Finally escaped with the Sword yesterday, it's really worth it to build it around the special.
Got the upgrade which makes it hit twice, then the Aphrodite upgrade which gives it more damage and inflicts "weak", and then further increased the damage every time I could.
I've escaped with the shield, spear and sword.
Now I'll try with the other weapons I feel less comfortable with. I've seen a lot of people online seem to love the bow but I've never really had a build with it that I've felt is good, it always feels slow and low damage to me. Any advice on boon, aspects and upgrades to get for it?