to bring the Hellblade franchise to levels never before seen.” They added that the footage of the game shown during The Game Awards in 2019 “was captured in-engine and reflects the power of Xbox Series X available to developers to deliver new universes, experiences and games in ways you have never imagined.”
