Supergiant Games built Hades II from the ground up to be developed in early access, just like they did with its highly-praised predecessor. But now, after roughly a year and a half worth of content updates, Hades II is officially released. You can purchase it on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Nintendo’s eShop priced at $29.99 or your regional equivalent. Hades II will remain a console exclusive for the Switch and Switch 2 at launch, with PlayStation and Xbox versions likely coming our way further down the road. In fact, according to this announcement, now that Hades II is out of early access, you can continue playing your early access PC saves on the Switch thanks to the magic of cross-saves.
After the success of Hades, Supergiant Games broke their pattern of developing unique standalone games and have spent the past few years working on a direct sequel for their “god-like rogue-like.” Hades II puts you in the shoes of Melinoe, the younger sister of the first game’s protagonist Zagreus, who needs to master the art of combat and witchcraft to defeat the escaped titan Chronos. Along the way, she’ll be assisted by the Olympians and their boons as she battles all sorts of foes on her multiple runs to defeat her ultimate quarry.
Check out the official launch trailer to see what it all looks like in action:
And then follow it up with a 1.0 Gameplay Showcase:
Hades II Reviews
Thanks to the game’s early access journey, we’ve all had plenty of time to take it out for a spin and see how it plays. If you haven’t, there are now quite a few reviews of the release version out. The game’s OpenCritic score is currently sitting at 93 Top Critic Average and 90 Player Rating, making it as close to a sure thing as you can get. Here are some excerpts from a few of the critic reviews:
PC Gamer (88/100) had some issues with the early-game pacing, but after overcoming those grew to appreciate the game’s cerebral combat and narrative design:
Despite my issues with its pacing early on, Hades 2 won me over. It expands on the original game’s imaginative take on Greek mythology, blending cerebral action RPG combat and slick narrative design into a complete package that feels distinct from the original. I’m glad I pushed through those early doubts, because it’s as good a game as I’ve come to expect from Supergiant, which hasn’t missed yet.
IGN (10/10) calls it an “exceptional action roguelite:”
How do you even sum up something as beautiful, special, memorable, and admirable as Hades 2? There is no one out there doing what Supergiant does as well as it does, and this exceptional action roguelite is some of this team’s best work on nearly every level (which is an astonishingly high bar to clear). It’s the type of video game that reminds me why I love video games so damn much. The art is breathtaking, the characters are captivating, the combat is fast, fun, endlessly varied, and tactical, and the music is spectacular. May moonlight guide us. All of us.
WCCFTech (10/10) considers it a “stunning follow-up to an already incredible game:”
Hades 2 is a stunning follow-up to an already incredible game. It does everything its predecessor did right, and then expands on it in meaningful ways that add depth to the gameplay, narrative, and visual experience (which was already deep in the original Hades). It’s a shining example of how a sequel can take everything right about what came before, turn it all up to 11, and even go a bit further.
NintendoWorldReport (9/10) played the Switch 2 version of the game and found it a bit overwhelming in terms of collectibles and crafting materials, but in the end, that only helped with the game’s staying power:
Without a doubt, Hades II lives up to its predecessor, and surpasses it in a number of ways. While it can at times be overwhelming in terms of collectibles and crafting materials, there are also so many ways to enjoy the experience, through options like God Mode and Aim Assist, or just grinding out in-game achievements and other unlockables. Ultimately, my first complete run through the first Hades signalled the end of my time with that game, but for the sequel, it felt more like I was just getting started.
Hades II Official Description
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft.
BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLD
As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.
MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERY
Infuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.
MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
Meet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.
EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURE
New locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Altar of Ashes, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.
THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITY
Thanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience what Hades II has to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
Rich, atmospheric presentation and storytelling fused with responsive action is the hallmark of Supergiant’s titles. Vivid new hand-painted environments, even smoother real-time 3D characters, and an electrifying original score make this mythic world burst with life.
Among their many strong suits, Supergiant Games are famous for their soundtracks. Hades II is no exception, featuring plenty of music that sets the tone for your titan-slaying adventure and highlights some of the game’s more emotional moments. Many of these tunes are good enough to listen even outside of the game. To help us with that, the developers have put together this YouTube playlist with 52 tracks from Hades II.
Here’s track 1 – Death to Chronos – and you take it from there:
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Val Hull
Resident role-playing RPG game expert. Knows where trolls and paladins come from. You must fight for your right to gather your party before venturing forth.
