> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.unknowndivide.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Hades by Supergiant Games: Why the Roguelike Is Worth Playing - URL: https://www.unknowndivide.com/hades-supergiant-games-roguelike/ - Published: 2024-04-18T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-30T06:18:39.000Z - Description: Supergiant's Hades is a fast, stylish escape from the Greek Underworld where every death moves the story forward. Here is what it is, how it plays and where to buy it. - Author: unknowndivide staff - Tags: Entertainment *Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post.* Every few years a game comes along that people who do not usually play this kind of game end up loving. Hades is one of them. It is fast, stylish and hard, yet it is built so that every failure moves you forward. If you have heard friends rave about it and want to know whether it is for you, here is what Hades is, why it works so well and where to buy a copy. ## What it is [Hades](https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades/?ref=unknowndivide.com) is a game from [Supergiant Games](https://www.supergiantgames.com/?ref=unknowndivide.com), which describes it as a rogue-like dungeon crawler in which you defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash your way out of the Underworld of Greek myth. It is the studio's fourth game, and Supergiant says it combines the best of its earlier work: the fast action of Bastion, the rich atmosphere and depth of Transistor and the character driven storytelling of Pyre. Each attempt to escape is called a run. Every time you play, you combine the divine might of various Olympian gods with your own in new ways and brave a wide variety of challenges, which is why Supergiant says it is never the same experience twice. ## How it plays Hades is very much an action game. You hack and slash your way through the Underworld, getting stronger as you fight. When you die, and you will, that is where the game's big idea kicks in. Death is not a clean reset. Permanent progression systems carry you forward, and each attempt unravels more of the story. Supergiant says you will meet 30 different fully voiced characters and experience the story through thousands of unique events and interactions. You can engage with the narrative as much as you like, or just dive in for a quick hack and slash session. The result is a game where losing feels like the next chapter rather than a punishment, which is a big reason it hooks people who usually bounce off difficult games. If you are new to the genre, our explainer on [roguelike vs roguelite](https://www.unknowndivide.com/roguelike-vs-roguelite-explained/) breaks down what those terms mean. ## Is it too hard Hades can present a considerable challenge, and Supergiant is upfront about it. But one of its foremost design goals was to open up rogue-like games to more players. A feature called God Mode is always available. It makes you more resilient to damage and a little tougher still each time you die, so you can enjoy the story at your own pace. For players who want the opposite, there is Hell Mode for the ultimate challenge and a late game system called the Pact of Punishment that lets you turn up the difficulty in specific ways. ## The music and art Supergiant's games are known for their art and sound, and Hades is no exception. The score is by the studio's award winning composer Darren Korb, and the original soundtrack features two and a half hours of music created especially for the game. If you love game music, see our [video game soundtracks on vinyl starter guide](https://www.unknowndivide.com/video-game-soundtracks-on-vinyl-starter-guide/). ## A short history Hades launched in Early Access on the Epic Games Store on December 6, 2018, then in Early Access on Steam on December 10, 2019\. Supergiant designed it as an Early Access game from the ground up, building it with feedback from its community. Version 1.0 launched on September 17, 2020, and the game came to Xbox and PlayStation on August 13, 2021, with physical editions in retail stores as well. Supergiant itself is a small independent studio in San Francisco, founded in 2009\. The studio says all seven of its original staff are still working together, now joined by a larger team. ## Who should buy it Buy Hades if you like fast action, Greek mythology or great writing in games. It is especially good in short sessions, since a single run fits nicely into an evening. It also works well on a handheld, so check our [best handheld game consoles for indie games](https://www.unknowndivide.com/best-handheld-game-consoles-for-indie-games/) if you want to play on the couch. ## Where to buy Hades is available digitally on Steam and other platforms, and in physical editions for consoles. **Shop Hades** [Hades on Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/Hades/?ref=unknowndivide.com) [Hades for PlayStation 5](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096BX7WMZ?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com) [Hades physical edition for PlayStation 5](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8RBN7KX?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com) For more games and soundtracks, read about the [It Takes Two and Split Fiction soundtracks on vinyl](https://www.unknowndivide.com/it-takes-two-split-fiction-soundtrack-vinyl-iam8bit/) or browse our [film and games](https://www.unknowndivide.com/film-and-games/) picks.