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How to Get Hades’ Shield: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to wield the power of Hades’ shield, eh? Whether you’re talking about the God of War universe or the roguelike masterpiece Hades, obtaining a shield associated with the Lord of the Underworld requires different approaches. Let’s break it down:

In God of War, acquiring a shield linked to Hades, specifically to proceed further into Pandora’s Temple, you need to obtain the Shield of Hades by climbing down a rope into a large pit. In this pit, you will find many warriors fighting with the minions of Hades and Ares. Moreover, to open a door, Kratos must push a large bin of rocks onto a small button-like stone.

In the game Hades, the focus is on the Shield of Chaos. To unlock its hidden aspect, players must first find and speak with Chaos to learn the weapon’s waking phrase. The base form of the shield is acquired by players obtaining three Chthonic Keys out in the underworld. Once players have used the three keys on the shield it will then become theirs to use whenever they wish.

Delving Deeper: Unlocking the Secrets of Hades’ Shields

Understanding the context of “Hades’ shield” is crucial. Let’s explore the different interpretations.

The Shield of Hades in God of War

In the original God of War, obtaining the Shield of Hades is a necessary step in progressing through Pandora’s Temple. While there aren’t specific “unlocking” mechanics in the way we see in modern games, the shield is acquired through environmental puzzles and combat.

Location: A large pit within Pandora’s Temple.
Challenge: Navigate the pit filled with warriors battling Hades’ and Ares’ minions. Overcome any enemies to proceed to the next stage.
Puzzle Element: Pushing a large bin of rocks onto a button to open a door and access the shield.

The God of War shield is more of a key item than a fully customizable weapon.

The Shield of Chaos in Hades

The roguelike Hades presents a much more complex and rewarding system for unlocking and upgrading its weapons, including the Shield of Chaos (Aegis). Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Base Shield Acquisition: The Shield of Chaos is one of the initial weapons available to Zagreus. You don’t need to “unlock” it in the traditional sense. You simply need to select it before starting a run.
Chthonic Keys: You need three Chthonic Keys to unlock this weapon. These keys are earned by completing room challenges within each run. Focus on rooms offering keys as rewards.
Aspects: The Shield of Chaos, like all weapons in Hades, has multiple Aspects, which are essentially different forms of the weapon with unique abilities and playstyles. The most coveted is the Hidden Aspect, linked to Chaos.
- Unlocking Hidden Aspects:
  - Unlock the Fists: Unlock the Twin Fists of Malphon.
  - Unlock the Fated List: Purchase the “Fated List of Minor Prophecies” from the House Contractor.
  - Unlock Aspects: Invest at least 5 Titan Blood into different Aspects across all weapons. This unlocks the ability to reveal Hidden Aspects.
  - The Spear of Guan-Yu: Unlock the Aspect of Guan Yu for the Eternal Spear.
  - Blood for the Fists: Invest at least 5 Titan Blood into the Twin Fists to trigger the dialogue to unlock the Aspect of Gilgamesh.
Chaos’ Revelation: To reveal the Hidden Aspect of the Shield of Chaos, you must encounter Chaos during your runs. This is random, but prioritize Chaos Gates when they appear. Keep trying until they speak about the waking phrase.
Waking Phrase: Chaos will eventually reveal a specific phrase related to the Shield’s Hidden Aspect. Once you’ve heard this phrase, the Hidden Aspect will be unlocked, costing further Titan Blood to upgrade.

Using the Shield of Chaos Effectively

The Shield of Chaos in Hades is a versatile weapon that can be played in several ways.

Basic Attacks: Holding the attack button blocks damage, releasing it performs a shield bash.
Special: Throws the shield, which bounces between enemies.
Boon Synergies: Experiment with different Boons from the Olympian gods. Some Boons greatly enhance the shield’s blocking capabilities, while others amplify the shield bash or the bouncing special attack.
Aspect Considerations: Different Aspects encourage different playstyles. For example, the Aspect of Beowulf is known for its charged bull rush attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about acquiring and using Hades’ shields, catering to both the God of War and Hades universes:

How do you get the Shield of Chaos in Hades?

The base Shield of Chaos is one of the six Infernal Arms available from the start. You need three Chthonic Keys to unlock it, which you earn by completing encounters throughout your runs.
How do I unlock the Hidden Aspect for the Shield of Chaos?

You must first unlock the Twin Fists of Malphon, unlock the “Fated List of Minor Prophecies” from the House Contractor, invest at least 5 Titan Blood into different Aspects across all weapons and invest at least 5 Titan Blood into the Twin Fists and finally encounter Chaos and have them reveal the waking phrase.
What is Titan Blood and how do I get it?

Titan Blood is a valuable resource used to unlock and upgrade weapon Aspects. You can obtain it by:
- Defeating the first and final bosses for the first time with each weapon.
- Completing bounties for defeating the first and final bosses at higher heat levels.
- Claiming rewards from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies.
- Trading with the Wretched Broker.
What are Chthonic Keys used for?

Chthonic Keys are used to unlock new Infernal Arms (weapons) and to unlock permanent upgrades in the Mirror of Night.
How does the Shield of Chaos work in combat?

Holding the attack button will block damage from the front, and releasing will perform a shield bash forwards, dealing damage to enemies hit. The special throws the shield, which bounces between enemies and objects before returning.
What are the best Boons for the Shield of Chaos?

This depends on your Aspect and playstyle. Boons that enhance your shield bash damage (like Athena’s Divine Dash) or your special (like Zeus’ Thunder Flourish) are generally effective.
Where do I find Chaos in Hades?

Chaos appears randomly in chambers marked with a Chaos Gate. These gates offer powerful but risky buffs. Keep an eye out for them!
How do I unlock new weapons in Hades?

You unlock new weapons using Chthonic Keys, earned by completing encounters.
What is the best Aspect for the Shield of Chaos?

This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Popular choices include the Aspect of Beowulf (for its powerful charged attack) and the Aspect of Chaos (for its unique attack modifier).
In God of War, how do I get past the warriors fighting in the pit to get the Shield of Hades?

You must defeat all of the warriors and minions in the pit. Using area-of-effect attacks and strategic dodges is crucial.
What is the Shield of Zeus used for in God of War?

The Shield of Zeus, along with the Shield of Hades, is an object needed to further enter Pandora’s Temple.
Where does Hades guard in Greek mythology?

Hades guards the Underworld, the realm of the dead.
What are some of Hades’ iconic items?

His helm of invisibility, Cerberus (the three-headed dog), and his bident.
How do I unlock more content in Hades after beating the final boss?

Continue playing runs with increasing Heat levels on the Pact of Punishment to earn more rewards. You can also work on forging bonds with the various characters and completing Prophecies.
What gameplay elements of Hades make it educational?

The game’s narrative explores Greek mythology in an engaging manner, encouraging players to learn more about the characters and stories it portrays. The game also encourages strategic thinking, resource management, and adaptation to overcome challenges which are all great for development. As the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org knows, video games can be powerful tools for education and cognitive development.

Whether you’re facing down hordes of enemies to claim the Shield of Hades in God of War or mastering the intricacies of the Shield of Chaos in Hades, these shields represent a significant step on your journey. Now go forth and conquer the Underworld!

How do you get Hades shield?