Genshin Impact Weapons Guide

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: Introduction

Weapons play a crucial role in enhancing characters in Genshin Impact, significantly boosting their attack power while providing passive abilities that can create synergy with their overall build. Choosing the right weapon is essential for maximizing a character’s potential, whether focusing on dealing damage, supporting allies, or increasing survivability. Each weapon type—swords, claymores, polearms, bows, and catalysts—has distinct characteristics that determine a character’s playstyle, making weapon selection an important part of build optimization.

While five-star weapons are often the most powerful in terms of stats and passive abilities, they are not a necessity for creating a strong character build. A well-chosen four-star or even three-star weapon can be highly effective when properly refined and paired with the right character. The key to a good weapon choice lies in its synergy with a character’s skills, elemental abilities, and role within a team. For example, a weapon with a high critical rate or critical damage bonus is ideal for a DPS character, while energy recharge or elemental mastery weapons work better for characters who rely on frequent elemental bursts or reactions.

Additionally, weapons can be enhanced through ascension and refinement. Ascending a weapon increases its base stats, making it stronger over time, while refinement boosts the power of its passive ability. Refining a weapon requires obtaining duplicate copies, which can be done through wishing, events, or forging, depending on the weapon type. Some four-star weapons obtained from events or the battle pass are especially valuable because they offer strong passives that rival those of five-star weapons at high refinement levels.

Understanding how a weapon’s stats and passive ability align with a character’s kit is crucial for effective team building. A weapon that works exceptionally well for one character may be suboptimal for another. For example, a weapon that increases normal attack damage is best suited for a character who relies on basic attacks, while one that provides energy recharge benefits characters who depend on their elemental burst. This careful selection ensures that a character performs at their highest potential, making weapons a vital aspect of Genshin Impact’s gameplay.

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: Weapon Types and Rarities

In Genshin Impact, weapons are categorized into five distinct types, each tailored to specific characters and playstyles. A character can only equip one type of weapon, making weapon selection crucial for optimizing performance. The weapon types are Swords, Claymores, Bows, Polearms, and Catalysts, each offering different attack styles and mechanics. Swords provide balanced speed and damage, claymores deal heavy but slow strikes and can break enemy shields efficiently, bows offer long-range precision, polearms deliver rapid thrusts with extended reach, and catalysts are exclusively for elemental attacks.

Weapons also come in different rarities, ranging from one to five stars. Higher rarity weapons generally feature better base stats and superior scaling. For instance, a five-star weapon at the same level typically has a higher ATK than a three-star weapon. Three-star weapons and above have both a secondary stat and a passive ability. The secondary stat—such as ATK%, Crit Rate, Energy Recharge, or Elemental Mastery—improves as the weapon levels up.

Passive abilities provide additional effects, such as increasing damage output, boosting energy regeneration, or enhancing elemental reactions. These passive effects can be strengthened through refinement, which requires obtaining duplicate copies of the weapon. Mastering the synergy between weapon stats, passives, and character abilities is key to maximizing a character’s effectiveness in battle.

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: How to Obtain Weapons

The method of acquiring weapons in Genshin Impact varies depending on their rarity, with higher-rarity weapons generally being more difficult to obtain.

Five-star weapons are exclusively available through the Wish system, specifically from the Wanderlust Invocation (standard banner) and the weapon event banner. These powerful weapons feature high base stats and strong passive abilities, making them highly sought after.

Four-star weapons can be obtained through multiple sources, including all Wish banners, Paimon’s Bargains in exchange for Starglitter, and forging using a Billet along with ores. Additionally, some four-star weapons are rewarded through the paid battle pass, while limited-time events occasionally offer exclusive four-star weapons as rewards.

Three-star weapons are more common and can be acquired through Wishes or found in chests scattered across the open world.

Two-star and one-star weapons are primarily found in chests, investigation spots, or purchased from certain NPCs. These lower-rarity weapons are generally not useful for high-level play but can serve as early-game options.

