Few games manage to revolutionize a genre while also delivering a masterclass in storytelling, but Hades accomplishes both with godlike finesse. Developed by Supergiant Games, the minds behind Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre, Hades is a roguelike action RPG that blends lightning-fast combat, deep progression, and an engaging narrative into an unforgettable experience.
With its incredible art style, razor-sharp gameplay, and endlessly replayable design, Hades has rightfully earned its place among the greatest roguelikes ever made. Whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology, fast-paced combat, or masterfully crafted indie gems, this is a game you can’t afford to miss.
A Story of Rebellion Against Death Itself
You play as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, ruler of the Underworld. Unlike his father, Zagreus refuses to accept his fate as a prince of the dead. His goal? Escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus, where he hopes to uncover the truth about his origins and reunite with his long-lost mother, Persephone.
But the road to freedom is paved with legions of nightmarish foes, deadly traps, and relentless punishment. Every time Zagreus falls in battle, he is sent right back to the House of Hades, forced to start his escape attempt from scratch.
Thankfully, he’s not alone in his quest. The gods of Olympus, eager to defy Hades’ iron rule, bestow their divine blessings upon Zagreus, enhancing his abilities and giving him a fighting chance. But Hades himself will not make it easy—each run brings new challenges, tougher enemies, and ever-changing paths, making every escape attempt a fresh, dynamic, and exhilarating struggle for freedom.
Combat That Feels Like a Divine Gift
At the heart of Hades is its fast-paced, fluid, and endlessly satisfying combat system. Zagreus has a dash-heavy, hack-and-slash fighting style, allowing him to weave in and out of danger while dishing out devastating attacks.
Each escape attempt is randomized, with new rooms, enemies, and power-ups, ensuring that no two runs feel the same. With precise controls and a wide array of combat styles, Hades is a game that rewards both skill and creativity.
The key to victory? Boons from the Olympians.
The Gods of Olympus – Your Powerful Allies
Throughout your journey, the gods of Olympus will offer Boons, granting Zagreus a variety of divine powers. Each god’s Boons enhance combat in unique ways:
- Zeus – Grants chain lightning attacks, turning every strike into a storm.
- Poseidon – Adds powerful knockback effects, sending enemies flying.
- Athena – Provides defensive abilities, including the powerful Deflect, which turns enemy attacks against them.
- Ares – Offers Doom-inflicting attacks, dealing massive delayed damage.
- Artemis – Boosts critical hit chance, perfect for high-damage builds.
- Dionysus – Inflicts Poison-like Hangover damage, weakening enemies over time.
- Hermes – Focuses on speed, granting faster dashes and attack speed.
- Demeter – Introduces Chill effects, slowing enemies and freezing them solid.
Each run presents different godly synergies, allowing for creative builds like a crit-heavy sniper, a lightning-charged brawler, or a poison-spreading menace. Finding the perfect combination of Boons is part of the thrill, making each attempt feel fresh and rewarding.
Infernal Weapons – Six Deadly Ways to Fight
Zagreus wields powerful Infernal Arms, each with distinct attack styles and hidden potential:
- Stygian Blade (Stygius) – A well-balanced sword with strong melee combos.
- Eternal Spear (Varatha) – A long-range weapon with piercing thrusts and a deadly spin attack.
- Shield of Chaos (Aegis) – A defensive powerhouse that can block attacks and be thrown like Captain America’s shield.
- Heart-Seeking Bow (Coronacht) – A ranged weapon with precision shots and powerful charged attacks.
- Twin Fists of Malphon – Rapid punches that turn Zagreus into a relentless brawler.
- Adamant Rail (Exagryph) – A machine gun-like firearm, offering a completely different playstyle.
Each weapon has multiple “Aspects”, unlocking new abilities and drastically changing how they function. Experimenting with different weapons, Boons, and playstyles is the key to mastering the game.
Why Hades is Still Worth Playing Today
Even years after its release, Hades remains one of the best roguelikes ever created. Here’s why it’s still a must-play:
- Unmatched Replayability – With randomized rooms, godly Boons, and multiple weapons, Hades never feels repetitive. Every run is a new challenge.
- Fast, Addictive Combat – The silky-smooth, responsive gameplay keeps you hooked for hours. Every death only makes you want to try again.
- An Incredible Story That Unfolds Over Time – Unlike most roguelikes, Hades features a deep, evolving narrative, with rich dialogue, character development, and hidden secrets.
- S-Tier Voice Acting & Writing – Zagreus (voiced by Logan Cunningham) and the Olympians deliver some of the best performances in indie gaming.
- A Stunning Art Style & Soundtrack – Supergiant Games’ signature hand-drawn art and Darren Korb’s god-tier soundtrack make every moment a feast for the senses.
- A Fair Challenge That Rewards Skill – Hades is difficult but never unfair. Death isn’t failure—it’s progress, as Zagreus gets stronger with every run.
- The “God Mode” Option – For players who want to enjoy the story without the punishing difficulty, Hades includes a progressive difficulty-reduction mode, making the game accessible without removing the challenge.
Whether you’re a seasoned roguelike veteran or a newcomer, Hades is one of the most rewarding, satisfying, and beautifully crafted games you’ll ever play. If you haven’t experienced it yet, there’s never been a better time to dive into the Underworld and fight your way to Olympus.
Are you ready to defy death itself?
