If you just finished escaping the underworld and are staring at your screen wondering what could possibly fill that Zagreus-shaped void, you are in the right place. Our team has spent months playing through dozens of roguelikes and roguelites to find the best games like Hades worth your time in 2026.
Hades is a roguelike action RPG developed by Supergiant Games that changed what players expect from the genre. It combined lightning-fast combat, a story that actually responded to your failures, and permanent upgrades that made every run feel meaningful. That combination is rare, and finding games that nail all three elements is tougher than it sounds.
Whether you want something with similar combat intensity, a roguelike with strong narrative hooks, or just more procedurally generated dungeons to crawl through, we have you covered. Below you will find 20 hand-picked recommendations organized by category, including mobile options and free-to-play alternatives that most guides completely ignore.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Quick Picks: Games Like Hades You Should Try First
Before we get into the deep dives, here are the seven games our team recommends most often when someone asks what to play after Hades. These are the titles that consistently come up in Reddit threads, Steam community discussions, and player recommendations across the board.
Dead Cells – The closest match for Hades-style combat and meta-progression in a 2D package
Hades 2 – The direct sequel currently in early access, featuring Melinoe and new mechanics
Slay the Spire – A deckbuilding roguelike with incredible strategic depth and build variety
Enter the Gungeon – Bullet-hell dungeon crawling with unmatched weapon variety and humor
Cult of the Lamb – Roguelike dungeon runs combined with cult management and base-building
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth – The genre-defining roguelike with absurd item synergies and massive replayability
Skul: The Hero Slayer – Fast character-swapping action with a charming pixel art style
If you only have time to try one game from this list, Dead Cells is the safest bet. It earned that top spot because it mirrors what makes Hades addictive: smooth combat, meaningful progression between runs, and enough build variety that no two runs feel identical.
Dead Cells – The Closest Thing to Hades in 2D
Dead Cells is the game most Hades fans gravitate toward, and for good reason. Developed by Motion Twin, this action-platformer roguelite shares the same core loop that made Hades so compelling. You fight through procedurally generated levels, die, then spend collected cells on permanent upgrades that make your next run stronger.
The combat is where Dead Cells truly shines. It offers dozens of weapons ranging from broadswords and bows to traps and grenades, and each weapon type feels distinctly different. The dodge-roll mechanic adds a layer of timing-based skill that rewards practice. You can feel yourself getting better with each run, not just because your stats increase, but because your actual player skill improves.
What makes it similar to Hades is the meta-progression system. Between runs, you unlock new weapons, skills, and mutations at the Collector. This gives you that same satisfying feeling of making permanent progress even when a run ends in failure. The game also features multiple difficulty levels called Boss Stem Cells, which unlock after beating the game and add new enemy patterns and loot.
Dead Cells is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. It typically takes 30 to 50 hours to complete a full playthrough, with hundreds of hours of replayability for dedicated players.
Hades 2 – The Natural Next Step
If you loved the original Hades, the most obvious next step is Hades 2. Currently in early access as of 2026, this sequel puts you in the shoes of Melinoe, the sister of Zagreus, as she fights to rescue her family from the Titan Chronos. Supergiant Games is developing it, so you can expect the same level of polish in art, voice acting, and narrative depth.
The combat has evolved significantly from the first game. Melinoe uses witchcraft and sorcery alongside traditional weapons, adding a new strategic layer. The Omega system lets you charge attacks for powerful effects, and the sprint mechanic gives you more mobility options than Zagreus ever had. These additions make combat feel fresh even if you poured hundreds of hours into the original.
The story structure remains one of the strongest hooks. Characters remember your previous runs, dialog changes based on your choices, and the narrative unfolds gradually across dozens of attempts. This is the same system that made the first Hades feel revolutionary, and it works just as well here.
One important note: Hades 2 is still in early access, meaning content is being added regularly. Some story arcs are incomplete, and balancing changes happen frequently. Even in its current state, our team found it delivers dozens of hours of satisfying gameplay. It is available on PC and will likely come to consoles once the full release drops.
