Quick Read
- Hades 2 releases September 25, 2025 for PC; console versions to follow.
- Melinoë, daughter of Persephone, is the new protagonist facing Chronos, Titan of Time.
- The game features two main paths: descending into Erebus and ascending to Olympus.
- Combat introduces new magick mechanics, mana management, and an expanded arsenal.
- Supergiant’s narrative, music, and character depth are praised by reviewers.
Hades 2 Release Date Confirmed: The Next Chapter Begins
After months of anticipation and speculation, Supergiant Games has officially set the release date for Hades 2: September 25, 2025. With the studio’s first-ever sequel, fans of the original roguelike phenomenon and newcomers alike are primed for a journey that’s not just a return to the underworld but a full-scale expansion of Greek myth, gameplay innovation, and emotional storytelling. The game will be available across PC platforms, with console releases planned for later.
Melinoë Takes Center Stage: New Hero, New Challenges
Supergiant’s boldest move is its new protagonist. Melinoë, daughter of Persephone, steps into the spotlight—a hero with a purpose shaped by necessity, not rebellion. Unlike Zagreus from the first game, Melinoë’s journey is driven by an urgent mission: to overthrow Chronos, the Titan of Time, who has besieged Mount Olympus and captured her family. Trained by the enigmatic witch Hecate, Melinoë brings both magical prowess and strategic depth to every run. Her combat style blends cerebral tactics with occult-infused abilities, demanding players adapt and rethink old habits. As reviewers from Eurogamer and Rock Paper Shotgun note, Melinoë’s cooler, more calculated approach stands in stark contrast to Zagreus’ impulsiveness, marking a subtle but profound shift in the game’s rhythm and tone.
Expanded Worlds, Richer Myths: Two Paths, Countless Stories
Hades 2 doesn’t just revisit the familiar; it reimagines the scope of the roguelike adventure. Players navigate not only the depths of Erebus but also ascend to the heights of Olympus, each path packed with unique bosses, enemies, and branching storylines. The dual structure offers more than double the content, giving players a chance to take a breather from relentless combat or explore new strategic options. Whether confronting Chronos or the mountain-sized monster Typhon, each run promises fresh surprises and opportunities to experiment.
The supporting cast draws from the deepest wells of Greek mythology. From witty exchanges with Olympians—like Nemesis, the surly rival who evolves from grouch to friendly foil—to light-hearted moments with Dora and Dionysus’ pool parties, Hades 2 weaves humor, pathos, and intrigue into its tapestry. As PC Gamer highlights, every NPC has their own side-story, and the expanded Crossroads hub is alive with activities: tending gardens, recruiting animal familiars, sparring for new weapons, or simply soaking in the lush scenery and dynamic soundtrack.
Combat and Crafting: Magic, Strategy, and Endless Choices
At its heart, Hades 2 is still a roguelike action RPG—but Supergiant has elevated the formula. Melinoë’s magical arsenal, powered by a new mana resource, layers build-crafting and tactical choices atop traditional hack-and-slash gameplay. Omega attacks, magick-infused strikes, and Tarot-like deck systems make positioning, timing, and resource management crucial. The addition of crafting incantations and gathering reagents introduces a survival-game twist, especially in early hours, as players unlock new abilities and pathways.
The game’s arsenal is broader than ever: Sister Blades for rapid strikes, Moonstone Axe for heavy, magic-imbued blows, and exotic weapons like the Argent Skull and Black Coat, each with unique upgrade trees and playstyles. Daedalus hammers, centaur hearts, and a dizzying array of boons from gods like Demeter, Zeus, Hestia, Poseidon, Ares, and Hera allow for thousands of build combinations. As players progress, new magick mechanics and hexes—such as Selene’s sheep-transforming spell—add further variety and depth. Supergiant’s year-long balancing during early access means each weapon and boon feels viable and rewarding, as praised by Rock Paper Shotgun.
Epic Storytelling and Music: A Living, Breathing Underworld
What sets Hades 2 apart is Supergiant’s mastery of narrative and atmosphere. The writing remains sharp, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in myth, with every line of dialogue and interaction contributing to a grand, interconnected story. Relationships matter: gifting, chatting, flirting, and tending to allies all weave into the fabric of progression. The journey, not just the destination, is the game’s defining feature—even as the true ending promises family reunions and closure.
Darren Korb’s soundtrack is once again integral, with music adapting to battles and player choices. Boss fights become musical duels, and the sirens’ chorus—Scylla and her lethal ensemble—delivers earworms as memorable as any pop hit. The lyrics change based on player actions, and the soundscape deepens immersion, amplifying every victory and defeat.
Release Details: When and Where You Can Play
Hades 2 launches globally on September 25, 2025, with PC versions hitting Steam and Epic Games Store. Console versions for PlayStation and Xbox are planned but will follow later. Early access players will receive the 1.0 update, unlocking the much-anticipated true ending and expanded content. Pricing is set at $29.99, making it accessible for both longtime fans and new adventurers.
Endgame and Replayability: A Roguelike for the Ages
For those who crave challenge, Hades 2 offers a flexible God Mode system, allowing players to adjust difficulty and experiment with builds without sacrificing the thrill of discovery. Endgame content includes new bosses, secret paths, and incantations, ensuring that even dozens of hours in, surprises await. The repetition inherent in roguelikes is softened by Supergiant’s commitment to variety—whether through story, gameplay, or sheer aesthetic delight. As noted by Eurogamer, fatigue is replaced with momentum; runs cut short still feel rewarding, and every death brings new strategies to explore.
Ultimately, Hades 2 is more than a sequel. It’s a philosophical meditation on change and continuity—a ship of Theseus rebuilt for a new era. Every part is new, yet the soul remains. Supergiant has not just matched its previous lightning-in-a-bottle success but expanded it, offering a roguelike experience that’s as epic, surprising, and human as myth itself.
Supergiant’s Hades 2 proves that sequels can be both homage and evolution. By weaving together myth, strategy, and artistry, the studio delivers a game that respects its legacy while daring to chart bold new territory—a rare feat in gaming, and one that sets a new standard for the genre.