Overview

Supergiant Games made a bold promise with Hades II — that they could take one of the most celebrated roguelikes of its generation and push it even further. Based on an extended playthrough of the Early Access build and subsequent updates, that promise is largely being kept. Hades II is not just more of the same; it's a thoughtful reimagining that deepens nearly every system from the original while introducing an entirely new protagonist, setting, and mythological cast.

Story & Setting

You play as Melinoe, sister of Zagreus, on a mission to defeat the Titan Chronos, who has imprisoned Hades himself. The story unfolds through hundreds of short character interactions — a hallmark of Supergiant's design philosophy — that reward players who stick with the game across dozens of runs. The shift from the Underworld to a broader Greek mythological canvas gives the writers far more to work with, and the new cast of gods and spirits is immediately memorable.

Gameplay & Combat

Combat in Hades II is faster and more mechanically layered than its predecessor. Melinoe's moveset incorporates a new "cast" system with more varied playstyles, and the addition of surface-world biomes means you'll encounter a wider variety of enemy types and environmental hazards. The boon system — where Olympian gods grant run-modifying abilities — returns with new synergies and combinations to discover.

What Works Exceptionally Well

  • Build Diversity: The sheer number of viable run archetypes is impressive, keeping repeat playthroughs feeling fresh.
  • Pacing: Runs are well-structured — challenging without feeling punishing, and short enough to encourage "one more try" thinking.
  • Soundtrack: Darren Korb delivers again, blending dark folk and orchestral elements into a stunning score.
  • Character Writing: Dialogue feels genuinely human. NPCs evolve meaningfully based on your progress and choices.

Areas to Watch

  • Some biomes feel less visually distinct than others, though this may improve before full release.
  • Certain weapon types feel undertuned compared to the strongest options — balance is still being iterated on.
  • Early access means some story content remains locked, leaving the narrative feeling incomplete.

Progression System

The meta-progression layer — where permanent upgrades are unlocked using materials gathered across runs — is more ambitious than the original. A new crafting and reagent system adds goals to pursue even when runs go poorly, which significantly reduces the "loss feels meaningless" problem common in roguelikes.

Accessibility

Hades II retains the "God Mode" difficulty modifier from the original, which incrementally reduces incoming damage for players who need it. This is a model the genre should continue to adopt — it preserves challenge without gatekeeping the story.

Verdict

Even in Early Access, Hades II demonstrates what happens when a talented studio takes time to truly evolve rather than simply expand a beloved formula. It's deeper, stranger, and in many ways more ambitious than its predecessor. If you loved the original, this is essential playing. If you're new to roguelikes, this may be the best entry point available right now.

Recommended For: Fans of roguelikes, narrative-driven games, and action RPGs.
Not Ideal For: Players who dislike repetition or prefer fully completed stories at launch.