Polearms in Genshin Impact: Reach Out and Touch Faith… Or Just Your Enemies
So, you’re exploring Teyvat and want some pointy sticks? Good choice. We’re discussing polearms in Genshin Impact. They are elegant and powerful. Forget swords and claymores for now. Let’s get serious about reach and leverage. Let’s dive into polearms, their strengths, and which ones are the best.
General Polearm Ponderings
Let’s answer the burning questions of every Genshin player. What is the absolute best polearm? Well, there isn’t a single answer. It can be different based on your character, build, and even mood. However, if we list amazing polearms, names like Engulfing Lightning, Staff of Homa, and Primordial Jade Winged-Spear rise to the top. Each has something unique, which we’ll explore.
Who are the cool kids using these polearms in Teyvat? Think about the electrifying Raiden Shogun and Geo’s daddy, Zhongli. Don’t forget the brooding Anemo adeptus Xiao or pyro queen Hu Tao. And Xiangling, the OG polearm queen, brings fiery chaos since day one. The elegant Shenhe adds class to this group. If you see someone stylish with a long stick, they likely use a polearm.
Are polearms better than swords? It’s like asking if pasta is better than rice. It’s subjective. Swords are faster and versatile. They can be flashy. Polearms offer reach and heavy hits. There’s no “better” choice, just different tools for different situations. Swords serve quick combat, while polearms control distance.
And are polearms just fancy spears? Not exactly. All spears are polearms, but not all polearms are spears. Think if all circles are ellipses, but not all ellipses are circles. Polearms also include halberds, glaives, and staves. Spears focus on thrusting, while polearms include cutting and hooking techniques. They’re like spears that learned more tricks.
Is a halberd a polearm? Yes! A halberd is a type of polearm. It has a long shaft and a head with varying features like axes and spikes. Halberds were crucial in battles and fit perfectly as polearms.
What about a staff? Is it a polearm too? Yes, staffs are also polearms. They might not look as dangerous as halberds, but they still serve offensive and defensive roles. Picture staff s like Mona summoning meteors. They pack a punch.
Also, here’s a fun fact: Who was the first Genshin character to wield a polearm? That honor belongs to Xiangling! The initial s—Xiangling, Zhongli, Xiao, and Hu Tao—all hailed from Liyue. It wasn’t until Rosaria that a non-Liyue character ed them. Clearly, Liyue likes polearms.
Diving into Specific Polearms: From Godly to Gratuitous
Now, let’s dive into some notable polearms you might wish to acquire. We’ll begin with heavy hitters.
Engulfing Lightning. Considered top-tier, it’s fantastic for or sub-DPS characters. Tailor-made for Raiden Shogun, it boosts her Energy Recharge and Electro damage dramatically. While other poles shine for main DPS roles, Engulfing Lightning amplifies Elemental Burst damage. With it, your Raiden becomes an Electro-nuke.
Staff of Homa. This name feels powerful, right? The Staff of Homa is a DPS beast. It pairs well with Hu Tao due to its HP scaling. Its ive increases HP and attack, boosting attack over 50% HP loss. Risky? Yes. Rewarding? Most definitely. Want massive damage output? This staff is a prime pick.
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. A consistent damage dealer, it boosts attack and stacks up to seven times on hit. Maximum stacks increase all damage. A solid choice for characters needing reliable attack buffs. While it may lack raw power compared to other top-tier options, its consistent performance makes it popular among many.
Next, let’s look at more accessible options that still perform well.
White Tassel. Don’t underestimate this humble three-star rarity. Effective early on, it boosts Crit Rate. Its ive elevates Normal Attack damage. Perfect for characters using normal attacks. Want this gem? Search for Exquisite chests in Liyue, particularly in The Chasm and Chenyu Vale. It’s a treasure hunt but worth it.
Blackcliff Pole. A four-star option from Paimon’s Bargains using Starglitter. Its secondary stat is Crit Damage and its ive boosts attack after defeating enemies. Stackable up to three times, it excels in domains and against groups of foes like the Spiral Abyss. Skilled players can massively boost damage with this one.
Crescent Pike. A craftable four-star polearm with a special niche. Its secondary stat is Physical DMG Bonus. Its ive delivers Physical DMG after picking Elemental Particles. Great for Physical DPS s that generate Elemental Particles often. Requires setup for maximum effect but can yield serious damage.
