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- Best overall: Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC)
- Best budget: Hades II (Nintendo Switch)
- Best premium: Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
- Best for quick solo runs: Hades II (PC)
- Grim Dawn Definitive Edition is the pick for deep character builds, loot hunting, and cooperative play.
- Hades II suits players who want fast, single-player action with repeatable runs and a story that unfolds over time.
- The PC editions offer the clearest fit for players who want keyboard-and-mouse controls and Steam access.
- Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck OLED offer portable ways to play compatible games from this guide.
- Choose by gameplay style first: build-focused action RPG combat or quick roguelike runs.
Grim Dawn and Hades II deliver two very different action RPG experiences for Black Friday 2026: Grim Dawn emphasizes loot, long-term character building, and co-op, while Hades II centers on fast, single-player roguelike runs. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the choice clearer.
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition is the stronger fit for players who want an expansive traditional action RPG. Hades II is the sharper pick for players who prefer responsive combat, repeatable runs, and a story delivered in focused chapters. The guide also covers PC, Xbox, Switch, Switch 2, and handheld options, so you can match the game to your setup.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s core loop, combat pace, progression, and replay value.
- Checked the listed platforms and selected editions with their included content in mind.
- Considered player modes, including solo play and Grim Dawn’s cooperative options.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product specifications rather than relying on detailed claims.
- Included portable hardware only where its screen, storage, and gaming focus help explain the buying choice.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Masteries or routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC) | PC build crafting and co-op | Windows PC | 1–4 | 8 masteries |
| Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One) | Xbox loot-driven RPG play | Xbox One | 1–4 | 8 masteries |
| Hades II (PC) | Fast solo runs | Windows PC | 1 | 2 routes |
| Hades II (Nintendo Switch) | Portable solo action | Nintendo Switch | 1 | 2 routes |
| Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2) | Switch 2 portable play | Nintendo Switch 2 | 1 | 2 routes |
| Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB | Handheld PC gaming | SteamOS | 1 | 1TB storage |
| ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB | Windows handheld gaming | Windows | 1 | 1TB storage |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC)
The Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC) is the best action RPG for PC players who want deep builds and loot, with 8 masteries available across its included content.
Best for: PC players who enjoy build crafting and co-op
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Masteries
- 8
- Masteries per character
- 2
- Co-op
- Up to 4 players
- Large build variety from combining two masteries
- Definitive Edition bundles major expansions
- Supports cooperative play
- Combat and presentation feel more deliberate than Hades II
Is Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC) is worth considering for PC players who want a substantial loot-driven RPG, flexible character builds, and co-op. The Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC)'s 8 masteries and two-mastery character system create plenty of room to shape a distinct play style.
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#2
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One)
The Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One) is the best console pick for players who want a loot-heavy action RPG, with 8 masteries included across its Definitive Edition content.
Best for: Xbox players who prefer long-form RPG progression
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Masteries
- 8
- Masteries per character
- 2
- Co-op
- Up to 4 players
- Includes the major Grim Dawn expansions
- Build choices give characters distinct roles
- Supports controller play
- A more measured pace than Hades II
Is Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One) is a strong choice for console players who want character progression, equipment drops, and cooperative action. The 8-masteries system supports varied builds, while the complete edition brings the main expansion content together.
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#3
Hades II (PC)
The Hades II (PC) is the best pick for PC players who want quick, repeatable action, with 2 distinct routes shaping its roguelike runs.
Best for: Players who want fast solo runs and story progression
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Players
- 1
- Main routes
- 2
- Genre
- Action roguelike
- Responsive combat built around repeat runs
- Story and character encounters add reasons to return
- PC supports flexible control choices
- No cooperative multiplayer
Is Hades II (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Hades II (PC) is a strong buy for players who enjoy rapid combat, solo progression, and runs that change with each attempt. The Hades II (PC)'s 2-route structure gives the adventure a broader shape, while the PC version suits players who want flexible controls.
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#4
Hades II (Nintendo Switch)
The Hades II (Nintendo Switch) is the best portable pick for players who want solo roguelike action, with 2 routes offering different paths through the adventure.
Best for: Nintendo Switch owners who play on the go
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1
- Main routes
- 2
- Genre
- Action roguelike
- Portable format suits short play sessions
- Fast combat works well for repeat runs
- Story progression gives each run context
- Single-player only
Is Hades II (Nintendo Switch) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Hades II (Nintendo Switch) is a good choice for players who want a portable, single-player action game with replayable runs. The 2-route adventure gives the story more breadth, and the Switch format makes it easy to pick up for a short session.
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#5
Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2)
The Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2) is the best pick for Switch 2 owners who want portable action, with 2 main routes anchoring its solo adventure.
Best for: Switch 2 players who want a portable roguelike
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Players
- 1
- Main routes
- 2
- Genre
- Action roguelike
- Designed for portable and docked play
- Quick runs fit flexible gaming sessions
- Story and combat progression reward repeat play
- Does not offer co-op
Is Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2) is worth considering for Switch 2 owners who want a focused solo game for portable or docked sessions. The 2-route structure adds variety, and its repeat-run format suits both quick play and longer sessions.
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#6
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
The Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB is the best handheld PC for players who want a large game library on the move, with a 7.4-inch OLED display.
Best for: PC players who value handheld gaming
- Display
- 7.4-inch OLED
- Storage
- 1TB
- Refresh rate
- Up to 90Hz
- Controls
- Built-in controls
- Portable access to a broad PC game library
- OLED screen with a high refresh rate
- Built-in controls reduce accessory needs
- Larger and heavier than a typical handheld console
Is Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB is a strong pick for PC players who want handheld access to compatible games in their library. The 7.4-inch OLED display, 1TB storage, and built-in controls make it a capable portable gaming system.
