Hades II: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Verdict

Introduction

Some sequels are content to simply deliver more of what made the original great. Others dare to ask a more profound question: what if you could take a near-perfect game and make it… better? Hades II does exactly that, and the results are staggering. It is not just a worthy follow-up to one of the most acclaimed games of the last decade; it is a game that has earned a 94 on Metacritic and a 95 on OpenCritic, placing it in the top ten highest-rated games of all time on the latter platform.

Developed by Supergiant Games, the studio behind the original Hades, Bastion, and Transistor, this sequel launched out of Early Access on September 25, 2025, after more than a year of community-driven refinement. It follows Melinoë, the sister of original protagonist Zagreus, as she fights to free her family from the clutches of Chronos, the Titan of Time. We have spent countless hours mastering its combat, uncovering its secrets, and grappling with its story. So, after all that, we have to ask: is Hades II worth your time and credits? Let’s break it down.

Quick Verdict Box

TL;DR: Hades II is a masterfully crafted sequel that refines and expands upon its predecessor in almost every conceivable way. The combat is deeper and more varied, the cast of characters is richer, and the sheer amount of content is staggering. Its narrative ambitions occasionally outpace its execution, with some critics and players feeling the ending doesn’t quite land. But for the vast majority of players, this is an essential purchase, a game that reminds us why we love this medium.

Buy it if:

• You loved the original Hades and want more of that magic
• You appreciate deep, fast-paced combat with endless build variety
• You enjoy games that reward experimentation and persistence

Skip it if:

• You are looking for a short, casual experience (this is a 50+ hour commitment)
• You found the original Hades too difficult or repetitive
• You are sensitive to narrative disappointments and value a perfectly wrapped-up story

What Is Hades II?

Detail	Information
Developer	Supergiant Games
Publisher	Supergiant Games
Genre	Action Roguelite / RPG
Platforms	PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Price	$29.99 / £24.99 / €29.99
Release Date	September 25, 2025 (1.0 release); May 6, 2024 (Early Access)

Hades II is a roguelite action RPG developed and published by Supergiant Games. It is a direct sequel to the 2020 game Hades, following Melinoë, the immortal princess of the Underworld and sister of the original protagonist Zagreus. She wields dark sorcery and the aid of the gods of Olympus to battle the Titan of Time, Chronos. The game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It has been universally acclaimed, earning a 95 Metascore on Metacritic and a 95 score on OpenCritic, with 97% of critics recommending it.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Combat: Refined, Deeper, and More Satisfying

The combat in Hades II is a masterclass in iteration. On the surface, it feels familiar: the isometric viewpoint, the dash-heavy movement, and the randomized boons from the Olympian gods. But beneath that familiar skin lies a system that is both more complex and more rewarding.

Melinoë is a different kind of fighter than Zagreus. Her dash has a longer cooldown, but she can sprint by holding the dash button, opening up entirely new offensive and defensive possibilities. Her magical repertoire is more varied, with a focus on area-of-effect attacks and crowd control. The weapon roster is entirely new, from the Witch Staff to the Sister Blades, each demanding a distinct playstyle.

The game introduces a staggering number of new systems. Incantations at a cauldron allow you to permanently alter the world around you. A deck of Arcana cards provides passive bonuses that you can customize between runs. You can befriend and summon familiars, like the frog Frinos, to aid you in battle. And the resource-gathering is more involved than ever, with seeds to plant, ores to mine, and ingredients to harvest. As one critic put it, “Hades 2 improves upon its predecessor in every way that matters, making it one of the best action-roguelites out there.”

Content: Double the Size, Double the Depth

The most immediate difference between Hades and Hades II is the sheer scale. Where the first game focused on a single path out of the Underworld, Hades II splits your runs between two main regions: the Underworld itself and the Surface. Each has its own enemies, bosses, and narrative threads. The game is significantly larger than its predecessor, with more characters, more conversations, and more secrets to uncover.

The progression systems are also more layered. In addition to the standard upgrades you earn during runs, you have the Crossroads hub to build up, a garden to tend, and a seemingly endless list of incantations to unlock. As one review noted, “There’s significantly more content in Hades 2 (even the Early Access version had more than the first Hades).” This is a game that will keep you busy for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours.

Difficulty: Punishing, But Fair

Hades II is not an easy game. The early hours can be brutal, as you learn enemy patterns and grapple with Melinoë’s unique movement. Some critics have noted a “frustrating mid-game difficulty curve.” However, the game is fair. Each death teaches you something, and each run makes you slightly stronger. The roguelite loop is addictive and rewarding, and the sense of progression is palpable.

Story & Presentation

Narrative: Ambitious, but Not Flawless

The story of Hades II is where the game is most divisive. You play as Melinoë, a witch raised by the titan Hecate, on a mission to kill Chronos and free her imprisoned family. The premise is compelling, and the cast of characters is as rich and well-written as anything Supergiant has ever produced.

However, some critics and players have felt that the narrative doesn’t quite live up to the original. Where Zagreus had a clear, personal arc, a rebellious son trying to escape his father. Melinoë’s journey can feel more like a job than a personal transformation. As one analysis put it, “Hades II is a rites of passage story that forgets to include the passage.” The ending, in particular, has been a point of contention, with some players feeling it was rushed or unsatisfying.

That said, not everyone shares this view. Many critics and players have praised the narrative depth, with IGN describing it as “beautiful, special, memorable, and admirable.” And even its detractors acknowledge that the journey is worth taking, even if the destination is imperfect.

Visuals and Audio: A Feast for the Senses

Visually, Hades II is a triumph. The hand-painted art style is more detailed and evocative than ever, with environments that shift from the fiery depths of Tartarus to the ethereal beauty of the Surface. The character designs are stunning, and the animation is fluid and expressive. As one critic put it, “The art is breathtaking.”