Slay the Spire – Strategic Deckbuilding Roguelike
Slay the Spire takes a different approach to the roguelike formula by replacing real-time combat with turn-based card battles. Do not let that description fool you into thinking it is less intense. The strategic depth here is staggering, and the build variety rivals anything in Hades.
Each run starts with a basic deck of cards. As you progress through the spire, you add new cards, remove bad ones, and find relics that fundamentally change how your deck functions. The joy comes from discovering synergies between cards and relics that turn a struggling run into an unstoppable powerhouse. That feeling of building something powerful from scratch mirrors the best moments of Hades build-crafting.
The game features four distinct characters, each with their own card pool and playstyle. The Ironclad focuses on strength and self-damage mechanics. The Silent relies on poison and shivs. The Watcher uses stances to switch between offensive and defensive play. The Defect adds even more complexity with unique orb-based mechanics. Each character demands a completely different strategic approach.
What Slay the Spire shares with Hades is the “one more run” quality. Every time you die, you immediately want to try again with a different strategy. The meta-progression comes through unlocking new cards and relics rather than stat upgrades, which keeps each run feeling fresh. It is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iOS, and Android, making it one of the most accessible options on this list.
Enter the Gungeon – Bullet-Hell Chaos With Charm
Enter the Gungeon is what happens when you combine a dungeon crawler with a bullet-hell shooter and inject it with a ridiculous sense of humor. Every enemy is a bullet, shotgun shell, or gun-themed creature, and the game never takes itself too seriously. But beneath the cartoonish exterior lies one of the most mechanically satisfying roguelikes ever made.
The core gameplay revolves around entering rooms, clearing waves of enemies, and collecting guns. There are over 200 guns in the game, ranging from standard pistols to a gun that shoots bees, a gun that fires letters spelling words, and a gun that is actually a T-shirt cannon. This absurd weapon variety is what keeps players coming back for hundreds of runs.
The dodge-roll mechanic is central to survival, much like in Hades. Timing your rolls to pass through enemy bullets while positioning yourself for counter-attacks creates a rhythm that feels incredibly satisfying once you master it. Each floor ends with a boss fight, and these encounters test everything you have learned up to that point.
Where Enter the Gungeon differs from Hades is in meta-progression. There is less permanent upgrading between runs. Instead, progression comes from unlocking new guns and items that can appear in future runs. This makes it more focused on player skill growth than stat growth. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Cult of the Lamb – Roguelike Meets Base-Building
Cult of the Lamb does something no other game on this list attempts: it combines roguelike dungeon crawling with a full base-management simulation. You play as a lamb who was saved from sacrifice by a mysterious deity and must build a loyal cult in their honor. The gameplay alternates between crusade runs through procedurally generated dungeons and managing your cult followers back at base.
The dungeon-crawling portion feels reminiscent of Hades in all the right ways. Combat is fast and responsive, with a variety of weapons and curse abilities to discover. Rooms are connected in a branching path structure, letting you choose your route based on risk and reward. Boss fights punctuate each region and demand pattern recognition and quick reflexes.
The base-building half is where Cult of the Lamb carves its own identity. Between runs, you assign followers to gather resources, build structures, and worship at your shrine. Their faith can waver if you neglect them, adding a management layer that gives the roguelike runs more context and meaning. Every resource you collect in dungeons feeds back into your cult’s growth.
This dual-loop design makes Cult of the Lamb perfect for Hades fans who want something with meta-progression but are also curious about management games. The art style is adorable yet dark, the soundtrack is excellent, and the game regularly goes on sale. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth – The Genre-Defining Classic
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is one of the most influential roguelikes ever created, and it directly inspired many design choices in Hades. Designed by Edmund McMillen, this top-down dungeon crawler tasks you with playing as Isaac (or one of many unlockable characters) as he flees through a basement filled with grotesque enemies and bizarre items.
The item system is what sets Isaac apart from everything else on this list. There are over 700 items that can appear in a single run, and they stack and interact in wild ways. You might pick up an item that makes your tears homing, then find another that makes them explosive, creating a screen-clearing barrage of guided missiles. These synergies are unpredictable and endlessly entertaining.
