Hades II has officially launched version 1.0, ending its early access period to universal critical acclaim. Both IGN and GameSpot awarded the game perfect 10/10 scores, placing Supergiant’s sequel among the highest-rated releases of the year.
Review aggregator sites show the game averaging in the low-to-mid 90s. OpenCritic initially displayed a 93 average, but this number rises to approximately 95 when filtering for 1.0 reviews only. Some early access critiques were temporarily mixed with launch reviews, causing minor confusion that outlets are now correcting.
The roguelite action game expands significantly on its predecessor’s formula. Players now choose between two distinct routes, each featuring four unique zones with their own NPCs and bosses. This effectively doubles the variety compared to the original Hades.
Combat has evolved to become more methodical and tactical. The days of dash-attack spam are over. Players must now focus on spacing, crowd control, and resource management. The expanded magic system emphasizes debuffs and strategic ability usage over pure button mashing.
The new Arcana system replaces the Mirror of Night from Hades 1. Players equip limited “cards” that provide build-defining buffs, creating meaningful choices rather than allowing everything to be unlocked simultaneously. This deck-like progression system adds another layer of customization to each run.
Portable underworld adventures
Performance across platforms has impressed reviewers. Nintendo World Report gave both Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions a 9/10, though some noted readability issues in handheld mode due to screen density. Steam Deck users report stable frame rates and solid battery life, making portable play a viable option.
Supergiant recommends that early access veterans consider starting fresh. The 1.0 version includes rebalanced progression, weapon tuning, and the complete narrative finale. Accessibility options remain robust, with difficulty modifiers available for players who want to experience the story without excessive challenge.
