Like the Infernal Arms in the first game, the Nocturnal Arms in Hades II are the primary weapon in combat. They can be massively modified with boons, Daedalus upgrades and more, but to really shine in the game, you need to find the weapon that best suits you and your playstyle. Do you like to get up close, or do you prefer to sit in the back and avoid as much damage as possible?
That said, not all weapons are equally good in Hades II, and some shine brighter than others in the moonlight. In this list, we’ll go over each weapon, its strengths, and how you can obtain it. Keep in mind that this is subjective, but we’ve tried to approach this list based on which weapons are most likely to give you your first successful run.
S-level: Moonstone axe
(Requires 15 silver)
In first place we find the big, fierce moonstone axe. The basic attacks of this weapon may seem a little slow, being the slowest of all the weapons released so far, but considering that the Omega attack spins you around lightning fast, and the damage output can be ridiculously fast when combined with Hephaestus’ blessings or Hestia, this weapon clearly stands out from its peers.
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For new players, or those having a harder time with the fights, the ax has a block that can also be used as a ranged attack when you charge it up. This ranged attack costs a hefty amount of Magick, but once again the damage you get in return is disgusting. To get the moonstone ax you need 15 silver, which might sound like a lot, but considering that silver is the easiest thing to get with your plectrum, and you don’t even have to beat the first boss to get it. Just take out the pickaxe and hack away at any silver deposits you find.
A-level: Lim and Oros, Søsterbladene
(Requires 1 Silver)
The second easiest weapon to obtain in the game is technically two weapons, even if you use them as one. Lim and Oros, also known as The Sister Blades, can be unlocked as soon as you gain access to other weapons and are incredibly fast, good damage dealers that allow you to run into combat, kill a few enemies and then run back out. The quick knife throw of Lim and Oros as special weapons also allows you to keep your distance if you want, and when you combine normal attacks and special attacks, it’s impressive how much damage you can dish out.
If we weren’t going to put each weapon in its own category, I could have easily put Lim and Oros on the same level as the Moonstone Axe. The only thing that puts the ax over a bit is that the daggers don’t have a blocking option, which will prove invaluable to players learning the ropes.
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B-Level: Witch’s Wand
(Your starting weapon)
Melinoë’s starting weapon, the Witch’s Staff, is fittingly placed in the middle of this list. It reminds me of the spear in the first Hades, just without the speed or damage consistency. It allows you to stab from a certain distance, although most enemy attacks will still hit you when you’re in range to hit them. A ranged attack is included, and your Omega attack is also capable of hitting enemies from a great distance, but compared to some of the other entries on the list, it can feel quite overwhelming at times. Hopefully, when the Aspects are released, we’ll see the spear be more than just the thing you drop as soon as you pick up the Sister Blades.
C Level: Silver Skull
(Requires 1 bronze and 2 glass stones)
The Silver Skull is by far the hardest weapon to obtain in the game, requiring you to go to the Fields of Mourning (which is the third area of the Underworld passage) and then mine bronze from the surface. If you’re looking to get your hands on the weapons as quickly as possible, you’ll need to take your pickaxe chopper with you wherever you go.
And what do you get when you have collected these resources? Well, Argent Skull essentially turns your hand into a grenade launcher. The skulls do decent AoE damage, but you only get three of them at a time, which means unless you just want to spam the charging special attack, you’re going to be running around after running around picking up your skulls as you have to grab Casts in the original game. Still, I found myself adapting to this playstyle pretty quickly, and I wouldn’t say they’re the worst weapon, just probably the ones that take the most time to get used to.
D Level: Umbral Flames
(Requires 3 silver and 3 ash)
And here we have it. Umbral Flames are a smaller and weaker version of Hecate’s weapon, and you have to beat her three times to get them. They shoot fireballs from a distance, doing more damage when channeled long enough, and as a special weapon they send rolling flames around the point you send them towards in an arc. It sounds pretty good on paper, but Umbral Flames has just been underwhelming so far.
The damage output of the basic attack isn’t great unless you’re shooting at the same target consistently, which requires you to move more slowly than you’d like in a game that can get as hectic as Hades II. Even when you channel the damage, it doesn’t reach the peaks of the Ax and Sister Blades, or any other weapon for that matter. Special can make up for the damage in that regard, but it can be quite difficult to be your main way of dealing with enemies. Maybe it’s just me, but Umbral Flames is the only weapon I’d say could even do with some work.
What is your favorite weapon on Hades II?
