Every weapon inHadesis capable of taking on more than one form. Some of these are visible to the player from the beginning, but others take a bit more detective work to reveal. It seems that Zag’s Infernal Arms have connections to heroes and mythical figures even outside Greek mythology, and their aspects can aid him if he proves himself worthy.
Revealing every hidden aspect requires a “waking phrase,” whichspecific NPCswill give to Zagreus once certain conditions are met. In each case, it may take more than one conversation for the character in question to give Zagreus the phrase. Be patient, andHadesplayers will be rewarded with incredible power. Once the phrase is learned, Zagreus canunlock each hidden aspect with 3 titan blood, and spend the same amount to raise an Aspect by one level.
Updated August 01, 2025, by Demaris Oxman:WithHades 2now in early access, fans of Supergiant’s hit roguelike need wait no longer for further tales of the underworld. The game’s full release is expected sometime in 2025, but there’s no official date yet. And until Melinoë’s full adventure is complete, fans will keep returning to the original for their mythological,roguelike dungeon-crawling fix.
Long after players complete the main story ofHades, they can keep challenging themselves to escape the Underworld under harsher and harsher conditions. Among the most fascinating elements of the late game are the hidden weapon aspects, which represent heroes (and villains) from beyond the world of Greek mythology. These powerful arms can prove invaluable as Zagreus escapes time and again, so here’s how he can get his hands on them.
Obtaining Titan Blood
Unlocking any weapon’s hidden aspect requires the player to have invested a certain amount of Titan Blood in other aspects. Additionally, players will need a decent supply of the stuff to unlock and upgrade the hidden aspects themselves. Considering how much it can boost Zag’s power, it’s no wonder that Titan Blood isn’t exactly plentiful, especially early in the game.
There are a number of ways to obtain Titan Blood inHades. Defeating the Fury sisters and the final boss will yield one Titan Blood for each unique weapon, repeated for each Heat level. Players can also earn it by completing prophecies, or trading with the Wretched Broker.Check out this guidefor a comprehensive list of Titan Blood opportunities.
Varatha, The Eternal Spear
Hidden Aspect: Guan Yu
Varatha’s hidden aspect invokes an ancient Chinese general, whose exploits in war reached such legendary heights that he has been deified in Chinese folk religion. His aspect grants the player theFrost Fair Blade,which boasts the following alternate moveset:
The main drawback of this weapon aspect is that itreduces the player’s maximum health and healingthroughout the run. At its lowest level, the Aspect of Guan Yu will cut 70% of Zag’s health. The amount of health reduced will decrease by 5% each time the blade is leveled up with Titan Blood, but even at maximum level, it still cuts the player’s health by 45%. The lifesteal from the Serpent Strike attack is helpful here, but it can take some time to master. Considering the health drop, players should buff Zag’s health whenever possible while using Guan Yu. Thebest Guan Yu buildincludes defensive andhealth-boosting keepsakesand boons.
How To Unlock It
Varatha’s hidden aspect will always be the first that Zagreus reveals; no other hidden aspect can be unlocked until he does so. In order to receive the phrase, the following criteria must be met:
Once the above conditions are fulfilled,speak to Achillesin the House of Hades. It may take a few conversations to cycle through his dialogue, but eventually, he will tell Zagreus of a vision that he received from Varatha, and gives the player the phrase needed to wake the hidden aspect. The phrase,“I see you through the eyes of the crimson phoenix,“is a reference to old legends describing Guan Yu’s eyes as those of the mythical bird. It’s fitting that Achilles, another great warrior, should pass Guan Yu’s aspect to Zagreus.
Stygius, The Stygian Blade
Hidden Aspect: Arthur
A reference tothe legendary King of Camelot, the Aspect of Arthur does the opposite of the Aspect of Guan Yu. Whereas the Spear’s hidden aspect reduces Zag’s health, the swordadds +50 to Zag’s life total while he wields it.Zagreus can Attack and Combo with the sword more or less in the same way as always, though the base damage is significantly higher. The basic attack commands are as follows:
However, like several other hidden Aspects, the most unique twist with this one comes with itsSpecial. When he uses his Special with the Aspect of Arthur, Zagreus creates an aura around him called Hallowed Ground, whichlasts eight seconds.Hallowed Ground disables traps, slows enemy projectiles, and reduces the damage that Zagreus takeswhile standing in it. While Hallowed Ground is active, press Special to Nova Smash as usual. Zagreus can use Hallowed Ground again as soon as the effect ends, giving him the potential for a near-constant buff.
This unique effect makes the Aspect of Arthur a great defensive choice, withplenty of options for powerful builds. With the power of Excalibur at his side, Zagreus can make himself much more difficult for enemies to harm, and still deal plenty of hits of his own.
Once the player has invested at least 5 titan blood in aspects for the Stygian Blade,speak to Nyx. She will tell Zagreus that her daughters, the Fates, came to her with a message. She will pass their words along to Zagreus, giving him the necessary phrase:“I see your kingly pardon from a prison of stone.“This references the legend in which King Arthur pulled Excalibur from a stone, claiming his place as ruler.
