Hades II Reviews: A Masterpiece That Surpasses Its Legendary Predecessor
Today marks a monumental day in gaming history. Hades II v1.0 is coming very soon, on September 25, 2025, and the reviews are nothing short of extraordinary. After over a year in early access, Supergiant Games has delivered what critics are calling not just one of the best roguelikes ever made, but potentially the game of the year.
Record-Breaking Review Scores
The critical reception for Hades II has been nothing short of phenomenal. With a Metacritic score of 94 on PC and 93 on Nintendo Switch 2, Hades II has become 2025's highest-rated PC game. Major gaming publications have awarded the game perfect or near-perfect scores across the board:
- IGN: 10/10
- GameSpot: 10/10
- Eurogamer: 5/5
- PC Gamer: Outstanding review
- Gamereactor UK: 10/10
On OpenCritic, Hades II is rated 'Mighty' after being reviewed by 24 critics, with an overall average score of 90 and is recommended by 94% of critics.
What Makes Hades II Special?
Enhanced Combat and Progression
Building upon the exceptional foundation of the original Hades, the sequel introduces Melinoë as the new protagonist. Critics praise it as "an ambitious expansion that balances its captivating narrative with an exceptional combat loop, making it one of the best roguelites you'll ever play".
The game maintains the addictive cycle that made the original so beloved while introducing fresh mechanics that feel both familiar and innovative. The magic system adds a new layer of depth to combat, allowing for more diverse playstyles and strategic approaches.
Narrative Excellence
One of Hades II's greatest strengths lies in its storytelling. The game successfully expands the mythology and world-building of the original while crafting a compelling narrative around Melinoë's quest. Reviews highlight how the game "achieves this without requiring you to be the most well-versed player on what came before, but not at the expense of offering" depth for returning players.
The character development and voice acting maintain the high standards set by the original, with new characters seamlessly integrating into the established mythology.
Visual and Audio Excellence
Supergiant Games has once again demonstrated their mastery of art direction and sound design. The visual style evolution from the original Hades is immediately apparent, with enhanced lighting effects, more detailed environments, and smoother animations that bring the underworld to life in stunning detail.
Early Access Success Story
HADES II's early access reception on Steam was overwhelmingly positive with over 37,000 early access reviews. This extended development period allowed Supergiant Games to refine and polish every aspect of the game based on community feedback.
The early access model proved invaluable for balancing gameplay mechanics, fine-tuning progression systems, and ensuring the final release met the incredibly high expectations set by its predecessor.
Platform Availability and Future Plans
If you already have Hades II in Early Access on Steam or the Epic Games Store, v1.0 will be a free automatic update. The game launches simultaneously on:
- PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
A physical retail version launches on November 20, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo platforms initially, with the $49.99 package including a Character Compendium.
Industry Impact and Recognition
Hades 2 has become 2025's highest-rated new game, positioning it as a strong frontrunner for Game of the Year awards. Critics note that "the studio has once again proven that there's no one like them in the industry" and call it "not only one of the best roguelites of recent years, but also one of the best games of 2025".
This recognition speaks to Supergiant Games' consistent ability to innovate within established genres while maintaining the artistic vision and gameplay excellence that has defined their catalog.
Celebrate Your Love for Hades with Official Merchandise
With Hades II taking the gaming world by storm, there's never been a better time to show your passion for this incredible franchise. Whether you're diving into the underworld as Melinoë or revisiting Zagreus's journey, you can bring the world of Hades into your everyday life with our exclusive Hades merchandise collection.
From stylish apparel featuring your favorite characters to collectibles that capture the artistic beauty of Supergiant Games' design, our Hades merch collection offers something for every fan.
Final Verdict
Since its early access debut, Hades 2 has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and players, with its mix of narrative depth, replayability, and visual flair positioning it as one of 2025's most celebrated titles.
Hades II doesn't just meet the impossibly high expectations set by its predecessor—it surpasses them. The game represents the evolution of the roguelike genre, combining tight gameplay mechanics with exceptional storytelling and artistic vision. Whether you're a veteran of the original or new to the series, Hades II offers an experience that feels both familiar and revolutionary.
For fans of roguelikes, action games, or simply exceptional interactive entertainment, Hades II stands as essential playing. It's not just a sequel—it's a masterpiece that redefines what the genre can achieve.
Hades II is available now on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The physical edition launches November 20, 2025.
