Nocturnal Arms in Hades 2 refers to all the main Weapons Melinoe can wield during her adventure. The Princess of the Underworld starts the game wielding the Witch's Staff, which is the main starting weapon of the game, much like The Stygian Blade was Zagreus' starting weapon in the previous game. As players advance, and obtain different Reagents, players will be able to craft more Nocturnal Arms. On this page, players will be determining all of the information that they need to effectively wield each weapon type, know their strengths and weaknesses, or even how to unlock them.
Hades 2 Nocturnal Arms (Weapons) Guide
What Are Nocturnal Arms in Hades 2?
Hades 2 Early Access has been launched and there is a lot of content that players can explore during its current state such as a significant part of the story, new levels to explore, new enemies that range from small to big ones, and new items to experiment with especially weapons. There are a total of five weapons known as the Nocturnal Weapons to play with and since there are a lot of options, we aim to give players an idea of how each weapon works and provide useful information along with it. This useful information ranges from each weapon's pros and cons, to how to unlock them, and more.
Hades 2 Nocturnal Arms Page Content
- All five Nocturnal Arms overview
- Each Nocturnal Arms' pros and cons
- How to unlock each Nocturnal Arms
- Nocturnal Arms augments
- Nocturnal Arms basic command list
Hades 2 All Nocturnal Arms (Weapons)
Argent Skull
Revaal's final honor as Adjucator was to become immortalized in adamant and death.
Moonstone Axe
Zorephet was to be a labrys so broad as could conceal the Moon herself.
Sister Blades
The Sister Blades Lim and Oros serve the Unseen, and are never separated.
Umbral Flames
The Flames of Ygnium burn with an extraordinary light that does not pierce the dark.
Witch's Staff
Descura, also called the Staff of Dusk, grows stronger in obscurity.
All Nocturnal Arms In Hades 2
In this section, we are giving everyone a quick list of how many weapons are currently available in the game, also their current requirements for them to be successfully crafted. In Hades 2, each weapon boasts both a standard attack and a unique special attack yet different in terms of attack animations and execution. They also vary in terms of range. Holding down either input for a few seconds unleashes an enhanced Omega version of the corresponding move, consuming magic but offering increased potency overall thus it is crucial to get your hands on it and master each move and determine if a weapon or a move matches your preference or play style.
| Weapon | Description | Required Materials |
| Argent Skull | Deal with ranged attacks and manage special ammunitions. Specials tend to release distinctive explosions. | x1 Bronze x2 Glassrock |
| Moonstone Axe | Deliver slow but devastating Attacks, or defend and retaliate with your Specials. | x3 Silver x3 Cinder |
| Sister Blades | Slash with furious Attacks, or strike from afar with a flurry of Specials. | x1 Silver |
| Umbral Flames | Launch damaging ranged Attacks as you move, or Specials that orbit around you. | x3 Silver x3 Cinder |
| Witch's Staff | Strike with a quick close-range Attack, or long-range Specials and Ω Moves. | Default weapon of Melinoe. |
The Basics of Nocturnal Arms in Hades 2
Nocturnal Arms, serve as Melinoe's primary instruments of devastation in Hades 2. Each of these weapons has its characteristics. Offering varying combat styles. Some necessitate close-quarters engagement, while others enable you to maintain distance. Furthermore, the functionality of each weapon can be customized through Daedalus Hammers found during your runs. Then players will have boons, Keepsakes, and Arcana Cards that can significantly alter their strategy, weapons remain pivotal for dealing damage and are also one of the primary aspects when building Melinoe.
As mentioned previously these weapons have their own combos or unique characteristics so players will have a lot of options to tackle their adversaries in the game. Daedalus hammers are indeed the key materials to augment Nocturnal Arms, and these hammers tend to alter weapons' properties or characteristics.
Witch’s Staff in Hades 2
The starting weapon in Hades 2 is the simplest to wield, making it ideal for beginners. Its attack follows a straightforward melee pattern commonly seen in isometric action games. Additionally, its special ability launches a projectile at long range, which, when charged for an Omega move, detonates upon impact, causing significant damage.
The standard attack of Witch's Staff retains a considerable reach, enabling you to engage adversaries while keeping a safe distance. Successive strikes progressively amplify damage, culminating in Melinoe spinning the staff to deliver a final, slightly more potent blow.
Umbral Flames in Hades 2
The Umbral Flames suit a ranged combatant, yet transitioning from the Moonstone Axe or Sister Blades may pose initial challenges in adapting to a ranged playstyle. This is your typical scenario where you will reap huge rewards in terms of feedback or combat feel or perhaps deal more damage while adapting to its slow-paced style. The Omega Attack boasts significant potency, though executing it allows limited mobility, albeit at a slower pace.
Since Hades 2 is a fast-paced game, this weapon may be difficult to wield for the majority. However, there are still a lot of options to choose from so you do not need to fret on this one. In essence, mastering the Umbral Flames demands skill despite their formidable power.
Argent Skull in Hades 2
The Argent Skull stands out as the most distinctive weapon currently available in Hades 2. It features three skulls that serve as ammo for a potent primary attack. Once launched, the skull remains on the ground until retrieved. The Special ability facilitates a dash maneuver that inflicts damage, particularly aiding in the retrieval of skull ammo. While wielding the Argent Skull presents its own set of challenges, it offers an explosively enjoyable experience. Your primary mode of attack involves hurling skulls at enemies, yet with finite ammunition, you must actively retrieve them from the battlefield to sustain your assault.
