Hades

Hades is a 2020 roguelike action role-playing game developed and published by Supergiant Games. It is the fourth title from the studio behind Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest roguelikes ever made and one of the best games of its generation. Blending fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, deep narrative progression, and Greek mythology reimagined with wit, heart, and style, Hades follows Zagreus, the immortal son of Hades, on his repeated attempts to escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus.

The story is set in a vibrant, dysfunctional family of gods. Zagreus, tired of his father’s oppressive rule, sets out to find his mother Persephone, whom he has never met. Each failed escape attempt sends him back to the House of Hades, where he can converse with legendary figures from Greek myth — including his uncle Zeus, aunt Athena, the Furies, Achilles, Orpheus, Eurydice, and many more. The narrative unfolds through thousands of lines of fully voiced dialogue that changes based on your progress, relationships, and choices, creating an ever-evolving story that rewards repeated playthroughs.

Gameplay

Hades is played from an isometric perspective in procedurally generated chambers across four distinct biomes of the Underworld (Tartarus, Asphodel, Elysium, and the Temple of Styx). Combat is fluid and satisfying: players use one of six weapons (Sword, Spear, Shield, Bow, Fists, and the Adamant Rail gun), each with multiple Aspects that radically change playstyle. Every run is enhanced by powerful Boons from the Olympian gods — temporary upgrades that create explosive synergies and build-defining combinations.

Core mechanics include:

• Dash, Cast, Attack, and Special moves that flow seamlessly into one another.
• The Mirror of Night for permanent skill upgrades using Darkness (a meta-currency).
• Keepsakes and Companions that provide passive bonuses and deepen character relationships.
• A Pact of Punishment system for players seeking greater challenge and new rewards after their first escape.

Death is never a setback — it is part of the story. Every run teaches something new, strengthens Zagreus through permanent upgrades, and advances the overarching narrative.

Development and Legacy

Directed by Greg Kasavin with art by Jen Zee and an unforgettable original soundtrack by Darren Korb, Hades was developed over several years following the studio’s previous successes. It began as an Early Access title on the Epic Games Store in December 2018, moved to Steam in 2019, and launched in full on September 17, 2020. The game’s hand-painted art style, dynamic voice acting (with over 21,000 lines), and tight integration of story and gameplay earned it universal acclaim. It won numerous Game of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021, sold millions of copies, and remains a benchmark for how to make roguelikes feel personal and meaningful.

Ports to other platforms followed quickly, and the game continues to receive updates and community love years later. Its influence can be seen across modern roguelikes and action games for its masterful blend of accessibility, depth, and narrative ambition.

Key Features:

• Mythic Narrative Roguelike — A living story that evolves with every run, full of humor, tragedy, and heartfelt character moments.
• Explosive Combat & Builds — Six weapons with multiple Aspects + hundreds of god Boons for near-infinite build variety.
• Stunning Presentation — Gorgeous hand-drawn art, dynamic lighting, and one of gaming’s most beloved soundtracks.
• High Replayability — Permanent progression, relationship systems, multiple endings, and the Pact of Punishment for endless challenge.
• Accessibility & Polish — God Mode (easier difficulty that scales), extensive options, and controller-first design.

Release Platforms:

• Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch — September 17, 2020 (full release; Early Access began December 2018)
• PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S — August 13, 2021
• iOS (via Netflix Games) — March 19, 2024