Starglitter, earned from rolling duplicate four-star or five-star items in Wishes, can be used to purchase select four-star weapons. Weapon Billets, necessary for forging some four-star weapons, can be obtained as drops from weekly bosses or purchased from the souvenir shop in certain regions. Understanding these acquisition methods helps in efficiently obtaining and upgrading weapons to enhance a character’s performance.

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: Notable Weapons

Certain weapons in Genshin Impact stand out due to their strong base stats, powerful passive abilities, and overall versatility. This section highlights notable five-star and four-star weapons that offer significant advantages in various team compositions and playstyles.

Five-Star Weapons

Sunny Morning Sleep-InEngulfing LightningStaff of HomaAqua SimulacraMistsplitter ReforgedFreedom SwornElegy for the EndHunter’s PathThousand Floating DreamsBeacon of the Reed SeaPrimordial Jade CutterCalamity Queller

Sunny Morning Sleep-In – A catalyst that significantly boosts Elemental Mastery, making it ideal for characters who rely on elemental reactions. It has a Base ATK of 542 and a secondary Elemental Mastery stat of 265. Its passive ability enhances Elemental Mastery when triggering Swirl, using an Elemental Skill, or performing an Elemental Burst, making it well-suited for reaction-based characters.

Engulfing Lightning – A polearm that increases Energy Recharge and converts a portion of it into ATK, making it highly effective for characters who rely on frequent Elemental Bursts.

Staff of Homa – A polearm with high Crit Damage and a passive that boosts ATK based on max HP, making it an excellent choice for HP-scaling DPS characters.

Aqua Simulacra – A bow with a high Crit Damage stat and a passive that increases damage when opponents are nearby, making it strong for ranged DPS characters.

Mistsplitter Reforged – A sword with high Crit Damage and an effect that enhances Elemental Damage, making it one of the best weapons for DPS sword users.

Freedom Sworn – A sword that boosts ATK and Elemental Mastery, making it ideal for support characters who focus on enhancing their team’s damage output.

Elegy for the End – A bow designed for support characters, increasing Energy Recharge, Elemental Mastery, and team ATK bonuses upon triggering its passive effect.

Hunter’s Path – A bow that enhances Charged Attack Damage, making it a strong choice for bow-wielding DPS characters.

Thousand Floating Dreams – A catalyst with high Elemental Mastery, designed for characters that excel in reaction-based damage.

Beacon of the Reed Sea – A claymore with high base ATK and Crit Rate, providing additional HP and ATK bonuses when certain conditions are met.

Primordial Jade Cutter – A sword with a high Crit Rate stat and a passive that increases HP while scaling ATK based on max HP, making it versatile for different builds.

Calamity Queller – A polearm with high base ATK and a passive that boosts Elemental Damage and ATK, making it a solid option for various polearm DPS characters.

Four-Star Weapons

Tamayuratei no OhanashiThe CatchAmenoma KageuchiIron StingPrototype Archaic

Tamayuratei no Ohanashi – A free event polearm with a Base ATK of 565 and Energy Recharge (30.6%) as its secondary stat. Its passive increases ATK and Movement Speed after using an Elemental Skill, making it effective for fast-paced combat.

The Catch – A polearm that boosts Elemental Burst Damage and Crit Rate, obtainable through fishing in Inazuma, making it a great F2P option for Burst-reliant characters.

Amenoma Kageuchi – A sword with high ATK% scaling that generates Energy after using an Elemental Burst, making it an excellent option for characters with frequent Burst usage. It can be crafted after completing the Farmer’s Treasure quest in Inazuma.

Iron Sting – A sword with Elemental Mastery as its secondary stat, increasing damage after dealing Elemental Damage, making it well-suited for reaction-based DPS characters.

Prototype Archaic – A claymore with high base ATK and a passive that grants a 50% chance to deal additional AoE damage on Normal and Charged Attacks, making it a strong choice for active claymore users.

