Hades 2 Weapon Tier List | Best Weapons Ranked
The weapons in Hades 2, called Nocturnal Arms, define how you approach combat more than anything else. Each one has a unique set of Attacks, Specials, and Omega abilities that force you into different playstyles. Some weapons are forgiving and flexible, while others feel clunky until mastered. Knowing which weapons stand out in their base forms will help you decide where to spend your early resources.
This tier list ranks the six core weapons of Hades 2, based on base performance without factoring in alternate Aspects. Rankings take into account accessibility, ease of use, synergy with Boons, and late-game scaling.
S-Tier Weapons (Best All-Round Choices)
Witch’s Staff
The Staff is your starter weapon, but it’s far from weak. It offers balanced range with a solid jab combo, a reliable homing Special, and powerful Omega options for both attack and special. The flexibility of being able to play safe at range or dive in close makes it one of the most consistent weapons across all runs.
Argent Skull
The Skull is essentially a ranged launcher, throwing explosive shells that can be retrieved and reused. Even without upgrades, it allows strong zoning and keep-away play, making it one of the safer weapons for new players. Its Omega Special extends your reach with destructive waves, letting you punish enemies before they get close.
A-Tier Weapons (High Potential but Demanding)
Sister Blades
Fast, flashy, and deadly, the Blades thrive when you learn their dash and combo rhythm. The Omega Attack teleport makes them versatile for repositioning and burst damage. Their weakness is fragility—missteps or mistimed dashes will punish you quickly. Skilled players can tear through rooms, but it takes practice.
Umbral Flames
The Flames are the ranged machine gun of Hades 2. They excel at sustained pressure with projectiles, and their Specials give mobility and utility at the same time. They chew through Magick and rely on good aim, which makes them slightly harder to pilot than other options, but in the right hands they’re monsters.
B-Tier Weapons (Situational Power)
Moonstone Axe
The Axe is heavy and slow, with big swings and a defensive block Special. The damage potential is high, but landing consistent hits with its sluggish attacks can be frustrating. Its Omega wave is impressive in boss fights but leaves you vulnerable during setup. At higher ranks it becomes more reliable, but in its base form it lags behind faster arms.
Black Coat
Technically armor, the Black Coat functions as a weapon with its summoning mechanics. In its base form, it feels underwhelming compared to the other arms because it leans heavily on later Aspects to shine. Without specific Boons or upgrades, its damage and utility don’t match the rest of the arsenal.
Final Blurb
The best base weapons in Hades 2 are the Witch’s Staff and Argent Skull, both reliable and versatile enough to carry runs from the start. Sister Blades and Umbral Flames are excellent once mastered but demand sharper execution. The Moonstone Axe and Black Coat sit at the bottom, offering niche power that blossoms only after Aspects and upgrades.
Choosing the right weapon for your playstyle makes a massive difference, especially before investing heavily into Aspects.
FAQ
What Is the Best Starting Weapon in Hades 2?
The Witch’s Staff is the most balanced and consistent early-game weapon.
Which Weapon Has the Highest Damage Potential?
The Moonstone Axe can deal huge hits, but its speed makes it risky in its base form.
What Is the Safest Weapon for Beginners?
The Argent Skull, since it allows long-range attacks and safer positioning.
Are Weapons or Aspects More Important?
Weapons define your base playstyle, but Aspects drastically change performance. For meta builds, Aspects matter more long-term.
Which Weapon Feels Weakest Without Upgrades?
The Black Coat, since it relies heavily on Aspects and synergy to unlock its potential.
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