Hades II v1.0 is officially launching on September 25, 2025, and the gaming community couldn’t be more excited. After months of early access on PC, Supergiant Games has finally given us a concrete release date for the complete version of their highly anticipated sequel.
What Makes Hades II v1.0 Special
The full release marks a significant milestone for what many consider one of the best roguelike sequels ever created. Unlike many sequels that simply rehash the original formula, Hades II brings fresh mechanics, a new protagonist, and expanded storytelling that builds meaningfully on the first game’s foundation.
Playing as Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, you’ll experience a deeper mythic world with enhanced combat systems and richer narrative elements. The game maintains the addictive loop that made the original so compelling while introducing enough new content to feel genuinely fresh.
Platform Availability and Performance
Hades II v1.0 launches simultaneously across multiple platforms, giving players plenty of options for how they want to experience the game:
- Nintendo Switch 2: 120fps in TV mode, 60fps handheld at 1080p
- Nintendo Switch: 60fps at 720p in both modes
- Steam: Full PC performance with early access save transfer
- Epic Games Store: Complete version with cross-save support
The Nintendo Switch 2 performance is particularly impressive. Running at 120 frames per second in TV mode represents a substantial upgrade over the original Switch’s capabilities, making this one of the first major titles to truly showcase the new hardware’s potential.
Cross-Save Integration
One of the most player-friendly features coming with Hades II v1.0 is comprehensive cross-save functionality. If you’ve been playing the early access version on Steam or Epic Games Store, you can seamlessly transfer your progress to Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 through a simple in-game menu.
This cross-platform save system eliminates the frustration of starting over when switching devices. Whether you prefer the portability of Switch or the performance of PC, your progress follows you everywhere.
What’s New in the Complete Version
Early access players have experienced just a portion of what Hades II v1.0 will offer. The full release promises significantly more story content, addressing many of the loose narrative threads that early access left hanging. Expect deeper character development, more boss encounters, and expanded areas to explore.
The combat system has been refined based on community feedback during the early access period. Supergiant Games has a track record of listening to their playerbase, and these improvements should make the final version feel more polished and balanced than ever.
Pricing and Availability
Current early access owners on Steam and Epic Games Store will receive the v1.0 update automatically at no additional cost. New players can purchase the complete game at the standard retail price across all supported platforms.
Nintendo Switch versions are available for pre-order now, with physical editions coming later in November. The Switch 2 version includes a free upgrade path for existing Switch owners who purchase both consoles.
Looking Beyond Launch
Unlike the original Hades, which received minimal post-launch content, there’s speculation about potential future updates for Hades II. While Supergiant Games hasn’t committed to DLC or major content expansions, their approach to this sequel suggests they might be more open to ongoing development.
The developer’s track record shows they prefer to under-promise and over-deliver, so any additional content would likely be a pleasant surprise rather than a planned roadmap item.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does Hades II v1.0 release?
Hades II v1.0 launches on September 25, 2025, across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
Will my early access save data transfer to v1.0?
Yes, if you’re playing on Steam or Epic Games Store, your early access progress automatically carries over to the full version. You can also transfer saves to Nintendo Switch platforms using the built-in cross-save feature.
What’s the performance difference between Switch and Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 runs Hades II at 120fps in TV mode and 60fps handheld at 1080p resolution. The original Switch runs at 60fps in both modes but at 720p resolution.
Is Hades II coming to PlayStation or Xbox?
No console versions for PlayStation or Xbox have been announced. Based on the original Hades timeline, other console releases might come approximately one year after the initial launch.
Do I need to play the first Hades to understand Hades II?
While Hades II is a sequel, it tells its own story with a new protagonist. Playing the original helps with world-building context, but it’s not strictly necessary to enjoy the sequel.
Will there be physical copies available?
Yes, physical editions for Nintendo Switch are planned for November 2025, about two months after the digital release.
What makes Hades II different from the original?
Hades II features a new protagonist (Melinoë), expanded magical abilities, surface world exploration, and deeper mythological storytelling while maintaining the core roguelike gameplay loop that made the original successful.
Final Thoughts
September 25 can’t come soon enough for fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting the complete Hades II experience. With enhanced performance on new hardware, comprehensive cross-save support, and the promise of significantly more content than the early access version, this launch represents everything a sequel should be.
Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, Hades II v1.0 looks set to deliver the same addictive gameplay loop with enough fresh content to justify the wait. Mark your calendars and prepare to battle beyond the Underworld once again.