Here, the Special move becomes crucial, enabling you to charge forward, damaging foes and retrieving skills simultaneously. When empowered, it unleashes area-of-effect assaults. Leveraging your sprint proves advantageous for evading enemies, positioning yourself strategically, and executing enhanced Special dashes to deal damage while retrieving skulls.
Sister Blades in Hades 2
The Sister Blades emerge as the swiftest among the Nocturnal Arms, boasting unparalleled agility despite their comparatively lower damage output. However, the Omega version of the basic attack stands out as one of the game's premier moves, enabling the wielder to teleport behind an adjacent enemy. This weapon presents a brilliant option that seamlessly integrates into the fast-paced combat dynamics of Hades 2.
Successive strikes with the standard Attack sequence lead to Melinoe executing arcing slashes, followed by thrusts, and concluding with a sweeping attack capable of inflicting significant damage. The Special ability proves exceptionally effective in targeting multiple foes simultaneously. Nonetheless, due to the blades' shorter reach, they are best suited for a more aggressive combat approach.
Attacks, Specials and Ω Moves in Hades 2
- Attacks: Press
for your weapon's main attack. - Special: Press
for your weapon's special move, or hold to use 
for a stronger effect. - Ω Moves: Press-and-hold Attack, Special, or
Cast to imbue them with Magick.
How To Unlock Nocturnal Arms in Hades 2?
Unlocking weapons in Hades 2 can be an easy feat and in no time, you will have access to these weapons and start refining your builds. Accessing new weapons in Hades 2 occurs within the staging room before commencing runs. To reveal a menu displaying all available weapons, interact with the massive pool of light situated at the room's center.
As depicted in the accompanying chart, obtaining most Nocturnal Arms requires silvers, with additional resources like cinder, glass rocks, and bronze required for unlocking every weapon. The good thing about this is almost every material is not that hard to find so you will be able to craft or unlock these weapons in soonest time possible if you want to do so.
Moonstone Axe in Hades 2
is a lumbering monstrosity, with slow-moving but high-damage attacks. While it’s extremely effective at clearing rooms of enemies, it underperforms against bosses, which typically require you to both keep your distance and move quickly. Mastering the Moonstone Axe initially poses challenges due to its distinct heaviness and slower speed compared to other weapons in Hades 2. However, once proficiency is achieved, it emerges as a formidable force.
Utilizing Dodge and Attack maneuvers allows for sweeping strikes from behind enemies, while the blocking mechanism during Omega Special preparation proves invaluable in preventing enemy overwhelm during casting pauses. Upon becoming accustomed to its weight and augmenting it with appropriate Keepsakes and Boons, the Moonstone Axe becomes capable of cleaving through waves of adversaries with remarkable force.
Daedalus Hammers in Hades 2
Daedalus Hammers is a returning material in Hades 2 and much like in its previous installment, these special materials can improve weapon properties, affect their behaviors, or even alter some. This is a crucial material when optimizing builds in the game. Players can get Daedalus Hammers by exploring the world.
How To Get More Silver in Hades 2
Of course, as mentioned previously players need to gather materials to unlock Nocturnal Weapons in the game. To gather silver, your first step is unlocking the Crescent Pick. Without this, you will not be able to farm this material. Once acquired, equip the Crescent Pick before embarking on a run and be vigilant for clusters of silvery crescent moons along the way. You can easily notice this due to its color and appearance. Each cluster yields three silver.
Other sources can be taken advantage of such as the the NPC Narcissus in Oceanus presents an opportunity to receive six silver as part of his ever-changing rewards.
How To Get More Cinder in Hades 2
Regarding cinder, you obtain one each time you defeat Hecate, the initial boss. In essence, you must vanquish her three times to unlock the Umbral Flames. Cinder can solely be unlocked by defeating Hecate within the Erebus area of Hades 2, which serves as the first area preceding the subsequent region. If you're seeking to acquire a cinder after overcoming Hecate, abandoning your current run and returning to your camp is the only recourse, as you can earn only one cinder per run, exclusively from Hecate.
Compared to the previous installment, cinder operates akin to Titan's Blood and other boss rewards, albeit without requiring the use of a different weapon or weapon aspect. Instead, Hecate consistently bestows cinder as a reward, irrespective of how many times you've defeated her using the same weapon.
How to Get Glassrocks
Glassrock (referred to as G rock) is found within the Fields of Mourning region. Similar to Silver, the Reagent Sensing incantation will guide you directly to any deposits of glassrock. The most challenging aspect of gathering G.Rock in Hades 2 is navigating past Oceanus, requiring you to overcome the Scylla boss fight and her Siren band. However, upon surmounting the watery depths, you'll arrive at the desolate Fields of Mourning region.
In contrast to preceding levels, Fields of Mourning teems with swift adversaries capable of swiftly dispatching you. Therefore, my suggestion is to proceed through this section cautiously and maximize your Magick attacks. Continue advancing through Fields of Mourning until you encounter a Black rock in the overworld.
How to Get Bronze in Hades 2
Obtaining bronze proves to be a challenging endeavor in Hades 2 due to the multiple steps required to access it. The sole source of bronze in Hades 2 becomes available only after investing significant time battling through the underworld. Eventually, Hermes will enlist your aid in surface combat, accessible through the stairway in The Crossroads.
Bronze can be found in the City of Ephyra, accessible only after you gain the ability to ascend to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the Reagent Sensing incantation will guide you toward any nearby deposits of bronze.
