Hades 2 Review: Gameplay, Story, Release Date and Why It’s a Must-Play
Hades 2 Review: When Supergiant Games first released Hades in 2020, it quickly became one of the most beloved action roguelike games ever made. Its fast combat, sharp writing, and replayable design won over fans and critics.
Now, after years of waiting, Supergiant has finally released Hades 2, their first-ever sequel. With new characters, deeper mechanics, and a broader world, the game promises to take the series to even greater heights. Let’s dive into the details of what makes Hades 2 such an exciting release and why it has captured so much attention.
The Release and Platforms
Hades 2 was first made available in early access on PC in May 2024. Players who joined early got a taste of the game while Supergiant refined mechanics, added new characters, and balanced gameplay based on feedback. After more than a year of updates, the game officially launched as a full version on September 25, 2025.
It is now available on Windows PCs, the Nintendo Switch, and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2. Supergiant also confirmed that cross-save support is active between PC and Nintendo platforms, which means players can continue their progress across devices.
At launch, the game is a timed console exclusive for Nintendo, so PlayStation and Xbox users may need to wait for future announcements before seeing the sequel on their systems.
The Story and Main Character
While the first Hades followed Zagreus as he tried to escape the Underworld, Hades 2 focuses on a new lead character: Melinoë, the daughter of Hades and sister of Zagreus. Unlike her brother, who rebelled against his father, Melinoë has a mission that stretches beyond personal freedom.
Her goal is to face Chronos, the Titan of Time, who has broken free and is threatening gods and mortals alike. This shift in focus not only changes the stakes of the story but also introduces fresh mythological themes.
Players now explore battles against time itself, encountering Olympian gods, primordial beings, and familiar faces from Greek mythology. The narrative continues Supergiant’s style of rich dialogue and dynamic character interactions, ensuring that no two runs feel the same.
New Gameplay Mechanics
At its heart, Hades 2 keeps the addictive roguelike loop of its predecessor: you fight your way through a series of rooms, collect boons and power-ups, and grow stronger each time you fall. But the sequel adds several new mechanics to deepen the experience.
Melinoë can now use spellcasting through a dedicated magick bar, allowing her to perform powerful attacks that expand combat strategies beyond basic weapons. The game also introduces Arcana cards, which function as permanent buffs and strategic tools that players can unlock and equip.
These changes give players more freedom to shape their runs, adding layers of decision-making that go beyond the fast hack-and-slash action.
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Expanded World and Environments
One of the biggest changes in Hades 2 is the expanded world. Instead of a single path through the Underworld, there are now two main routes.
One path leads from Erebus into Tartarus, while another moves toward Olympus. Each route has unique enemies, traps, and bosses, keeping the experience fresh and unpredictable. The environments are also more detailed and varied than ever before, showcasing Supergiant’s signature art style with even more ambition.
From shadowy underworld caverns to divine temples above, the game offers players a wide range of locations to fight through. This expansion makes each run feel less repetitive and gives players more reasons to explore new routes with each attempt.
Characters and Dialogue
Supergiant’s games are always praised for their character work, and Hades 2 continues that tradition. Melinoë herself is a strong, layered protagonist who is determined but also vulnerable in moments of doubt.
Around her is a wide cast of gods, titans, and companions, each with unique personalities and voice acting. The game features dynamic dialogue that reacts to player choices and outcomes, which makes every interaction feel alive.
Returning gods like Hecate, Aphrodite, and Hermes offer their own boons, while new characters expand the roster.
The sequel builds even deeper relationships, giving players the chance to grow bonds and unlock storylines that reward both emotionally and mechanically.
Combat and Replayability
Combat remains the backbone of Hades 2, and it is as sharp as ever. The weapons available to Melinoë feel distinct, from fast blades to heavy staffs, and combining them with magical spells creates endless possibilities. T
he roguelike format means that no two runs are exactly alike, and the replay value is enormous. Each attempt offers new boons from the gods, different enemy encounters, and random upgrades that change how you fight.
This variety ensures that even after dozens of runs, the game stays exciting. Compared to the first game, combat is more complex and layered, but still smooth and intuitive enough that anyone can pick it up.
Critical Reception
Reception to Hades 2 has been overwhelmingly positive. Steam reviews for the early access version were already strong, and since the full release, the game has continued to impress both critics and fans.
It has quickly become one of the highest-rated original games of 2025 and even doubled the all-time peak player count that the first Hades achieved.
Critics praise the game’s refined combat, expanded story, and the ambitious scope of its world.
Many have described it as one of the rare sequels that not only live up to its predecessor but actually surpass it. While some newcomers may find the complexity overwhelming at first, most agree that the game balances challenge and accessibility well.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its acclaim, Hades 2 is not without flaws. Some players have noted balance issues, where certain weapons or Arcana cards feel much stronger than others.
Because of the sheer number of systems and upgrades, new players may feel lost at the start. The difficulty can also be intimidating for those unfamiliar with roguelike design, as the game expects you to die and retry multiple times.
On the technical side, minor bugs or performance hiccups have been reported, though Supergiant has a strong track record of releasing patches and updates quickly.
Why You Should Play Hades 2
If you enjoyed the first Hades, the sequel is almost a guaranteed recommendation. It expands on everything that made the original special: its combat, style, and storytelling, while adding new mechanics and a fresh perspective through Melinoë’s journey.
Even if you are new to roguelikes, Hades 2 introduces systems gradually, letting players learn as they play. The art and music are stunning, the dialogue is witty and heartfelt, and the gameplay loop is addictive. For fans of mythology, action games, or just well-crafted storytelling, Hades 2 is an easy choice.
Final Thoughts
Hades 2 proves that Supergiant Games knows how to make a sequel that doesn’t just repeat old tricks.
By introducing a new protagonist, broadening the world, and giving players deeper mechanics, they’ve crafted a game that feels both familiar and excitingly new. It’s challenging, beautiful, and full of replay value.
While it may overwhelm absolute beginners at first, it rewards persistence with one of the most satisfying gaming experiences of the year. Whether you’re playing on PC, Switch, or Switch 2, this is a game that deserves your time. Hades 2 is not just another roguelike, it’s a modern masterpiece that builds on the legacy of its predecessor while carving out its own identity.
