Welcome to your ultimate Hades: Weapon Guide! Ready to conquer the fiery depths of the Underworld and unleash your full potential? This comprehensive guide will walk you through understanding each weapon, mastering the best strategies, using aspects effectively, managing resources and upgrades, and unlocking hidden aspects. Dive in to transform your gameplay and become a true champion of Hades!

Understanding Each Weapon#

In Hades, choosing the right weapon for your playstyle can make the difference between a victorious run and a swift trip back to the House of Hades. Here’s a rundown of each weapon to help you find your perfect match.

Stygian Blade (Stygius)#

The Stygian Blade is your starting weapon, and it’s great for when you’re still getting the hang of things. It offers a balanced mix of speed and power.

• Attack: Quick slashes good for close-quarters combat.
• Special: A powerful thrust that can hit multiple enemies in a line.
• Stygius Tips: Focus on boons that enhance your attack speed or add status effects like Chill or Doom. It’s good for new players due to its straightforward mechanics.

Eternal Spear (Varatha)#

The Eternal Spear has great reach, making it ideal for keeping enemies at bay.

• Attack: Long-range stabs, allowing you to hit enemies from a distance.
• Special: Throws the spear and recalls it, hitting enemies both ways.
• Varatha Tips: Upgrade boons that increase special attack damage or improve range. Utilize hit-and-run tactics to stay safe while dealing damage.

Shield of Chaos (Aegis)#

Aegis is a versatile weapon that can be used both offensively and defensively, making it perfect for players who like a flexible playstyle.

• Attack: Bash enemies with the shield for decent damage and knockback.
• Special: Throw the shield out like a boomerang.
• Aegis Tips: Use the shield’s knockback to control crowds and create space between you and tougher foes. Boons that add status effects to your special can be particularly effective.

Heart-Seeking Bow (Coronacht)#

The Heart-Seeking Bow is ideal for players who prefer to keep their distance and strike from afar.

• Attack: Long-range shots that can be charged for extra damage.
• Special: Fires a spread of weaker arrows.
• Coronacht Tips: Prioritize boons that enhance your primary attack or add effects like Chain Lightning. The bow excels at dealing with enemies before they can get close.

Twin Fists of Malphon#

The Twin Fists are all about rapid, relentless attacks. If you enjoy getting up close and personal, Malphon is for you.

• Attack: Fast punches that can build up damage quickly.
• Special: A strong uppercut.
• Malphon Tips: Boost your attack speed and damage through boons. Be wary of enemies that deal high damage since you’ll need to be in close to land your hits.

Adamant Rail (Exagryph)#

The Adamant Rail is Hades’ take on a machine gun. It’s a great choice for players who love fast-paced, ranged combat.

• Attack: Continuous fire of bullets.
• Special: A grenade blast that deals area damage.
• Exagryph Tips: Adapt a hit-and-run strategy to stay mobile while shooting. Boons that improve your special attack’s area damage can clear rooms quickly.

General Tips for All Weapons#

1. Experiment with Boons: Each weapon can become much more powerful with the right boons from the gods. Try different combinations to see what fits best.
2. Use Keepsakes: Some keepsakes can enhance specific aspects of your weapons. Choose one that complements your weapon and playstyle.
3. Upgrade Regularly: Use Titan Blood to unlock aspects and upgrade your weapons’ abilities. If one aspect isn’t working for you, another might!

Each weapon in Hades has its unique traits and playstyles. Spend some time getting to know them all, and you’ll find the one that feels just right for your journey through the Underworld. Happy slashing, stabbing, punching, and shooting!

Hades Weapon Guide: Best Strategies for Each Weapon#

In Hades, mastering each weapon can mean the difference between final victory and yet another run cut short. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to fine-tune your strategies, this guide will help you get the most out of every weapon.

Stygius - The Stygian Blade#

The Stygian Blade is your trusty starter weapon, and it’s a great all-rounder.

Best Strategy#

• Focus on Daedalus Hammer Upgrades: Look for Daedalus upgrades like “Double-Edge” which adds a second swing to your Dash Attack, or “Cruel Thrust” for bonus damage on your thrust attack.
• Boons to Seek: Artemis for critical hits can make your attacks much deadlier. Aphrodite’s attack boons can weaken enemies, making them easier to handle.
• Special Attack: Use your special frequently. Combining the Blade with Ares’ Doom effect can whittle down tougher enemies quickly.

