What 4-Star Weapon Should I Craft? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of which 4-star weapon to craft is a common one for Genshin Impact players, particularly those early in their journey or looking to maximize their free-to-play resources. The simple answer? It depends heavily on your team composition and playstyle. However, a few craftable 4-star weapons consistently stand out for their versatility and effectiveness, making them strong contenders for your precious crafting billets.

If you’re looking for a generally useful option, the Prototype series (e.g., Prototype Rancour, Prototype Amber, Prototype Crescent, Prototype Starglitter, and Prototype Archaic) are often a great place to start. Each caters to different weapon types and provides reliable stats and passive abilities.

Let’s break down some specific recommendations based on weapon type and typical usage:

• Swords: The Prototype Rancour is an excellent choice for Physical DPS characters, especially in the early to mid-game. Its secondary stat is Physical DMG Bonus, and its passive increases ATK when dealing damage. It is great for characters that rely on normal attacks, such as physical build Bennett.
• Claymores: The Prototype Archaic stands out for its high Base ATK and passive that deals additional AoE damage. This makes it a solid option for many claymore-wielding characters, especially those focusing on physical damage or needing a high base attack stat, such as Razor.
• Polearms: The Prototype Starglitter is a decent option with Energy Recharge as its secondary stat, making it beneficial for characters that rely on their Elemental Burst. While The Catch (obtained from fishing) is generally preferred, the Starglitter can serve as a reliable early-game option for supports like Xiangling before The Catch is available.
• Catalysts: The Prototype Amber is a fantastic option for healer or support catalyst characters with a focus on HP. This catalyst provides flat HP, and its passive regenerates energy and healing allies based on max HP. This weapon is a good choice for characters like Barbara and Kokomi.
• Bows: The Prototype Crescent is a strong choice for characters that benefit from weak point hits, increasing their ATK upon hitting a weak point. It works best for characters that can consistently hit weak points, like Amber in specific scenarios and some Ganyu builds.

In conclusion, while several 4-star weapons can be crafted, starting with the Prototype series provides a reliable foundation for various team compositions. However, it’s critical to consider your team’s needs and characters’ scaling when making your final decision. Now, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to further guide your crafting choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the strongest craftable 4-star sword for a Physical DPS?

The Prototype Rancour is often considered the best craftable 4-star sword for Physical DPS characters. Its Physical DMG Bonus substat and passive ability to increase ATK when dealing damage make it exceptionally effective for characters that rely on normal attacks.

2. Which craftable 4-star catalyst is best for a healer?

The Prototype Amber is the best craftable 4-star catalyst for healers. It not only increases HP but also regenerates energy for the character and heals other members based on the character’s HP. This makes it incredibly valuable for characters like Barbara.

3. What is the most versatile craftable 4-star claymore?

The Prototype Archaic is a versatile craftable 4-star claymore. Its high Base ATK and passive that deals additional AoE damage make it suitable for both physical and hybrid builds.

4. Is the Prototype Crescent a good bow for all bow users?

No, the Prototype Crescent is not ideal for all bow users. It works best for characters that can consistently hit weak points due to its passive that increases ATK after hitting a weak point. Characters like Ganyu and Amber can utilize it effectively, but it may not be suitable for those who do not rely on aimed attacks.

5. What is the best craftable 4-star polearm for Energy Recharge?

The Prototype Starglitter is a decent option for a craftable polearm focused on Energy Recharge. It provides an Energy Recharge substat, helping characters using their Elemental Burst more consistently. However, The Catch polearm is superior and should be prioritized over Starglitter if you are looking for a dedicated energy recharge polearm.

6. Are there any craftable weapons better than gacha (pull) weapons?

While gacha (pull) weapons are often stronger, some craftable weapons can rival their effectiveness in specific situations. For instance, the Prototype Rancour can perform very well against other swords until higher refinement gacha weapons are obtained. Additionally, Prototype Amber stands as the best free-to-play option for healing catalysts.

7. How important are refinements for crafted 4-star weapons?

Refinements are crucial for maximizing the potential of crafted 4-star weapons. As you refine your weapons, you will get an increase to both the primary stats and passive ability of the weapon, making them even more effective. Aim to refine your core weapons as much as possible.

8. Should I craft weapons based on my current character or future team needs?

It’s advisable to craft weapons based on both. Prioritize crafting weapons that benefit your most used characters while also considering what future characters you plan on using. Building a well-rounded inventory of craftable weapons will allow for versatility in team building.

9. Can craftable 4-star weapons be used in the late game?

Yes, craftable 4-star weapons can absolutely be used in the late game, especially when fully refined. Some crafted weapons will eventually be replaced by 5-star weapons but can still be useful in specific situations. Some 4-star crafted weapons like Prototype Amber are valuable even in the late-game.

10. What are crafting billets, and how do I obtain them?

Crafting billets are rare materials required to forge weapons at the blacksmith. They can be obtained from various sources, including weekly boss fights, the Sacred Sakura Tree (Inazuma), the Tree of Dreams (Sumeru), and sometimes during events.

11. Should I prioritize crafting the same weapon for multiple characters?

No, you generally should not prioritize crafting the same weapon for multiple characters unless you have the billets. Instead, focus on refining the weapon you are using and ensuring each of your main damage dealers have at least one weapon option available.

12. What’s better, crafting multiple copies of a weapon or refining one copy to its maximum?

It is better to focus on refining one copy of a weapon to its maximum. Refinements provide significant stat increases and should be prioritized over creating multiple copies of the same weapon for most situations.

13. Is the Favonius Sword (pull weapon) better than the craftable Prototype Rancour?

The Favonius Sword and Prototype Rancour fill different roles. The Favonius Sword excels at generating energy for the team while Prototype Rancour is better for Physical DPS. If you need energy, Favonius Sword is the way to go, but if you need physical damage, the Rancour is better.

14. How do I decide between the different Prototype weapons (Rancour, Archaic, etc.)?

The decision comes down to the weapon type your main character uses. Prototype Rancour is for swords, Prototype Archaic for claymores, Prototype Starglitter for polearms, Prototype Amber for catalysts, and Prototype Crescent for bows. Select based on what weapon your favorite characters use.

15. What 4-star weapons are good for Bennett?

For Bennett, who serves as a support, the Prototype Rancour is a good F2P option for damage. However, weapons that increase Energy Recharge are preferred as it allows him to use his Elemental Burst more often. Favonius Sword is a better option for Bennett compared to Rancour.