In Hades, the best upgrades for the Spear would include focusing on aspects like increased attack speed, more damage per hit, improved dash attacks, and enhanced special attacks. Prioritizing upgrades that synergize well with your playstyle and complement the Spear's strengths is key to maximizing its effectiveness in combat.
Stygius (The Stygian Blade)
The first aspect of the Spear in Hades that can be upgraded is the Stygius, also known as The Stygian Blade. This weapon is given to Zagreus by his father, Hades. Throughout the game, players are able to unlock aspects of the weapon that change its playstyle. Each aspect offers unique abilities and bonuses. Some of the best upgrades for Stygius include the aspects like Zagreus, Nemesis, or Guan Yu. The Zagreus aspect grants bonus attack and special damage, as well as allowing for a throw special. The Nemesis aspect increases critical chance, making it very powerful with high critical hit builds. The Guan Yu aspect focuses on creating a ranged playstyle with its spin attack and increased damage on consecutive hits.
Spear Aspect Upgrades
One of the defining features of Hades is the ability to upgrade each weapon with different aspects. These aspects fundamentally change the playstyle of the weapon, allowing for diverse combat strategies. The best upgrades for the Spear in Hades include the Aspect of Zagreus, which focuses on enhancing basic attack damage and specials. The Aspect of Achilles emphasizes increased critical damage, ideal for players who prefer a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. The Aspect of Hades offers a more defensive approach, providing players with extra health and damage resistance.
Boons and Daedalus Hammer Upgrades
In addition to weapon aspects, players can upgrade the Spear by choosing various boons and enhancements as they progress through the game. Boons granted by the Olympian gods can significantly enhance the Spear's combat effectiveness. For example, Zeus' boons can add chain lightning effects to attacks, while Artemis' boons focus on critical damage bonuses. Pairing these boons strategically can create powerful synergies that amplify the Spear's damage output. Daedalus Hammers can also be found during runs, offering unique upgrades to the Spear's attack patterns and abilities. Players should consider carefully which upgrades to prioritize based on their preferred playstyle and current run objectives.
Keepsakes and Permanent Upgrades
Players can further enhance the Spear in Hades by utilizing keepsakes and certain permanent upgrades. Keepsakes like the Lucky Tooth or Myrmidon Bracer provide passive bonuses that can boost survivability or damage output. It's essential to experiment with different keepsakes to find the ones that best complement your playstyle with the Spear. Additionally, investing in permanent upgrades at the Mirror of Night, such as increasing base health or granting extra dashes, can also improve the Spear's overall performance in combat. Balancing temporary buffs from keepsakes with permanent upgrades is key to maximizing the Spear's potential in Hades.
Combining Upgrades for Maximum Effectiveness
To truly optimize the Spear in Hades, players should focus on combining various upgrades strategically. This involves selecting weapon aspects that align with preferred playstyles, choosing boons that complement the Spear's strengths, and adapting Daedalus Hammer upgrades to suit specific runs. Experimenting with different combinations of upgrades is crucial to discovering the most effective synergies. By carefully planning each run and considering how upgrades interact with each other, players can unleash the full potential of the Spear and overcome even the toughest challenges that Hades has to offer.