Hades II: Overview & Critic Reception
This is a research-based overview compiled from publisher information, official patch notes and published critic reception. It is not a hands-on review and ParryStack assigns no score of its own. How we research and verify · Report an error
Critic reception
Metacritic (critic aggregate): 98 (Switch) · 95 (Xbox Series X, Switch 2) · 94 (PC, PS5)
Source: Metacritic, checked 12 Oct 2026. These are third-party critic scores, not ParryStack ratings.
Summary
Hades II is Supergiant Games' sequel to Hades, following Melinoë in a roguelite action RPG with a new weapon roster.
Combat: Six Weapons
Hades II has six weapons, the Nocturnal Arms: the Witch's Staff (the starting weapon), Sister Blades, Umbral Flames, Moonstone Axe, Argent Skull and Black Coat, and each also has alternative aspects (per the beginner guide's sources).
Several gods can contribute Boons to a single run, so builds come from combining them. Wikipedia describes a Magick bar and Hexes that call on the goddess Selene.
Narrative and Characters
Supergiant's storytelling engine — characters commenting on run events, death situations, relationship milestones, and world state — returns in a new cast built around Melinoë and her mentor Hecate, with Olympian allies and Chronos, the Titan of Time, as the antagonist. Zagreus, Melinoë's brother, is part of the story, which Wikipedia notes includes a time-travel resolution; the ending drew some criticism, and Supergiant later added scenes and an option to revert to the pre-ending state.
Progression: Arcana Cards and Ashes
The Arcana Card system takes the place of the Mirror of Night in the original. Each card gives a permanent buff once you unlock it with Ashes and equip it, and unlocking one reveals the adjacent card.
Verdict
Hades II is Supergiant Games' sequel to Hades, following Melinoë. Version 1.0 released on 25 September 2025 for Windows, macOS, Switch and Switch 2, with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S following on 14 April 2026. Metacritic lists 94 (PC), 95 (Switch 2) and 98 (Switch).
Pros & Cons
- Six weapons (Nocturnal Arms) with alternative aspects
- Boons from many gods can be combined in one run
- Two-path structure with eight regions and bosses (Wikipedia)
- Metacritic 94 (PC), 95 (Switch 2), 98 (Switch)
- Many systems and resources to learn early on (see the beginner guide)
- The ending drew criticism from some players (Supergiant later added scenes and a revert option)
Sources & fact-check
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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