How Supergiant Expanded the Roguelike Formula in Hades II

After 16 months in Early Access, Hades II has officially launched in version 1.0, delivering the complete vision of Supergiant Games' first-ever sequel. The game, available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and Nintendo Switch platforms, has left behind its experimental phase with a True Ending, dozens of new systems, and a suite of refinements that significantly expand on the groundbreaking 2020 original.

Back into the Underworld

Where the first Hades told the rebellious journey of Zagreus, Hades II shifts focus to Melinoë, his sister and Princess of the Underworld. Trained in witchcraft, Melinoë fights not just with blades but with ritual magic, marking a tonal departure that leans into themes of mystery, fate, and sorcery. Her mission is to confront Chronos, the Titan of Time, who has seized the House of Hades and thrown the balance of the Underworld into chaos. This premise allows Supergiant to explore darker aspects of Greek mythology, bringing in new figures such as Hecate, Selene, and Moros while weaving them seamlessly with the Olympians fans already know.

Supergiant has not treated Hades II as a simple continuation but as a reinvention of the roguelike loop. Combat now revolves around a mana system, giving Melinoë access to spellcasting alongside her weapons. Powerful Omega Attacks provide charged variations of abilities, forcing players to think strategically about when to spend or conserve resources. The Mirror of Night progression system from the first game has been replaced with Arcana Cards, a tarot-like deck that offers passive abilities and can be rearranged between runs to create radically different builds.

Beyond combat, Hades II introduces systems that create a stronger sense of long-term growth. Players now gather resources such as herbs, minerals, and magical reagents, which can be crafted into tools, upgrades, and story unlocks. This layer of resource management adds a slower but more meaningful progression arc. Exploration also feels richer thanks to branching routes and multiple biomes, which extend beyond the traditional Underworld to include surface-world regions touched by Olympian and mortal influence. Melinoë is not alone in her quest either; she can recruit familiars like the owl Frinos or the cat Toula, who provide support in battle and give the adventure a more personal touch.

What's new in version 1.0?

The version 1.0 release cements these features with a series of finishing touches. The full narrative, including the True Ending, is now available, giving closure to Melinoë's journey. Fifty achievements have been added across PC platforms, with many unlocking retroactively based on progress made during Early Access. Keepsakes and cosmetic decorations expand customization options at the Crossroads hub, while new voice acting and additional music from composer Darren Korb deepen the game's atmosphere. On top of this, Supergiant implemented wide-ranging balance adjustments and quality-of-life improvements, ensuring the final release plays more smoothly than ever.

Compared to its predecessor, Hades II feels like a more ambitious and layered experience. Zagreus’ story was a tightly designed rebellion against his father, focused on fast runs and weapon mastery. Melinoë’s journey, by contrast, leans into experimentation, build diversity, and resource-driven progression. Where Zagreus’ growth relied on the Mirror of Night, Melinoë’s Arcana Cards provide greater flexibility. Where Zagreus fought along a linear Underworld path, Melinoë can take branching routes above and below ground. The game’s systems—from crafting to familiars—make each escape attempt feel like part of a much larger web of progress.

A bright future ahead

Reception to the launch has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics note that the early hours of the game can feel slower due to resource gathering, but most praise the payoff once the full range of systems comes into play. On release day, Hades II surpassed 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, outpacing the original game's all-time peak and demonstrating just how eagerly fans awaited this sequel. Its completed soundtrack, nearly four hours long, has also been released on streaming services and Bandcamp, further contributing to the game's strong cultural footprint. 

At present, Hades II is a timed exclusive for Nintendo Switch platforms, with PlayStation and Xbox releases expected in the future. A physical edition is already slated for November 2025, and cross-save compatibility between PC and Switch ensures flexibility for players switching between platforms. Supergiant has confirmed that, unlike in Early Access, no large-scale expansions are planned; the game is now considered complete, with future support focused on stability and polish.

Hades II is a bold reinvention of what made its predecessor iconic. By introducing mana-driven combat, Arcana Cards, crafting systems, familiars, and an expanded world, Supergiant has built a roguelike that rewards patience, experimentation, and long-term strategy. At the same time, it retains the series' signature blend of sharp action, witty dialogue, and mythological drama. For fans who have waited until the game's Early Access journey was finished, now is the perfect time to descend once more into the shifting depths of the Underworld and discover how the Princess of the Dead reshapes the fate of gods and mortals alike. Of course, you can purchase Hades II at the best price for your platform of choice with our comparator.