Hades 2 Hidden Aspects Guide | How to Get & Unlock Hidden Aspects

Hidden Aspects in Hades 2 are the secret fourth forms of each weapon, unlocking new movesets and mechanics that can completely change your playstyle. Unlike standard aspects, Hidden Aspects require extra steps and special dialogue to obtain. You will need Waking Phrases from specific NPCs, and each phrase is tied to the weapon’s second aspect namesake.

General Requirements for Hidden Aspects

To unlock any Hidden Aspect, you must first meet certain conditions. All other aspects for that weapon must be unlocked. At least one aspect must be upgraded to Level V. You must then find the NPC tied to that weapon and receive the Waking Phrase. After that, interact with the Waking Pool at the weapon dais and pay the forging cost.

Keep in mind that you can only hold one Waking Phrase at a time. If you have an unturned phrase, you cannot receive another until you use it.

NPCs and Waking Phrases for Each Weapon

Staff Hidden Aspect – Anubis

Talk to Circe on the Surface after meeting the general requirements. Dialogue may take multiple encounters before she gives the Waking Phrase. Forge cost: 5 Tears, 2 Fangs.

Blades Hidden Aspect – Morrigan

Artemis gives this Waking Phrase when you find her in chambers without reward menus. She usually requires at least two encounters. Forge cost: 8 Iron, 2 Feathers.

Flames Hidden Aspect – Supay

Moros provides this Waking Phrase at the Crossroads. You cannot unlock this as your very first Hidden Aspect. Forge cost: 15 Marble, 1 Shadow.

Axe Hidden Aspect – Nergal

Charon gives the Waking Phrase during a run, not at the Crossroads. Requires patience since other dialogues may take priority. Forge cost: 15 Iron, 5 Serpent Scales.

Skull Hidden Aspect – Hel

Medea provides this Waking Phrase on the Surface. Her chamber is not always available, so you may need multiple runs. Forge cost: 12 Adamant, 2 Snake Reeds.

Coat Hidden Aspect – Shiva

Selene gives this Waking Phrase mid-run when she offers a hex. She will not display the usual marker when giving it, and she cannot appear in pre-boss reward chambers or shops for this to trigger. Forge cost: 4 Nightmares, 2 Void Lens.

Thanatos’s Axe

This is sometimes treated as a special Hidden Aspect. Instead of an incantation, it requires you to give Nectar to Chaos, who will provide the Waking Phrase.

What Hidden Aspects Do

Each Hidden Aspect changes a weapon’s core moveset. Examples include Hel removing the Skull’s firing limit, or Nergal turning Axe attacks into massive berserker swings that restore health. Hidden Aspects also require Nightmares to upgrade, typically two per level.

The effects scale strongly with levels, and higher ranks can be boosted further with Hephaestus’s Legendary Boon: Premium Service.

Final Blurb

Hidden Aspects in Hades 2 transform weapons into new, powerful forms, but unlocking them takes patience and planning. You must gather Waking Phrases from specific NPCs, meet all upgrade conditions, and forge each weapon at the Waking Pool. The result is some of the strongest weapon variations in the game, offering fresh playstyles and late-game power spikes.

FAQ

Do You Need to Unlock All Weapons First?

Yes, all weapons must be unlocked before you can start working on Hidden Aspects.

Can You Get More Than One Waking Phrase Per Run?

No. Only one Waking Phrase can be obtained at a time.

Which Hidden Aspect Is the Hardest to Unlock?

The Blades from Selene are often considered the trickiest due to multiple restrictions on when her dialogue can trigger.

What Resources Do Hidden Aspects Require?

Each has a unique forge cost, but all require rare materials like Adamant, Marble, Serpent Scales, or Nightmares for upgrades.

Do Hidden Aspects Work Like Normal Upgrades?

Yes, but they also add unique mechanics. They are leveled up with Nightmares, and some bonuses can be pushed further with Hephaestus’s Premium Service boon.