Supergiant Games had a nearly impossible task: follow up Hades, one of the most acclaimed roguelites ever made. Somehow, they’ve done it again. Hades 2 not only preserves the magic of the original but expands it in ways that feel bold, meaningful, and endlessly replayable.
A New Heroine, A New Journey
This time, the spotlight falls on Melinoë, daughter of Hades and Persephone, and sister to Zagreus. Tasked with defeating Chronos, the Titan of Time, her quest begins with little introduction, but the world quickly opens up into a tapestry of characters, myths, and conflicts.
The shift in perspective works beautifully. Where Zagreus embodied the rebellious son, Melinoë feels more like a witch in training—her arc defined by cunning, control, and layers of mystery. The familiar blend of mythological reinterpretation and razor-sharp writing is back, with relationships, rivalries, and rival gods that carry as much personality as they do gameplay weight.
World-Building at Its Peak
Supergiant’s character art and dialogue design remain unmatched. Every Olympian and underworld figure has depth, whether it’s Nemesis evolving from rival to ally or Hecate struggling between mentor and surrogate mother. Tiny visual flourishes, subtle animations, and exceptional voice acting elevate each encounter.
Even the smallest details feel alive. Homer narrates the adventure with tongue-in-cheek commentary, while gods and titans like Selene bring entirely new dimensions to the story. The Crossroads hub evolves constantly with new faces, quests, and upgrades, making every return from a failed run rewarding.
Combat: Fast, Layered, and Addictive
If Zagreus played like a warrior, Melinoë is the witch archetype. Combat emphasizes battlefield control and resource management, with traps, mana mechanics, and weapons that dramatically alter playstyle.
- Weapons: From twin torches that turn combat into a whirling dance to a massive axe that transforms into a scythe, each armament feels unique and game-defining.
- Cast Ability: A magic circle that traps enemies, forcing players to think strategically about placement and timing.
- Boons: The gods’ blessings return with refinements—every Olympian now offers worthwhile upgrades, while new deities like Hephaestus and Hestia bring devastating mechanics such as scorching flames or hammer-like strikes.
- Hexes: Selene introduces ultimate abilities, customizable through semi-randomized talent trees, allowing for explosive synergies.
The result is combat that’s fluid, snappy, and endlessly variable. No two runs feel the same, and even weaker builds often uncover surprising strengths.
Two Paths, Double the Variety
One of the most significant improvements is the dual-path structure. Players can choose between delving into Tartarus to confront Chronos or ascending toward Mount Olympus to break the Titan’s siege.
Each route offers four distinct biomes and bosses, ensuring that back-to-back runs rarely feel repetitive. Environments like Ephyra’s branching city streets shake up the roguelite formula, forcing choices about routes and rewards. If a particular boss becomes overwhelming, players can pivot paths, keeping frustration at bay while ensuring progression.
Progression, Systems, and Unlocks
Like the first game, progression ties directly to repeated runs, but Hades 2 introduces even more systems:
- Arcana Cards: Unlockable perks that add RPG-like customization.
- Alchemy and Crafting: Gathering resources fuels weapon upgrades, potion brewing, and world expansion.
- Familiars and Farming: Adorable companions and a simple minigame offer non-combat depth.
While some may find the number of currencies and collectibles overwhelming, the sheer variety ensures that no run ever feels wasted. Every attempt pushes you closer to unlocking something new, whether mechanical or narrative.
Music and Presentation
Composer Darren Korb once again delivers a phenomenal soundtrack—arguably surpassing the original. Ethereal melodies mix with lofi beats and mythic grandeur, creating an atmosphere that shifts seamlessly between melancholy and adrenaline.
Memorable tracks like Moonlight Guide Us highlight emotional beats, while the Scylla and the Sirens boss fight turns into a full-blown rock concert, with the music dynamically changing as band members fall in battle. It’s both hilarious and epic—a perfect encapsulation of the game’s tonal balance.
Visually, Hades 2 builds on its predecessor’s hand-painted style with subtle animation and richer detail. Performance across PC and Switch 2 is strong, though some players may find portable readability tricky in chaotic battles.
Challenges and Criticisms
Not everything is flawless. Some reviewers note:
- Difficulty Spikes: Certain bosses feel like frustrating walls until mastered, making the curve uneven at times.
- Overabundance of Systems: With so many currencies and crafting materials, progression can feel padded or overly complex.
- Combat Pacing: Omega abilities and Hexes occasionally disrupt the otherwise snappy combat flow.
Still, these issues are minor compared to the overall polish and ambition.
Endgame and Replayability
Even after the credits, Hades 2 offers a staggering amount of content:
- Challenge Runs with modified difficulty settings.
- Extended Character Arcs that unfold only after dozens of attempts.
- Endgame Upgrades that reshape how Melinoë fights.
Where the first Hades often ended with a sense of completion, the sequel feels like it’s just getting started.
Verdict
Hades 2 is everything a sequel should be: respectful of its predecessor while daring enough to carve its own identity. It doubles the content, sharpens the mechanics, and weaves story, music, and gameplay into a masterpiece of design.
Final Score: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Impeccable combat, unforgettable characters, and boundless replayability cement Hades 2 as one of the best roguelites ever made.
Hades 2 – Game Details
- Title: Hades II
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Publisher: Supergiant Games
- Genre: Action Roguelite / Dungeon Crawler
- Release Date: September 25, 2025
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch (with Switch 2 enhancements available at launch)
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Engine: Proprietary in-house engine (refined from Hades)
