Supergiant Games has once again proven its ability to capture the gaming world’s attention, as Hades 2 roared into its full release on September 25, 2025, smashing records that even its beloved predecessor never reached. Over the weekend, the game climbed to a staggering 112,947 concurrent players on Steam – more than double the lifetime peak of the original Hades, which maxed out at 54,240 concurrent players. 
For a sequel to an indie success story, this leap is nothing short of remarkable.
Part of this surge can be traced back to Hades 2’s early access journey, where the game had already sold over 2 million copies before its official launch. By the time version 1.0 arrived, the community was primed and eager, making the release feel less like a cautious step forward and more like an outright celebration. While Hades was already the biggest game Supergiant had ever delivered, its successor has quickly established itself as a cultural touchstone in 2025.
Beyond player numbers, Hades 2 is also the highest-rated new release of 2025, boasting a 94 on Metacritic. That puts it ahead of other standout titles this year such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, and the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong. The critical reception echoes the fan response: this is not just more Hades, but a deeper, richer, and more ambitious vision. Reviewers have praised how the sequel expands its narrative layers, introduces new systems that enhance combat depth, and polishes the already-gorgeous art and soundtrack that defined the first game.
Importantly, many players point to the way Supergiant has approached development – eschewing predatory monetization and restrictive DRM such as Denuvo, while keeping the price accessible compared to ballooning AAA standards. It feels like a game made with “blood, sweat and TLC,” as one gamer put it, not something molded by corporate spreadsheets. That authenticity has resonated with fans tired of overpriced, over-managed blockbusters. While some critics dismiss it as just another well-made indie, for the majority, it’s proof that creativity and fair practices can outperform the so-called industry giants.
Ultimately, Hades 2’s launch shows that sequels can be both respectful to their foundations and bold enough to redefine them. Where the first game was a breakout, the second is fast becoming a phenomenon.