Hades II, the highly anticipated sequel to Supergiant Games' critically acclaimed roguelike, has taken the gaming world by storm. Building upon the addictive gameplay loop, compelling narrative, and stunning art style of its predecessor, Hades II offers an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new. If you're captivated by its unique blend of fast-paced combat, persistent progression, and engaging story, you're likely on the hunt for other games that scratch that same itch. Fortunately, the roguelike genre is brimming with gems that share Hades II's spirit. Here are our top 5 picks for the best games similar to Hades II.
1. Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse of the Dead Gods offers a darker, more methodical take on the roguelike formula, but its core appeal—challenging combat, procedural generation, and satisfying progression—will resonate with Hades II fans. Players navigate a cursed temple, battling a variety of grotesque enemies and formidable bosses. A unique 'Corruption' mechanic adds a layer of risk-reward, as accumulating corruption grants powerful boons but also introduces detrimental curses. The combat is deliberate and requires careful parrying and dodging, offering a different but equally engaging combat feel compared to Hades II's frenetic pace. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the sense of overcoming insurmountable odds is incredibly rewarding.
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2. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a fast-paced 2D action-platformer roguelike that excels in its fluid combat and exploration. Imagine the tight controls and satisfying weapon variety of a metroidvania combined with the permadeath and run-based progression of a roguelike, and you have Dead Cells. Each run presents a new layout of levels, filled with secrets to uncover and enemies to vanquish. The sheer number of weapons, skills, and mutations allows for immense build diversity, ensuring that no two runs feel exactly the same. Like Hades II, Dead Cells features a persistent upgrade system that makes subsequent attempts more manageable and rewarding, driving players to keep coming back for 'just one more run'.
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3. Enter the Gungeon
For those who love the bullet-hell aspects of Hades II and enjoy a high degree of challenge, Enter the Gungeon is a must-play. This top-down shooter roguelike tasks players with descending into the Gungeon, a shooting range dungeon filled with hordes of enemies and bizarre bosses. The game is renowned for its absurdly large arsenal of unique and often hilarious guns, each with its own firing patterns and effects. Mastering dodge rolls and learning enemy attack patterns are crucial for survival. While its narrative might not be as central as Hades II's, the sheer depth of its gameplay, the thrill of discovering new weapons, and the satisfaction of finally conquering its tough challenges make it a standout title in the genre.
4. Pyre
While Pyre leans more into its narrative and team-based gameplay than the pure action roguelike of Hades II, it shares Supergiant Games' signature style of compelling storytelling, beautiful art, and memorable characters. Pyre is a unique blend of visual novel, dungeon crawler, and sports game. Players lead a band of exiles through a mystical purgatory, competing in ritualistic 'Rites' to earn their freedom. The decision-making outside of the Rites heavily influences the narrative's progression and outcome, making each playthrough feel deeply personal. If the character interactions and story-driven world of Hades II are what draw you in, Pyre offers a similarly rich and emotionally resonant experience.
5. Bastion
Another gem from Supergiant Games, Bastion, offers a glimpse into the developer's roots and shares many of the qualities that make Hades II so beloved. This action RPG features a reactive narrator who comments on your every action, adding a unique layer to the world-building. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a wide array of upgradeable weapons and abilities. Exploration of its shattered world is a joy, and the game's soundtrack is iconic. While it's not a roguelike in the strictest sense, Bastion's focus on character progression, engaging combat, and a rich, unfolding narrative provides a familiar and enjoyable experience for fans of Supergiant's work, including Hades II.
Conclusion
While nothing can perfectly replicate the magic of Hades II, these five games offer excellent experiences that capture its essence. Whether you're drawn to the challenging combat, the thrill of the unknown with procedural generation, the satisfaction of persistent progression, or the allure of a compelling narrative, there's a game on this list that's sure to keep you entertained long after you've escaped the Underworld (or the Gungeon, or the temple, or purgatory). Dive into these titles and discover your next roguelike obsession!
