What is the Best Weapon for Kazuha DPS?
The best weapon for Kazuha DPS depends heavily on your specific team composition, artifact stats, and desired playstyle. However, generally, the Primordial Jade Cutter stands out as the most consistent and high-performing option due to its Crit Rate substat and HP scaling passive that significantly boosts Kazuha’s ATK. While it’s a premium 5-star weapon, its versatility makes it a worthwhile investment for maximizing Kazuha’s damage output in various DPS builds.
Diving Deep: Kazuha’s DPS Potential
Kazuha, the wandering samurai from Inazuma, is renowned for his exceptional crowd control, Elemental DMG Bonus buffing capabilities, and surprising potential as a damage dealer. While often built as an Elemental Mastery (EM) support, a DPS Kazuha build focuses on maximizing his personal damage output through ATK, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and Elemental DMG Bonus. Choosing the right weapon is crucial for optimizing his performance in this role.
Top Weapon Choices for DPS Kazuha
While the Primordial Jade Cutter reigns supreme, other weapons can also be viable depending on availability and investment. Let’s explore some of the top contenders:
5-Star Weapon Options
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Primordial Jade Cutter: As mentioned, the best overall choice due to its high base ATK, substantial Crit Rate substat, and passive that grants HP and ATK based on max HP. This weapon addresses Kazuha’s Crit Rate needs and significantly boosts his overall damage. It’s particularly beneficial when your artifacts lack sufficient Crit Rate.
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Mistsplitter Reforged: Another excellent 5-star option, especially if you can consistently activate its passive stacks. The Elemental DMG Bonus is invaluable for Kazuha’s Anemo and infused Elemental damage. However, maximizing its stacks can sometimes require specific rotations.
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Light of Foliar Incision: This weapon provides a Crit DMG substat and a unique passive that boosts Normal Attack DMG based on Elemental Mastery after using an Elemental Skill. While Kazuha’s damage primarily comes from his Plunge Attacks after using his Elemental Skill, the Crit DMG is highly desirable, and the EM synergy is beneficial.
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Freedom-Sworn: While often considered a support weapon, Freedom-Sworn can still contribute to DPS, especially in teams that benefit greatly from its ATK% and Normal/Charged Attack DMG Bonus buff. Its high base ATK also helps. However, it’s generally less optimal for pure personal damage compared to the other 5-star options.
4-Star Weapon Options
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Blackcliff Longsword: Obtainable from the Starglitter Exchange, this weapon boasts a Crit DMG substat, which is highly valuable for building a DPS Kazuha. Its passive, which grants ATK% after defeating enemies, is situational but can be useful in content with multiple opponents.
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The Black Sword: Available through the Battle Pass, The Black Sword offers a Crit Rate substat and increases Normal Attack DMG while also providing some healing. This weapon is a solid choice for a Normal Attack-focused DPS build but less effective if you primarily rely on Plunge Attacks.
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Iron Sting: While primarily used for EM builds, Iron Sting can still be a decent option if you lack other alternatives. Its Elemental Mastery substat contributes to Swirl damage, and its passive increases Elemental DMG after using an Elemental Skill. However, its low base ATK limits its overall DPS potential.
3-Star Weapon Options
- Harbinger of Dawn: Surprisingly, this weapon can be a viable option, especially at lower Adventure Ranks. Its Crit DMG substat and passive that grants Crit Rate when HP is above 90% can provide a significant DPS boost. However, maintaining the HP requirement can be challenging in difficult content.
Choosing the Right Weapon: Factors to Consider
Selecting the best weapon for your DPS Kazuha isn’t just about raw stats. Consider these factors:
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Crit Rate/Crit DMG Ratio: Aim for a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 70% Crit Rate and 140% Crit DMG). Choose a weapon that helps you achieve this balance. The Primordial Jade Cutter and The Black Sword are excellent for Crit Rate, while the Blackcliff Longsword and Light of Foliar Incision provide Crit DMG.
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Base ATK: A higher base ATK generally translates to higher overall damage. 5-star weapons typically have higher base ATK than 4-star weapons.
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Team Composition: Consider how the weapon’s passive benefits your team. For example, Freedom-Sworn excels in teams that rely on Normal and Charged Attacks.
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Artifact Stats: Analyze your artifact substats to identify areas where you need to compensate. If you lack Crit Rate, prioritize weapons with a Crit Rate substat.
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Playstyle: Are you focusing on Normal Attacks, Plunge Attacks, or Elemental Skills? Choose a weapon that complements your preferred playstyle.
