Summary
- Mastering weapons in Hades 2 is the key to success in Melinoe's journey, and the Umbral Flames require precision to wield.
- Umbral Flames, though improved via a recent update, still falls short compared to other Nocturnal Arms in Hades 2.
- Changes like adjusting movement speed reduction can make the Umbral Flames a more appealing choice in battles.
One of the best ways to experience Melinoe's journey in Hades 2 is by mastering the weapons she can wield. With the strength of all the Nocturnal Arms, the main protagonist can perform several powerful and deadly actions that fit many different playstyles. However, out of all of them, the Umbral Flames' power and consistency feel below standard compared to the rest and may require an upgrade.
The Umbral Flames in Hades 2 are a pair of magical wands better suited for players with a more defensive and precise style of play. Since the game's Early Access release in May 2024, the weapon has seen an update that aimed to fix and improve it. However, even after the changes, it is not as strong and reliable as the other Nocturnal Arms. The Umbral Flames have the potential to be an amazing weapon that matches or even surpasses the status of its siblings, but that can only happen if it sees noticeable improvements throughout its Early Access run.
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Why Hades 2's Umbral Flames Should Be Improved
All the weapons in Hades 2 are meant to have flaws to match the strength they give to the user. Their weaknesses can eventually be overcome as players upgrade them with the boons they receive throughout their journey. Despite the amount of power-ups that can be obtained, the Umbral Flames' shortcomings can still outweigh the benefits. Based on the current version of the game, there are a few possible explanations as to why the weapon isn't living up to its potential:
- Aspect of Melinoe – Although the omega special burns longer before expiring, the fully upgraded weapon benefit only gives it an extra 2.5 seconds.
- Aspect of Moros – The lingering attacks must be struck by the weapon's special to explode, requiring a lot of unnecessary careful placement and precision for an additional bit of damage
- Aspect of Eos – The Daybreaker launched after performing an omega attack only has a very small AoE blast and travels so slowly that fast-paced enemies are barely phased by it
All of that coupled with the limited movement when holding the attack button makes this Nocturnal Arm more of a hindrance than a powerful weapon in battle. Even when players can get what's considered the best boon combos for the Umbral Flames, they can still easily die when confronting even the most standard enemies.
How the Umbral Flames Can Be Changed
Melinoe plays differently from Zagreus in that she has a more magic-centered and careful approach to combat when compared to her brother's aggressive in-your-face style. The Umbral Flames should encapsulate how the Hades 2 protagonist fights, but it doesn't in its current state. One of the easiest fixes that can be done to the weapon is by changing the movement speed deficit when channeling attacks. It already requires a lot of attentive maneuvering and getting heavily punished for simply attacking can make it less appealing to those who would have enjoyed its potential. Changing the movement speed reduction to a more reasonable amount can help the player feel safer during fights, making it a good choice for those who love playing more defensively than normal.
Another way to improve the Umbral Flames is by modifying how its special functions. Not being able to target the weapon's special ability is one thing, but having the player constantly predict where the projectiles go can get extremely tedious. Reworking it into something that allows players to choose how and where the flaming orbs are fired can make all the weapon aspects of the Umbral Flames more viable. One way it can be changed is by letting the player target an area the special attack can circle in a limited radius, giving the player more freedom and control in battle.
The most recent update in Hades 2 may have tried to turn the Umbral Flames into a better weapon, but its downsides still outshine the improvements. There is still a lot of time for Supergiant Games to give the Nocturnal Arm what it needs to be an incredible piece of equipment. As it stands, the Umbral Flames are still one of the weaker weapons in the game.
Hades 2
- Released
- September 25, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft.
BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLD
As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you'll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.
MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERY
Infuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.
MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
Meet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.
EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURE
New locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.
THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITY
Thanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don't have to be a god yourself to experience what Hades II has to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
Rich, atmospheric presentation and storytelling fused with responsive action is the hallmark of Supergiant's titles. Vivid new hand-painted environments, even smoother real-time 3D characters, and an electrifying original score make this mythic world burst with life.
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Franchise
- Hades
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
