No. Supergiant Games says you do not need to know anything about the original Hades to enjoy Hades II. The first game is optional context: play it for more background on the world and characters, or start with the sequel if that is the game you want to play.
Can you play Hades II without playing Hades?
Yes. Supergiant’s Hades II FAQ says: “You don’t need to know anything about the original game or Greek myth to enjoy Hades II.” The sequel is designed to let newcomers discover its story and world without treating the original as required homework.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Hades - Nintendo Switch | $59.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Hades II - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition | $49.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Hades Limited Edition (Nintendo Switch) | $62.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![- Hades - [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fwy58kArL._SL160_.jpg)
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- Hades - [PlayStation 5] | $26.28 | Buy on Amazon |
That does not mean the games are unrelated. Hades II is a direct sequel set after the events of Hades, and returning players may recognize connections. The developer says those connections are part of the experience for returning players, while discovery is also possible for people new to the series.
What do you gain by playing Hades first?
The original provides optional background on the Greek Underworld and its characters. If that context appeals to you, playing Hades first is a natural choice. But the available official guidance does not quantify how much more a returning player will understand or map every callback, so it is best to treat the added context as a possible benefit rather than a requirement.
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- Battle out of hell in Hades, recipient of more than 50 Game of the Year awards
- Includes a download code for the Hades Original Soundtrack, by composer Darren Korb, best known for his work on developer Supergiant's past titles like Transistor and Bastion.
- Also includes a full-color 32-page character compendium booklet, featuring beautiful artwork of the game's colorful cast of gods, ghosts, and monsters, all by Supergiant's art director Jen Zee.
- Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion and Transistor.
- As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself.
Hades II introduces Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, and centers on Chronos, the Titan of Time and father of Hades and his brothers. Chronos has escaped imprisonment and wages war on Olympus. Those events establish continuity with the first game, but they do not make it a prerequisite.
Which play order should you choose?
| Play order | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Hades, then Hades II | You want extra background on the world and characters before meeting the sequel’s new protagonist and conflict. | You spend time with the original before reaching the game you may be most eager to play. |
| Start with Hades II | You want to play the sequel now, or are new to the series. | You may miss some context and connections that the original can provide. |
Neither route is presented by Supergiant as mandatory. Its official guidance does not promise that either order is spoiler-free, and it does not rank the importance of every returning character. Choose based on whether optional background is worth playing another game first.
Rank #2
- 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. Hades II launched as version 1.0 on September 25, 2025, completing its Early Access development. Supergiant’s v1.0 announcement highlighted the true ending, additional events for voiced characters, new music, new Fated List prophecies, and late-game unlockables among the launch additions. Advice based on the game’s earlier Early Access state—that its true ending was unavailable—is outdated.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you play the games?
Hades II
As of Supergiant’s FAQ update on April 14, 2026, Hades II is listed for Steam, Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Availability can vary by market. Supergiant says the Switch and Switch 2 physical game card released on November 20, 2025; it works on both systems. The package includes a 32-page full-color Character Compendium, a reversible cover slip, and a download code for nearly four hours of music. Supergiant says no physical editions for Xbox or PlayStation are planned “at this time.” See the official FAQ and Nintendo’s product listing for platform details. Current stock and prices are not established here.
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- As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unravelling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.
- The Olympians have your back! Meet Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and many more, and choose from their dozens of powerful Boons that enhance your abilities. There are thousands of viable character builds to discover as you go.
- A fully-voiced cast of colourful, larger-than-life characters is waiting to meet you! Grow your relationships with them, and experience thousands of unique story events as you learn about what's really at stake for this big, dysfunctional family.
- New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld, whose guardian bosses will remember you. Use the powerful Mirror of Night to grow permanently stronger and give yourself a leg up the next time you run away from home.
- Permanent upgrades mean you don't have to be a god yourself to experience the exciting combat and gripping story. Though, if you happen to be one, crank up the challenge and get ready for some white-knuckle action that will put your well-practiced skills to the test.
Hades
The original is available digitally on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and PlayStation. Supergiant also reports physical versions for Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. Its availability page lists the options. You can choose a version for a platform you already use; you do not need to own or complete it to access the sequel.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Die Macher von Bastion und Transistor präsentieren einen actiongeladenen Dungeon Crawler im Rogue-likeGewand.
- Nutze die Kräfte und mythischen Waffen des Olymp, um aus der Unterwelt und seinem Herrscher höchstpersönlich zu entkommen.
- Mit jedem einzigartigen Fluchtversuch wirst du stärker und entdeckst mehr der Geschichte.
- Diese Edition enthält die folgenden Bonusinhalte: Einen Download-Code für den epischen Hades Original Soundtrack von Darren Korb – ein zweieinhalbstündiges Fest für die Ohren. Ein 32-seitiges Charakter-Booklet mit Artworks von Jen Zee, die die kunterbunte Riege an Göttern, Geistern und Monstern zeigen.
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.
