Updated on October 29, 2026, by Mark Sammut: This article is already largely complete, but I cleaned up a few sections, added new images, and rewrote the intro. Hades isn't disappearing anytime soon, as its endless replayability, cool factor, and constant sales ensure that it keeps players coming back for more while newcomers join in.

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Hades has been around for more than 6 years; hard to believe, I know. Despite the existence of a (very good) sequel, Zagreus' escape from the Underworld continues to be wildly popular, and that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon. This longevity can be at least partially credited to Hades' weapons, aka the Infernal Arms, as they provide the foundation for such a wide range of versatile builds.

All of them can be used extensively, but certain weapons are definitely better and more popular than others, particularly on harder runs. Should you main Exagryph​​​​​​, a bow, or stick to Zagreus' original sword? Let's answer that question by running through all the Infernal Arms in Hades to find the very best.

What Are Weapon Aspects in Hades?

Before getting to the rankings, let's briefly explain weapon aspects. In Hades, each Infernal Arm has four Aspects, which are special upgrade paths. Each one changes the weapon function, altering its abilities, attack patterns, or playstyle. Picking the right Aspect is just as important as picking the right Infernal Arm, as they drastically change how the latter functions. They are unlocked and upgraded using Titan Blood, a resource that is not easy to come by since it requires defeating bosses or completing Pact of Punishment challenges.

Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.

Each weapon comes with Zagreus' default Aspect, which can be upgraded to improve the base stats. Then, there will be three Aspects that have a far greater impact on a weapon's functionality. For instance, Stygius' Aspect of Arthur adds a heavy attack special that slows down enemies.

6 Stygius, Blade Of The Underworld Is A Fine Starter

The Game Starts You Off With The Worst Weapon

Attacks

Strike, Combo, Dash-Strike, Nova Smash, Hallowed Ground (Aspect of Arthur)

Aspects

Zagreus (Attack/Move Speed), Nemesis (Bonus Critical Chance), Poseidon (Cast Damage), Arthur (Aura Damage Reduction)

Upgrades

Breaching Slash, Cruel Thrust, Cursed Slash, Dash Nova, Double Edge, Double Nova, Flurry Slash, Hoarding Slash, Piercing Wave, Shadow Slash, Super Nova, World Splitter, Greater Consecration

Stygius is the first weapon that Zagreus can use: a basic longsword with a balanced moveset. It is well-rounded, sporting both decent damage and speed. However, it also does not shine particularly brightly in either department, making it rather middle-of-the-road. Stygius's biggest weakness is that it lacks range, forcing Zagreus to engage with enemies in close combat. While the Piercing Wave upgrade can remedy this, the player can't count on being able to get that particular upgrade in every playthrough.

Stygius's upgrades overall are underwhelming, and so are its aspects. The Aspect of Poseidon, for example, is only really good for cast-based builds. And while Excalibur's Hallowed Ground can save the player from a tough pinch, it doesn't do much to increase Stygius's damage potential despite being a Hidden Aspect. While Stygius is decent to use, all the weapons that Zagreus obtains later simply outclass it in many respects.

5 Exagryph, The Adamant Rail Is An Acquired Taste

Some Will Love It, Others Will Hate It

Attacks

Fire, Dash Attack, Reload, Bombard, Beam Attack (Aspect of Lucifer), Hellfire (Aspect of Lucifer)

Aspects

Zagreus (Bonus Max Ammo), Eris (Bonus Damage), Hestia (Empowered Shot Damage), Lucifer (Hellfire Blast Damage)

Upgrades

Flurry Fire, Ricochet Fire, Spread Fire, Explosive Fire, Delta Chamber, Piercing Fire, Triple Bomb, Rocket Bomb, Targeting System, Hazard Bomb, Cluster Bomb, Seeking Fire, Concentrated Beam, Flash Fire, Triple Beam, Eternal Chamber, Greater Inferno

Exagryph is the last weapon that Zagreus can unlock, and it's an extremely unique one. It's essentially a rifle that rapidly fires bullets and can also launch a bomb that deals damage in an area. It can do a lot of damage quickly, but it is hampered by the fact that it needs to be reloaded rather frequently. While the Delta Chamber upgrade can remove this reload requirement, it is again not something the player can count on consistently attaining.

Exagryph's biggest problem is that it can be rather slow on the damage-dealing side. While Exagryph's aspects can provide a variety of interesting bonuses, none of them really resolve this main problem. The Aspect of Eris does boost Exagryph's damage a fair amount, but not to the level of other weapons. However, Exagryph is very good at clearing large groups of enemies, especially with its special attack. Several upgrades also boost the special's ability to deal spread damage.

4 Varatha, The Eternal Spear Is A Great Base Weapon

Enemies Won't Know What Hit 'Em

Attacks

Strike, Combo, Dash Attack, Spin Attack, Throw, Serpent Slash (Aspect of Guan Yu), Crackling Skewer (Aspect of Guan Yu)

Aspects

Zagreus (Special Damage & Speed), Achilles (Post-Rush Bonus Damage), Hades (Punishing Bonus Damage), Guan Yu (Life Total & Life Gain

Upgrades

Extending Jab, Chain Skewer, Breaching Skewer, Vicious Skewer, Exploding Launcher, Massive Spin, Quick Spin, Flurry Jab, Charged Skewer, Serrated Point, Flaring Spin, Triple Jab, Winged Serpent

Varatha is one of the fastest weapons in Hades. Its special is a powerful ranged attack, and its spin attack gives it a strong area attack to deal with multiple mobs. Add to that its naturally long range and its powerful dash strike, and a strong case can be made for calling Varatha one of the best weapons in Hades.

