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Games Like Hades: 10 Roguelikes for One More Run

Hades turns dying into progress: every escape attempt is short, every run plays differently, and the story moves forward each time you fail. The games below share that "one more run" loop, though some are far harder and one swaps swords for cards.

10 picksLast checked 3 November 2026Editorial picks · nothing sponsored

Game DNA: what makes Hades tick

Tap a trait to see which picks share it.

Traits are our editorial summary. Select several to find picks that share all of them.

The shortlist

Each card shows platforms, the PEGI rating as published, typical session length, and which traits it shares.

  1. Hades II

    PEGI 12PCSwitchSwitch 2Short sessions
    Editorial view

    The sequel follows Melinoë, a new protagonist, with new weapons, magic and a fresh cast. If you finished Hades, this is the obvious next step.

    How it differs: Adds a mana system and a new map structure.

    • Shares 5 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  2. Dead Cells

    PEGI 16PCPS5PS4Xbox OneSwitchShort sessions
    Editorial view

    A 2D action roguelite with fast, fluid combat across an ever-changing castle. Weapons and mutations combine into builds, and difficulty rises sharply later on.

    How it differs: Side-on platforming view and less story.

    • Shares 4 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  3. Returnal

    PEGI 16PCPS5Medium sessions
    Editorial view

    A third-person shooter roguelike on a shifting alien planet. Intense, bullet-heavy and atmospheric, with a mysterious story.

    How it differs: Much harder and with fewer permanent upgrades.

    • Shares 2 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  4. Risk of Rain 2

    PEGI 12PCPS5PS4Xbox Series X|SXbox OneSwitchMedium sessions
    Editorial view

    A 3D roguelike shooter where items stack into absurd builds and difficulty rises the longer you take. Supports online co-op for up to four players.

    How it differs: Co-op focus and a timer that pushes you to move fast.

    • Shares 2 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  5. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

    PEGI 16PCPS4Xbox OneShort sessions
    Editorial view

    A twin-stick dungeon roguelike with a huge range of items and secrets. It is a dark, grotesque game, rated PEGI 16 with Drugs and Violence descriptors.

    How it differs: Far more grotesque themes and minimal story.

    • Shares 2 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  6. Cult of the Lamb

    PEGI 12PCPS5PS4SwitchMedium sessions
    Editorial view

    Fight through randomised dungeons, then return to build and manage a cult of cute followers. A blend of roguelite action and base management.

    How it differs: Base building between runs takes up much of your time.

    • Shares 3 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  7. Children of Morta

    PEGI 12PCPS4Xbox OneSwitchMedium sessions
    Editorial view

    A story-driven action roguelite following a family of heroes, each with their own playstyle. Strong narration ties runs together.

    How it differs: You switch between family members rather than one hero.

    • Shares 3 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  8. Slay the Spire

    PEGI 7PCPS4Xbox OneSwitchShort sessions
    Editorial view

    A deck-building roguelike in which you choose cards and relics as you climb a spire. Turn-based, so it rewards thinking over reflexes.

    How it differs: Turn-based card battles instead of real-time action.

    • Shares 3 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  9. Enter the Gungeon

    PEGI 7PCPS4Xbox OneSwitchShort sessions
    Editorial view

    A bullet-hell dungeon crawler with hundreds of strange guns and a dodge roll. Has local co-op for two.

    How it differs: Shooting-focused and quite difficult.

    • Shares 3 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

  10. Bastion

    PEGI 12PCPS4Xbox OneSwitchMedium sessions
    Editorial view

    Supergiant Games' first title, with a reactive narrator and isometric action. It is not a roguelike, but fans of Hades' style will spot the shared roots.

    How it differs: A linear story adventure rather than repeated runs.

    • Shares 2 of 5
    • Run-based structure
    • Build-crafting boons
    • Fast, readable combat
    • Story that rewards dying
    • Permanent upgrades

Why Hades works so well in short sessions

A Hades run usually ends in under an hour, whether you escape or not. That makes it a rare kind of game: deep enough for hundreds of hours, but easy to pick up for one evening. Most games on this list share that structure, which is why they appear on our short sessions page too.

Slay the Spire, Dead Cells and Enter the Gungeon are especially good for a quick run. Returnal and Risk of Rain 2 runs can stretch longer, so they suit weekends better.

Roguelike or roguelite: does it matter?

You will see both words used. Broadly, a roguelike resets you fully each run, while a roguelite lets you keep some upgrades. Hades is a roguelite: Darkness and other resources make you permanently stronger.

