Hades: The Best Daedalus Hammer Upgrade For Each Weapon

As a roguelike, every run in Hades is going to be unique. Tons of elements factor into the strategies players employ every run: keepsakes, Boons from the gods, and of course, weapons. What’s more, even the weapons themselves can change from run to run. Throughout the underworld, Zagreus can find Daedalus Hammers, relics of the legendary architects that allow him to upgrade his weapon. Of course, some choices are more useful than others.

It’s important to bear in mind that a Daedalus Hammer will only offer three random upgrades each time Zag finds one, and players might not always be so lucky to come across the best choice. Thus, a few runners-up are included here as well, to help Hades players in every run.

Updated June 28, 2024, by Demaris Oxman: With Hades 2 now in early access, fans of the first game have a whole new adventure to take on. Just like her brother Zagreus, Melinoë can alter her weapons with Daedalus hammers that she finds on her journey. As players wait for the full version of Hades 2, many are returning to the first game to relive Zag’s adventure as well.

There’s more to the weapons in Hades than first meets the eye. Though they all start out in the so-called Aspect of Zagreus, their base form, the player can later use Titan Blood to unlock and upgrade other aspects for these weapons. Each provides the respective Infernal Arm with different mechanics; thus, different Daedalus Hammer upgrades are more suited to each Aspect. With that in mind, this list has been updated to recommend one stellar upgrade for each alternate weapon aspect.

About Daedalus Hammer Upgrades in Hades

In Hades, a Daedalus Hammer is a possible chamber reward that Zagreus will come across up totwice in every run. Players will usually encounter their first Daedalus Hammer offering in Tartarus or in Asphodel, and will find their second in Elysium. Of course, Zagreus often has a choice between two doors when progressing to the next chamber, each with a different reward symbol. Players may choose not to go through a door with a Daedalus Hammer if the other option is more tempting. As such, it’s possible to reach the Temple of Styx with one or even zero upgrades on Zag’s weapon. In this case, it’s possible that a Daedalus Hammer will appear as a chamber reward in the Temple.

It is not possible to gain more than two Daedalus Hammer upgrades before reaching the Temple of Styx. However, once Zagreus does reach the surface, Charon may have an opportunity for him. Among the expanded inventory in his Temple of Styx shop, Charon has a chance to carry an item called the Anvil of Fates. If you purchase this item for 275 Obol, it will replace one of Zag’s existing Daedalus upgrades with two random ones. This can be a bit of a gamble, considering that the player has no control over which new upgrades they get. However, it is the only way to potentially have three Daedalus upgrades at a time, and can be useful when completing the Minor Prophecies regarding these weapons.

The Stygian Blade (Stygius)

Best Upgrade for All Aspects: Double-Edge

Double-Edge allows the Stygian Blade’s dash strike to hit twice rather than just once, and increases its damage by 20%. Thus, this Daedalus Hammer more than doubles Zag’s DPS with this weapon, so long as he keeps dashing. When the shades of the underworld are swarming, it’s important for the player to stay quick on their feet, so increasing the dash-strike’s power makes mobility deadly.

Best Upgrades for Specific Aspects

• Aspect of Zagreus: This aspect increases the player’s Attack and Move speed. Flurry Slash, which allows the player to strike rapidly by holding Attack, makes for massive DPS.
• Aspect of Nemesis: This aspect provides a small chance for Stygius’ Attack to deal critical damage if used after its Special. World Splitter transforms Zag’s Attack into a heavier chop, and synergizes well with this.
• Aspect of Poseidon: This Aspect dislodges bloodstones from Zag’s foes with its special. Double Nova, which causes the Special to hit twice, increases damage when using this mechanic.
• Aspect of Arthur: All Hidden Aspects have at least one exclusive upgrade. The Aspect of Arthur’s is Greater Consecration, which increases the area of its Special’s Hallowed Ground aura.

