Ethan Crossfield 
Steam is getting another Hades-like action roguelike next month: Glory Jam’s Grim Trials arrives on August 20, and it’s leaning hard into heavy metal energy while keeping the familiar “die, learn, and improve” loop fans expect.
What happened: A new Hades-shaped roguelike lands on Steam
The action RPG roguelike space on Steam has grown crowded, especially since Hades made the genre explode with its stylish combat and smooth momentum back in 2020. Last year, Hades 2 raised the bar further, and now a new contender is set to follow that momentum.
Grim Trials comes from developer Glory Jam, a studio that has already released multiple games on Steam and has generally earned very positive reviews. The game’s premise is built around the afterlife training fantasy: you take part in a grim apprenticeship as a new Grim Reaper, fighting through the underworld as part of your development.
The game’s pitch is straightforward—fast action roguelike combat, a colorful cast, and a heavy metal presentation that aims to match the intensity of its boss encounters. It’s positioned as a strong option for players who want more Hades 2-style thrills without being a direct clone.
Why it matters: Heavy metal style, plus build depth and carryover progression
Grim Trials isn’t just banking on combat resemblance. It’s also taking inspiration from what makes Hades 2 sticky beyond mechanics: character charm and presentation. In this case, the “hook” is a heavy metal soundtrack paired with a school-like setting—The Academy—where training and relationships are part of the loop.
Gameplay-wise, the structure is classic roguelike action: you’ll push through endless hex-grid arenas packed with monsters, traps, and impure souls. The run culminates in encounters with seven major bosses, and the game emphasizes both weapon play and special powers granted by the Gods of Death.
Between runs, the game supports long-term improvement. Players can upgrade and customize gear, and materials and experience carry over so each attempt can make the next one stronger. The Academy also functions as a progression layer: you can take quests to build relationships, gift items to characters, and unlock advice and support—framing mentorship as a meaningful gameplay benefit rather than pure flavor.
If you’re looking for more than just “start over and hope,” the combination of carryover progression, customization, and a deeper skill-tree-focused approach is where Grim Trials tries to differentiate itself.
What to watch next: Demo availability and how the Academy systems play in practice
Before release, Grim Trials includes a demo on Steam, giving players a chance to test the feel of its action combat, weapon options, and boss pacing. That matters because the game’s core promise is intensity—hack-and-blast traversal through the afterlife—so hands-on feedback will likely be the best indicator of whether it matches the smoothness players associate with the Hades-like lane.
Once the full game launches on August 20, the big question for fans will be how well The Academy systems integrate with combat. The source describes quests, relationship-building, and unlocks that come from peer support and mentorship, so it’s worth watching how often these activities meaningfully change your runs.
Grim Trials is also planned for simultaneous release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, which could broaden its audience quickly if the demo feedback is strong.
Takeaways for players
- Expect Hades-like action roguelike gameplay with seven major bosses and endless hex-grid arenas.
- Plan for build progression: materials and experience carry over between runs, and gear can be customized.
- Lean into the “God of Death” power system alongside upgradeable weapons like customizable scythes and crossbows.
- Don’t ignore The Academy: quests and relationship-building can unlock advice and powerful support.
- Try the Steam demo before launch to judge combat feel and how the skill tree shapes your builds.
| Feature | What Grim Trials Does |
|---|---|
| Core mode | Action roguelike runs through hex-grid arenas |
| Boss count | Seven major bosses per run |
| Progression | Materials and experience carry over between runs |
| Style | Heavy metal soundtrack and a school-like afterlife setting |
| Pre-release access | Steam demo available ahead of full launch |
Expert View
Grim Trials arriving on August 20 is a clear signal that Steam’s Hades-like appetite isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting more specific. Glory Jam isn’t trying to out-Hades Hades; it’s trying to out-feel it, using heavy metal energy and The Academy’s relationship-driven structure to make the loop stick. If the demo confirms tight combat and genuinely useful Academy unlocks, Grim Trials could become the next “one more run” recommendation for players who want both adrenaline and a reason to care about the characters behind the deaths.
