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The Witch's Staff, known by the name Descura, is the first weapon that Melinoë can wield in Hades 2. Though it might seem like a "default" weapon, it's anything but, and is just as strong – and just as complex to master – as any of the other Nocturnal Arms.

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This guide explains how to use the Witch's Staff effectively through an overview of its regular attacks, omega moves, and the three Aspects available to unlock for it. Additionally, look for tips below on what the best Witch's Staff boons are, which Keepsakes and Arcana cards you should equip, and some brief suggestions on the best Hades 2 Witch Staff builds.

Descura, Witch's Staff Overview: Regular Attacks, Ω Moves, Aspects

Hades 2 Witch Staff Guide Codex Entry Descura

Amongst the Nocturnal Arms, Descura was first to wake when you approached. She is yours.

Wielding the Witch's Staff effectively means you must learn its moveset, and learn how to use its long-ranged Special and closer-range Attack moves. The Omega (Ω) variant of the Attack and Special offer stronger and longer-range versions of the basic moves, and are worth using liberally – especially with the Aspect of Melinoë.

Regular & Ω Moves

Standard

Omega Ω

Attack

  • Thrust the Staff forward for medium base damage
  • Short-to-medium range, medium-fast attack speed
  • 3x attacks completes the attack chain
  • Last attack in chain hits harder and wider

  • Cost: 20 Magick
  • Charges two lines ahead and behind Melinoë
  • Deals immense damage upon release

Special

  • Shoot a Magick bolt forward for low base damage
  • Long range, fast attack speed
  • Cannot be chained

  • Cost: 10 Magick
  • Charges a larger, more powerful Magick bolt
  • Deals immense damage in a small area around blast

Witch's Staff Aspects

There are three aspects for the Witch's Staff in Hades 2: the Aspects of Melinoë, Momus, and Circe. Each of these aspects grants new powers to the Witch's Staff without changing the basic moveset.

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  • Aspect of Melinoë: Default, hastens the time it takes to channel all Ω Moves
  • Aspect of Momus: Heals for 5 Life when you use your Ω Cast. This does not trigger when above 50% Life.
  • Aspect of Circe: After landing 21 Attacks or Specials, you gain Serenity. This makes you recover Magick much faster and hastens Ω Moves

Of the three, the Aspect of Melinoë is the most reliable and thus is typically the best Witch's Staff aspect. However, if you want to try to specialize into a rapid Attack or Special build, or want to sacrifice the Channel boosts for extra Life gain to make it to the end of Hades 2, the other Aspects are far from bad choices.

Best Witch Staff Boons & Builds

Hades 2 Witch Staff Guide Descura Best Boons

Best Witch's Staff Boons

God

Boon

Reasoning

Daedalus

Double Moonshot

Fires 2 more projectiles for every Special, which hone on foes. Effectively doubles damage and provides AoE

Poseidon

Wave Flourish

Specials are more damaging and push back enemies. Incredibly powerful Special boon that also works for CC.

Demeter

Ice Strike

Attacks are stronger and can Freeze enemies. Take this alongside effects that reset or extend Freeze.

Hephaestus

Volcanic Flourish/Strike

Specials/Attacks will create a huge Blast on a cooldown. With the amount of Attacks/Specials Witch's Staff builds rely on, this is a must-take.

Apollo

Super Nova

Arguably one of the best boons in Hades 2, this make your Casts expand in size. Use this with a long-range Witch Staff build.

Hera

Born Gain

Primes Magick to completely restore Magick when it runs out. This is the best Magick-regain boon in Hades 2, and is invaluable in Witch's Staff builds, that use Ω abilities so often.

Best Witch's Staff Builds

The Big Kahuna, Dudealus: Take the Double Moonshot and Wave Flourish boons, and spam Specials. Take Special support boons from other Gods.

Queen of the Hearth: Take Scorch and Hera boons, especially for Attacks and Casts, and hope to get the Duo boon that creates 90 Scorch when Channeling.

Forgemaster of Storms: Take boons that grant Blitz (for Attacks or Specials) and proc them with Hephaestus' Blast effects for mob-clearing waves of damage.

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Best Witch's Staff Arcana & Keepsakes

Hades 2 - Eternity Arcana Card

Best Witch Staff Arcana Cards

Number

Arcana

Effect

I

The Sorceress

While you Channel your Ω Moves, everything moves slower for 2 Sec.

III

The Huntress

While you have less than 100% Magick, your Attack and Special deal +30% damage

VI

The Furies

Deal +20% damage to foes in your Casts

VIII

The Unseen

Restore 2 Magick every 1 Sec

XVIII

Originator

Deal +25% damage to foes afflicted with at least 2 Curse effects

Eternity (XII, Death Defiances), and Excellence/Divinity (XIX/XXIV, higher chance for Rare/Epic boons) are worth using in just about any build.

Best Keepsakes for the Witch's Staff

  • Evil Eye: Deal more damage to the last foe that killed you. If you are having trouble on a boss, this can give you the edge to surmount them.
  • Silver Wheel: Restores Magick every three seconds until a well of Magick reserves has been fully used.
  • Knuckle Bones: Bosses deal less damage to Melinoë, and have less max HP to start each encounter with.
  • Blackened Coat: After every encounter, all damage is increased – both the amount Melinoë dishes out, and the amount she takes
Hades2CoverArt
Hades 2

Franchise
Hades
Platform(s)
PC
Released
2023-00-00
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Genre(s)
Action , Roguelite
See at Official Site