Unleashing the Might of the Underworld: Discover how to Unlock All the Hidden Weapon Aspects in Hades!

Every weapon in the game Hades has the ability to take on multiple forms. Some of these forms are initially visible to the player, while others require some detective work to discover. Interestingly, Zag's Infernal Arms seem to have connections to heroes and mythical figures beyond Greek mythology. These different aspects of the weapons can assist Zagreus if he proves himself to be worthy.

To uncover each hidden aspect, Zagreus needs to obtain a "waking phrase" from specific non-playable characters. These characters will only provide the phrase after certain conditions are met, and it may take more than one conversation to receive it. Patience is required, but players who persist will be rewarded with incredible power. Once the phrase is learned, Zagreus can unlock each hidden aspect by using 3 titan blood. Additionally, spending the same amount of titan blood will increase an Aspect's level by one.

Obtaining Titan Blood

Updated on August 24, 2022, by Demaris Oxman: As fans eagerly await the upcoming sequel of Hades, which is set to be released in late 2023 with no official date announced yet, they find solace in revisiting the original game for its captivating tales of the underworld. Even after completing the main storyline, players continue to challenge themselves in escaping the Underworld amidst increasingly harsh conditions. One of the most intriguing aspects of the late game involves the discovery of hidden weapons, representing both heroes and villains from outside the realm of Greek mythology. These powerful arms play a vital role in Zagreus' repeated escapes, and this guide reveals how players can obtain them.

To unlock a weapon's hidden aspect, players must first invest a specific amount of Titan Blood in other aspects. Furthermore, a sufficient supply of Titan Blood is necessary to both unlock and upgrade the hidden aspects themselves.

There are several methods for acquiring Titan Blood in Hades. Defeating the Fury sisters and the final boss rewards players with one Titan Blood for each unique weapon, with additional opportunities at higher Heat levels. Completing prophecies or trading with the Wretched Broker are also ways to obtain Titan Blood. For a detailed list of opportunities to acquire Titan Blood, refer to this guide.

Varatha, The Eternal Spear

Hidden Aspect: Guan Yu

Varatha's hidden aspect summons the spirit of a renowned Chinese general, revered in Chinese folklore for his exceptional military achievements. This aspect bestows upon the player the Frost Fair Blade, which offers a diverse array of unique combat maneuvers.

Press the Attack button to execute a typical spear jab.

By holding down the Attack button, you can unleash the Serpent Strike, a leisurely-moving, rotating projectile. This replaces the spear's customary spinning attack. With every successful hit on the enemy, the Serpent Strike grants Zagreus 1 point of healing, counterbalancing the diminished health caused by the Aspect of Guan Yu.

The Special button unleashes a crackling projectile that cannot be retrieved like the spear's Special in other Aspects.

The major drawback of this weapon Aspect is its impact on the player's maximum health and healing throughout the run. At its lowest level, the Aspect of Guan Yu decreases Zag's health by 70%. With each level-up using Titan Blood, the amount of health reduction decreases by 5%. However, even at its highest level, it still reduces the player's health by 45%. The Serpent Strike attack's lifesteal provides some assistance, although mastering it may require some time. Considering the health decrease, players should prioritize enhancing Zag's health whenever possible when utilizing Guan Yu. The optimal Guan Yu build includes defensive and health-boosting keepsakes and boons.

How To Unlock It

Zagreus must first reveal Varatha's hidden aspect; only then can any other hidden aspect be unlocked. To receive the phrase, the following criteria must be met:

Challenge the game's ultimate boss at least once, even if Zagreus doesn't emerge victorious.

Acquire a minimum of 5 different aspects for any of the Infernal Arms. This requires obtaining at least 5 titan blood, which can be obtained by completing bounties given by the Fury sisters or the final boss.

If the player has not yet obtained the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, they can acquire it from the House Contractor by spending 20 gemstones.

Once the aforementioned conditions have been met, the player should speak to Achilles in the House of Hades. It may require several conversations to progress through his dialogue, but eventually, Achilles will reveal a vision he received from Varatha and provide the player with the specific phrase necessary to unlock the hidden aspect. The phrase, "I see you through the eyes of the crimson phoenix," alludes to ancient tales that describe Guan Yu's eyes resembling those of the mythical bird.

Stygius, The Stygian Blade

Hidden Aspect: Arthur

The Aspect of Arthur, named after the famed King of Camelot, differs from the Aspect of Guan Yu by granting Zagreus an additional +50 to his life total when wielded. Zagreus can continue to Attack and Combo with the sword as usual, although the base damage is notably increased. The basic attack commands remain unchanged:

Hidden Aspect: Arthur

The Aspect of Arthur, named after the famed King of Camelot, operates in direct opposition to the Aspect of Guan Yu. When wielded by Zagreus, it provides a bonus of +50 to his life total. Although Zagreus can still utilize the sword for regular Attacks and Combos, the base damage is significantly heightened with this aspect. The basic attack commands continue to be as follows:

Press Attack to strike. Attack several times in a row to create a Combo.

