Hades II is Supergiant Games' sequel to their 2020 roguelite Hades — a larger, more mechanically ambitious game. After Early Access from May 2024, version 1.0 launched on 25 September 2025 for Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S following on 14 April 2026. Its Metacritic scores are PC 94, Switch 2 95 and Switch 98. You play as Melinoë, the Night Princess and sister to Zagreus, attempting to break free from a dark underworld prison and stop the titan Chronos (Father Time) who has conquered Hades and imprisoned the Greek pantheon.
Melinoë's combat is more varied than Zagreus's: six weapon types (the Witch's Staff, Sister Blades, Umbral Flames, Moonstone Axe, Argent Skull, and Black Coat) each have completely distinct attack patterns and Omega Special moves (charged abilities unique to each weapon). The Arcana Card system takes the place of Hades I's Mirror of Night: a tarot-style deck of permanent buffs that you unlock with a resource called Ashes and then equip. Olympian gods still grant Boons during runs, Magick (a resource bar that recharges by attacking) powers a new lock-in cast, and Hexes are summon attacks that call on the goddess Selene.
The world is larger than Hades I: two routes lead out from the Crossroads — the Underworld path (Erebus, Oceanus, Fields of Mourning, Tartarus) and the Surface path (City of Ephyra, Rift of Thessaly, Mount Olympus, The Summit), each with its own biomes and bosses. The narrative is delivered with Supergiant's characteristic voiced dialogue. Hades II won Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2025 (where it was also nominated for Game of the Year) and the D.I.C.E. Action Game of the Year award.
Witch's Staff, Sister Blades, Umbral Flames, Moonstone Axe, Argent Skull, and Black Coat each play completely differently.
A tarot-style deck of permanent buffs that takes the place of the Mirror of Night. Cards are unlocked with Ashes and then equipped.
Magick is a bar that recharges by attacking and powers the lock-in cast and Omega moves. Hexes are summon attacks that call on the goddess Selene; you choose one of three.
Fight through the Underworld path (Erebus to Tartarus) or the Surface path (Ephyra to The Summit), each with its own biomes and bosses.
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.