Other Strong Options for All Aspects

• Breaching Slash: Foes with armor are a bane for Hades players. With this upgrade, attacks and dash strikes deal 300% damage to armored foes, allowing him to break their defenses quickly.
• Super Nova: One drawback of the Stygian Blade is its lack of ranged attacks. This upgrade helps mitigate that; it increases the range of Zag’s special, and increases its damage by 20%.

The Heart-Seeking Bow (Coronacht)

Best Upgrade: Triple Shot

Though the bow’s Special offers wide-ranged coverage as well, its damage is much lower than the Attack. Triple Shot allows Coronach’s Attack to fire three shots in a spread pattern, ensuring simultaneous damage to more foes. Since enemies in the Underworld often attack from all sides, this Daedalus Hammer offers Zagreus a chance to cover all of his angles.

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Upgrades for Specific Aspects

• Aspect of Zagreus: Flurry Shot allows Zagreus to fire in quick succession, making the Critical chance that this aspect provides more likely to proc sooner.
• Aspect of Hera: This Aspect allows Zag to load his Cast into his attack. Any upgrade that boosts Attack damage, such as Explosive Shot or Sniper Shot, works well.
• Aspect of Chiron: The downside of this aspect is the reduced number of arrows fired by the Special. Relentless Volley negates this problem, allowing +4 to home in on Zag’s marked target.
• Aspect of Rama: Rather than the exclusive upgrade, Attack-boosting upgrades such as those recommended for the Aspect of Hera work best. This allows the Shared Suffering effect to deal even more damage to afflicted foes.

Other Strong Options for All Aspects

• Concentrated Volley: When Zag fires his special with this upgrade active, every consecutive hit to a foewill deal +3 damage. With how fast and closely packed the volley arrows fire, this can make a big difference in battle.
• Twin Shot: Similar to Triple Shot, this upgrade allows Coronacht’s Attack to fire two shots side by side. The downside here is that it reduces the attack’s range; still, it’s worth the double damage.

The Shield Of Chaos (Aegis)

Best Upgrade: Explosive Return

When Zag is surrounded by hostile shades, what better way to fight them than release a sudden shockwave? The Explosive Return upgrade deals 50 damage to foes nearby when Zagreus catches it after his Special. For players who are especially fond of flinging their shield, this is a perfect way to chip at enemies’ health.

Upgrades for Alternate Aspects

• Aspect of Zagreus: This aspect simply increases Attack and Dash-Strike damage; upgrades such as Empowering Flight and Dashing Wallop further add to this boost.
• Aspect of Chaos: Dashing Flight takes advantage of this aspect’s multi-shield throw, increasing the Special’s power after a dash.
• Aspect of Zeus: This aspect turns the Special into a Blitz Disc; while it is spinning and damaging foes, Zag can still Attack. Consider powering up Zag’s Bull Rush with Breaching Rush or Minotaur Rush, to deal extra damage while the Blitz Disc is spinning away.
• Aspect of Beowulf: This Aspect’s exclusive upgrade, Naegling’s Board, allows Zag to become Sturdy for three seconds after using his Dragon Rush. During this time, taking damage cannot interrupt his actions.

Other Strong Options for All Aspects

• Pulverizing Blow: This upgrade allows Aegis’ Attack to hit twice; the drawback is that it no longer knocks foes away. However, keeping enemies close is useful with the shield, so the damage increase is worth it.
• Breaching Rush: As mentioned before, armored enemies are tough to deal with. Breaching Rush allows the player’s Bull Rush to deal 400% damage to armored foes.

The Eternal Spear (Varatha)

Best Upgrade: Flurry Jab

In a game with fast-paced combat like Hades, nothing beats DPS. This upgrade allows the player to hold the Attack button to strike their foe repeatedly, rather than execute a spin attack. Overall, it’s a worthwhile trade. The spin attack isn’t Varatha’s most useful feature, and replacing it with lightning-fast stabs results in higher DPS.