Press Attack and then Dash in quick succession to Dash Strike

The Aspect of Arthur offers a distinct twist compared to other hidden Aspects. Its Special ability, when used by Zagreus, creates an aura called Hallowed Ground that lasts for eight seconds. Within Hallowed Ground, traps are disabled, enemy projectiles are slowed, and Zagreus takes reduced damage. While Hallowed Ground is active, pressing Special allows him to perform a Nova Smash. Once the effect ends, Zagreus can immediately use Hallowed Ground again, providing the potential for a continuous buff. This unique effect makes the Aspect of Arthur an excellent defensive choice, offering various opportunities for potent builds. With the mighty Excalibur by his side, Zagreus becomes more resilient to enemy attacks while still dealing significant damage.

How To Unlock It

Upon investing a minimum of 5 titan blood in various aspects for the Stygian Blade, it is imperative to seek out Nyx, the omnipotent goddess of the night. In this momentous encounter, Nyx imparts upon Zagreus a profound revelation brought forth by her daughters, the Fates. Bestowing the player with a crucial phrase, Nyx utters, "I see your kingly pardon from a prison of stone." This enigmatic message alludes to the timeless tale of King Arthur, who, by pulling Excalibur from a stone, claimed his rightful throne and ascended to royalty.

Aegis, The Shield Of Chaos

Hidden Aspect: Beowulf

Zagreus is granted the protection of the Old English hero with the Aspect of Aegis. While retaining their familiar Attack, Bull Rush, and shield-throwing Special, Aegis gains an additional ability known as the Dragon Rush. Let's explore how Zagreus can utilize this newfound power:

Press the Cast button to load one or more Bloodstones into the shield (similar to Coronacht's Aspect of Hera).

Hold Attack, aim, and then release, as one would typically Bull Rush.

How To Unlock It

Enhancing the effectiveness of the Bull Rush ability, the Dragon Rush inflicts 20% more damage as its ranks increase. In addition to its base damage and a bonus of +50 damage per Bloodstone, the Aspect of Beowulf proves to be an excellent choice for offensive and defensive maneuvers. This aspect empowers the player to utilize the shield's blocking capabilities while dealing additional damage. However, there is a trade-off as Zagreus will suffer an additional 10% damage while wielding the Aspect of Beowulf. Make strategic use of the shield's blocking abilities to prevent his retreat to the House of Hades and explore beneficial builds for this aspect.

When the player converses with Chaos while equipped with any aspect of the Shield of Chaos, the ancient deity will acknowledge their past use of the shield. Once Zag has invested 5 titan blood in Shield aspects, speak to Chaos again after the initial conversation. Chaos will then bestow upon Zagreus the following phrase: "I observe your steadfastness in the face of the serpentine inferno," alluding to Beowulf's victorious battle against a dragon.

If players are encountering difficulty in locating Chaos Gates, they may consider acquiring the Light of Ixion item from a Well of Charon. This purchase ensures the appearance of a Chaos Gate in the subsequent chamber. Carrying the Cosmic Egg may also prove advantageous, granting Zagreus entry into the gates without sacrificing health.

Coronacht, The Heart-Seeking Bow

Hidden Aspect: Rama

Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, holds great significance in Hinduism. In combat, Rama's ability allows him to fire his bow by holding the Attack button and aiming. The projectiles fired possess the unique ability to pierce through enemies. This means that after hitting an enemy, the arrows can still continue forward, potentially inflicting damage upon multiple foes with a single shot. On the other hand, his Special move adds an intriguing twist to his abilities.

Pressing the Special ability will unleash a trio of bouncing arrows. While it may appear to be a reduction compared to the usual nine arrows, these arrows possess a new capability. When the arrows from the Aspect of Rama's Special hit enemies, they will subject them to Shared Suffering. This affliction causes the affected enemies to suffer a percentage of the damage that Zagreus inflicts on other foes, but only for a short duration.

The Aspect of Rama is particularly effective for players who wish to cause widespread damage, especially when combined with suitable boons and keepsakes. In levels where the shadows of Hades are abundant or when a boss's minions surround Zagreus, its distinct effect proves invaluable in gradually weakening multiple adversaries simultaneously.

