Hades II review: Supergiant's sequel is a bigger, richer roguelike

Hades II is the sequel to Supergiant Games' 2020 hit Hades, one of the most acclaimed roguelikes ever made. After an early access period that began in May 2024, the full game launched on 25 September 2025 for PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and arrived on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 14 April 2026. It holds a Metacritic score of 94 on PC and won Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2025.

This spoiler-light review draws on the developer's information, published critic reviews and player feedback. It covers the premise, combat, presentation, difficulty and platforms, and answers whether you should play the first game before this one.

What is Hades II about? (No spoilers)

You play as Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld and sister of the first game's hero, Zagreus. Chronos, the Titan of Time, has seized the Underworld and imprisoned her family. Trained in witchcraft, Melinoë sets out to defeat him, fighting through mythological regions with help from the gods of Olympus and other figures from Greek myth.

As in the original, dying is part of the story. Each failed run sends Melinoë back to her hub, where characters react to what happened, relationships develop and new upgrades unlock.

Combat and builds

Hades II keeps the fast, top-down action of its predecessor and adds a magic resource that powers stronger versions of your attacks and a new casting ability. Each run you pick up boons from Olympian gods that modify your moves, so no two runs play quite the same.

The variety comes from several layers working together:

• Multiple weapons, each with alternative forms unlocked over time
• Boons from Olympian gods that stack and combine
• Arcana cards for permanent passive bonuses
• Two broad routes through the world with different regions and bosses
• Optional difficulty modifiers for players who want a tougher challenge

Art, music and voice acting

Supergiant's presentation is again outstanding. The hand-painted environments and character portraits are full of personality, the soundtrack blends heavy rock with folk and orchestral elements, and the large cast is fully voiced. Critics widely singled out the art, music and performances as highlights, and major outlets including IGN and GameSpot awarded it top marks.

Is Hades II hard?

It is challenging, and early runs will usually end in defeat. That is by design: permanent upgrades and growing knowledge make each attempt a little easier. The game also offers God Mode, an optional setting that gradually increases damage resistance after each defeat, so less experienced players can still reach the end of the story.

The number of resources, upgrade systems and currencies can feel like a lot at first. The game introduces them gradually, but newcomers to roguelikes should expect a learning curve.

Do you need to play Hades before Hades II?

No. Hades II tells its own story with a new protagonist, and it explains what you need to know. Playing the first Hades adds context for returning characters and makes some moments more meaningful, and it remains an excellent game in its own right. If you are unsure whether you enjoy roguelikes, the original is also a slightly simpler starting point.

Compared with the original, Hades II offers more of almost everything: two routes through the world instead of one, a magic resource layered on top of attacks, Hexes that call on the power of the moon goddess Selene, and a larger hub with more to manage between runs. Returning players will feel at home quickly, while also finding plenty of new systems to master.

Platforms and performance

Hades II is available on Windows and macOS (Steam and the Epic Games Store), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It also won Best on Steam Deck at the 2025 Steam Awards, which makes it a strong pick for handheld PC players. Its Switch version scored particularly well with critics, so it is a good option for portable play.

How long is Hades II?

Like most roguelikes, Hades II has no fixed length. A single run takes somewhere between half an hour and an hour, and reaching the story's key milestones takes many runs, because progress depends on upgrades, unlocked weapons and relationships built in the hub. Players who want to see everything, including every character storyline and weapon variant, can keep playing for a very long time.

This structure is a real strength if you like short sessions that add up to something bigger. It suits handheld play and busy schedules especially well. If you prefer a linear game with a clear finish after a set number of hours, the loop may feel repetitive, although the story constantly reacts to what you have done.

Key specs

Developer / publisher

Supergiant Games

Early access

May 2024 (Windows), October 2024 (macOS)

Full release

25 September 2025 (PC, Mac, Switch, Switch 2); 14 April 2026 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

Genre

Roguelike action RPG, hack and slash

Modes

Single-player

Metacritic

94 (PC), 95 (Switch 2)

Awards

Best Action Game, The Game Awards 2025

Alternatives to consider

• Hades: The original, slightly simpler and still one of the best roguelikes available.
• Dead Cells: A fast side-scrolling roguelite with tight combat and many build options.
• The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth: A long-running roguelike with enormous item variety for players who want endless replay value.

Frequently asked questions

Hades II is a worthy successor to one of the best games of its generation. It is deeper, bigger and just as stylish, with combat that stays exciting across dozens of runs. If you enjoy fast action and a story that rewards persistence, Supergiant's sequel is one of the best games you can play in 2026, whether on PC, console or handheld.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.