Each run is procedurally generated, with random room layouts, item pools, enemy configurations, and boss encounters. No two runs are ever the same. The game features multiple endings, dozens of unlockable characters, and an expansion (Repentance) that essentially doubles the content. For the price, the amount of gameplay here is staggering.
Compared to Hades, Isaac is darker in tone and lacks the narrative depth. There is no character dialogue or story that unfolds between runs. What it offers instead is pure mechanical depth and replayability that can easily consume hundreds of hours. It is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with a mobile version also available.
Skul: The Hero Slayer – Fast-Paced Character Swapping
Skul: The Hero Slayer puts a clever spin on the roguelike formula by making character swapping the central mechanic. You play as Skul, a skeleton soldier who can equip different skulls to completely change his abilities and playstyle. Each skull transforms you into a different character with unique attacks, skills, and stats.
This skull-swapping system creates incredible build variety. You might start a run as a brawler-type skull, then switch to a ranged magic-user halfway through. Finding new skulls and experimenting with combinations drives the same excitement as discovering a new Boon in Hades. Some skulls are rare and powerful, giving you that thrill of finding something special during a run.
The combat is fast and responsive, with tight controls that reward skillful play. Enemies hit hard but give you enough tools to handle them if you learn their patterns. Boss fights are challenging set-pieces that test your mastery of whatever skull you are currently using.
The pixel art is colorful and full of personality. The story flips the usual formula by casting demons as sympathetic characters and the “heroes” as the antagonists. It is a small touch, but it adds charm. Skul is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
Returnal – AAA Roguelike for Console Players
Returnal is the only AAA game on this list, and it earns its spot by delivering a cinematic roguelike experience that no indie title can match. Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony, it follows Selene, an astronaut trapped in a time loop on an alien planet. Every death resets the world, but fragments of story and permanent upgrades carry over.
The combat is third-person shooting at its finest. You dodge projectiles, manage an adrenaline meter that boosts your damage, and collect alien weapons with randomized perks. The gunplay feels weighty and satisfying, and the adaptive triggers on the PS5 controller add a tactile dimension that makes each weapon feel distinct.
What Returnal shares with Hades is the narrative loop. As you die and restart, new story elements reveal themselves. Audio logs, alien text inscriptions, and cutscenes gradually piece together the mystery of what is happening on this planet. The story is darker and more psychological than Hades, but it has that same pull that makes you want to push through one more run to learn more.
The main drawback is availability. Returnal is a PS5 console exclusive (also available on PC), which limits its audience. It is also more difficult than Hades, with runs that can last over an hour before a death sends you back to the start. For PS5 or PC owners looking for a roguelike with blockbuster production values, nothing else comes close.
Other Games Worth Your Time
Not every great game like Hades needs a full deep dive. These honorable mentions each bring something unique to the table and are absolutely worth playing depending on what you loved most about Hades.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a metroidvania rather than a roguelike, but it shares the gorgeous hand-drawn art style and precise combat that made Hades visually stunning. You explore a vast underground kingdom filled with challenging bosses, hidden paths, and lore told through environmental storytelling. The combat demands precision and patience, and the world is one of the most beautifully realized in all of gaming. If the art and atmosphere of Hades captivated you, Hollow Knight should be next on your list. It is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2 takes the procedurally generated platforming of the original and expands it in every direction. The levels are denser, the enemies are smarter, and the secrets are deeper. Each run is a chain reaction of emergent chaos where a single mistake can cascade into disaster. It is harder than Hades and has no meta-progression to speak of, but the skill growth you experience is incredibly rewarding. Available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Switch.
Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse of the Dead Gods is probably the closest structural match to Hades on this list. It features isometric combat, a curse system that mirrors the Boon system from Hades, and weapon-focused runs through procedurally generated temples. The key difference is that curses are double-edged, giving you power at a cost. If you want something that plays like Hades with a darker Mayan-inspired aesthetic, this is your game. Available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Dreamscaper
Dreamscaper compares favorably to Hades for its combat pace and visual quality. You play as Cassidy, a young woman whose subconscious battles manifest as dungeon runs through surreal dreamscapes. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a lucid attack mechanic that rewards aggressive play. During the day, you build relationships and craft items that carry into the dream world. This day-night cycle adds a narrative layer that Hades fans will appreciate. Available on PC and Switch.
