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Hades II’s Surprise Early Access Debut: What Happened and Where to Play Now

Hades II’s May 6, 2024 Early Access release was a surprise within a previously announced launch window. Here’s how it reached v1.0 and where to play it now.
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Hades II became playable in Early Access on May 6, 2024, arriving on Steam and the Epic Games Store after Supergiant had announced a Q2 launch window. The surprise was the sudden arrival of the playable game—not an unannounced reveal. Early Access ended with the full v1.0 release on September 25, 2025.

When did Hades II come out in Early Access?

Supergiant Games released Hades II in Early Access on May 6, 2024, on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The studio had already said in November 2023 that it was targeting Q2 2024 on those storefronts, so the date was a surprise drop within a known launch window, rather than a release with no prior announcement. Supergiant’s November 2023 development update and its current FAQ document the plan and actual date.

Why did Supergiant use Early Access?

The studio treated Early Access as part of development, not simply an early sales period. Supergiant aimed for the first build to contain at least as much content as the original Hades had when it first entered Early Access. It expected player feedback to help with balance and storytelling, then planned substantial updates that would add content and extend the story before a finished ending.

As Supergiant put it in the development update, “We believe everything about this game benefits from ongoing feedback, from the balancing to the storytelling.” That process lasted about a year and a half within more than four-and-a-half years of development, according to the studio’s 2025 launch post.

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#1 Best Overall
Hades II - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition
  • Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.

Is Hades II still in Early Access?

No. Supergiant released version 1.0 on September 25, 2025, ending Early Access. The launch covered Steam, Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch. The completed version added the true ending, additional events for voiced characters, music, Fated List prophecies, late-game unlockables, and other finishing touches. Owners of the Early Access game on Steam or Epic received v1.0 as a free automatic update, according to Supergiant’s launch announcement.

The game later arrived on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on April 14, 2026. Supergiant’s FAQ lists the currently available platforms as Steam, Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Rank #2
Hades II - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition (European Version)
  • Battle beyond the Underworld to vanquish the Titan of Time as the Princess of the Dead in this bewitching sequel to the original rogue-like dungeon crawler. Hades II lets players explore a bigger, deeper mythic world with the full might of Olympus at their call in a story that reacts to their every setback and accomplishment.

What kind of game is Hades II?

Hades II is Supergiant’s first sequel: a roguelike dungeon crawler starring Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, as she battles Chronos, the Titan of Time. Its story unfolds over repeated attempts and through player progress. Supergiant says newcomers do not need to have played the original Hades or know Greek mythology to follow it, while returning players will find connections to the earlier game alongside new challenges.

Where can you play Hades II, and how do saves work?

The game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch family consoles, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Cross-saves are limited to two storefront or console pairs: Steam and Epic Games Store, and Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Supergiant says cross-saves with other versions are not available, so do not assume a save can move between PC and console, or between Nintendo and Xbox or PlayStation.

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Rank #3
Hades (XONE/XSERIESX)
  • Battle out of hell: As the immortal Prince of the Underworld
  • Unleash the fury of Olympus: The Olympians have your back!
  • Befriend gods, ghosts, and monsters
  • Built for replayability: New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld
  • Signature Supergiant style

Switch and Switch 2 performance

In its September 2025 announcement, Supergiant reported that the Switch 2 version runs at 120 fps and 1080p in TV mode, and 60 fps at 1080p in handheld mode. For the original Switch, the studio reported 60 fps at 720p in both modes. The same announcement said existing Switch owners who also had a Switch 2 could download a free Switch 2 upgrade. These are developer-reported specifications from that announcement, not independent test results.

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Is there a physical copy of Hades II?

Yes. A standard physical game-card edition for Switch 2, compatible with the original Switch, launched November 20, 2025. Supergiant announced that its package includes a full-color Character Compendium booklet, a soundtrack download code, and a reversible cover. At announcement, the North American price was $49.99; that historical figure is not confirmation of today’s price or current regional stock. The official FAQ says Supergiant has no plans for physical Xbox or PlayStation editions.

Rank #4
Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Juunikyuu Hen - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]
  • Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Juunikyuu Hen [ ]
  • Number of Local Players: 1 to 2

If choosing between formats, the physical edition is the option with the booklet, download code, and reversible cover; digital editions are available on the supported storefronts. Check the relevant local retailer or platform store for current price and availability.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
Hades (XONE/XSERIESX)
Hades (XONE/XSERIESX)
Battle out of hell: As the immortal Prince of the Underworld; Unleash the fury of Olympus: The Olympians have your back!
$41.61
Bestseller No. 4
Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Juunikyuu Hen - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]
Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Juunikyuu Hen - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]
Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Juunikyuu Hen [ ]; Number of Local Players: 1 to 2
$73.38

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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