Coronacht - The Heart-Seeking Bow#

The Bow can hit hard from a distance, keeping you out of harm’s way.

Best Strategy#

• Charged Shots: Master the timing of your Power Shot (when the bow flashes) for maximum damage.
• Boons to Seek: Stick with Artemis for her critical hit boons on your Attack. Adding Zeus to your Special can spread chain lightning for crowd control.
• Keep Your Distance: Use your mobility to stay away from enemies. Use the Dash-Strike to reposition and avoid getting surrounded.

Aegis - The Shield of Chaos#

The Shield is a versatile weapon that can defend and attack.

Best Strategy#

• Bull Rush: Use the Bull Rush to charge up for powerful attacks and stay mobile.
• Boons to Seek: Poseidon’s boons work brilliantly here, adding knockback effects to both your regular and Special attacks. Athena’s boons can make your attacks deflect, offering additional defensive utility.
• Shield Throw Special: Use the Shield Throw (Special) liberally to clear rooms and manage large groups of enemies.

Varatha - The Eternal Spear#

The Spear is excellent for both melee and ranged combat.

Best Strategy#

• Spin Attack: Charge up the Spin Attack to deal with groups of enemies and to maintain distance.
• Boons to Seek: Look for Zeus or Dionysus for Chain Lightning or Poison effects on your attacks. Ares’ boons add tremendous damage with Doom.
• Fling That Spear: Utilize the Special to hit enemies from afar, then dash in for quick follow-up strikes.

Malphon - The Twin Fists of Malphon#

The Fists are all about close-quarters brawling and can dish out rapid, devastating blows.

Best Strategy#

• Rush Combo: The Dash-Strike combo is your best friend. Chain your dashes with regular attacks for non-stop damage.
• Boons to Seek: Stick with Ares for his Doom effect, turning your rapid strikes into ticking time bombs. Hermes’ boons increase your attack speed, helping you dish out even more punches.
• Special Chain: Use the Special to supplement your regular attack flow, weaving it in between combos for maximum efficiency.

Exagryph - The Adamant Rail#

The Rail is your go-to for those who love shooting things up from a distance.

Best Strategy#

• Bombs Away: The Special attack (bomb) is perfect for crowd control, so make sure you upgrade it.
• Boons to Seek: Seek out Demeter for her chill effects on your attacks, slowing enemies down. Poseidon’s boons can add knockback to your Special, making it more effective at keeping foes away.
• Stay Mobile: The key to surviving with the Rail is constant movement. Keep dashing and shooting to avoid taking hits.

Each weapon offers a unique playstyle, and mastering them can make your runs through the Underworld a lot more enjoyable—and successful. Experiment with different Boons and Daedalus Hammer Upgrades to find the combinations that suit your playstyle best. Good luck, and may the gods be with you!

Using Aspects Effectively#

In Hades, Aspects are special forms of your weapons that change how they work, and knowing how to use them effectively can be a game-changer. Let’s dive into some tips and strategies to help you make the most out of each Aspect for the six Infernal Arms.

Aspect of Zagreus#

• Best For: Beginners and balance
• How to Use: The Zagreus aspect is the default form and offers balanced stats. When building around this aspect, focus on general improvements. Look for Boons that increase your basic attack and special effectiveness across various gods. Keep in mind that attack speed and range can make a big difference, so consider Boons from Hermes.

Aspect of Coronacht (Bow) - Aspect of Chiron#

• Best For: Rapid, high damage bursts
• How to Use: The Chiron aspect is all about delivering multiple shots quickly and accurately. Aim to pick Artemis’s Boons for critical hits and ensure your special is used to its maximum effect. Combine it with Athena’s Boons for extra deflection and survivability.

Aspect of Varatha (Spear) - Aspect of Hades#

• Best For: Sustained and ranged damage
• How to Use: The Hades aspect buffs your spin attack, making it extremely powerful. Maximize your spin damage by investing in Boons that enhance your attack range and speed. Poseidon’s knockback effect or Zeus’s chain lightning can turn this slow attack into a devastating AOE tool.

Aspect of Aegis (Shield) - Aspect of Zeus#

• Best For: Offensive defense
• How to Use: The Zeus aspect transforms your shield’s special into an offensive juggernaut. Focus on attack and special damage boosting Boons from Zeus or Dionysus to make your throws more impactful. Since the shield provides naturally high defense, combining these aspects allows for effective offensive plays without sacrificing survivability.