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Upgrades for Specific Aspects

• Aspect of Zagreus: This aspect increases the Special’s damage, range, and speed. Vicious Skewer, which increases the Special’s damage and gives it high Critical chance, further increases the DPS boost this aspect provides.
• Aspect of Achilles: This aspect’s Raging Rush provides additional versatility to the Special; Vicious Skewer synergizes with this aspect as well.
• Aspect of Hades: This aspect transforms the Spin Attack into a Punishing Sweep. To make the most of it, Quick Spin is the ideal upgrade, as it greatly decreases this attack’s charge time.
• Aspect of Guan Yu: Guan Yu’s exclusive upgrade, Winged Serpent, allows the unique spin attack to travel 80% longer.

Other Strong Options for All Aspects

• Exploding Launcher: This upgrade replaces Varatha’s Special with a projectile that deals 50 damage in an area. For players missing out on some ranged damage, it’s a great option that doesn’t require hurling the spear away.
• Chain Skewer: On the other hand, for those who enjoy flinging the spear at their foes, this upgrade allows the spear to bounce up to 7 times. It also deals +30% damage on each hit.

The Twin Fists (Malphon)

Best Upgrade: Kinetic Launcher

One of Malphon’s drawbacks is that in its normal state, Zagreus has no method of doing ranged damage. This upgrade changes that, as it turns the weapon’s Special into a charged ranged attack that deals 50 base damage. With Kinetic Launcher, the Twin Fists become much more versatile, and Zagreus no longer needs to remain at point-blank range when fighting.

Upgrades for Specific Aspects

• Aspect of Zagreus: As this aspect increases Zag’s Dodge chance rather than weapon damage, all aspects work equally well here.
• Aspect of Talos: This aspect’s Special, Magnetic Cutter, pulls foes in to deal damage. Combined with Quake Cutter, described below, this ensures that enemies remain in the range of this upgrade’s explosion.
• Aspect of Demeter: This aspect increases the number of times a Special hits, after landing 12 attacks in a row. Flying Cutter works beautifully, allowing the player to hold and charge their Special for increased damage.
• Aspect of Gilgamesh: The aspect-exclusive Rending Claws causes Maimed foes to take additional damage and move even slower, boosting the effectiveness of this aspect’s main gimmick.

Other Strong Options for All Aspects

• Breaching Cross: When Zagreus dash-strikes with this upgrade, he’ll deal a whopping 900% damage to armor.
• Quake Cutter: When Zag lands after executing his Special, a small explosion deals 90 damage to enemies in an area. Note that this upgrade is incompatible with Kinetic Launcher.

The Adamant Rail (Exagryph)

Best Upgrade: Cluster Bomb

Exagryph’s power is undeniable, but it can be easy for foes to dodge its Special before it goes off. Cluster Bomb, though, makes this almost impossible: it fires a spread of five bombs instead of one. Though these projectiles are slightly weaker, the widespread damage is worth it, especially considering the numerous foes that swarm Zagreus at later levels.

Upgrades For Specific Aspects

• Aspect of Zagreus: Investing in this aspect increases ammo capacity. Thus, the trade-off of Spread Fire can be worth it; this upgrade decreases ammo by 6, but turns Zag’s Attack into a spread that deals 40 damage.
• Aspect of Eris: After absorbing this aspect’s Special, Zag becomes more powerful for four seconds. Flurry Fire, which increases his Attack’s speed and accuracy, helps maximize this window of extra damage.
• Aspect of Hestia: After Zag manually reloads with this aspect, his next shot deals increased damage. Explosive Fire and Piercing Fire both provide extra punch to this empowered shot.
• Aspect of Lucifer: This aspect provides several exclusive upgrades, the best of which is Greater Inferno. With it, the Aspect of Lucifer’s unique Hellfire special radiates greater damage in a larger area.

Other Strong Options for All Aspects

• Triple Bomb: This weapon’s bombing special is spectacular, but takes awhile to recharge. This upgrade allows the player to fire up to three Specials in quick succession.
• Delta Chamber: Reloading can be one of the more annoying elements of using Exagryph, and this upgrade ensures that players never have to do so. It also turns the weapon’s Attack into a three-round burst. However, it is not recommended to use this with the Aspect of Hestia.

Hades

Released

September 17, 2020