Part 21

Explore Hades II Aegis Aspects: Beowulf, Zeus, and Zagreus. Learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and complementary upgrades for the Shield of Chaos.

Most Viable Aspects: Beowulf, Zeus

10A) Aspect of Zagreus

The Aspect of Zagreus attempts to mitigate the Shield's weakness against single, powerful opponents by providing a +15% damage buff to its Attack and Dash Strike at max Aspect level. However, this buff is not substantial, and the weapon's inherent knockback effect hinders continuous attacks and enemy staggering. The Special move, while weak in base damage, is more effective for spreading status effects or fixed damage like lightning bolts. Using the Special to set up Attacks is generally more beneficial than the reverse. The Pulverizing Blow upgrade is highly recommended as it doubles damage output and removes knockback from the Attack, making it a viable melee option comparable to other Zagreus Aspect weapons. While the Bull Rush can be useful occasionally, its power is limited until a hidden Aspect is discovered. This Aspect's Attack has marginal reach, so caution is advised.

Complementary upgrades: Pulverizing Blow, Empowering Flight, Dashing Wallop

Complementary boons: high-volume Attack boons (Demeter, Zeus), Special focusing on fixed damage effects (Zeus, Ares) or spreading status/debuffs (Aphrodite, Demeter, Dionysus)

10B) Aspect of Chaos

This Aspect is generally considered weak, especially after nerfs from the 1.0 game release. Its boosted Special throws additional shields (up to +5 at max Aspect level) after using Bull Rush, but the effect radius is comparable to the Heart-Seeking Bow's un-boosted Special, and the damage is insufficient for clearing crowds. The need to perform a Bull Rush for each boosted Special makes it non-spammable, and you cannot Attack during the boosted Special's execution. It offers minimal help against bosses and challenging enemies. The boosted Special's shields do not bounce, limiting utility but allowing faster access to Attack. This Aspect fails to address the Shield's primary weakness of low damage output against individual enemies, instead focusing on dispatching weak foes, a role already covered by the Aspect of Zagreus's un-boosted Special. It also lacks the Attack and Dash Strike bonuses beneficial against tougher enemies.

Complementary upgrades: Pulverizing Blow, Dashing Flight, Empowering Flight

Complementary boons: high-frequency Attack boons, high-frequency Special boons, defensive and/or status-inflicting Dash boons

10C) Aspect of Zeus

The Aspect of Zeus introduces a unique Special mechanic where it casts a hovering shield (Blitz Disc) that remains in place and delivers frequent attacks, dealing up to 30 damage each at max Aspect level. You can recall the Blitz Disc with the Special key or wait for it to return automatically. Crucially, you can still use your Attack while the Special is in progress. This Aspect can be finicky to master.