Final Recommendation
While numerous weapons can function on a DPS Kazuha, the Primordial Jade Cutter remains the top choice due to its consistent performance and ability to address Crit Rate deficiencies. If you can’t obtain the Jade Cutter, Mistsplitter Reforged and Light of Foliar Incision are excellent alternatives. For 4-star options, the Blackcliff Longsword and The Black Sword provide valuable Crit stats. Ultimately, the best weapon is the one that best complements your team composition, artifact stats, and playstyle, allowing you to maximize Kazuha’s DPS potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Kazuha really be a DPS?
Yes, Kazuha can be a very effective DPS, especially with proper investment. While he excels as an Elemental Mastery support, building him for ATK, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and Anemo DMG Bonus allows him to deal significant personal damage, particularly with his Plunge Attacks after using his Elemental Skill.
2. What artifacts should I use for a DPS Kazuha?
The 2-piece Viridescent Venerer + 2-piece Gladiator’s Finale (or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence) is a popular and effective choice, providing both Anemo DMG Bonus and ATK%. Alternatively, you can use a 4-piece Viridescent Venerer if you are focusing more on Swirl reactions and debuffing enemies, although this is usually better for support builds.
3. What are the main stats I should look for on my artifacts?
Aim for ATK% on the Sands, Anemo DMG Bonus on the Goblet, and Crit Rate or Crit DMG on the Circlet, depending on your weapon and substats. Prioritize Crit Rate and Crit DMG substats on all pieces to achieve a balanced ratio.
4. How important is Elemental Mastery for a DPS Kazuha?
While Elemental Mastery is crucial for Kazuha’s support build, it’s less critical for a DPS build. While EM still contributes to Swirl damage, prioritizing ATK, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and Anemo DMG Bonus will yield higher overall personal damage.
5. Should I focus on Normal Attacks or Plunge Attacks with DPS Kazuha?
Plunge Attacks are generally the preferred method for dealing damage with DPS Kazuha, as they benefit from his Elemental Skill’s Anemo infusion and have higher damage multipliers. However, Normal Attacks can still be incorporated into your rotation, especially with weapons like The Black Sword.
6. What is the ideal Crit Rate/Crit DMG ratio for a DPS Kazuha?
Strive for a 1:2 ratio, such as 70% Crit Rate and 140% Crit DMG. Balancing these stats is crucial for consistent damage output.
7. How does Kazuha’s Elemental Skill (Chihayaburu) contribute to his DPS?
Kazuha’s Elemental Skill is crucial for his DPS because it allows him to perform a Plunge Attack with Anemo infusion, dealing significant damage. The Skill also groups enemies, making it easier to hit multiple targets.
8. How does Kazuha’s Elemental Burst (Kazuha Slash) contribute to his DPS?
Kazuha’s Elemental Burst deals Anemo DMG and absorbs an element (Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro), dealing additional Elemental DMG based on the absorbed element. This can significantly boost his DPS, especially when combined with reactions.
9. Which characters synergize well with a DPS Kazuha?
Characters that can provide off-field damage and elemental application synergize well with DPS Kazuha. Examples include Xingqiu, Xiangling, Fischl, and Beidou.
10. Is Constellation 0 Kazuha viable as a DPS?
Yes, Kazuha is perfectly viable as a DPS at Constellation 0. His constellations primarily enhance his support capabilities, but his base kit is strong enough to deal significant damage with the right build and weapon.
11. How much ATK should I aim for on a DPS Kazuha?
Aim for around 1800-2000 ATK or higher, depending on your weapon and artifact substats.
12. Is it worth pulling for a 5-star weapon specifically for DPS Kazuha?
If you are serious about maximizing Kazuha’s DPS potential, pulling for a weapon like the Primordial Jade Cutter can be a worthwhile investment. However, consider your budget and prioritize characters you enjoy playing.
13. How does weapon refinement affect Kazuha’s DPS?
Weapon refinement can significantly increase the effectiveness of a weapon’s passive, leading to a noticeable DPS increase. This is particularly true for weapons with ATK% or Elemental DMG Bonus passives.
14. Is Iron Sting a viable option for DPS Kazuha?
While primarily used for EM builds, Iron Sting can be a decent temporary option if you lack better alternatives. Its EM substat contributes to Swirl damage, but its low base ATK limits its overall DPS potential.
15. What are some common mistakes to avoid when building a DPS Kazuha?
Avoid neglecting Crit Rate and Crit DMG, focusing solely on Elemental Mastery, and using a weapon that doesn’t complement your playstyle or artifact stats. Ensure a balanced build with sufficient ATK, Crit, and Anemo DMG Bonus.