Part 17

Explore the nuances of the Aspect of Poseidon and Aspect of Arthur in Hades II. Learn about their unique mechanics, complementary boons, and optimal strategies for maximizing damage and survivability.

This section delves into two powerful aspects for the Stygius weapon in Hades II: the Aspect of Poseidon and the Aspect of Arthur. Each offers distinct playstyles and requires specific boon and upgrade synergies to excel.

Aspect of Poseidon

The Aspect of Poseidon enhances your Cast by providing a +50% damage buff. It synergizes well with 'Snap Nova' for dislodging Bloodstones from a distance, allowing you to cast more frequently without taking damage. While the Aspect of Poseidon can make your Cast a primary damage source, it requires stocking up on Centaur Hearts and defensive boons due to the inherent risks of retrieving Bloodstones. The effectiveness of this aspect is heavily reliant on acquiring strong Cast combinations, making god-specific Keepsakes particularly useful for increasing the odds of obtaining them. However, it's noted that the best Cast combinations are often not 'Sticking Casts,' meaning the Special might not be needed for dislodging, turning the aspect into a consistent damage buff. Using 'Stygian Soul' instead of 'Infernal Soul' can also negate the need for the Special to dislodge Bloodstones, except for potentially speeding up 'Exit Wounds' damage.

The Aspect of Achilles on the Eternal Spear is presented as a superior alternative for utilizing the best Cast combinations, offering a +150% damage buff to subsequent Casts after using 'Raging Rush.' The Aspect of Poseidon's niche lies in enhancing 'Sticking Casts' with a lesser bonus but more frequent application, especially with 'Infernal Soul.'

Complementary Upgrades & Boons for Aspect of Poseidon:

• Daedalus Hammer: Snap Nova
• Boons: Casting boons, Exit Wounds (Artemis), defensive Dash boons (Athena, Aphrodite, Demeter), defensive Special boons (Aphrodite, Demeter, Athena, Dionysus with Numbing Sensation).

Aspect of Arthur

The Aspect of Arthur transforms the Stygius into a formidable melee weapon. Its Attack features a slower, three-hit combo with substantially higher damage. The Special creates a defensive aura upon impact, reducing damage taken by 40% at max level, slowing enemy projectiles, and deactivating traps within its radius. It also provides +50 max health.

This aspect excels in tanking hits and controlling confined spaces due to the health bonus and the defensive aura. Enhancing the aura with the 'Greater Consecration' Daedalus Hammer upgrade further improves its effectiveness. The increased heavy attack damage compensates for the slower attack speed, allowing you to absorb hits mid-strike. The ability to dash between attacks in the combo is also beneficial for repositioning.

Recommended Attack Boons for Aspect of Arthur:

• Aphrodite (Heartbreak Strike): Offers a high damage boost and is excellent against tough melee enemies and bosses like Hades and Asterius.
• Athena (Divine Strike): Ideal for warding off ranged attacks and dispatching enemies from a distance while within the aura.
• Demeter (Frost Strike): Useful for slowing down agile and powerful enemies like armored melee Exalted foes and Slam-Dancers.

Other tolerable options include Artemis (Deadly Strike) for critical hits and Poseidon, though the latter is less recommended due to potential dashing out of the aura. Zeus, Ares, and Dionysus are generally not recommended as they inflict flat damage that doesn't scale well with Arthur's base damage, though Dionysus can be viable with 'Numbing Sensation.' Ideally, boons not used for Attack should focus on defense from Athena, Demeter, or Aphrodite.