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#7
ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB
The ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB is the best Windows handheld for players who want a PC-style portable setup, with a 7-inch display and 1TB of storage.
Best for: Windows PC players seeking a handheld
- Display
- 7 inches
- Storage
- 1TB
- Refresh rate
- Up to 120Hz
- Operating system
- Windows
- Windows access to PC storefronts and libraries
- High-refresh-rate screen
- 1TB storage for an installed game library
- Windows navigation is less console-like
Is ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB is a good option for players who want Windows gaming in a handheld design. The ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB's 7-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1TB storage support a portable PC setup, though Windows takes more setup than a console interface.
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Which game is better: Grim Dawn or Hades II?
Grim Dawn suits players who want a longer action RPG with 8 masteries, loot hunting, and optional co-op for up to 4 players. Hades II is built for one player and a tighter rhythm: fight, earn upgrades, return, and push further on the next run.
The games reward different kinds of commitment. Grim Dawn asks players to plan builds and steadily improve a character. Hades II makes each attempt part of its combat and narrative progression. Here's the bottom line: choose Grim Dawn for character depth and co-op, or Hades II for fast solo action and repeatable runs.
Is Grim Dawn or Hades II better for Black Friday 2026?
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition and Hades II are both strong Black Friday 2026 game picks, but the right choice depends on how you like to play. Grim Dawn delivers a conventional action RPG structure, with equipment upgrades, character builds, and room for cooperative sessions.
Hades II puts its emphasis on solo combat and replay. Its run-based loop makes it easier to play in short bursts, while story developments add a reason to return. Worth it for most players who want a game that fits quick sessions: Hades II. For players who value build options and co-op, Grim Dawn is the better match.
Which Grim Dawn edition should I buy?
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC) is the best fit for players who use Windows PC, while Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One) is the console option. Both package the main game with major expansions and offer 8 masteries to mix into character builds.
The core appeal is the freedom to combine two masteries and tailor a character to a preferred combat style. The PC version is a natural fit for players who prefer a PC library and controls. The Xbox One version suits players who want controller-first play on console. Check the exact product listing for platform compatibility before choosing.
Which Hades II platform should I choose?
Hades II (PC), Hades II (Nintendo Switch), and Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2) all suit solo players who want fast action and repeatable runs. Choose the PC edition for a desktop gaming setup, the Switch edition for portable play, or the Switch 2 edition for a newer Nintendo system.
Hades II is a single-player game with 2 main routes. That makes platform choice more about where you play than about multiplayer features. A PC player who already owns a compatible library can start with Hades II (PC). A Nintendo player who values handheld sessions can choose the version that matches their console.
Are handhelds good for Grim Dawn and Hades II?
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB and ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB are handheld PC options for players who want PC gaming away from a desk. Their built-in controls and screens make them convenient for portable sessions, while their PC operating systems provide access to compatible game libraries.
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB has a 7.4-inch OLED screen and 1TB of storage. ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB has a 7-inch, up-to-120Hz display and Windows. Confirm current compatibility and control settings for each game before buying. For Nintendo games, choose a Nintendo console rather than a PC handheld.
Buying Guide
Choose your gameplay pace
Grim Dawn is the pick for slower progression, loot, and character planning. Hades II favors quick, focused runs and responsive combat. Decide which loop sounds more fun before comparing platforms.
Compare solo play and co-op
Hades II is a 1-player experience. Grim Dawn supports up to 4 players in co-op, making Grim Dawn Definitive Edition the better fit for shared sessions.
Match the edition to your system
Choose Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (PC) for Windows or Grim Dawn Definitive Edition (Xbox One) for Xbox. For Hades II, select the PC, Nintendo Switch, or Nintendo Switch 2 version that matches your setup.
Decide whether portability matters
Nintendo Switch versions are portable console choices for Hades II. Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB and ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB are handheld PC systems for compatible games in a PC library.
Check listing details before checkout
Confirm the product name, platform, included content, and compatibility shown on the retailer listing. For Grim Dawn, verify that the Definitive Edition is selected; for handhelds, check the game’s current compatibility information.
FAQ
Is Grim Dawn better than Hades II for co-op?
Grim Dawn is the better pick for cooperative play because it supports up to 4 players. Hades II is a single-player experience, so choose it for solo runs rather than shared online or local sessions.
Is Hades II a single-player game?
Yes. Hades II is designed for 1 player, with combat and progression built around repeatable solo runs. Players seeking co-op should look at Grim Dawn Definitive Edition instead, which supports up to 4 players.
Which is better for beginners, Grim Dawn or Hades II?
Hades II is a more approachable starting point for players who prefer focused runs and direct action. Grim Dawn offers deeper build planning through 8 masteries and two-mastery character combinations, which suits players who enjoy learning a larger progression system.
Does Grim Dawn Definitive Edition include expansions?
Grim Dawn Definitive Edition includes the main game and major expansion content. The PC and Xbox One editions are both aimed at players who want the expanded Grim Dawn package, but verify the included content on the retailer listing before checkout.
Can I play Hades II on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Hades II (Nintendo Switch 2) is the version for Nintendo’s newer console. Check the retailer listing for the exact edition and system compatibility, especially when comparing it with Hades II (Nintendo Switch).
Is Grim Dawn or Hades II better on a handheld?
Hades II is a natural fit for short handheld sessions because its solo runs are easy to pick up and resume. Grim Dawn suits players who want longer build-focused sessions. Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB and ASUS ROG Ally X 1TB are handheld PC choices for compatible games.