15 Games Like Hades You Need to Play in 2026

Hades works because it makes failure feel good. Every death pushes the story forward. Every run teaches you something. The combat is fast and responsive, the Greek gods have distinct personalities, and the boon system creates builds that feel genuinely different each time.

The first few hours felt brutal—I kept dying before reaching the second boss. But once I unlocked more powers and figured out which gods worked for my playstyle, everything clicked. The god powers are all well-balanced: some carry you early, others become monsters in later runs. And that first time you finally beat the game? Pure satisfaction.

That loop – die, learn, upgrade, try again defines the roguelike genre. Hades perfected it by adding narrative progression and tight combat. In 2026, several games carry that torch. Some focus on action, others on strategy or co-op. Below are 15 games that capture what makes Hades special—each in its own way.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 Picks

Game	Core Similarity	Best For
Hades 2	Same combat + deeper story	Players who want more Hades
Dead Cells	Fast combat + permadeath	Melee action lovers
Curse of the Dead Gods	Risk/reward boon system	Skill-focused players
Slay the Spire	Build-crafting loop	Strategic thinkers
Vampire Survivors	Addictive progression	Casual roguelike fans

1. Hades 2

Why it’s similar

Hades 2 is the direct sequel with the same top-down combat, quick dodges, and power-stacking runs. You play Melinoë instead of Zagreus, but the core loop remains identical. Boons work the same way, mixing Athena shields with Zeus lightning feels familiar. Every run rewards you with weapons, powers, or story beats, even when you fail.

What makes it unique

Bigger narrative scope and new gods expand what worked before. The story hits harder without slowing the action.

Key features:

Expanded boon system
New protagonist and gods
Deeper narrative progression

Price: ~$29.99 | Platforms: PC

2. Dead Cells

Why it’s similar

Dead Cells takes Hades’ speed and turns it into a side-scrolling brawler. You dash, jump, and slice through enemies in tight levels that change every run. Death sends you back, but permanent upgrades carry over. The combat hits hard and movement is smooth—same responsive feel as Hades.

What makes it unique

Metroidvania progression between runs. You unlock new paths and abilities that open up the map over time.

Key features:

Fast melee combat
Procedural levels
Permanent unlock system

Price: ~$24.99 | Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile

3. Curse of the Dead Gods

Why it’s similar

Curse of the Dead Gods shares Hades’ structure—dungeon runs, stackable powers, tough boss fights. The curse system mirrors Hades’ risk/reward boon choices. The stronger you get, the more negative effects pile up. You’re constantly balancing power against drawbacks.

What makes it unique

Darker tone and slower, heavier combat. Every hit, dodge, and stamina decision matters more than in Hades.

Key features:

Curse-based power system
Tight melee combat
Punishing difficulty

Price: ~$19.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

4. Enter the Gungeon

Why it’s similar

Enter the Gungeon applies the Hades loop to bullet-hell shooting. Random rooms, stackable upgrades, and runs that feel different every time. You dodge constantly, grab weapons, and try to build something powerful before dying.

What makes it unique

Hundreds of guns—shotguns, laser beams, weapons that shoot bees. Pure chaos and creativity.

Key features:

Bullet-hell combat
Massive weapon variety
Procedural dungeons

Price: ~$14.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

5. Cult of the Lamb

Why it’s similar

Cult of the Lamb mixes Hades-style dungeon runs with base management. You fight through procedural levels, collect powers, then return to manage your cult—followers, buildings, rituals. The run-based structure stays close to Hades.

What makes it unique

The cult management layer. Your progress depends on both combat skill and how well you run your base.

Key features:

Roguelite combat
Base building
Dark-cute art style

Price: ~$29.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

6. Slay the Spire

Why it’s similar

Slay the Spire swaps real-time combat for cards, but the roguelike loop mirrors Hades. Random rewards, tough choices, builds that come together or fall apart. That “build a god run” feeling is identical—one smart pick can make you unstoppable.

What makes it unique

Turn-based strategy replaces reflexes. More thinking, less button-mashing.

