Part 21

Learn about the Aegis weapon's Aspects in Hades, focusing on the most viable options like Beowulf and Zeus, and how to best utilize their unique mechanics and upgrades.

The Shield of Chaos (Aegis) often struggles to deal significant damage to individual foes, relying heavily on a strong Cast build. Its upgrades often focus on the Bull Rush, which isn't always practical and lacks reliable damage output except for the Aspect of Beowulf. The Attack, especially with the Pulverizing Blow upgrade, becomes its most spammable and effective move, doubling damage and removing knockback. The Special's upgrades are situational and can even hinder its usability. The most effective Aspects, Beowulf and Zeus, dramatically alter core weapon mechanics, suggesting the base Shield of Chaos is generally underwhelming.

Aegis – Aspects

Most Viable Aspects: Beowulf, Zeus

10A) Aspect of Zagreus – Attack and Dash Strike are conferred +15% damage at max Aspect level.

This Aspect attempts to address the Shield's weakness against single, powerful enemies with damage buffs to its standard Attack. However, a 15% buff is minor, and the Shield's knockback effect prevents continuous staggering. The Special is better suited for spreading status effects or fixed damage rather than direct damage. Using the Special to set up Attacks is more effective. The Pulverizing Blow upgrade significantly boosts the Attack's damage and removes knockback, making it a viable melee option early on. The Bull Rush is only situationally useful.

• Complementary upgrades: Pulverizing Blow, Empowering Flight, Dashing Wallop
• Complementary boons: High-volume Attack boons (Demeter, Zeus), Special boons focusing on fixed damage (Zeus, Ares) or status effects (Aphrodite, Demeter, Dionysus)

10B) Aspect of Chaos – After using Bull Rush, your Special throws additional shields, +5 shields thrown at max Aspect level.

This Aspect is generally considered weak, especially after nerfs. The boosted Special has a limited radius and insufficient damage for crowd control. It requires a Bull Rush for each boosted Special, preventing spamming, and you cannot Attack during it. It offers little benefit against bosses or tough enemies. The lack of bouncing on the boosted Special's shields limits its utility, though it allows quicker access to Attack.

• Complementary upgrades: Pulverizing Blow, Dashing Flight, Empowering Flight
• Complementary boons: High-frequency Attack boons, high-frequency Special boons, defensive or status-inflicting Dash boons

10C) Aspect of Zeus – Special casts a hovering shield (Blitz Disc) into the chamber which floats in place and delivers frequent attacks for up to 30 damage each at max Aspect level, can return Blitz Disc to you with Special key or will also automatically return after some time; can still use Attack while Special is in progress.

The Aspect of Zeus is finicky to master but allows the player to use Attack while the Special is active.