Hades II Early Access Review: What Holds Up And What Needs Work

The Follow Up to a Masterpiece

Hades II had a mountain to climb just by existing. The first Hades wasn’t just a hit it redefined what an indie roguelike could be, merging razor sharp gameplay with storytelling that actually stuck. So the bar was high. And going into Early Access, the big question wasn’t whether Hades II would be good it was whether it could step out of its older sibling’s shadow.

So far? It’s not trying to copy the original it’s carving its own path. Swapping Zagreus for his sister Melinoë isn’t just a character change, it’s a tonal one. While Zagreus fought his way out of the Underworld cracking wise and disobeying dad, Melinoë works in the shadows, methodical and magic first. Her mission is less about family rebellion and more tied to fate, ritual, and the encroaching chaos of Chronos. The vibes are darker, hungrier. Less wine and winks, more firelight and resolve.

Narratively, it leans harder into myth’s blurred edges. The gods feel more distant, their motives foggier. It fits with the new angle: you’re not escaping anymore you’re preparing. That shift matters. Hades II builds on the original, but it’s not just the same loop with a different skin. It’s a different kind of storm.

What’s Already Strong

Right out of the gate, Hades II hits hard and fast. Combat feels snappier compared to the first game. Dodges are tighter, weapon variety is broader, and builds feel more tailored to your style. Whether you’re leaning into rapid hit chaos or slow, heavy burst damage, there’s room to experiment and adapt. And that’s before you even factor in the new magic system layered on top.

The art? Still absurdly good. Every frame you dash through looks like a motion painted myth. The animation stays fluid and punchy, and environments have more visual range this time spanning the haunted surface to deeper, darker layers of the Underworld.

Audio wise, Supergiant hasn’t let up. Voice acting remains sharp, with new characters bringing personality that sticks. Melinoë’s arc shifts the tone, but the cast picks up right where the original left off in terms of charm and banter. The soundtrack keeps the pulse high. Darren Korb once again balances tension and groove in all the right ways.

Hub world interactions have leveled up too. Relationships feel more interwoven, with stronger character dynamics, more conversations, and new side arcs. It’s not just filler it’s a deeper web of connection.

Finally, the roguelite magic stays alive thanks to new gods and boons. Some builds feel unhinged in the best way. There’s a freshness to the combos forming on the fly, with just enough chaos to keep each run a surprise.

For a closer look at specific upgrades, don’t miss the full breakdown in Hades II Features.

Rough Edges to Watch

Hades II might already feel tight in your hands, but it’s still Early Access and it shows. Bugs pop up here and there. Minor crashes, occasional stuttering, and inventory hiccups can pull you out of the run. Nothing game breaking, but enough to remind you this isn’t a finished product yet.

Balance is another issue. Some weapons and loadouts feel extremely tuned in too much so. If you’re rolling with a certain handful of boons and builds, the game tips in your favor fast. Others? You’ll be grinding through, barely hanging on. Supergiant has time to even this out, but as of now, power gaps are obvious.

Then there are the difficulty spikes. Not the good kind. Some fights ramp up in ways that don’t feel earned like artificial walls rather than skill checks. It’s not about challenge; it’s about pacing that still needs refinement.

And while the core loop sings, the endgame doesn’t stretch far. After a few dozen runs, you’ll hit a ceiling. No real post run content or late game incentives. Yet. It’s a foundation, not a full tower. That said, the updates are coming and if the first Hades is any clue, the team will build this out smartly.

Systems That Have Potential

Hades II is clearly aiming bigger, and some of its new mechanics hint at a layered, long game experience even if they’re not there yet.

Take resource gathering and crafting. On paper, it’s a solid addition, giving players a more strategic loop outside of combat. Chop wood, mine ore, brew incantations it adds depth. But right now, these systems feel mostly foundational. Recipes are limited, and the rewards don’t always justify the grind. It’s promising, just not fully built out yet.

The time of day mechanic and world layering are more ambitious. Depending on whether it’s day or night, Melinoë’s path shifts new enemies, altered environments, different dialogue. It’s clever, it’s atmospheric, but it’s underused in the current state. You get the sense that this will play a bigger role in the full release, possibly linked to story or power progression. For now, it’s more mood setting than game changing.

Then there’s story pacing. The setup is excellent this isn’t just Zagreus round two. Melinoë’s journey ties into darker, stranger corners of myth. Supergiant nails the tone. But connective scenes between major story beats can feel sparse. There are stretches where narrative threads go quiet, making it harder to feel true momentum.

All of this feels less like a failure and more like a blueprint still in progress. There’s potential in every corner just waiting to be filled in.

Should You Play It Now?

If you’re the kind of player who finds value in watching a game evolve and you don’t mind a few frayed edges then Hades II in Early Access is absolutely worth your time. The core loop is already tight: crisp combat, beautiful art, an addictive grind. If that’s enough to keep you coming back, jump in. You’ll not only get a head start on mastering builds, but also watch the layers of story and systems unfold in real time.

But if you’re the type who prefers a fully polished package the kind of player who wants complete narrative arcs, balanced weapons, and meaningful endgame? You’ll want to wait. As it stands, the story has more scaffolding than conclusion. Some content’s clearly marked as coming soon. It runs well, but it’s still very much in progress.

Supergiant’s update cadence matters here. If they stick to something close to their Hades I rhythm regular, meaty upgrades every few months there’s incentive to jump in now and pop back in regularly. But if you’re strapped for time or patience, letting a few milestones pass will probably pay off.

Bottom line: Early Access is for explorers and tinkerers. Completionists can circle back later, with a full toolbox and the final chapter waiting.

Final Take

Hades II doesn’t feel like a typical Early Access game and that’s a good thing. The core gameplay loop is already tight: fluid combat, evolving runs, and an addictive rhythm of failure and progress. Even after dozens of attempts, you’ll find yourself going back for just one more round because each run has enough variety and momentum to pull you in.

The polish is undeniable. Sure, there are rough edges, but visually and mechanically, this isn’t some half finished prototype. It plays like a game with a spine and soul, not just a promising framework. The voice acting is sharp, the characters have weight, and the world building keeps you curious.

But let’s be honest if you’re a fan of the first Hades, you’ll feel the spark here, just maybe not the full fire. Some systems are still forming. Narrative threads aren’t yet fully woven. That said, the foundation is strong enough that this already feels like more than a beta. It’s an invitation back to a world we didn’t want to leave just give it a little more time to fully mature.

(For a deeper dive on design decisions, check out our Hades II Features spotlight)