Key features:

Deck-building mechanics
Strategic combat
High replayability

Price: ~$24.99 | Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile

7. Risk of Rain 2

Why it’s similar

Risk of Rain 2 uses Hades’ stacking system in a 3D shooter. Items compound into insane builds—same dopamine as stacking boons. Enemies scale over time, so runs escalate from manageable to chaotic.

What makes it unique

Third-person shooter perspective and co-op multiplayer. Different characters play completely differently.

Key features:

Item stacking system
Scaling difficulty
Co-op support

Price: ~$29.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

8. Skul: The Hero Slayer

Why it’s similar

Skul is a side-scrolling roguelite where you swap characters mid-run by collecting skulls. Like Hades, you build power through random upgrades. Boss fights reward skill and pattern recognition.

What makes it unique

Constant character swapping. Each skull changes your moveset entirely.

Key features:

Skull-swapping mechanic
Varied playstyles
Challenging bosses

Price: ~$14.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

9. Spelunky 2

Why it’s similar

Spelunky 2 shares the “one more run” pull. Short, dangerous runs full of secrets. You die constantly but learn something each time. Starting over feels like opportunity, not punishment.

What makes it unique

No build system—pure skill and knowledge. Mastery comes from understanding traps and patterns.

Key features:

Hardcore difficulty
Procedural levels
Secrets and shortcuts

Price: ~$24.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

10. Vampire Survivors

Why it’s similar

Vampire Survivors distills the Hades loop to its core. You move, your character attacks automatically, and you pick upgrades. Progression unlocks new characters and power combos. Stupid simple, stupidly addictive.

What makes it unique

Minimal controls. The fun is watching chaos unfold as your build comes together.

Key features:

Auto-attack combat
Upgrade stacking
Unlock progression

Price: ~$4.99 | Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile

11. Gunfire Reborn

Why it’s similar

Gunfire Reborn applies Hades’ build system to an FPS. Shoot enemies, collect weapons, stack perks that change how guns work. One run you focus on fire damage, the next on crits.

What makes it unique

First-person shooting with co-op support. Play with friends.

Key features:

FPS roguelite
Perk stacking
Co-op multiplayer

Price: ~$19.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

12. Brotato

Why it’s similar

Brotato offers quick arena runs with Hades-style upgrade choices. Small decisions compound into powerful builds. Runs are short—perfect for quick sessions.

What makes it unique

Wave-based survival format. Faster and more compact than most roguelikes.

Key features:

Short run times
Build variety
Arena combat

Price: ~$11.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

13. Wizard of Legend 2

Why it’s similar

Wizard of Legend 2 matches Hades’ speed and flow with spell-based combat. You chain magic, dash through enemies, and build loadouts each run. Fast and responsive.

What makes it unique

Pure magic focus. Spell combinations replace weapon choices.

Key features:

Spell chaining
Fast combat
Build crafting

Price: ~$19.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

14. Dandy Ace

Why it’s similar

Dandy Ace uses card-based abilities in a colorful roguelite. Same loop—death, upgrades, better runs. You build your character through random card pickups.

What makes it unique

Flashy visual style and card-combining mechanics.

Key features:

Card-based powers
Stylish presentation
Procedural dungeons

Price: ~$19.99 | Platforms: PC, Console

15. 33 Immortals

Why it’s similar

33 Immortals shares Hades’ top-down camera and myth themes. You fight massive bosses and clear runs—but with online co-op and teamwork.

What makes it unique

Multiplayer focus. Built around coordination, not solo play.

Key features:

Co-op roguelike
Mythic setting
Boss-focused runs

Price: ~$24.99 | Platforms: PC, Xbox

Conclusion: What to Play First

For the true Hades experience, start with Hades 2, Dead Cells, or Curse of the Dead Gods. These games nail the fast combat and build-stacking that made Hades addictive.

If you want strategy over reflexes, Slay the Spire delivers. For co-op chaos, try Risk of Rain 2 or 33 Immortals. For quick sessions, Vampire Survivors or Brotato work perfectly.

Each of these games proves why Hades’ design still matters in 2026. Pick one and start running.