Warm Snow
Warm Snow is a Chinese-developed action roguelike with lightning-fast combat and a striking visual style. You play as a warrior in a world consumed by mysterious warm snow, battling through enemies with combo-driven melee attacks. The build variety comes from collecting relics and skills during each run, similar to the Boon system in Hades. It is lesser known than other entries on this list, which makes it a great discovery for players who have already played the bigger titles. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Balatro
Balatro is not a traditional action game like Hades. It is a poker-themed roguelike where you build scoring combinations using Jokers with wild abilities. What it shares with Hades is the feeling of creating absurdly powerful builds and the addictive “one more run” quality. If you loved the Boon-combination aspect of Hades more than the real-time combat, Balatro delivers that same satisfaction in a completely different package. Available on basically every platform including mobile.
Gunfire Reborn
Gunfire Reborn is a first-person shooter roguelike with a unique cel-shaded art style. It supports up to four-player co-op, making it one of the few multiplayer options on this list for Hades fans seeking social gameplay. The weapon and talent systems create meaningful build variety across runs. If you want a roguelike you can play with friends, Gunfire Reborn should be at the top of your list. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Children of Morta
Children of Morta tells the story of an entire family fighting against a corruption spreading through their land. You switch between family members between runs, each with their own combat style. The narrative is deeply personal and unfolds through family interactions, which gives it a story-driven quality similar to Hades. It also supports two-player local co-op, making it one of the best story-driven roguelikes you can experience with a friend. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Mobile Games Like Hades for Gaming on the Go
One question that comes up constantly on forums and Reddit threads is whether there are good mobile games like Hades. The answer is yes, and several of them are excellent ports of the games we already discussed. Here are the best mobile options available in 2026.
Dead Cells Mobile is the standout option. The iOS and Android versions are remarkably faithful to the PC and console versions, with touch controls that actually work well. Bluetooth controller support makes it even better. This is as close as you will get to Hades-level combat on a phone.
Slay the Spire Mobile translates perfectly to touchscreens since it is turn-based. The iOS version in particular is one of the highest-rated mobile games on the App Store. Card-dragging feels natural, and the strategic gameplay is a perfect fit for shorter play sessions on a commute.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Mobile (iOS) brings the full Isaac experience to mobile devices. The touch controls can take some getting used to with the twin-stick setup, but a controller resolves that completely. The iOS version includes the Repentance expansion content.
Skul: The Hero Slayer Mobile launched on iOS and Android with full feature parity to the console versions. The fast character-swapping combat translates well to mobile, and controller support makes it feel like a proper portable roguelike.
Other mobile roguelikes worth trying include Brotato (wave-based survival), Soul Knight (bullet-hell dungeon crawler), and Otherworld Legends (action roguelike with multiple characters). These are not direct Hades equivalents, but they capture elements of the roguelike loop that make Hades so addictive.
Free Games Like Hades That Won’t Cost You a Dime
Not everyone wants to spend money before knowing whether they will enjoy a genre. If you want to try the roguelike formula without opening your wallet, these free options are surprisingly good starting points.
Brotato has a free browser version that lets you try the core loop before buying. You play as a potato armed with up to six weapons simultaneously, surviving waves of aliens. The build variety comes from weapon combinations and item synergies. It is absurd, fast, and genuinely addictive.
Soul Knight is a free-to-play mobile roguelike with pixel art and tons of character classes. It draws heavy inspiration from Enter the Gungeon and Nuclear Throne. The free-to-play model is generous, with most content unlockable through gameplay rather than purchases.
Revita has a free demo on Steam that lets you experience its platforming roguelike combat. The full game is affordable, but the demo gives you enough content to understand whether the genre clicks with you.
