If you missed it the first time around, now’s your chance to dive into one of the most acclaimed games of the past decade. The award-winning action RPG Hades has made its long-awaited return to Xbox Game Pass, three years after quietly disappearing from the service. As of September 19, 2025, subscribers can once again descend into the underworld — and trust us, it’s worth every minute.
A mythological masterpiece returns
Developed by Supergiant Games, the San Francisco-based indie studio behind Bastion and Transistor, Hades blends razor-sharp combat with storytelling that feels straight out of a Greek epic. You play as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, desperate to escape his father’s fiery domain and reach Mount Olympus.
The journey is anything but simple. Each escape attempt pits you against waves of underworld creatures, with every death sending you right back to the beginning — but stronger, wiser, and better equipped. It’s a rogue-lite that rewards persistence and experimentation, offering a fresh twist every time you pick up the controller.
What sets Hades apart is how effortlessly it fuses gameplay with narrative. Every run pushes the story forward, revealing more about the gods of Olympus and the prickly family politics of the afterlife. And unlike most games in the genre, dying doesn’t feel like failure — it feels like part of the story.
Why does it still stand out years later
When Hades first launched, it swept the awards season, earning Game of the Year honours ahead of giants like The Last of Us Part II and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Critics praised its stunning hand-painted art style, fluid animations, and a soundtrack that swings from haunting to heroic.
But it’s the writing that keeps players hooked. The Olympian gods — from Zeus to Athena to Poseidon — offer “boons” that transform Zagreus’s abilities, and their playful banter keeps every encounter fresh. These divine upgrades can be combined in thousands of ways, ensuring no two playthroughs are quite the same.
The game’s English voice acting is also top-notch, giving personality and humour to even the darkest corners of the underworld. Every interaction feels alive, whether it’s a heartfelt chat with Persephone or a sarcastic jab from your father, the ever-imposing Hades himself.
A challenge that never gets old
Make no mistake — Hades can be tough. Its fast-paced, top-down combat demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. You’ll die often, but each attempt inches you closer to victory. It’s a rhythm that’s both punishing and strangely addictive.
Yes, some players find the progression loop a bit repetitive after dozens of runs, but even then, the game continues to evolve. Unlockable weapon “aspects,” hidden dialogues, and subtle new storylines keep things fresh and rewarding long after the credits roll.
Few games manage to turn failure into fun quite like this one. Even after yet another fiery defeat, it’s hard not to think: “Alright, one more run.”
Back where it belongs
Now available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Standard, and PC Game Pass, Hades is once again accessible to millions of players. Whether you’re revisiting the underworld or venturing in for the first time, this is the perfect excuse to experience one of gaming’s modern classics.
Elegant, challenging, and endlessly replayable, Hades proves that even a trip through hell can be heavenly — especially when it’s included in your subscription.