Unfortunately, Varatha does have several weaknesses that hamper its usefulness. One of them is its lack of useful aspects. Many of them are gimmicky, such as the Frost Fair Blade, which cuts Zagreus's life in exchange for a draining spin attack. Another weakness is that Varatha's spin attack requires a charge to reach its full potential, making it less useful compared to other area attacks, such as Stygius's Nova Smash. Still, these weaknesses are minor compared to Varatha's many strengths.

3 Aegis, The Shield Of Chaos Is Not Just For Defense

Live Out Your Captain America Fantasies

Attacks

Bash, Bull Rush, Throw, Dash-Strike, Heavy Bash (Aspect of Beowulf), Heavy Throw (Aspect of Beowulf), Dragon Rush (Aspect of Beowulf)

Aspects

Zagreus (Attack Damage), Chaos (Bonus Shields), Zeus (Blitz Disc), Beowulf (Dragon Rush)

Upgrades

Dread Flight, Sudden Rush, Pulverizing Blow, Dashing Wallop, Explosive Return, Minotaur Rush, Breaching Rush, Charged Shot, Charged Flight, Empowering Flight, Dashing Flight, Ferocious Guard, Unyielding Defense

Aegis holds the unique ability to block attacks, allowing Zagreus to reduce the damage done to him. Additionally, it possesses quick melee attacks and a ranged attack to deal with faraway enemies. While throwing the shield will cause Zagreus to lose his ability to attack for a while, this can be circumvented by equipping the Aspect of Zeus, which allows Zagreus to attack even after throwing his shield.

The Aspect of Zeus is especially powerful, since the thrown shield creates a Blitz Disc that moves very slowly, creating great potential for dealing tremendous damage over time. Combine this with powerful boons like Doom-granting effects (particularly the Merciful End boon, which allows Deflect effects to immediately trigger Doom), and Aegis can become an extremely potent weapon. Without these, Aegis's damage potential is not very high, but it can be a wonder with the right boon choices.

2 Coronacht, The Heart-Seeking Bow Is The Ultimate Ranged Weapon

Bad Speed Is Made Up For By Its Usefulness

Attacks

Fire, Dash Attack, Volley Fire, Power Shot

Aspects

Zagreus (Critical Attack Chance), Chiron (Max Shots), Hera (Ammo Drop Time), Rama (Shared Suffering Damage)

Upgrades

Twin Shot, Sniper Shot, Explosive Shot, Flurry Shot, Piercing Volley, Perfect Shot, Relentless Volley, Triple Shot, Charged Volley, Chain Shot, Point-Blank Shot, Concentrated Volley, Repulse Shot

Coronacht is likely one of the first weapons Zagreus will unlock, and it provides an extremely different playstyle from Stygius. It is Zagreus's first ranged weapon, and it is rather simple. Zagreus can hold the attack to shoot farther away and use its special to release a volley of arrows in a wide area. It is a decent ranged weapon, but it is rather slow and not very good at dealing damage fast.

However, the Aspect of Chiron changes things considerably. Zag's Attack will turn all arrows fired by the Special into homing arrows, turning a wide-ranged special attack into a devastating shotgun. Add a boon effect like Doom or Hangover or an upgrade like Relentless Volley or Concentrated Volley, and Coronacht can cause life bars to melt like butter. Even without the Aspect of Chiron, players can still simulate a similar effect by releasing the volley at point-blank range, causing all arrows to hit the same foe.

Test your knowledge.

1 Twin Fists Of Malphon Packs All The Heat

Combat Is Best When It's Up Close And Personal

Attacks

Pummel, Rising Cutter, Dash-Strike, Dash-Upper, Swipe (Aspect of Gilgamesh)

Aspects

Zagreus (Dodge Chance), Talos (Magnetic Attack & Cast Bonus), Demeter (Bonus Special), Gilgamesh (Maim Damage)

Upgrades

Breaching Cross, Rolling Knuckle, Long Knuckle, Draining Cutter, Concentrated Knuckle, Explosive Upper, Flying Cutter, Rush Kick, Quake Cutter, Kinetic Launcher, Heavy Knuckle, Colossus Knuckle, Rending Claws

The Twin Fists of Malphon can appear quite unassuming. Their range is rather short, even when compared to Stygius. However, it is the fastest weapon in the game, able to deal a flurry of blows before the enemy can react. The Twin Fists have incredible aspects as well, especially when powered up by Titan Blood. Zagreus's personal aspect gives him innate dodge; the Aspect of Talos allows its special to draw enemies in and debuff them at the same time; and the Claws of Enkidu provide a special that makes foes take an extra burst of damage, similar to Doom's effect.

The Twin Fists really shine when combined with the Merciful End Duo boon. With the right setup, Malphon can stack Doom effects with regular effects and trigger immediately with a Special, creating a deadly combination that can cause huge amounts of damage even to bosses. While Merciful End can be used with any weapon to decent effect, it reaches its maximum potential when used with Malphon. The Twin Fists are the best weapon for anyone wanting to deal huge amounts of damage quickly.

Sea of Thieves Tag Page Cover Art
Hades
10/10
Released
September 17, 2020

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

ESRB
T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Publisher(s)
Supergiant Games
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Roguelite
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
How Long To Beat
23 Hours