How To Unlock It

Obtain a favor from Artemis while wielding Coronacht, and when she converses with Zagreus, the huntress deity will bestow her comments upon the legendary bow. Once you have invested 5 titan blood in any aspects of the bow, seek out Artemis once more. It is advisable to equip her memento, the Adamant Arrowhead, in order to ensure her appearance. During this subsequent encounter, she will utter the following phrase: "I perceive you ensnared within the embrace of the seventh avatar." This alludes to Rama's seventh manifestation as Vishnu, the Hindu deity representing righteousness and preservation.

Malphon, The Twin Fists

Hidden Aspect: Gilgamesh

Unveiling their concealed nature, the Twin Fists summon a legendary hero from Mesopotamia renowned for their numerous and diverse achievements. Once activated, the Aspect of Gilgamesh transforms Malphon into the formidable Claws of Enkidu, showcasing a potent repertoire of moves.

Attack is more or less the same as with Malphon's other aspects, but makes a swiping motion rather than a punch.

The Special is the same Rising Cutter move.

Hold the Dash button to execute multiple consecutive Dashes. To fully exploit this Aspect's distinctive characteristic, execute a Dash-Upper by quickly pressing the Dash and Special buttons one after the other. Upon successfully landing the Dash-Upper, the target will suffer from the Maim status curse. The afflicted enemy will experience heightened damage intake and output for a duration of 4 seconds, followed by a burst of damage when the effect concludes.

How To Unlock It

The Aspect of Gilgamesh grants players enhanced mobility through a swift dash, enabling them to swiftly inflict damage upon multiple adversaries within a brief span of time. While the Maim effect entails a significant level of risk, it also offers substantial rewards. If Zagreus utilizes his boosted dash to maintain a safe distance from enemies, the benefits are unquestionably worthwhile. Refer to this comprehensive build guide for invaluable insights on optimizing the potential of this formidable aspect.

Enter the mini-boss fight in Elysium where Asterius, the Bull of Minos, awaits, wielding the Twin Fists. Notably, Theseus is absent, leaving Asterius to confront Zagreus alone. Astonished by Zagreus' audacity to engage him with bare hands, the legendary Minotaur acknowledges his bravery.

After investing 5 titan blood in Malphon's aspects, seek out Asterius once again, this time finding him in solitude. Engage him in conversation, and he will recount a dream he had. As a token of this encounter, Asterius imparts the phrase: "I witness your triumph over chaos and your reconciliation with mortality." This tale of Asterius bears parallels to the ancient Mesopotamian myth, specifically the enduring friendship between the valiant warrior Gilgamesh and the untamed Enkidu, who ultimately reunite in the realm of the Underworld after countless battles and heroic feats.

Exagryph, The Adamant Rail

Hidden Aspect: Lucifer

It's rather appropriate that the ruler of the Christian Inferno would be summoned at a certain moment in a game set in the realm of the deceased. The Aspect of Lucifer bestows Exagryph with a slightly altered attack: players have the ability to charge Attack and unleash a beam that inflicts damage upon adversaries. This action, however, still requires ammunition, although the size of the magazine is expanded to accommodate 20 rounds. Simply reload in the usual manner.

The Aspect's Special is what sets it apart and makes it truly one-of-a-kind. Just like the other Aspects, it launches a bomb, but this one, called Hellfire, functions in a unique manner. Here's how to utilize it effectively:

Upon impact, the bomb causes damage in a specific radius around it every second. This also includes any detrimental Boons that the player has acquired for their special ability. For instance, if Zagreus has obtained Drunken Flourish from Dionysus, the bomb will afflict enemies within its radius with Hangover.

If the bomb sustains any harm, it will explode. This encompasses damage inflicted by foes, the player themselves, or any detrimental Boon impacts like lightning bolts. When it detonates, the bomb inflicts substantial damage within its vicinity.

Zagreus has the ability to deploy a maximum of three Hellfire bombs simultaneously. Should he shoot a fourth one, the initial bomb will explode.

How To Unlock It

Optimizing the utilization of the Aspect of Lucifer requires players to exhibit quick thinking and meticulous strategizing when strategically positioning their traps across the battlefield. Ensuring the precise placement of Hellfire and strategically selecting the ideal timing to detonate the bombs are of utmost importance. Enhance your gameplay even further by referring to this comprehensive guide encompassing advantageous boons, valuable keepsakes, and beneficial upgrades that amplify the power of the Aspect of Lucifer, thus elevating the overall effectiveness of your build.

When equipped with the Adamant Rail, engage in conversation with Zeus who will, like other phrase-speakers, provide insights about the weapon. After investing 5 titan blood in Exagryph, approach Zeus for a boon once more. This time, Zeus will grant the player a phrase - "I see your prideful downfall from the heavens to the flames" - drawing parallels to Lucifer's biblical descent from grace and subsequent banishment from Heaven to Hell. To guarantee an encounter with Uncle Zeus, equip Zagreus' Thunder Signet keepsake.