Hades II

Hades II is a 2025 roguelike action role-playing game developed and published by Supergiant Games. It is the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Hades (2020) and the studio’s first-ever sequel. Expanding the award-winning formula with deeper narrative, new magic systems, and even more explosive combat, Hades II follows Melinoë — immortal Princess of the Underworld and sister of Zagreus — as she wages war against Chronos, the Titan of Time, who has seized control of the realm of the dead. Blending fast-paced hack-and-slash action, meaningful progression, and richly voiced Greek-mythology storytelling, the game is widely regarded as one of the best roguelikes ever made and was the highest-reviewed title of 2025.

The story continues the saga of the dysfunctional Olympian family. With the Underworld under Chronos’s tyrannical rule, Melinoë is raised in secrecy by the witch-goddess Hecate and trained in the ways of dark sorcery. Armed with the Nocturnal Arms and the blessings of the gods, she repeatedly ventures beyond the Underworld — through lush surface realms and into the depths of Tartarus — to confront the Titan and restore balance to the cosmos. Every run advances an ever-evolving narrative filled with thousands of lines of fully voiced dialogue, deepening relationships with gods, mortals, and mythical figures like Odysseus, Circe, Nemesis, and more.

Gameplay

Hades II retains the addictive roguelike loop of the original while introducing major innovations. Players explore procedurally generated regions across the Underworld and the surface world, facing hordes of enemies and epic bosses in fluid, real-time combat. Melinoë’s toolkit includes:

• Nocturnal Arms — five (later more) magical weapons with multiple Aspects that completely change gameplay styles.
• Incantations & Arcana — a new magic system that lets you craft permanent upgrades and powerful card-based boons.
• God Boons — blessings from Olympians and chthonic deities that create spectacular synergies and build-defining combinations.

Combat emphasizes positioning, timing, and resource management, with a new emphasis on sorcery, area control, and environmental interactions. Death returns you to the Crossroads hub, where you can strengthen Melinoë through the Altar of the Fates, deepen bonds with companions, and unlock new story branches. The Pact of Punishment returns with even more customization for veteran players.

Additional features include multiple difficulty options, extensive accessibility settings, a robust photo mode, and cross-save support across all platforms.

Development and Legacy

Directed by Greg Kasavin with art direction by Jen Zee and music by Darren Korb and Austin Wintory, Hades II was developed over more than four years. It launched in Early Access on May 6, 2024 (PC), received its final major Early Access update in June 2025, and reached version 1.0 on September 25, 2025. Console versions for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 launched alongside the full release, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions arriving on April 14, 2026 (day-one on Xbox Game Pass). The game runs at up to 120 fps on supported hardware and features cross-save between PC, Switch, and Switch 2.

Hades II launched to universal acclaim, earning perfect scores from many outlets and topping “best games of 2025” lists. It is praised for its deeper storytelling, refined combat, breathtaking presentation, and masterful integration of narrative and roguelike gameplay. The game continues Supergiant’s tradition of emotionally resonant, endlessly replayable experiences and has sold millions of copies across platforms.

Key Features:

• Epic Mythic Sequel — Play as Melinoë in a brand-new story that expands the world of Hades with new realms, gods, and emotional depth.
• Sorcery & Combat Evolution — Nocturnal Arms, Incantations, Arcana cards, and powerful new Boon synergies.
• Living Narrative — Thousands of lines of dialogue that change with every run and relationship.
• Stunning Presentation — Gorgeous hand-painted art, dynamic lighting, and an unforgettable soundtrack.
• High Replayability — Permanent progression, multiple endings, relationship systems, and the Pact of Punishment.
• Cross-Platform Excellence — Full cross-save, 120 fps on Switch 2 / PS5 / Xbox Series X/S, and extensive accessibility.

Release Platforms:

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (including Xbox Game Pass) — April 14, 2026

Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 — September 25, 2025 (full v1.0 release)