Learn how to build an unbreakable tank in Hades II using Cursed Slash and the Aspect of Zagreus, or master the Aspect of Nemesis for hit-and-run tactics.
- 1Equip the Stygius weapon.
- 2Unlock and equip the Aspect of Zagreus for its +15% Attack speed bonus at max level.
- 3Acquire the Flurry Slash weapon upgrade.
- 4Acquire the Cursed Slash weapon upgrade.
- 5Stack damage-mitigating boons and buffs, including Aphrodite’s Weak effect (preferably via Heartbreak Strike or Passion Dash), Broken Resolve, Different League, Bronze Skin, Athena’s Aid, Divine Protection, and Greater Evasion.
- 6Consider the Broken Spearpoint Keepsake (Patroclus) to limit consecutive high-powered enemy strikes.
- 7Utilize boons that increase Attack speed, such as Swift Strike (Hermes, +10% Attack speed at Common rarity).
- Cursed Slash builds are extremely finicky and rely on lucking into specific weapon upgrades.
- If you do not have Flurry Slash, the lag after your standard combo leaves you open to damage and can cause detrimental knockback.
- Complementary upgrades for Cursed Slash include Double Edge and Shadow Slash.
- Complementary boons include Hunter Dash or Divine Dash (possibly Passion Dash), any Dash-based Hermes boons, and high-frequency Attack boons from Demeter, Zeus, or Artemis.
- If not using a Cursed Slash build, avoid Cursed Slash as it will likely lead to a quick death.
Stygius – Aspects
Aspect of Zagreus – Bonus move speed and attack speed, +15% each at max Aspect level.
The Aspect of Zagreus offers increased agility. While the Aspect of Nemesis is cheaper to unlock and complements the dash-strike playstyle better with a superior damage boost, the Aspect of Zagreus is the best choice for Cursed Slash builds due to its +15% Attack speed bonus, which increases health regain per strike. This aspect can also be used to spam fixed-damage bolts with Lightning Strike and Flurry Slash, though the Adamant Rail performs this role better. Attack speed is generally less crucial when primarily dash-striking.
Complementary upgrades: Double Edge, Shadow Slash
Complementary boons: Hunter Dash or Divine Dash (possibly Passion Dash), any Dash-based Hermes boons, high-frequency Attack boons (Demeter, Zeus, Artemis)
Aspect of Nemesis – Using Special gives you bonus critical chance for 3 seconds, 30% per hit at max Aspect level.
To effectively use the Aspect of Nemesis, you should use your Special from a distance, dash in for attacks, and then dash back to safety. This hit-and-run strategy maximizes the critical hit benefit, which expires after three seconds. Snap Nova can help deploy this benefit with less threat. This aspect is a reliable choice for early-game runs, especially when alternating between Infernal Arms for Dark Thirst. It is viable against most enemies, including bosses like Asterius and Hades, with minor exceptions like Flame Wheels and large Vermin.
Complementary upgrades: Double Edge, Shadow Slash, Breaching Slash, Cruel Thrust
Complementary boons: High-frequency Attack boons (Demeter, Zeus; alternatively Artemis for additional critical hit chance), Divine Dash or Hunter Dash (possibly Passion Dash), Greatest Reflex (Hermes boon adding to maximum dash chain), Quick Recovery (Hermes boon restoring some health upon dashing immediately after taking damage), additional Hermes speed/dash boons.
Aspect of Poseidon – Special dislodges bloodstones stuck in enemies, Cast conferred +50% damage at max Aspect level.
This aspect is designed for minimal Special use. Focus on Cast boons, a viable Dash boon, and potentially a status effect on your attacks.
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