Choosing the right weapon depends on how well it complements a character’s abilities, stats, and role in a team. Understanding weapon synergies allows for more effective and optimized builds in Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: Free-to-Play (F2P) Options

Many weapons in Genshin Impact can be obtained without spending Primogems, making them accessible to all players. These F2P options come from crafting, quests, and in-game activities. While five-star weapons often have superior stats and passives, F2P weapons can still be highly effective when paired with the right characters. Below is a selection of some of the best F2P weapons, categorized by type.

Swords

WeaponDescriptionAmenoma KageuchiA sword with a high ATK% secondary stat that restores Energy after using an Elemental Burst. Well-suited for Burst-reliant sword users and can be crafted after completing the Farmer’s Treasure quest in Inazuma.Iron StingA sword with Elemental Mastery as its secondary stat. Increases all damage by up to 12% after dealing Elemental Damage, making it ideal for reaction-based builds. Can be crafted at the blacksmith.Prototype RancourA sword that provides a Physical DMG Bonus and increases ATK and DEF with every Normal or Charged Attack hit. Available early in the game and is a good option for Physical DPS sword users.

Claymores

WeaponDescriptionPrototype ArchaicA claymore with high base ATK that has a 50% chance to deal additional AoE damage on Normal and Charged Attacks. It can be crafted at a blacksmith and is useful for attack-based DPS characters.Snow-Tombed StarsilverA claymore with a Physical DMG Bonus secondary stat. Deals extra damage when hitting enemies with Normal and Charged Attacks, with double the effect if the enemy is affected by Cryo. Its crafting diagram is obtained by solving Dragonspine’s Glacial Secret puzzle.WhiteblindA DEF-scaling claymore that increases ATK and DEF when landing Normal and Charged Attacks. Particularly useful for DEF-scaling characters and can be crafted early in the game.Katsuragikiri NagamasaEnhances Elemental Skill damage while consuming some Energy, but also increases Energy Recharge over time. The diagram is obtained after completing the Tatara Tales quest in Inazuma.

Polearms

WeaponDescriptionThe CatchA polearm that provides Energy Recharge and increases Elemental Burst damage and CRIT Rate. Obtained by exchanging fish at the Inazuma Fishing Association, making it a strong choice for Burst-focused polearm users.Kitain Cross SpearIncreases Elemental Skill damage but drains Energy while also restoring Energy over time. The diagram is acquired from the Orobashi’s Legacy quest.Prototype StarglitterA polearm with Energy Recharge as its secondary stat. Increases Normal and Charged Attack damage after using an Elemental Skill, making it useful for characters with quick Skill cooldowns. Can be crafted without needing a special diagram.Dragonspine SpearA Physical DMG-focused polearm that has a chance to deal extra AoE damage, with increased damage if the target is affected by Cryo. The crafting diagram is obtained from the Festering Fang quest in Dragonspine.Crescent PikeGrants a Normal and Charged Attack damage bonus after picking up an Elemental Orb or Particle. It is craftable from the start of the game.

Bows

WeaponDescriptionPrototype CrescentA bow that grants a significant ATK boost when landing Charged Attack hits on enemy weak spots. Ideal for bow DPS characters and can be crafted without a diagram.Compound BowIncreases Physical DMG and ATK Speed upon hitting targets with Normal or Charged Attacks. Useful for Physical DPS bow users.Favonius WarbowA free bow rewarded from the Mondstadt Archon Quest that greatly increases Energy Recharge, making it useful for support characters.

Catalysts

Prototype Amber – A catalyst with an HP% secondary stat that restores Energy after using an Elemental Burst and provides healing. It is an excellent option for support and healing characters like Barbara and Kokomi.

Mappa Mare – A catalyst that increases Elemental Mastery and grants an Elemental DMG Bonus after triggering an Elemental Reaction, making it ideal for reaction-based DPS characters. It can be crafted without a diagram.

Frostbearer – A catalyst that drops an icicle on enemies, dealing extra AoE Cryo DMG. The effect is stronger when the target is affected by Cryo. The diagram is obtained by leveling up the Frostbearing Tree in Dragonspine.