Deathmatch. Available for Battle s, it’s a versatile four-star choice. This polearm has Crit Rate as its secondary stat. Its ive boosts attack and defense based on nearby enemies, providing balance in offense and defense. Great against bosses or hordes of hilichurls.
Royal Spear. A four-star polearm from Paimon’s Bargains part of the Royal Series. It features an Attack% secondary stat. Its ive increases Crit Rate on hits stacking five times, removing stacks upon crit hits. This weapon is unique but can be tricky to use. It needs consistent hits to build Crit Rate effectively.
Rate, the Royal Spear might help you temporarily.
Rightful Reward. The Rightful Reward is a craftable four-star polearm from Version 4.0. You can get its diagrams from Estelle in Fontaine. Its secondary stat is Energy Recharge, and its ive ability restores HP after an Elemental Skill. This makes it a polearm, especially for those needing Energy Recharge and self-healing. It’s a great, accessible option for builds.
Polearm Wielders: Who’s Got the Pointy End?
We’ve mentioned some polearm s already, but let’s highlight key characters and their synergy with this weapon type.
Raiden Shogun. Raiden Shogun is synonymous with polearms, especially Engulfing Lightning. Her kit focuses on Energy Recharge and burst damage, making polearms that enhance these aspects very effective on her. She’s a top-tier Electro DPS/sub-DPS, and her polearm is crucial for her power.
Zhongli. The Geo Archon, Zhongli, uses a polearm with grace and power. While he often focuses on HP and shield strength, he can also be built as burst DPS. Polearms like Staff of Homa boost his damage output significantly, turning him into a geological force.
Xiao. The Yaksha, Xiao, is an Anemo hypercarry who dives into battle with his polearm. He benefits from high base attack and damage bonuses. Polearms like Primordial Jade Winged-Spear and Staff of Homa are great choices for maximizing his plunging attack damage.
Hu Tao. Hu Tao, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor director, is a Pyro DPS powerhouse. Her kit scales with HP and thrives on low health. Staff of Homa amplifies her attack and HP to incredible levels. She’s a prime example of how a character’s polearm enhances her potential.
Xiangling. The head chef of Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling, is a Pyro sub-DPS extraordinaire. She is often used in reaction-based teams. Polearms like “The Catch” and Engulfing Lightning can boost her Elemental Burst damage significantly, making her a crucial enabler in many team compositions.
Shenhe. Shenhe, the Ethereal Soul Weaver, is a Cryo character. She buffs Cryo damage based on her attack. Therefore, polearms with high base attack are valuable for her. While not a DPS, her polearm is essential for maximizing her capabilities.
Polearm Master… In Dungeons & Dragons, Maybe?
Now, let’s briefly venture into tabletop RPGs, specifically Dungeons & Dragons. The term “Polearm Master” often comes up. In D&D, it’s a feat, a special ability for your character. It’s a strong pick if you wield glaives or halberds with their d10 damage die. The feat allows a bonus action attack with the butt of your polearm (doing d4 of damage plus your Strength modifier). It also gives an opportunity attack when an enemy enters your reach. In D&D, Polearm Master focuses on battlefield control and generally being a nuisance for enemies trying to approach.
II. Polearms vs. Other Weapons: The Weapon Olympics
Let’s compare polearms to other weapon classes in a showdown of words. How do polearms stack up against swords, spears, and halberds?
Polearms vs. Swords: Reach vs. Nimbleness
Were polearms historically superior to swords? It’s complex with no clear yes or no answer. On the battlefield, polearms had advantages against cavalry and infantry formations. Their reach allowed soldiers to strike safely from a distance. Swords played a secondary role on large battlefields but excelled in duels and close combat.
Can a spear defeat a sword? Absolutely! A spear can be surprisingly effective against a sword. Its reach allows the wielder to keep a sword- at bay. Spears can thrust, cut, and slice. In skilled hands, they even control and disarm opponents. You can also throw a spear in tight situations.
Polearms vs. Spears: Specialization vs. Versatility
Is a polearm better than a spear? It depends on your definition of “better.” Spears specialize in thrusting and excel at reach and penetration. Polearms are often more versatile with thrusting, cutting, hooking, and bludgeoning capabilities. Think of a spear as precision while a polearm serves as a multi-tool. For thrusting power and simplicity, a spear is ideal. For adaptability and combat options, a polearm often takes the lead.
