Hades II Early Access Impressions: Supergiant Games Sets New Standards on Steam and Steam Deck

Supergiant Games has cemented its place as an industry leader in indie game development, and the launch of Hades II in Early Access on Steam further strengthens its reputation.

Building upon the critical success of its 2020 predecessor, Hades, the developer continues to push the envelope for narrative-driven rogue-like games.

Hades II brings players back to a richly imagined Underworld, offering refined gameplay mechanics, a compelling new protagonist, and exceptional polish—even in its early access phase. Hades II introduces players to Melinoe, daughter of Hades and sister to Zagreus, who takes center stage in this sequel.

In her quest to free the realm from Chronos, the Titan of Time, Melinoe’s journey intertwines familiar and lesser-known facets of Greek mythology.

The title maintains the core structure that made the original Hades a fan favorite—engaging rogue-like runs paired with evolving storylines and robust worldbuilding. After nearly 20 hours of hands-on experience across the Technical Test and Early Access launch, the sequel immediately felt like a natural continuation, with a return to finely-tuned game mechanics and atmospheric art direction.

While Hades II is not yet available on Nintendo Switch, its seamless performance on Valve’s Steam Deck ensures a high-quality handheld experience reminiscent of the original's popularity on Switch. The game’s character-driven narrative shines, with a cast ranging from new faces in Greek myth to returning Olympians.

The student-master dynamic between Melinoe and Hecate sets the tone from the outset, providing a strong narrative anchor.

Players are quickly introduced to a host of memorable characters at the Crossroads hub, including the ever-watchful Nemesis, the sagacious Odysseus, and even the option to interact with a memorable frog companion after each run. Regarding gameplay, Hades II fine-tunes rather than reinvents the core formula.

Fans of the original will appreciate the thoughtfully expanded systems and the depth of character development.

As one player observed, the sense of familiarity was both comforting and exciting, noting that the early stages already offered satisfaction and challenge—even if prior experience sped up progress.

A noteworthy narrative touch is that Melinoe's prowess is emphasized through the story itself, acknowledging her extensive training in preparation to face Chronos—a testament to Supergiant Games’ careful attention to detail. While Hades II is still in development and additional content is expected throughout Early Access, its debut already stands out as one of the most highly praised releases of the year.

Supergiant Games continues to set the industry standard for blending compelling storytelling, innovative gameplay, and artistic excellence.

For fans of the original Hades and newcomers alike, Hades II promises to deliver deep, rewarding gameplay and immersive storytelling as it evolves toward full release.

Anyone who cherished Zagreus’s journey should not hesitate to return to the Underworld—Supergiant Games has ensured that we're truly back.

Supergiant Games Hades II Steam Deck Steam Hades Early Access Nintendo Switch Chronos Melinoe Hecate Greek mythology