If you liked that sense of steady progress, Dead Cells, Cult of the Lamb and Children of Morta all keep upgrades between runs. Returnal and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth lean further towards the stricter end, where your skill matters more than unlocks.

Story-driven roguelites

Hades stands out because the story keeps moving when you lose. Children of Morta does something similar, with a narrator and family scenes between runs. Returnal tells a fragmented, eerie story that unfolds as you repeat the loop. Cult of the Lamb has a lighter story, built around the cult you grow.

If you mainly played Hades for its characters and writing, Supergiant's earlier game Bastion is worth a look even though it is not a roguelike. For more story-led picks across genres, see our story-rich games page.

Writing quality varies a lot across the genre. Many roguelikes treat story as a light frame around the action, which is fine if you mainly want the combat. If you specifically want characters who remember your failures and react to them, set your expectations: few games match Hades on that front, and Hades II is the safest bet.

Ratings compared with Hades' PEGI 12

Hades is PEGI 12 for violence and bad language in the PEGI database, and Hades II is also PEGI 12, with a Sex descriptor added. Risk of Rain 2, Cult of the Lamb, Children of Morta and Bastion are PEGI 12 as well.

Slay the Spire and Enter the Gungeon are PEGI 7. Dead Cells, Returnal and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth are PEGI 16. Cult of the Lamb carries an In-game purchases descriptor. Check the specific edition on pegi.info, as ratings can vary between releases.

Playing roguelikes with a friend

Hades is single-player. If you want to share runs, Risk of Rain 2 supports online co-op for up to four, and Enter the Gungeon and Children of Morta both offer two-player co-op. Cult of the Lamb added co-op support too. Slay the Spire, Returnal and Dead Cells are single-player.

For more co-op ideas, browse couch co-op or games like It Takes Two.

Where to play these roguelikes, and how to try them

Roguelikes are among the easiest games to fit into a busy life, and most of the picks here are available on several platforms. Nintendo Switch is particularly strong for this genre, because short runs suit handheld play. Returnal is the exception on this page: it is listed for PS5 and PC only.

Before buying, check the store page for an official demo or trial. Our try before you buy guide explains where to look.

A suggested order for Hades fans: start with Hades II, then try Dead Cells if you want more action, Slay the Spire if you want more thinking, or Cult of the Lamb if you want something between runs to look after.

  • PC: Hades II, Dead Cells, Returnal, Risk of Rain 2, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Cult of the Lamb, Children of Morta, Slay the Spire, Enter the Gungeon, Bastion.
  • PlayStation: Dead Cells, Returnal, Risk of Rain 2, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Cult of the Lamb, Children of Morta, Slay the Spire, Enter the Gungeon, Bastion.
  • Xbox: Dead Cells, Risk of Rain 2, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Children of Morta, Slay the Spire, Enter the Gungeon, Bastion.
  • Nintendo Switch / Switch 2: Hades II, Dead Cells, Risk of Rain 2, Cult of the Lamb, Children of Morta, Slay the Spire, Enter the Gungeon, Bastion.
Platforms are taken from the PEGI database and official store listings checked on 3 November 2026. A game may also be available on platforms not listed here.

Questions people ask

What is the closest game to Hades?

Hades II is the closest, as the direct sequel from the same studio. Outside Supergiant Games, Dead Cells and Children of Morta share the fast action and permanent upgrades.

Is there a game like Hades with co-op?

Risk of Rain 2 supports online co-op for up to four players. Enter the Gungeon and Children of Morta offer two-player co-op.

What age rating is Hades?

Hades is rated PEGI 12 for violence and bad language in the PEGI database. Hades II is also PEGI 12, with an added Sex descriptor.

Is Slay the Spire like Hades?

It shares the run-based structure and build-crafting, but battles are turn-based card fights rather than real-time action. It is rated PEGI 7.

Where the facts come from

  1. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Hades
  2. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145360/
  3. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/
  4. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Dead%20Cells
  5. https://store.steampowered.com/app/588650/
  6. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Returnal
  7. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1649240/
  8. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Risk%20of%20Rain%202
  9. https://store.steampowered.com/app/632360/
  10. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Binding%20of%20Isaac
  11. https://store.steampowered.com/app/250900/
  12. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Cult%20of%20the%20Lamb
  13. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1313140/
  14. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Children%20of%20Morta
  15. https://store.steampowered.com/app/330020/
  16. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Slay%20the%20Spire
  17. https://store.steampowered.com/app/646570/
  18. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Enter%20the%20Gungeon
  19. https://store.steampowered.com/app/311690/
  20. https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Bastion
  21. https://store.steampowered.com/app/107100/

Platforms, age ratings and other checkable details were last checked on 3 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

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