Update: Let’s not bury the lede for the sake of it. Hades 2 is leaving Early Access on PC and also launching on Switch and Switch 2 on September 25th, 2025. PS5 and Xbox versions will follow after.
You’ll find more details here.
Overshare warning: the first Hades is one of my favourite games ever. It certainly warrants its place on our best roguelike games top list, and I absolutely cannot wait to get our hands on the upcoming sequel, the cunningly titled Hades II.
Hades II, like its predecessor, is an action RPG built with roguelike mechanics at the very heart of the experience. The original had a brilliant system to explain your reanimation after each death, and a truly compelling overarching narrative steeped in Greek myth. I could write literal love letters to that game, but that’s not why we’re here. You want to know the…
Hades 2 release date
The thing is, Dear Reader, we don’t know exactly when the game will be available, however, we do know some of Supergiant Games’ plans for this much-anticipated sequel.
If you’re happy playing a game before it’s finalised, you’ll be able to get our hands on it for the first time in Q2 of 2024. That might slip, as these things do from time to time, but I’m reasonably confident that we’re going to get our hands on Hades II next year .
Hades II platforms
When it lands, much like the first game, it’ll do so in Early Access on PC. That means you’ll be able to grab it on either Steam or Epic Games Store. Once onboard, you’ll then help the development of the game in your role of willing playtester. The developer also stated its commitment to make “sure your save data works all through development, including once we launch v1.0.”
After that, who the hell knows? It’s extremely likely that the next Hades will appear on all three major console platforms. However, as we’ve seen recently with Endless Dungeon, any Switch version can lag behind due to the restrictive technical limitations of Nintendo’s console.
Hades II early access release date
Once the game hits Early Access in Q2, players will be invited to start playing and helping Supergiant refine the gameplay loop.
While the game itself will be several months from full completion, it’ll still be highly playable. Supergiant wrote on its blog that it wants “to do everything we can to make sure Hades 2 is worth your while as soon as you can play it in any capacity.”
The studio also confirmed that your progress will remain intact between updates, so if you join them on the Early Access part of their journey, you’ll not lose your progress every week.
I played the first Hades back when it was in Early Access on Epic Game Store, and I didn’t experience any technical problems. I didn’t get very far into the game until it had fully launched, however, so bear that in mind.
Hades II technical test
If you absolutely can’t wait to get hands-on with the game in Early Access, there will also be a closed technical test, sometime in early 2024.
This pre-release testing phase “will contain much less content than what’s in store for the Early Access launch.” I’m expecting a slice of the game to make sure everything is working as intended.
Furthermore, when it comes to accessing the technical test, you’ll have to opt in as it will “likely be limited only to a relatively small subset of players who express interest in participating.”
Stay tuned for more on how to sign up, as it’s likely one or two of you will be interested!
Using Early Access to shape Hades II
Supergiant has confirmed that they plan to use Early Access to shape the final stages of the game’s development, just like they did with Hades.
They want the game “far enough along that player feedback won’t mostly consist of stuff we already know isn’t there yet, but isn’t so far along that it’s too late in development for us to act on the feedback we receive.”
The studio explained how they will put out several major content updates as they expand the story, introducing different characters and exploring their relationships.
This will “culminate in our v1.0 launch, which will feature the conclusion to the story and any other finishing touches.”
Hades II system requirements
Supergiant hasn’t confirmed anything to do with the technical requirements for the game, but we don’t expect it to be particularly demanding.
The studio has confirmed that it will announce the required specs closer to the game’s launch into Early Access, likely in the summer of 2024.
Hades II at The Game Awards
Hades II was first announced during The Game Awards in 2022, so the series has a strong link with the event.
That link has only strengthened after Hades II was nominated in this year’s The Game Awards, in the category of Most Anticipated Game.
Who know, maybe we’ll see a bit more of the game at this year’s event on December 7?! I certainly wouldn’t rule out a new trailer, but it’s perhaps a bit too soon for an Early Access release date.
Either way, stay tuned for more on Hades and Hades II here on Rogueliker, as it’s a game I will cover extensively in the months and years ahead. That includes a deeper dive into the story and characters that are set to appear in this hotly anticipated roguelite sequel. Now, scroll your eyes down just a little bit further and enjoy the Hades II Reveal Trailer.
For more great games just like Hades, check out our best roguelike games guide…
