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As a roguelike, every run inHadesis going to be unique. Tons of elements factor into the strategies players employ every run: keepsakes,Boons from the gods, and of course, weapons. What’s more, even the weapons themselves can change from run to run. Throughout the underworld, Zagreus can find Daedalus Hammers, relics of the legendary architects that allow him to upgrade his weapon. Of course, some choices are more useful than others.
It’s important to bear in mind that a Daedalus Hammer will only offer three random upgrades each time Zag finds one, and players might not always be so lucky to come across the best choice. Thus, a few runners-up are included here as well, to helpHadesplayers in every run.
Updated July 04, 2025, by Demaris Oxman:WithHades 2now in early access, fans of the first game have a whole new adventure to take on. Just like her brother Zagreus,Melinoë can alter her weapons with Daedalus hammersthat she finds on her journey. As players wait for the full version ofHades 2, many are returning to the first game to relive Zag’s adventure as well.
There’s more to the weapons inHadesthan first meets the eye. Though they all start out in the so-called Aspect of Zagreus, their base form, the player can later use Titan Blood to unlock and upgrade other aspects for these weapons. Each provides the respective Infernal Arm with different mechanics; thus, different Daedalus Hammer upgrades are more suited to each Aspect. With that in mind, this list has been updated to recommend one stellar upgrade for each alternate weapon aspect.
About Daedalus Hammer Upgrades in Hades
InHades, a Daedalus Hammer is a possible chamber reward that Zagreus will come acrossup totwice in every run.Players will usually encounter their first Daedalus Hammer offering in Tartarusor in Asphodel, and will find their second in Elysium. Of course, Zagreus often has a choice between two doors when progressing to the next chamber,each with a different reward symbol. Players may choose not to go through a door with a Daedalus Hammer if the other option is more tempting. As such, it’s possible to reach the Temple of Styx with one or even zero upgrades on Zag’s weapon. In this case, it’s possible that a Daedalus Hammer will appear as a chamber reward in the Temple.
It is not possible to gain more than two Daedalus Hammer upgrades before reaching the Temple of Styx.However, once Zagreus does reach the surface, Charon may have an opportunity for him. Among the expanded inventory in his Temple of Styx shop,Charon has a chance to carry an itemcalled theAnvil of Fates.If you purchase this item for 275 Obol, it will replace one of Zag’s existing Daedalus upgrades withtwo random ones. This can be a bit of a gamble, considering that the player has no control over which new upgrades they get. However, it is the only way to potentially have three Daedalus upgrades at a time, and can be useful when completing the Minor Prophecies regarding these weapons.
The Stygian Blade (Stygius)
Best Upgrade for All Aspects: Double-Edge
Double-Edge allows the Stygian Blade’sdash strike to hit twice rather than just once, and increases its damage by 20%. Thus, this Daedalus Hammer more thandoubles Zag’s DPSwith this weapon, so long as he keeps dashing. When the shades of the underworld are swarming, it’s important for the player to stay quick on their feet, so increasing the dash-strike’s power makes mobility deadly.
The Heart-Seeking Bow (Coronacht)
Best Upgrade: Triple Shot
Though the bow’s Special offers wide-ranged coverage as well, its damage is much lower than the Attack. Triple Shot allows Coronach’s Attack tofire three shots in a spread pattern,ensuring simultaneous damage to more foes. Since enemies in the Underworld often attack from all sides, this Daedalus Hammeroffers Zagreus a chanceto cover all of his angles.
The Shield Of Chaos (Aegis)
Best Upgrade: Explosive Return
When Zag is surrounded by hostile shades, what better way to fight them than release a sudden shockwave? The Explosive Return upgrade deals50 damage to foes nearby when Zagreus catches it after his Special.For players who are especiallyfond of flinging their shield, this is a perfect way to chip at enemies' health.
The Eternal Spear (Varatha)
Best Upgrade: Flurry Jab
In a game with fast-paced combat likeHades,nothing beats DPS. This upgrade allows the player tohold the Attack button to strike their foe repeatedly, rather than execute a spin attack.Overall, it’s a worthwhile trade. The spin attack isn’tVaratha’s most useful feature, and replacing it with lightning-fast stabs results in higher DPS.
The Twin Fists (Malphon)
Best Upgrade: Kinetic Launcher
One of Malphon’s drawbacks is that in its normal state, Zagreus has no method of doing ranged damage. This upgrade changes that, as it turns the weapon’s Special into acharged ranged attack that deals 50 base damage.With Kinetic Launcher, the Twin Fists become much more versatile, and Zagreus no longer needs to remain at point-blank range when fighting.
The Adamant Rail (Exagryph)
Best Upgrade: Cluster Bomb
Exagryph’s power is undeniable, but it can be easy for foes to dodge its Special before it goes off. Cluster Bomb, though, makes this almost impossible:it fires a spread of five bombs instead of one. Though these projectiles are slightly weaker, the widespread damage is worth it, especially considering thenumerous foes that swarm Zagreusat later levels.