Hakushin Ring – A catalyst that grants an Elemental DMG bonus to nearby allies after triggering an Electro-related Elemental Reaction. The crafting diagram is obtained from the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual quest in Inazuma.

These F2P weapons offer viable alternatives to gacha-exclusive weapons, and when chosen strategically, they can enhance character performance significantly. Crafting, quests, and in-game activities provide opportunities to obtain strong weapons without spending Primogems, allowing players to optimize their builds efficiently.

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: Considerations

Choosing the right weapon in Genshin Impact is essential for optimizing a character’s performance. The ideal weapon depends on various factors, including stats, passive abilities, character scaling, team composition, and resource management. Weapons provide a significant portion of a character’s power, with three-star or higher weapons featuring a secondary stat and a passive ability. Matching a weapon’s stats and abilities with a character’s kit is key to maximizing efficiency.

Characters fulfill different roles—DPS, Support, or Healer—and scale off different stats, making some weapons more effective than others. Elemental Mastery (EM) scaling characters, such as Heizou and Citlali, benefit from EM-based weapons, while ATK-scaling DPS characters perform best with high base ATK and ATK% bonuses. HP-scaling characters like Hu Tao and Zhongli prioritize weapons that boost HP, such as Rightful Reward. Some weapons also provide team-wide buffs or Energy generation, making them useful in support roles.

Elegy for the End grants ATK and Elemental Mastery to the entire team, while Hakushin Ring enhances Energy Recharge and provides an Elemental DMG Bonus after triggering Electro reactions. Upgrading and refining weapons requires investment in materials, which can be obtained from Domains and enemy drops. Refinement strengthens a weapon’s passive ability but typically requires duplicates of the same weapon, making it a long-term commitment. Deciding whether to pull for a weapon or use a free-to-play option depends on its versatility and long-term value.

Signature weapons significantly enhance specific characters but may not be as useful for others, whereas craftable weapons like Amenoma Kageuchi, Iron Sting, and Prototype Archaic offer strong alternatives. Standard Banner weapons are widely available, and since they are not limited, spending Primogems specifically for them may not be the most efficient choice. Ultimately, the best weapon choice depends on a player’s characters, team composition, playstyle, and available resources. Investing wisely in weapon upgrades ensures optimal performance in battles.

Genshin Impact Weapons Guide: Conclusion

Selecting the right weapon in Genshin Impact is an ongoing process that requires strategic decision-making and adaptation. The best weapon choice depends not only on its base stats or rarity but on how well it complements a character’s role, playstyle, and team composition. Versatile weapons that can be effectively used by multiple characters, such as Elegy for the End, Aqua Simulacra, Mistsplitter Reforged, and Wolf’s Gravestone, offer long-term value. Signature weapons like Staff of Homa and Freedom-Sworn provide strong benefits, while newer weapons such as Sunny Morning Sleep-In and Tamayuratei no Ohanashi introduce additional flexible options.

Free-to-play (F2P) players have access to powerful alternatives through craftable weapons like Amenoma Kageuchi, Iron Sting, Prototype Archaic, and Whiteblind, as well as event-exclusive and exchangeable options like “The Catch” from the Inazuma Fishing Association. Resource management is also crucial, as weapon leveling and ascension require significant investment in materials and Mora. Limited-time weapons, such as Mizuki’s signature catalyst, may not return for a long time, making it essential to evaluate their usefulness before pulling.

A weapon’s synergy with team compositions should also be considered, as certain passives enhance elemental reactions, boost energy regeneration, or increase survivability—such as the Hakushin Ring, which benefits Electro-based teams. Understanding character scaling is equally important when selecting weapons, as some characters prioritize ATK, while others rely on HP, Elemental Mastery, or DEF. For instance, Hu Tao and Zhongli can utilize ATK but gain greater benefits from HP-based weapons. Mastering weapon selection requires a holistic understanding of these mechanics, allowing players to optimize their teams, maximize their damage potential, and efficiently tackle the challenges of Teyvat.