Aspect of Malphon (Fists) - Aspect of Demeter#

• Best For: Sustained, high-speed melee
• How to Use: Demeter’s aspect lets you throw a homing projectile every time you land a hit, so go full melee! Prioritize Boons that boost attack speed and strength. Aphrodite’s and Artemis’s Boons mix well, offering potent single-target damage and critical hit bonuses.

Aspect of Exagryph (Gun) - Aspect of Eris#

• Best For: High-risk, high-reward damage
• How to Use: When you pick the Eris aspect, your attack and special get a whopping damage boost after standing in the blast of your grenade. Stack Boons from Zeus for chain-lightning effects and Poseidon for knock-backs to maximize the potential damage. Stay mobile and use hit-and-run tactics to keep the damage buffs going without taking too many hits yourself.

Aspect of Arthur (Sword) - Aspect of Arthur#

• Best For: Tanking and controlling space
• How to Use: Arthur’s aspect provides a slower but heavier hitting sword with built-in defense buffs. Use Boons from Ares to magnify your damage output and grab Boons from Athena to enhance your tankiness. This Aspect leans heavily into a defensive playstyle, where controlling the battlefield is crucial.

Final Tips#

1. Synergy Is King: Always look for Boons that complement your weapon’s strengths. Combining the right Boons with your chosen Aspect can turn a good run into an epic one.
2. Adaptability: Be ready to adjust your strategy based on the Boons offered. Sometimes the game won’t give you exactly what you want, and being flexible will help you tackle each room efficiently.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Spend some time in the House of Hades figuring out what Aspects align with your playstyle. The more comfortable you are with an Aspect, the better you’ll be in the heat of battle.

By mastering the right Aspects and Boons, you’ll be tearing through the underworld like nobody’s business. Experiment, learn, and you’ll become an unstoppable force in no time! Happy escaping!

Managing Resources and Upgrades in Hades#

In the underworld, managing your resources and choosing the right upgrades is the key to making it out of Hades. Let’s break down each step to make sure you’re using your resources wisely and upgrading like a pro.

Currency Types#

First, let’s talk about the currency you’ll come across:

• Darkness: Earned from defeating enemies and completing rooms. Use Darkness to unlock upgrades at the Mirror of Night in Zagreus’s bedroom.
• Chthonic Keys: These unlock new weapons and talents. Stock up on these early on.
• Gems: Used to buy Underworld Renovations at the House Contractor, which can bring permanent benefits.
• Nectar: A rare but valuable item. Giving Nectar to characters strengthens relationships and grants Keepsakes.
• Ambrosia: This even rarer item enhances relationships further and unlocks specific keepsake evolutions.
• Diamonds: Spend them for high-tier renovations and rare items from the House Contractor.
• Titan Blood: Needed for upgrading weapons and as you progress, essential for experimenting with different weapon aspects.

Prioritizing Darkness#

Unlocking upgrades from the Mirror of Night should be your first priority. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Chthonic Vitality: Gain health every time you exit a room. This small boost adds up over time.
2. Death Defiance: Revives you with a portion of your health upon death. Essential for deep runs.
3. Shadow Presence: Increases backstab damage. You’ll be hitting enemies from behind often, so this is a go-to upgrade.
4. Greater Reflex: Adds dodges. More dodges, more chances to dodge deadly attacks.

Once you have these basics, you can explore other upgrades based on your playstyle. Remember, you can redistribute your Darkness at the Mirror if needed.

Weapon Upgrades#

Unlocking and upgrading weapons is crucial. Start with unlocking all six weapons:

• Stygian Blade
• Heart-Seeking Bow
• Shield of Chaos
• Eternal Spear
• Twin Fists of Malphon
• Adamant Rail

Gather Chthonic Keys to unlock these weapons. Once unlocked, Titan Blood comes into play to enhance each weapon’s “aspect,” which provides unique abilities and boosts. Focus on one weapon at a time to maximize its potential.

Spending Gems#

Gems are your ticket to making your underworld runs smoother. Prioritize these upgrades from the House Contractor:

• Infernal Trove: Starts appearing in rooms. Use these for additional resources between fights.
• Fountain Chambers: Adds restorative fountains, critical for longer runs.
• Infernal Gates: For more challenging fights and rarer rewards.
• Reforge: Change up the contents of your rooms, ensuring that they have a higher chance to drop something useful.

