The Underworld is buzzing, and for good reason: Hades II, the highly anticipated sequel from indie developer Supergiant Games, has officially launched its full 1.0 version.

After a successful and well-received Early Access period, the full release is here, bringing with it a torrent of new content, a captivating new protagonist, and the same spellbinding blend of action, storytelling, and stunning art that made the original a masterpiece.

Whether you’re a devout fan of the first game or a newcomer curious about the hype, here’s a detailed look at what makes Hades II a worthy successor and a new titan in the roguelike genre.

A New Hero, A New Mission: Melinoë’s Tale

The first and most striking change is the new protagonist. We’ve bid a temporary farewell to the rebellious Zagreus and now step into the shoes of his sister, the Princess of the Underworld, Melinoë. Raised by the goddess Hecate to be a powerful witch, Melinoë has a singular, pressing mission: to defeat the Titan of Time, Chronos, who has seized the House of Hades and imprisoned her family.

This new focus on witchcraft and sorcery permeates every aspect of the game. Melinoë’s combat style is distinct from her brother’s. While Zagreus was a warrior who relied on brute force and speed, Melinoë is a mage, her combat more methodical and strategic. She uses a “Magick” meter to cast powerful Omega abilities, and her default “Cast” attack is a powerful area-of-effect that can bind enemies in place—a crucial tool for crowd control. This shift in gameplay feels fresh and adds a new layer of tactical depth to every encounter.

Deeper Combat, Expansive World

Hades II builds on the impeccable combat of its predecessor, making it feel both familiar and brand new. The core loop of a “run” remains: you traverse a series of procedurally generated rooms, battling mythical beasts and collecting boons from the gods of Olympus and beyond. However, the sequel introduces a host of new features that dramatically expand the possibilities.

• New Weapons and Arcana Cards: Melinoë has a completely different arsenal of weapons, each with its own unique attacks and special moves. Beyond the weapons, the new Arcana Card system allows for permanent buffs and character customization, giving you even more control over your playstyle. You can unlock and activate cards that grant a variety of perks, from increased attack power to more health.
• The Surface and the Underworld: A key new mechanic is the choice to venture in two different directions from your hub, the Crossroads. You can descend into the Underworld to face Chronos, or you can ascend to the surface to battle his allies who are besieging Mount Olympus. Each path offers different biomes, enemies, and bosses, effectively doubling the game’s content and replayability.
• Witchcraft and Resource Gathering: Between runs, you’ll return to the Crossroads, a small camp where you can interact with a new cast of characters. This is also where you’ll engage in witchcraft to unlock new upgrades, weapons, and tools. You’ll need to gather a variety of resources—from plants to minerals—during your runs, which adds a layer of satisfying progression and purpose to every attempt.

A Narrative Masterclass

Supergiant Games has a reputation for combining tight gameplay with masterful storytelling, and Hades II is no exception. The narrative is as much a part of the game as the combat. The story unfolds with every run, every death, and every conversation. The relationships you build with the gods and other characters feel genuine and evolve based on your actions and choices.

The writing is witty, heartfelt, and deeply respectful of Greek mythology. New gods like Apollo, Hestia, and Hephaestus join the roster, each with their own distinct personality and boons. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing every character to life. Even after dozens of hours, you’ll still be discovering new dialogue and character interactions, a testament to the sheer volume of content Supergiant has created.

Is Hades II Worth It?

Absolutely. Hades II is not just a great roguelike; it’s an exemplary sequel that improves on its predecessor in almost every way. It’s bigger, deeper, and even more ambitious. The new gameplay mechanics, expanded world, and captivating story make it an endlessly replayable experience. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action games, rich narratives, or simply want to lose yourself in a world of stunning art and music, Hades II is a masterpiece that will keep you coming back for “just one more run.”

Available Now on PC (Steam & Epic Games Store), Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.