If you thought the first Hellblade was intense, buckle up. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is back with more psychosis-fueled storytelling, cinematic combat, and Nordic dread than ever. Released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the Enhanced Edition drops on August 12, 2025, and yes — it’s optimized for 60fps on PS5 and PC.
A Quick Dive into Hellblade’s History
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017), developed by Ninja Theory. The original game was a surprise hit — a haunting blend of psychological horror and Norse mythology that tackled mental illness with rare sensitivity. It won multiple BAFTAs and was praised for its binaural audio and Melina Juergens’ performance as Senua.
Hellblade II picks up in 9th-century Iceland, where Senua, now more battle-hardened and self-aware, continues her journey through myth and madness. The sequel was announced back in 2019 and spent five years in development, with Ninja Theory now operating under Xbox Game Studios. The game’s surreal tone is grounded in historical realism, blending Viking lore with Senua’s psychosis to create a uniquely immersive experience.
What’s New in Hellblade II Enhanced
| Feature | Description |
| 60fps Performance Mode | Smooth combat and exploration on PS5 and PC |
| Dark Rot Mode | Die too many times and your progress is wiped (no pressure) |
| Improved Photo Mode | Capture Senua’s anguish in glorious detail |
| Developer Commentary | Hear Ninja Theory’s insights as you play |
| Deluxe Edition Bonus | Includes PS5-enhanced Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice + soundtrack |
Gameplay & Story Highlights
- Length: ~6 hours of tightly packed narrative
- Setting: Icelandic coastlines, mythic Midgard, and your own mind
- Combat: Streamlined swordplay focused on cinematic impact over deep mechanics
- Tone: Dark, emotional, and psychologically raw
Senua’s journey picks up shortly after the first game. She’s no longer just surviving her psychosis — she’s wielding it. After surviving a shipwreck, she’s thrust into a new battle against both human monsters and inner demons, with survivor’s guilt and justice driving her forward.
Characters You’ll Meet
- Senua: The returning protagonist, Senua is a Pict warrior haunted by psychosis and memories of loss. Her journey in Hellblade II is not just physical but psychological, as she continues to wrestle with inner voices and a traumatic past, now channeled into a mission of deeper purpose.
- Thórgestr: A Norse raider-turned-prisoner whose fate is intertwined with Senua’s. His story explores themes of guilt, captivity, and survival amidst the backdrop of war.
- Fargrímr: A mystic who guides Senua through dark rituals and spiritual awakenings. He’s enigmatic, wise, and often cryptic—his presence adds an eerie layer to Senua’s quest.
- Ástríðr: A woman with her own tragic backstory, Ástríðr represents the lingering consequences of violence. Her encounters with Senua help reveal the emotional impact of war on both the victims and survivors.
- Gods and Spirits: While not always physically present, Norse deities and mythic spirits loom over the narrative, influencing events and emotions. These supernatural entities blur the line between hallucination and reality, shaping Senua’s perception of the world.
Visuals That Punch You in the Soul
Built in Unreal Engine 5, Hellblade II is a visual powerhouse. From stormy coastlines to surreal hallucinations, every frame feels handcrafted. And yes, Melina Juergens returns as Senua, now rendered in near-photorealistic detail.
Pricing & Editions
Whether you’re new to the series or a returning warrior, here’s what you’re looking at:
| Edition | Platforms | Price (USD / EUR) | Includes |
| Standard | PS5, Xbox, PC | $49.99 / €49.99 | Hellblade II base game + Enhanced features |
| Deluxe | PS5 only | $69.99 / €69.99 | Hellblade II + Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (PS5 version) + Soundtrack |
| Game Pass | Xbox, PC | Free with Game Pass | Full access to Hellblade II Enhanced |
If you already own the game, the Enhanced Edition update is free across all platforms — no extra charge. And yes, it’s Steam Deck Verified, so you can take your trauma-filled Viking journey on the go.
Final Verdict
Hellblade II isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s a six-hour descent into trauma, myth, and redemption. If you’re here for deep combat systems, you might feel underwhelmed. But if you want a cinematic, emotionally charged experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll, this is it.
Ratings Summary
| Source | Score | Summary |
| Metacritic | 81/100 | Generally favorable reviews from 95 critics |
| User Score | 7.4/10 | Mixed to positive feedback from over 2,700 users |
| IGN | Not scored | Praised for visuals and emotional depth, but noted shallow combat |
| GINX TV | 95/100 | Called it Ninja Theory’s magnum opus |
| Irish Independent | 80/100 | Strong performances, but story pacing criticized |
