Overview
Platform: PC (Steam Early Access) | Genre: Roguelike Action | Developer: Supergiant Games
When the original Hades launched into early access, it quietly became one of the best games of its generation — not just in its category, but full stop. The sequel arrives with enormous expectations and, impressively, an enormous amount of content already packed into its early access build. But early access means compromises. Here's an honest look at where things stand.
What Hades II Gets Absolutely Right
A Fresh Protagonist Worth Following
You play as Melinoë, sister of Zagreus, wielding a completely different combat philosophy. Where Zagreus felt punchy and grounded, Melinoë is a spellcaster — her magic-forward kit encourages a more deliberate playstyle. The shift feels intentional and earned, not just a reskin.
Combat Has Evolved Meaningfully
New weapon types, new boon mechanics, and the addition of Arcana Cards — a meta-progression layer that replaces the Mirror of Night — give Hades II more build complexity than its predecessor. Every run feels meaningfully different depending on which gods you favor and how your Arcana Cards are configured.
Atmosphere and Presentation
Supergiant's art direction remains peerless. The underworld has been expanded with new biomes that are visually distinct and atmospheric. The music, as always, is exceptional — new tracks slot in seamlessly alongside the quality players came to expect.
What's Still Rough in Early Access
The Story Is Incomplete (Obviously)
This is early access — the narrative has a beginning and some fascinating threads, but it stops abruptly. If you're here for the story, you'll want to wait. If you're here for the gameplay loop, you'll find plenty.
Balance Is Actively Being Tuned
Some boon combinations feel overpowered; others feel nearly useless. Some weapon aspects remain underbaked. Supergiant is patching regularly, which is both reassuring and a reminder that the numbers aren't final. Build diversity will improve.
Learning Curve Is Steeper
The original Hades had an elegant onboarding loop. This sequel throws a lot at you early — multiple mechanics, new systems, a new map structure — and it can feel dense in the opening hours. Patience pays off, but the accessibility of the first game is missed.
Should You Buy It Now or Wait?
| Buy Now If... | Wait If... |
|---|---|
| You loved Hades 1 and want more immediately | You want a complete narrative experience |
| You enjoy roguelikes and don't mind iterating | Balance and polish matter a lot to you |
| You want to experience the community/patch cycle | You prefer waiting for the definitive version |
Final Score (Early Access)
8/10 — With the caveat that this is an early access build, Hades II already delivers more content and mechanical depth than many finished games. Supergiant has earned enormous trust, and what's here suggests the final product will be exceptional. Just know what you're signing up for: a great game that's still becoming its best self.