Hades II is an action roguelike dungeon crawler developed by Supergiant Games and available on PS5. Players take control of the immortal Princess of the Underworld in a story-driven campaign set against the forces of the Titan of Time. The game expands the formula of its predecessor with deeper witchcraft mechanics, a larger mythic world, and permanent progression systems that reward repeated attempts.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on runs through shifting regions of the Underworld. Each attempt involves real-time combat against enemies and guardians using a selection of Nocturnal Arms. These weapons support infusions of ancient magick that alter their properties and enable powerful Omega abilities powered by a recharging Magick Bar. Players collect Boons from Olympian gods during runs, each offering choices that build toward unique ability combinations. Hexes tied to the goddess Selene add another layer of summon-style attacks that can be upgraded across attempts. Exploration includes gathering reagents with Tools of the Unseen and performing incantations at the Altar of Ashes to unlock new options and story branches. Permanent upgrades carry over between runs, while God Mode provides adjustable damage resistance for players who want to focus on narrative and character interactions without extreme difficulty spikes.
Combat emphasizes responsive movement and timing. Attacks commit to sequences with limited cancellation options, encouraging precise positioning and resource management. New locations introduce varied challenges, and taming witchy familiars offers additional support in battle. The presentation features hand-painted environments and smooth 3D character models that highlight the atmospheric Greek mythology setting.
Game Modes
The primary experience consists of standard roguelike runs that progress region by region toward confrontations with major threats. These runs emphasize build variety through Boons, weapon aspects, and hex upgrades. A post-launch addition introduces Dream Dives, a separate mode unlocked after specific hub interactions. This mode selects four regions in random order while maintaining consistent enemy difficulty, removes most dialogue, and replaces standard resources with Shiny Stars that trade for special rewards. The focus shifts to condensed, nonstop action without the usual narrative pauses between encounters.
Both modes support escalating challenges for greater rewards, and the game includes options for increased difficulty through vows and rival encounters. No multiplayer elements exist; the design stays strictly single-player with emphasis on individual progression and story unfolding based on choices and outcomes.
Story and Characters
The narrative follows the protagonist's efforts to restore order in the Underworld while forging alliances with gods, ghosts, and monsters. Dozens of fully voiced characters appear, including returning figures and new additions. Interactions in the Crossroads hub area drive relationship growth through gifts, conversations, and unique events that change based on run results and prior decisions. Witchcraft elements tie into the plot, expanding connections to the dawn of magic in Greek myth. The story advances incrementally across many attempts, with setbacks and successes both contributing to revelations.
Is It Worth Playing?
Hades II delivers consistent critical praise for its combat depth, content volume, and presentation. Review aggregators place it among the highest-rated releases of its launch window, with scores reflecting broad acclaim for the refined mechanics and replayability. The PS5 version runs at up to 120 frames per second and includes quality-of-life improvements added alongside the console launch. Players who enjoy action-focused roguelikes with strong narrative payoffs and character-driven progression will find substantial value in the systems and updates. Those seeking shorter sessions or multiplayer options may find the structure less suited to their preferences, but the adjustable difficulty and permanent upgrades make the experience accessible across skill levels. The game continues to receive patches that introduce new modes and refinements, supporting ongoing engagement for those invested in the mythic setting and combat variety.
