Hades II Review — Is the Early Access Worthy?

Supergiant Games has done it again. This Hades 2 review examines why the sequel to the beloved roguelike has already earned a 95%+ positive rating on Steam Early Access. From its refined combat to its rich mythological storytelling, this Hades 2 review leaves little doubt that the studio has raised the bar once more.

The first thing you notice in this Hades 2 review is how much the game respects your time. Despite being in Early Access, the content depth rivals full releases. The new protagonist Melinoe brings fresh mechanics, while the core loop of escaping the Underworld — now with a surface world twist — feels both familiar and surprising. For a complete overview of when the full game launches, check our Hades II release date guide.

Combat in Hades 2 has been significantly expanded with new weapons, the omega attack system, and the hex mechanic. The game world is larger, the characters are more fleshed out, and the story — which chronicles Melinoe's quest to defeat Chronos — is compelling from the first encounter. To understand the mechanics behind the action, read our Hades II gameplay guide.

Where this sequel truly shines is in its narrative. Unlike the original which focused on escaping the Underworld, Hades 2 sends Melinoe both downward and upward, creating a dual-path structure that doubles the storytelling potential. For deeper insights into the narrative, see our Hades II story and lore guide.