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Games like Hades II

By Chang · Updated July 2026

Hades II perfected something rare: a roguelike where you actually want to start a new run because the story keeps moving. Below are five games that hit some part of that formula — tight combat, build variety, story-per-run, or the snappy isometric feel — ranked by how closely they overlap with Hades II's DNA. Pick the trait you liked most and follow the matching score.

At a glance

Gamevs Hades IIYearPlatformsGenres
Hades
Supergiant Games
90
2020PC, macOS, Switch, PS5, Xboxroguelike, action, isometric
Dead Cells
Motion Twin
85
2018PC, macOS, Switch, PS5, Xboxroguelike, metroidvania, action
Returnal
Housemarque
78
2021PC, PS5roguelike, third-person shooter
Cult of the Lamb
Massive Monster
75
2022PC, macOS, Switch, PS5, Xboxroguelike, management, action
Rogue Legacy 2
Cellar Door Games
72
2022PC, Switch, PS5, Xboxroguelike, metroidvania, platformer

The details

#1

Hades

Supergiant Games · 2020

90
Why it's like Hades II

The original by the same studio. Same isometric combat, boon-stacking, voice-acted between-run story, and 'one more run' loop.

What's different

Smaller scope. Only the sword/spear/etc. family of weapons (Hades II adds witchcraft). Fewer characters and gods.

Shared DNA
  • isometric
  • roguelike loop
  • story-driven
  • fast combat
  • voice-acted
  • build variety
#2

Dead Cells

Motion Twin · 2018

85
Why it's like Hades II

Fast, fluid combat with a deep build variety. Every run is a fresh permutation of weapons and mutations. The dopamine loop is identical.

What's different

2D side-scroller instead of isometric. No persistent story between runs — the joy is purely mechanical. Metroidvania-shaped map progression.

Shared DNA
  • pixel-art
  • roguelike loop
  • fast combat
  • build variety
  • interconnected map
#3

Returnal

Housemarque · 2021

78
Why it's like Hades II

AAA roguelike where the story unfolds across deaths. Atmosphere and combat polish rival Hades II's; expect to die and learn, run by run.

What's different

Third-person sci-fi shooter instead of isometric brawler. Much darker tone — psychological horror, not Olympian comedy. Longer runs.

Shared DNA
  • 3D
  • roguelike loop
  • story-driven
  • atmospheric
  • fast combat
  • bullet-hell
#4

Cult of the Lamb

Massive Monster · 2022

75
Why it's like Hades II

Isometric roguelite with snappy combat and a strong meta layer — except the meta is cult management instead of an Underworld family drama.

What's different

Half the game is a base-building sim (rituals, sermons, crops). Combat is shallower than Hades II. Tone is creepy-cute, not mythic.

Shared DNA
  • isometric
  • roguelike loop
  • management
  • fast combat
  • build variety
#5

Rogue Legacy 2

Cellar Door Games · 2022

72
Why it's like Hades II

Run-based action with persistent meta progression. Every heir is a fresh build, and the platforming-combat rhythm is just as snappy.

What's different

2D side-scrolling instead of isometric. Genealogy gimmick adds humor but no real narrative arc. Metroidvania-tinged map.

Shared DNA
  • roguelike loop
  • build variety
  • metroidvania-ish
  • fast combat
  • humor