Unlocking the Secrets of the Eternal Spear in Hades: A Comprehensive Guide

To unlock the hidden aspect of the Eternal Spear, Aspect of Guan Yu, in Hades, you’ll need to fulfill a specific set of requirements. These include purchasing the “Fated List of Minor Prophecies” from the House Contractor, defeating the final boss at least once, investing at least 5 Titan Blood in aspects other than Zagreus across any of the weapons, speaking with Achilles multiple times until he reveals the waking phrase, and then equipping the spear and interacting with its holder (Achilles).

Diving Deep into the Spear Aspects

Hades, the critically acclaimed roguelike from Supergiant Games, offers a diverse arsenal of weapons, each with unique aspects that drastically alter their playstyle. The Eternal Spear (Varatha) is no exception. While the initial aspects provide a solid foundation, the hidden aspect, the Aspect of Guan Yu, presents a significant challenge and a rewarding experience for seasoned players.

The Unveiling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Unlocking hidden aspects in Hades is not as straightforward as simply spending Titan Blood. It requires a combination of progression, resource investment, and specific interactions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to unlock the Aspect of Guan Yu:

1. The Prophecy Beckons: First and foremost, you must purchase the “Fated List of Minor Prophecies” from the House Contractor. This item costs a significant number of gemstones, so prioritize farming those if you haven’t already.

2. Triumph Over the Underworld: You need to successfully defeat Hades, the final boss, at least once. This demonstrates your ability to navigate the dangers of the Underworld and reach the game’s initial endpoint.

3. Investing in the Arsenal: You need to invest at least 5 Titan Blood into aspects other than the Aspect of Zagreus. This investment can be spread across multiple weapons, encouraging you to experiment with different playstyles. This step is crucial as it signifies your understanding of the weapon upgrade system and your willingness to explore different build options.

4. The Achilles Connection: Engage in numerous conversations with Achilles. This can take several runs, so be patient. He will eventually reveal a specific “waking phrase.” This phrase is essential for triggering the final step. Keep talking to him after each run and exhaust his dialogue options until he mentions a specific line regarding Guan Yu.

5. The Final Act: Once Achilles has divulged the waking phrase, equip the Eternal Spear (Varatha) and interact with Achilles once more. The dialogue option should now appear, allowing you to unlock the Aspect of Guan Yu.

Aspect of Guan Yu: Embrace the Challenge

The Aspect of Guan Yu significantly alters the Spear’s functionality. It reduces your maximum health and grants you a powerful, slow-charging spin attack. Its a unique spin on the spear, and is an interesting way to play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spear Aspects in Hades

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will further illuminate the nuances of unlocking and utilizing the spear aspects in Hades:

1. How many aspects does the Eternal Spear have?

   The Eternal Spear (Varatha) has four aspects: Zagreus, Achilles, Hades, and the hidden aspect, Guan Yu.

2. How do I upgrade weapon aspects in Hades?

   Weapon aspects are upgraded using Titan Blood. After unlocking an aspect, you can invest Titan Blood into it at the weapon selection screen in the House of Hades. Each aspect has five levels.

3. How do I get Titan Blood?

   Titan Blood can be obtained by defeating the first and final bosses with each weapon (with escalating Heat levels), completing prophecies from the Fated List, and trading with the Wretched Broker. GamesLearningSociety.org encourages strategic resource management to maximize your Titan Blood gains.

4. What is the best aspect for the Eternal Spear?

   The “best” aspect is subjective and depends on your playstyle. The Aspect of Achilles is popular for its cast synergy, while the Aspect of Hades excels at applying debuffs. The Aspect of Guan Yu offers a unique challenge for experienced players.

5. Do I need to unlock all the other weapons before unlocking the Aspect of Guan Yu?

   No, you don’t need to unlock all the weapons. You just need to unlock the Eternal Spear (Varatha) itself and fulfill the other specific requirements.

6. Is the Aspect of Guan Yu worth unlocking?

   Yes, the Aspect of Guan Yu is worth unlocking if you’re looking for a challenging and different playstyle. It forces you to play cautiously and rewards strategic spin attacks.

7. What is the waking phrase for the Aspect of Guan Yu?

   The exact waking phrase varies, but it’s a line that Achilles utters during his dialogues about Guan Yu. Keep speaking to him after each run and exhaust his dialogue options until he mentions it.

8. How important is the Fated List of Minor Prophecies?

   Purchasing the Fated List of Minor Prophecies is essential for unlocking any of the hidden weapon aspects.

9. Can I unlock the Aspect of Guan Yu on my first run?

   No, you cannot. You need to defeat the final boss at least once and invest Titan Blood in other aspects.

10. What are some good boons to use with the Aspect of Guan Yu?

    Boons that enhance your survivability, such as those from Athena (for deflecting attacks) and Aphrodite (for weakening enemies), are particularly useful for mitigating the reduced health.

11. Does heat level affect the unlocking of the Aspect of Guan Yu?

    No, heat level does not affect the unlocking of the aspect itself. However, increasing heat levels can provide more Titan Blood, which is required for upgrading the aspect.

12. How does the Aspect of Guan Yu change the spear?

    The Aspect of Guan Yu significantly reduces your maximum health but grants a powerful, slow-charging spin attack. It also changes the spear’s appearance.

13. How do I unlock the other hidden weapon aspects?

    Each weapon has a different character you must speak to in order to trigger the unlocking of the hidden aspect. Nyx for the Stygian Blade, Chaos for the Shield of Chaos, Artemis for the Heart-Seeking Bow, and Asterius for the Twin Fists of Malphon. Remember that each hidden aspect will come with unique unlocking requirements, and each aspect also costs Titan Blood to unlock.

14. What if Achilles doesn’t say the waking phrase?

    Keep talking to him after each run. His dialogue is somewhat random, so it might take several attempts. Make sure you’ve fulfilled the other prerequisites first.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics like those found in Hades?

    The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers resources and insights into game design principles and the educational applications of games. Consider exploring their website to deepen your understanding of how games are created and used for learning.

By following these steps and understanding the mechanics involved, you can successfully unlock the Aspect of Guan Yu and experience a new dimension of gameplay in Hades. Embrace the challenge, master the spin attack, and conquer the Underworld with this unique and powerful aspect.