Hades came out on September 17, 2020 for Nintendo Switch and PC (via the Epic Games Store), following a lengthy Early Access period that began in December 2018. The game later launched on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam on August 13, 2021.
Early Access and Development Timeline
Supergiant Games, the studio behind Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre, announced Hades in December 2018. It entered Early Access on December 6, 2018, allowing players to purchase and play an incomplete version. This period was crucial for the developers, who used player feedback to refine the game’s combat, narrative, and pacing. The full 1.0 release on September 17, 2020, marked the end of Early Access and included the final story chapter, the true ending, and the complete soundtrack.
Platform Release History
The initial 1.0 release was exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC and Nintendo Switch. A Steam version followed on August 13, 2021, alongside the console releases for PlayStation and Xbox. The game also became available on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus at various points after its console launch. The staggered release allowed Supergiant to optimize each version, but the core content remained identical across all platforms.
What Is Hades?
Hades is a roguelike action role-playing game developed by Supergiant Games. Players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus. The game combines fast-paced combat with a deep narrative that unfolds through repeated runs. Each attempt is procedurally generated, with different rooms, enemies, and boons from the Olympian gods. The story progresses even when Zagreus dies, as he interacts with characters in the House of Hades between runs.
Critical Reception and Awards
Upon its full release, Hades received universal acclaim. Critics praised its tight combat, engaging story, and the way it integrated narrative into the roguelike structure. It won numerous Game of the Year awards, including at the 2021 BAFTA Games Awards and the DICE Awards. The game was also nominated for several categories at The Game Awards 2020, winning Best Action Game and Best Indie Game. Its success helped popularize the roguelike genre among a wider audience.
Comparison to Other Supergiant Games
Supergiant’s previous titles—Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre—were all single-player action games with strong narratives and distinctive art styles. Hades differs by incorporating roguelike mechanics, but it retains the studio’s signature hand-drawn art, dynamic soundtrack, and character-driven storytelling. Unlike its predecessors, Hades emphasizes replayability and player choice, with each run offering new dialogue and story beats. This evolution in design was a key factor in its widespread appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Hades leave Early Access?
Hades left Early Access on September 17, 2020, with the 1.0 update. This version included the final act of the story, the epilogue, and all planned features. Early Access players could transfer their save files to the full release.
Is Hades available on mobile?
As of 2024, Hades is not officially available on mobile devices. The game was released on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. However, it can be played on mobile via cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, which stream the console version to compatible devices.
Will there be a Hades 2?
Yes, Supergiant Games announced Hades II in December 2022. It entered Early Access on May 6, 2024, for PC. The sequel follows Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus, as she battles the Titan of Time. A full release date has not yet been announced.
What is the difference between Hades and Hades II?
Hades II features a new protagonist, Melinoë, and introduces new mechanics such as a time-manipulation system and a different set of Olympian boons. The story is set after the events of the first game, with Zagreus and other characters appearing in supporting roles. The sequel also expands the setting beyond the Underworld to include the surface world.
How long does it take to beat Hades?
A typical playthrough to reach the credits takes about 20-30 hours, but fully completing the story and unlocking all epilogue content can take 50-60 hours. The roguelike nature means that time varies greatly depending on player skill and how much they engage with side content.
Is Hades a difficult game?
Hades is challenging but fair, with adjustable difficulty through the ‘God Mode’ option, which reduces damage taken by 20% and increases by 2% each time Zagreus dies. This makes the game accessible to players of various skill levels while still offering a tough experience for veterans.
Related
- Yearn Worthy Yarn Rowan? Mythic Threads
- Cast Iron Gargoyle: Real History & Buying Guide
- Cat Gargoyle Mythology: Origins & Meaning
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.