Polearms vs. Halberds: Reach vs. Armor-Piercing Power
Is a spear or halberd better? This is interesting. Halberds are often more specialized than spears against armored opponents. Halberds include blades and hooks to penetrate armor and knock riders from horses. Spears can struggle against armored foes but maintain reach and agility. Halberds serve as close combat bruisers while spears act as agile skirmishers.
III. Historical Context of Polearms: The OG Crowd Control
Polearms weren’t niche weapons. They were battlefield staples for centuries. Let’s explore their historical significance.
Effectiveness on Battlefields: Reaching Out and Touching Someone Since Forever
How effective were polearms historically? Extremely! These weapons appeared in post-classical battlefields across Asia and Europe. Their range and impact made them devastating against armored warriors, especially cavalry. They could unhorse riders and disrupt formations effectively.
Types of Polearms: More Than Just Pointy Sticks
What is the “king of weapons”? In Chinese martial arts, the spear (Qiang) is often called the “king of weapons.” Their versatility holds great historical significance in Chinese warfare. However, what defines the “king” varies by culture and history. The Chinese spear earns its place on the weapon throne.
Is a halberd a polearm? Yes! A halberd is *definitely* a polearm, showcasing key features: long shaft and weapon head at the end.
Is a trident a spear? Yes, a trident is three-pronged spear used in spearfishing and warfare, especially in naval combat or by gladiators. While it’s linked to Poseidon mythos, tridents are effective weapons.
Polearms vs. Armor: Poking Holes in Plate
Could plate armor stop a sword? Generally, yes. Swords rarely cut through plate armor effectively. Plate armor deflected blows well and protected against cuts. Swords excelled against lightly armored opponents.
What weapon works against plate armor? Plate armor’s rise led warriors to adapt their weaponry. Weapons with armor-piercing capabilities gained prominence, such as maces, warhammers, halberds, and poleaxes. These weapons delivered concussive force or piercing power to break through armor defenses.
IV. General Genshin Impact Questions: Tangent Time!
Since we’re deep into Genshin lore and mechanics, let’s address other common questions that might float in your Traveler mind.
Who is the Strongest Character in Genshin Impact?
This is the eternal debate! “Strongest” is subjective based on whether you mean lore-based power or gameplay skills. Lore-wise, the Traveler (with untapped potential) and enigmatic Sinners are top-tier. Gameplay-wise, characters like Neuvillette, Arlecchino, and Furina dominate the meta.
Some weapons boast insane damage. The strongest? Maybe the Traveler. Gameplay strength varies. Names mentioned are good starts.
What is the Strongest Weapon in Genshin Impact?
Determining the best weapon is debatable. Five-star signature weapons are often powerhouses. Engulfing Lightning, Staff of Homa, and Primordial Jade Winged-Spear rank high. Their stats and ives shine. Weapon strength depends on characters. A strong weapon for one can be weak for another. Context is key!
How to Get Primogems Fast?
Primogems are vital for players. These gems summon new characters. Want them fast? Try Spiral Abyss. It gives solid Primogem rewards. Check Daily Commissions for a steady source. Participate in events; MiHoYo rewards well. Look for redeem codes. They drop free Primogems sometimes. Grinding and events are the way!
Is Nahida Worth Pulling For?
Yes, Nahida is worth it. The Dendro Archon wields great versatility. She fits many teams. Her Dendro application is superb. It enables reactions like Bloom and Hyperbloom. As pointed out in a YouTube video, she is very F2P-friendly too. She has solid weapon options. Boost flexibility and reaction damage with Nahida.
What is the Most Valuable Thing in Genshin Impact?
Clearly, Primogems are vital. They serve as currency. They lead to Wishes, which bring new characters. Their rarity adds to their value. Everything revolves around these gems. Save them wisely and spend smartly. May your pulls be lucky!
Who Does the Least Damage in Genshin?
Poor Barbara ranks low on damage charts. She excels in healing but struggles in damage. As a Hydro Catalyst , her base attack is low. Her real power shines in healing. Barbara keeps the team alive, not kill enemies. Someone has to do it!
This is your guide to polearms in Genshin Impact. With some history and wisdom. Go forth, wield your weapons proudly, and let enemies fall!