Aegis, The Shield Of Chaos
Hidden Aspect: Beowulf
The Old English hero offers Zagreus his protection throughthis Aspect of Aegis. In this form, Aegis' Attack, Bull Rush, and shield-throwing Special remain more or less the same. However, this Aspect also adds a new element called theDragon Rush.Here’s how Zagreus can harness its power:
Though similar to the Bull Rush,Dragon Rush deals 20% more damage with each successive rank, in addition to its base damage and +50 damage per Bloodstone. Both offensively and defensively, the Aspect of Beowulf is a great choice, as it allows the player to use the shield’s blocking effects while dealing extra damage. Yet, it does come with one drawback:Zagreus will take an additional 10% damagewhile wielding the Aspect of Beowulf. Be sure to use the shield’s blocking capabilities to keep him from heading back to the House of Hades, andcheck out some tips on ideal buildsfor this aspect.
If the player speaks to Chaos while wieldingany aspect of the Shield of Chaos, the ancient deity will remark upon how they once wielded the shield. Once Zag has invested 5 titan blood in Shield aspects, speak to Chaos once more after the prior conversation has taken place. Chaos will give Zagreus the phrase:“I see you stand your ground against the serpent’s flame,“in reference to how Beowulf once slayed a fire-breathing dragon.
If players are having trouble finding Chaos Gates, consider purchasing the Light of Ixion item from a Well of Charon, as this will ensure that one will spawn in the next chamber. Carrying the Cosmic Egg can also be beneficial, as it will allow Zagreus to enter the gates without losing health.
Coronacht, The Heart-Seeking Bow
Hidden Aspect: Rama
An avatar of the god Vishnu, Rama is among the most important gods in Hinduism. When wielding his aspect,hold Attack and aim to fire the bow. This works much the same as usual, but now the projectiles can Pierce enemies. This means that the arrows will continue traveling after hitting an enemy, potentially damaging multiple foes with one shot. The Special, meanwhile, has more of a twist.
Pressing Special with the Aspect of Ramareleases a volley of three ricocheting arrows.This may seem like a downgrade from the usual Special’s nine arrows, but these have a new effect. The arrows from the Aspect of Rama’s Special will inflictShared Sufferingon enemies they hit. Those afflicted by this status curse will take a percentage of damage that Zagreus does to other enemies for a short time.
The Aspect of Rama works fantastically for players attempting to deal widespread damage, especially whenpaired with the right boons and keepsakes. In levels where the shades of Hades are everywhere, ora boss’s minionsare swarming Zagreus, its unique effect is perfect for chipping away at several foes simultaneously.
While wielding Coronacht, seek outArtemis and accept a boon from her. Consider carrying Artemis' keepsake, the Adamant Arrowhead, to get her to appear. When she speaks to Zagreus, the goddess of the hunt will remark on the legendary bow. After investing 5 titan blood in any aspects of the bow, find Artemis again. Upon meeting her this second time, she will speak the waking phrase:“I see you drawn in the arms of the seventh avatar.“This references Rama’s identity as the seventh avatar of Vishnu, the Hindu god who represents the forces of goodness and preservation.
Malphon, The Twin Fists
Hidden Aspect: Gilgamesh
In their hidden Aspect, the Twin Fists call forth an ancient hero of Mesopotamia whose exploits are many and varied. Once unlocked, theAspect of Gilgameshturns Malphon into the Claws of Enkidu, which boasts a powerful moveset:
The Aspect of Gilgamesh provides players with increased mobility through the rapid dash, allowing them to deal damage to many foes in a short time. The Maim effect is high-risk, high-reward. If Zagreus uses his boosted dash to stay out of enemy reach and avoid their boosted attacks, it’s well worth it. Check outthis build guideto help him make the most of this powerful aspect.
Equip the Twin Fists and head for Elysium. Here, seek out Asterius, the Bull of Minos, in his mini-boss fight where he appears alone, without Theseus. The famed Minotaur will remark on how bold Zagreus must be to fight him bare-handed.
Once the player has invested 5 titan blood in aspects of Malphon,find Asterius aloneand speak to him again. He will tell Zagreus of a dream that he had, and give the player the phrase:“I see you overcome the wild and make peace with death.“The dream and the phrase both reference the legend of a friendship between the great warrior Gilgamesh and the wild man called Enkidu. After great battles and heroic deeds, the two reunite in the Netherworld. The story reflects Asterius' own relationship with Theseus, making him the perfect character to deliver this message to Zagreus.
Exagryph, The Adamant Rail
Hidden Aspect: Lucifer
It’s somewhat fitting that the overlord of the Christian Hell would be invoked in a game that takes place in the world of the dead. The Aspect of Lucifer grants Exagryph a slightly different attack: players canhold Attack to fire a damage-dealing beamat foes. This will still consume ammo, though the clip’s capacity is increased to 20. you may reload as usual at any time.
Meanwhile, this Aspect’s Special makes it truly unique. Like the other Aspects, it fires a bomb. This one, though, is known as Hellfire, and it works a bit differently. Here’s how to use it:
Using the Aspect of Lucifer can require some quick thinking and careful planning as players set their traps around the battlefield. Setting Hellfire in the right place and choosing when to detonate the bombs is key. Take a look at this guide to boons, keepsakes, and upgrades thatfurther power up the Aspect of Luciferto make the build even better.
Speak to Zeus while bearing the Adamant Rail, and like other phrase-speakers, he will comment on the weapon. Once the player has invested 5 titan blood in Exagryph,accept a boon from Zeusagain. He will give the player the phrase,“I see your prideful downfall from the heavens to the flames,“referencing Lucifer’s fall from grace in the Bible and his exile from Heaven into Hell. To ensure that Zagreus encounters his Uncle Zeus,equip his keepsake, the Thunder Signet.
