Hades is not just one of the best roguelites ever made — it is one of the best games ever made, period. Released in full by Supergiant Games in September 2020 after an extended early access period, Hades delivers a near-perfect fusion of fast-paced action combat, deeply engaging narrative, and exceptional replayability. Even in 2026, no other roguelite has quite managed to replicate its winning formula. If you have ever been curious about the genre, Hades is still the definitive starting point.
The Story of Zagreus
You play as Zagreus, the estranged son of Hades, who is desperately trying to escape the Underworld and discover the truth about his origins. What makes the narrative extraordinary is not just the compelling characters — including Achilles, Meg, Thanatos, and a pantheon of Greek gods — but the way the story adapts to your repeated deaths. Characters remember your previous escape attempts, relationships evolve across runs, and secrets are gradually revealed no matter how many times you fall.
The writing is genuinely excellent, blending dark mythology with sharp humour and unexpected emotional depth. Zagreus is a protagonist you root for from the very first escape attempt, and the supporting cast is so well-written that you will look forward to specific character interactions with every new run.
Combat and God Powers
The combat in Hades is brutally satisfying. Zagreus fights his way through procedurally generated chambers filled with enemies, bosses, and reward rooms, using a variety of weapons — the Stygian Blade, the Eternal Spear, the Heart-Seeking Bow, and more — each with multiple attack forms. But the real magic comes from the Boon system.
Each time you encounter a god or goddess during a run, they can grant you a Boon: a power that modifies your attacks, dashes, or special moves. Zeus might add chain-lightning to your dash attack; Aphrodite might turn your special into a heart-seeking projectile. These Boons stack and interact, letting you build devastating combinations that define each run’s playstyle.
- Six Unique Weapons: Each with distinct movesets and hidden aspects
- Duo Boons: Cross-god abilities unlocked through specific combinations
- Weapon Upgrades: Daedalus Hammer upgrades fundamentally change each weapon
- Heat System: Escalating difficulty modifiers for high-level replayability
Pros
- Masterclass writing and voice acting that rivals AAA narrative games
- Deep, responsive combat that feels powerful from the first moment
- Exceptional replay value through weapon variety and build diversity
- One of the best early access-to-full-release journeys in gaming history
- Regular updates and significant post-launch content additions
Cons
- Can feel repetitive after many hours despite narrative variation
- Some weapon aspects require significant grinding to unlock
- No cross-play between platforms at launch
- Camera can struggle in crowded combat encounters on smaller screens
The Verdict
Hades remains the gold standard for roguelites with narrative integration. Supergiant Games crafted something genuinely special — a game where death is not a punishment but a reward, where every failed escape attempt reveals new story beats and deepens relationships. The combat is phenomenally tight, the art direction is gorgeous, and the writing stands alongside the best that gaming has to offer. Whether you are new to roguelites or a hardened veteran, Hades is an essential experience that continues to age like fine wine in 2026.
Official Website: https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades/
