Hades II: The Witch's Ascension

Supergiant Games returns with Hades II, the first-ever sequel to the acclaimed god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler. This action-packed adventure continues the saga of Greek mythology, expanding the narrative into the dawn of witchcraft while refining the mechanics that made the original a masterpiece. Players step into the boots of Melinoë, the immortal Princess of the Underworld, as she battles the forces of the Titan of Time.

Genre and Core Gameplay

Hades II is an indie action roguelite that builds upon the successful formula of its predecessor. The game centers on a relentless combat loop where players explore a deeper mythic world, vanquishing enemies and bosses before inevitably facing defeat and returning to the home base to progress the story. Released on PC and Nintendo Switch, the game offers a sweeping experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth. The gameplay introduces new layers of complexity, including resource gathering and two separate paths to take during the adventure, ensuring that each run feels distinct and engaging. The combat system is more mechanically involved, offering a wider array of weapons to choose from that changes the flow of battle significantly.

Story and Setting: Melinoë vs. Chronos

Set years after the events of the first game, Hades II follows Melinoë, the daughter of Hades and Persephone, and sister to Zagreus. The narrative picks up as Chronos, the Titan of Time and Hades' father, wages war on the Gods, imprisoning the Olympians and besieging Mount Olympus. Melinoë, raised by the witch Hecate, must break into the recontextualized Underworld to thwart her grandfather's plans. The story unfolds through an excellent cast of characters, including newcomers like Nemesis, the avatar of vengeance, and Hecate herself, who serves as a mentor and reluctant caregiver. The plot continues to reveal itself through every setback and accomplishment, blending high stakes with Supergiant's signature character-driven storytelling. The narrative recontextualizes familiar locations from the Underworld, inviting players to explore known realms with fresh eyes and new challenges as Melinoë works her way down to Tartarus.

Notable Features and Mechanics

  • Master Witchcraft: Melinoë infuses her legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick and dark sorcery, offering a unique playstyle distinct from the previous generation and allowing players to manipulate the battlefield in ways never before seen in the series.
  • Six New Weapons: The game features a wider array of weapons compared to the original, ranging from magic wands to a heavy-hitting battleaxe, each completely different from the last.
  • Boons and Build Variety: Players can draw power from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. With nearly limitless ways to build abilities, the variety is vast, making it unlikely to repeat the same build frequently.
  • Refined Combat: The combat is more complex yet remains intuitive, with the formula refined into its ultimate form. The game introduces "layers" to the experience, adding depth without overwhelming bloat.

Who Is Hades II For?

This title is ideal for fans of action roguelikes, Greek mythology, and narrative-driven games. It appeals to players who enjoy deep build customization, replayability, and high-quality art and music. Whether you are a returning fan of the series or new to the genre, Hades II offers a polished, endlessly replayable experience that respects the legacy of its predecessor while carving out its own identity through the lens of witchcraft and cosmic conflict.