Do You Need to Play the First Hellblade Before Playing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2?

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Senua walking through a dark forest

Hellblade 2 is, unsurprisingly, a sequel to the first game from 2017. But, do you need to play the first Hellblade game before playing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2? Let’s see.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 has been recently released, on Xbox and PC, seven years after the first Hellblade game. The story follows the adventures of Senua, a girl from Orkney suffering from psychosis. The plot of Hellblade 2 happens in 9th-century Iceland, where Senua is bringing the fight to the Viking Raiders, responsible for the sack of her home. But, is knowing the story from the first game mandatory for playing the second? Do you need to play the first Hellblade before playing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2? Read on to find out.

Is Playing Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Mandatory Before Playing Hellblade 2?

The short answer is no, you do not have to play Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to enjoy Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.

The sequel even offers a short recap of the first game, to get you up to speed. You won’t be at a loss for not playing Hellblade 1, and it won’t impact your gameplay in any way. That being said, while not mandatory, is it at least recommended to play the first game?

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 protagnost looking at a totem
Image via Steam

Should You Play Hellblade 1 Before Playing the Sequel?

Yes, while playing the prequel is not mandatory, we recommend that you play Senua’s Sacrifice before playing Senua’s Saga. That way you will understand the protagonist’s plight and situation far better than the short run-down you get in Hellblade 2. That, in turn, will make you appreciate the game much more, as the focus is on storytelling, rather than gameplay.

The first game isn’t that long either. You can finish it in about five to six hours, provided you do not waste time searching every nook and cranny, and just focus on the main story. You can finish it over a weekend of casual gaming (or in a single day if you’re up for it) and properly enjoy the sequel in no time.

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