Nectar and Ambrosia#

Nectar is great for building relationships and getting Keepsakes from characters. Aim to gift Nectar to the gods you frequently encounter in your runs first. Keepsakes give minor but helpful bonuses. Once relationships deepen, Ambrosia further enhances bonds and opens up even better benefits.

Diamonds Galore#

While Diamonds are harder to come by, they are worth the grind. Use them to purchase:

• Music: Enjoy some tunes while strategizing.
• Special Upgrades: For your permanent House of Hades improvements.

Strategic Upgrades#

When it comes to upgrades, strategy beats speed. Think about your playstyle and stick to it. Regularly reassess how you spend resources based on how far you’re getting in your runs.

Keep experimenting with different builds and rewards. It might take time, but with the right focus and upgrades, you’ll be besting Hades in no time.

By understanding and optimizing your upgrades and managing resources efficiently, you stand a much better chance of escaping the underworld. Happy escaping!

Got any tips of your own? Share them below and let’s conquer Hades together!

Unlocking Hidden Aspects#

In “Hades,” unlocking Hidden Aspects for your weapons can give you that extra edge you need to fight your way out of the Underworld. These Hidden Aspects aren’t just cool looking – they fundamentally change how your weapons work, giving you access to unique abilities and boosting your overall power. Here’s how you can unlock them and what each one does.

The Basics: Getting Started#

To start unlocking Hidden Aspects, you need to have reached the final boss at least once. It doesn’t matter if you’ve beaten them or not; just seeing them is enough. Also, make sure you’ve spoken to Achilles a bunch of times in the House of Hades, as he’ll give you some cryptic hints you need.

The Waking Phrase#

Each Hidden Aspect requires a special “waking phrase” to be revealed. Achilles will eventually mention phrases connected to each weapon’s secret. These phrases are clues that help you unlock the potential hidden within your weapons. Pay close attention to those conversations.

Unlocking Your First Hidden Aspect#

Here’s a rundown to help get you started on unlocking your first Hidden Aspect:

1. Aspect of Arthur (Stygian Blade):

   • Steps:
     1. Talk to Nyx in the House of Hades until she gives you a special phrase.
     2. Invest 5 Titans Blood into any other aspects of the Stygian Blade.
     3. Equip the Stygian Blade and then reveal the Aspect of Arthur.
   • Unique Power: Wielding Excalibur, the Aspect of Arthur grants you a holy aura that reduces damage from enemies inside its range.

2. Aspect of Hades (Eternal Spear):

   • Steps:
     1. Talk to Achilles until he gives you the phrase.
     2. Invest 5 Titans Blood into other aspects for the Eternal Spear.
     3. Equip the spear and reveal the Aspect of Hades.
   • Unique Power: The Aspect of Hades gives you access to a Punishing Sweep, a spin attack that boosts your damage against enemies hit by it.

3. Aspect of Lucifer (Twin Fists of Malphon):

   • Steps:
     1. Talk to Zeus enough times for him to give out the phrase.
     2. Invest 5 Titans Blood into other aspects of the Twin Fists.
     3. Equip the fists and then reveal the Aspect of Lucifer.
   • Unique Power: The Aspect of Lucifer gives you access to the Inferno Bomb, which fires a deadly beam of concentrated energy.

4. Aspect of Rama (Heart-Seeking Bow):

   • Steps:
     1. Talk to Artemis until she hints at a phrase.
     2. Invest 5 Titans Blood into other aspects of the Heart-Seeking Bow.
     3. Equip the bow and reveal the Aspect of Rama.
   • Unique Power: The Aspect of Rama allows you to fire Celestial Sharanga, a unique shot that splits and hits in a wide arc.

General Tips for All Hidden Aspects#

• Keep talking: Conversations with Achilles, Nyx, Zeus, and Artemis are key. Dive deeper into each relationship to unlock more phrases.
• Spend Smart: You’ll need Titan Blood to unlock these Hidden Aspects, so manage your resources well. Spend on unlocking base aspects before diving into hidden ones.
• Experiment: Each Hidden Aspect changes how your weapon functions. Test them in runs to understand how best to use their unique powers for different situations.

Unlocking and using Hidden Aspects can take your game to the next level, offering fresh gameplay and powerful tools. Get out there, listen closely, and start experimenting with these new powers on your quest to defeat Hades!