The audio is equally exceptional. The voice acting is top-tier, bringing the cast of gods, mortals, and monsters to life with wit and emotion. The soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, is a masterpiece, blending haunting melodies with pulse-pounding rhythms. It is the kind of score that gets stuck in your head and elevates every moment of the game.

Performance & Technical

On PC, Hades II runs smoothly, with modest system requirements that make it accessible to a wide range of players. The Nintendo Switch 2 version has been praised as a “masterclass in roguelite design,” delivering a flawless experience on the go with 120 fps performance in docked mode. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are equally polished, with fast load times and consistent frame rates.

The game’s 1.0 release has been lauded for its stability and optimization. Having spent over a year in Early Access, Supergiant has had ample time to refine and polish the experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

✅	Exceptional combat that is deeper, more varied, and more satisfying than the original
✅	Staggering amount of content with two main regions, new weapons, and layered progression systems
✅	Gorgeous hand-painted visuals and a breathtaking soundtrack by Darren Korb
✅	Rich cast of characters with sharp writing and excellent voice acting
✅	Excellent value at $29.99 for a 50+ hour experience
✅	Flawless performance across all platforms

Cons

❌	The narrative doesn’t always land, with some critics and players feeling the ending is rushed or unsatisfying
❌	The protagonist lacks agency, with Melinoë feeling more like a weapon than a fully realised character to some
❌	Frustrating mid-game difficulty curve that may test patience
❌	Resource-gathering can feel like padding at times

How It Compares

Game	Price	Key Features	Metacritic
Hades II	$29.99	Magic-focused combat; two main regions; deeper progression	95
Hades	$24.99	Classic roguelite combat; single region; simpler progression	93
Dead Cells	$24.99	Fast-paced platforming combat; multiple biomes; build variety	89

Hades II is a direct evolution of its predecessor, offering more of everything that made the original great. Compared to Dead Cells, it is more narrative-driven and less platforming-focused. It is a game that rewards patience and experimentation, and it stands as one of the finest examples of the roguelite genre ever made.

Who Should Buy This?

For fans of the original Hades: This is an essential purchase. The game delivers on everything you loved about the first game and then some. It is “bigger and bolder,” with more content, deeper mechanics, and a rich new story to uncover.

For roguelite enthusiasts: If you enjoy games that demand mastery and reward persistence, Hades II is a masterclass in the genre. It has been called “one of the best roguelites you’ll ever play” and “the best roguelite of recent years.”

For players who value narrative: The story is ambitious and engaging, even if its ending is divisive. If you are willing to invest in the journey, you will find a rich, character-driven experience.

For players who dislike repetition: The roguelite structure means you will die and restart often. If this frustrates you, the game may not be for you.

For players seeking a short experience: This is a 50+ hour commitment. If you are looking for something quick, look elsewhere.

THE GLH RATING

Our Take: After dozens of hours in the Underworld and beyond, we came away with a profound appreciation for what Supergiant has achieved. Hades II is a masterclass in sequel design, a game that takes everything that made the original great and refines it, expands it, and deepens it. The combat is exceptional, the cast is unforgettable, and the sheer ambition is staggering. The narrative doesn’t always land, and the ending may leave some wanting more. But in the grand scheme of this monumental achievement, those are minor quibbles. Hades II is not just one of the best games of 2025; it is one of the best games ever made.

Overall Score: 9.3 / 10

★★★★★

Verdict: MASTERPIECE

Category	Score
Gameplay	9.5 / 10
Story & Presentation	8.5 / 10
Performance & Polish	9.5 / 10
Value for Money	9.5 / 10
Replayability	9.5 / 10

FAQ

Is Hades II worth buying?
Yes. It is one of the highest-rated games of all time, with a 95 on OpenCritic and a 94 on Metacritic. It offers exceptional value for its $29.99 price point and is widely considered one of the best roguelites ever made.

Is Hades II worth it on Switch 2?
Absolutely. The Nintendo Switch 2 version has been praised as a “masterclass in roguelite design,” delivering a flawless experience on the go with 120 fps performance in docked mode.

How long to beat Hades II?
The main story takes around 30-40 hours, but reaching the true ending and epilogue can take 50-80 hours. Some players have logged over 160 hours.

Is Hades II worth full price?
At $29.99, the game offers outstanding value. It has been described as “worth much more than the $30 it costs!”

Is Hades II better than Hades?
In many ways, yes. It is larger, deeper, and more ambitious. However, some players and critics feel the original had a tighter narrative focus. Both are masterpieces.

Does Hades II have a good ending?
Opinions are divided. Some players and critics have expressed disappointment with the ending, feeling it was rushed or unsatisfying. Others have found it fitting and emotionally resonant.

Is Hades II a hard game?
Yes, but it is fair. The early hours can be challenging, and there is a noted mid-game difficulty spike. However, the game rewards persistence and provides numerous tools to help you progress.

Conclusion

Hades II is a game that should not exist. How do you follow up a title that was already considered a masterpiece? How do you improve on perfection? Supergiant Games has somehow found a way. This is a sequel that respects its predecessor while boldly forging its own path. The combat is deeper, the world is richer, and the ambition is staggering. It is a game that will consume your thoughts, test your patience, and reward your persistence in ways that few games ever do.

Its narrative may not land for everyone, and its ending may leave some wanting more. But in the grand scheme of this monumental achievement, those are minor quibbles. Hades II is a masterpiece. It is a reminder of what video games can be: art, challenge, and heart, all wrapped in a package that is endlessly replayable. If you have not played it yet, you are missing out on one of the finest experiences the medium has to offer.

Final recommendation: Buy it immediately. It is a masterpiece.

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