Risk of Rain (the original) is occasionally available for free during promotions on various platforms. The sequel Risk of Rain 2 is paid but frequently goes on deep discount. Both offer excellent roguelike experiences with co-op multiplayer support, and the sequel is one of the best co-op roguelikes available on PC and consoles.
How to Choose the Right Game Like Hades for You
With 20 recommendations on the table, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Our team put together this guide based on what specifically drew you to Hades in the first place.
If you loved the combat most, start with Dead Cells for 2D action or Returnal for third-person shooting. Both deliver the same responsive, skill-based combat that made Hades feel so good to play.
If the story and characters hooked you, Hades 2 is the obvious pick, but Children of Morta and Dreamscaper also deliver strong narratives that unfold across multiple runs.
If you want something to play with friends, Gunfire Reborn and Children of Morta both support co-op. Cult of the Lamb is single-player but shares that “one more run” energy that makes for great conversation with fellow players.
If you are on a budget, the free options above are genuine starting points. Among paid games, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth offers the most content per dollar, often available for under fifteen dollars during sales.
If you play on mobile, Dead Cells and Slay the Spire are the two best ports. Both deliver full experiences without feeling like compromised mobile versions.
If you want a different genre that captures the same feeling, Balatro captures the build-combination addiction without real-time combat. Hollow Knight delivers the art and atmosphere without the roguelike structure. Both are excellent choices for broadening your gaming horizons while staying in comfortable territory.
FAQs
What should I play if I like Hades?
The best games to play if you like Hades are Dead Cells, Hades 2, Slay the Spire, Enter the Gungeon, and Cult of the Lamb. Dead Cells is the closest match for combat and meta-progression, while Slay the Spire offers strategic depth. Hades 2 is the natural continuation of the same story and gameplay style.
Is Hades a roguelike or roguelite?
Hades is technically a roguelite. The distinction matters: roguelikes feature permadeath with no permanent progression between runs, while roguelites allow you to carry over upgrades, unlock new abilities, and progress story elements across attempts. Hades fits the roguelite category because you permanently unlock Mirror of Night upgrades, weapons, and story progression even after dying.
What type of game style is Hades?
Hades is a roguelike action role-playing game (ARPG) featuring isometric hack-and-slash combat, procedurally generated dungeon layouts, and meta-progression through permanent upgrades. It combines fast-paced real-time combat with narrative storytelling that responds to player choices and failures, creating a unique blend of action and story.
Is Hades one of the hardest games?
No, Hades is not considered one of the hardest games. It is designed to be accessible, with a difficulty curve that scales based on your permanent upgrades. The Mirror of Night system and God Mode option let players adjust the challenge to their comfort level. Hardcore players can increase difficulty through the Pact of Punishment, but the base experience is forgiving compared to games like Spelunky 2 or Returnal.
Are there any multiplayer games like Hades?
Yes. Gunfire Reborn supports up to four-player co-op with its first-person shooting roguelike gameplay. Children of Morta offers two-player local co-op with its family-based story. Risk of Rain 2 supports four-player co-op with third-person action. While Hades itself is single-player, these games capture similar combat and progression loops with multiplayer added.
Can I play games like Hades on mobile?
Absolutely. Dead Cells, Slay the Spire, Skul: The Hero Slayer, and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth all have excellent mobile ports. Dead Cells and Slay the Spire in particular are considered among the best mobile games available. All four support Bluetooth controllers for a console-like experience on your phone.
Wrapping Up – Finding Your Next Game Like Hades
Finding games like Hades that capture the same magic is no easy task, but the titles on this list come remarkably close in different ways. Dead Cells mirrors the combat and progression, Slay the Spire matches the strategic depth, Cult of the Lamb adds a management twist, and Hades 2 continues the story you already love.
Our recommendation: start with whichever game aligns with what you loved most about Hades. If it was the combat, go Dead Cells. If it was the story, try Hades 2. If you want something completely different but equally addictive, give Balatro a shot. Every game on this list earned its spot through genuine quality, not filler. Pick one, clear your schedule, and enjoy the next few hundred hours of your gaming life.