Hades nailed something most roguelikes struggle with: it made dying feel like progress. Every failed escape attempt moved the story forward, unlocked new upgrades and gave you a reason to jump straight back in. Add tight combat, great art and a cast of characters you actually care about, and it is no surprise people keep looking for something just like it.
Here are 10 games like Hades that capture that one more run feeling, from fast action roguelites to story heavy dungeon crawlers.
What Makes Hades Special
Before the list, it helps to know what you are looking for. A great Hades alternative usually has at least a few of these:
- Fast, responsive combat where every death feels like your fault
- Build variety from random upgrades, like Hades’ Boons
- Permanent progression so you get stronger between runs
- A story that moves forward even when you fail
- Short runs that fit into an evening
The 10 Best Games Like Hades
1. Hades II
The obvious first pick. Supergiant’s sequel puts you in control of Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus, as she fights her way toward the Titan of Time. It keeps everything that made the original great and adds magic, new weapons and a second route up to the surface. If you loved Hades, start here.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
2. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a side scrolling action roguelite with some of the best combat in the genre. Runs are fast, weapons feel great and the interconnected biomes give each run a different route. It is the closest match to Hades in terms of pure combat feel.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, mobile
3. Curse of the Dead Gods
This one looks and plays a lot like Hades from the same top down angle, but with a darker temple setting. The twist is the Curse system: the longer you stay in the temple, the more curses pile up and change your run. Great if you want something punishing.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
4. Children of Morta
A story driven roguelite about a family of heroes defending their home. You switch between family members, each with their own play style, and the story unfolds between runs. It is the best pick if the narrative side of Hades was what hooked you.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
5. Enter the Gungeon
A bullet hell roguelike packed with hundreds of weird guns. It is harder and more chaotic than Hades, but the dodge roll and room by room combat will feel familiar. Excellent for co-op too.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
6. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
One of the games that made modern roguelikes popular. Its item synergies are wild, and almost every run feels different. The art style is unsettling, so it is not for everyone, but the depth is unmatched.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch
7. Risk of Rain 2
If you want the Hades formula in 3D, Risk of Rain 2 is the pick. Items stack in ridiculous ways, the difficulty climbs over time and up to four friends can join you. Long runs can get absolutely chaotic.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
8. Rogue Legacy 2
Every time you die, you play as one of your descendants, each with random traits that change how they play. The castle stays challenging, but your family’s gold buys permanent upgrades. It nails that feeling of slow, steady progress.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
9. Cult of the Lamb
Half roguelite dungeon crawler, half cult management sim. You fight through randomized dungeons to gather followers, then manage your growing cult between runs. It is lighter and sillier than Hades but surprisingly addictive.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
10. Returnal
A third person bullet hell roguelike on an alien planet that is constantly changing. It is tough, but the combat is incredibly satisfying, and the story is a mind bending mystery. Perfect if you want something with a bigger budget feel.
Platforms: PS5, PC
Best for Story
If the characters and dialogue were your favorite part of Hades, go for Hades II, Children of Morta or Returnal. All three keep the story moving between runs instead of treating it as an afterthought.
Best for Co-op
Hades is single player only, so if you want to play with friends, try Risk of Rain 2, Enter the Gungeon or Children of Morta. Looking for more games to play together? See our list of games like It Takes Two.
If You Want Something Bigger
Roguelikes are great in short bursts, but if you want a long, hard action RPG with that same satisfaction from mastering combat, check out our list of games like Elden Ring. And if you loved the art and exploration side of things, our list of games like Hollow Knight is a great next stop.
FAQ
What is the closest game to Hades?
Hades II, since it is the direct sequel. Outside of that, Curse of the Dead Gods is the closest match in style and camera angle, and Dead Cells is the closest in combat feel.
Is Hades a roguelike or a roguelite?
Technically a roguelite. Pure roguelikes reset everything when you die, while Hades lets you keep permanent upgrades between runs.
Are there any co-op games like Hades?
Yes. Risk of Rain 2, Enter the Gungeon and Children of Morta all support co-op.
What should I play after Hades if I want something easier?
Cult of the Lamb and Children of Morta are both more forgiving than Hades while keeping that addictive run based loop.
Final Pick
If you only try one, make it Hades II. If you have already played it, go for Dead Cells for combat or Children of Morta for story. Either way, you are in for plenty of “just one more run” nights.
