TL;DR: If your kid is suddenly obsessed with Greek gods, it’s probably not because they’ve been spending extra time in the library. It’s likely because of Hades, the runaway indie hit that turned ancient theology into a fast-paced, addictive masterpiece. While these games feature stylized violence and some "messy" family dynamics (it is Greek mythology, after all), they are incredible tools for teaching resilience and narrative complexity.
Quick links to get you started:
- Hades (the game) - Best for ages 12+
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians - The gateway drug for younger kids (Ages 9+)
- Immortals Fenyx Rising - A more "Zelda-like" approach to myths (Ages 10+)
- Age of Mythology: Retold - Strategy and history combined (Ages 10+)
If you’ve spent any time around a middle schooler lately, you’ve probably heard names like Zagreus, Poseidon, or Artemis dropped with the same intensity usually reserved for Fortnite skins. We are currently living through a massive "Mythology Renaissance" in digital media.
It started with the Percy Jackson books, but it has peaked with a specific genre of gaming that treats Homer’s Odyssey less like a dusty textbook and more like a high-stakes action movie.
Kids love mythology for the same reason we love reality TV: the drama is top-tier. The Greek gods aren't "perfect" superheroes; they are petty, jealous, hilarious, and deeply flawed. For a teenager navigating the social minefield of middle school, a story about a kid (Zagreus) trying to escape his overbearing, grumpy father (Hades) feels... relatable.
Beyond the soap opera elements, these games are teaching a skill we all want our kids to have: resilience.
Many of these titles, specifically Hades, belong to a genre called "roguelikes." In these games, you are supposed to die. Frequently. But every time you "die," you go back to the start with more knowledge, better skills, and new bits of the story. It turns "failure" into "progress"—a mindset shift that is worth its weight in gold for kids who struggle with perfectionism.
Best for: Ages 12+ This is the gold standard. You play as Zagreus, the prince of the Underworld, trying to fight your way out to find your mother. The art is gorgeous, the music is incredible, and the writing is better than most HBO shows.
- The Parent "Gotcha": The characters are drawn to be very attractive (the "thirst" for these gods is a real thing on the internet), and there is stylized blood. However, the "romance" is mostly dialogue-based and respectful. It’s a great way to introduce complex storytelling in games.
Best for: Ages 10+ Think of this as "My First Open World Myth." It’s bright, colorful, and heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You play as a customizable hero saving the gods from a titan. It’s funny, lighthearted, and focuses heavily on puzzles and exploration. Check out our guide on open-world games for kids
Best for: Ages 10+ If your kid is more of a "thinker" than a "fighter," this strategy game is a classic. They build civilizations, manage resources, and call down "God Powers" (like lightning bolts or earthquakes) to win battles. It covers Greek, Egyptian, and Norse myths, making it a fantastic educational tool disguised as a game.
Best for: Ages 13+ For the theater kids. This is essentially a playable Broadway show where the Greek gods live in the modern world. Your choices change the lyrics of the songs and the outcome of the story. It’s heavy on "feelings" and light on "button-mashing."
Best for: Ages 17+ (Strictly) You will see this everywhere. It’s one of the best-selling games of all time. But be warned: it is brutal. While the story about a father and son is touching, the violence is visceral and realistic. If your 11-year-old is asking for this because "it’s about myths," steer them toward Hades instead. Read the full God of War parent review
When we talk about mythology, we have to address the elephant in the room: the Greeks were messy. If you go back to the original source material, there’s a lot of stuff that wouldn't pass a modern HR department—incest, kidnapping, and some very creative ways of "founding" new lineages.
Modern games like Hades or Immortals Fenyx Rising do a great job of sanitizing the "ick" while keeping the "drama." They focus on:
- Family Conflict: Zeus being a bad dad, Hera being jealous, siblings bickering.
- Identity: Zagreus trying to find where he belongs.
- Consequences: The idea that even gods can't escape the Fates.
A note on "Brain Rot": You might hear your kids using slang like "Ohio" or "Skibidi" while playing these games, but don't let that fool you. If they can explain the difference between the Elysian Fields and Tartarus, their brains are doing just fine.
If you want to connect with your kid over these games, you don't need to know how to execute a "perfect dash-attack." Just ask about the stories.
- "Which god gives you the best powers?" (This tells you if they prefer speed, strength, or strategy).
- "Do you think Hades is actually the bad guy, or is he just misunderstood?" (This opens the door for a great conversation about perspective).
- "How many times did you die in that run? What did you learn for the next one?" (Reinforces the resilience aspect).
If they are really into the lore, consider pivoting them to some "off-screen" mythology content. Mythos by Stephen Fry is a hilarious audiobook version of the myths, and Song of Achilles is a huge hit with the older teen crowd (Ages 14+).
Mythology games are a rare "win-win" in the digital wellness world. They offer deep, literary-level storytelling, they encourage a "growth mindset" through challenging gameplay, and they usually lead to kids wanting to read actual books to learn more about the characters.
Compared to the mindless loop of TikTok or the gambling-adjacent mechanics of some Roblox simulators, a game like Hades is a gourmet meal.
Ask our chatbot for more games that teach history or mythology
- Check the Wise Score: Before buying, check the Wise Score for Hades to see if the violence level fits your family's boundaries.
- Watch a "Let's Play": Spend 5 minutes watching a gameplay video of Immortals Fenyx Rising with your kid to see if it’s a style they enjoy.
- Connect to Books: If they love the game, grab a copy of Percy Jackson or Lore Olympus (for teens) to bridge the gap between gaming and reading.