Hades 2: Supergiant Games' Custom Graphics Engine and Its Evolution

Published on January 07, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Supergiant Games' custom graphics engine showing real-time 3D characters with vibrant colors and smooth animations in Hades 2.

Hades 2: Supergiant Games' Custom Graphics Engine and Its Evolution

Supergiant Games has continued refining its custom graphics engine for Hades 2, a notable evolution from the days of Bastion. Built on a solid foundation of C++ and integrating The Forge for specialized tasks, this engine enables rendering of 3D characters and animations in real-time without sacrificing the studio's unique artistic style. Vibrant colors and detailed illustrations remain pristine during dynamic action, ensuring a coherent visual experience 🎨.

3D Modeling and Animation Tools

For the development of three-dimensional assets, the team relies on industry-standard tools like Maya, which facilitate the creation of complex and optimized visual resources. These applications allow artists to design detailed models that integrate seamlessly into the custom engine, ensuring visual coherence and smooth performance during gameplay.

Key advantages of the workflow:
  • Efficient integration of 3D models into the custom engine
  • Resource optimization to maintain high frame rates
  • Preservation of the characteristic artistic style in all visual elements
The choice of tools like Maya reflects Supergiant's commitment to quality and efficiency in asset production.

Programming and Mod Support

The game logic is primarily implemented in Lua, a scripting language that streamlines development and offers exceptional flexibility. This decision not only accelerates iteration during production but also encourages the community to create custom mods, allowing players to expand and adapt the experience to their preferences.

Highlights of Lua in Hades 2:
  • Agile development and rapid iteration capability
  • Promotion of community creativity through mods
  • User customization of mechanics and content

Final Reflections on the Engine and Gameplay Experience

Although the developers have perfected their engine over the years, some players might expect additional features, such as a god mode for testing. For now, the experience focuses on mastering the underworld without official assistance, highlighting the technical evolution and Supergiant's commitment to challenging and visually stunning gameplay 💥.