Does Scaramouche Need Anemo Damage? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: No, Scaramouche (The Wanderer) does not need Anemo damage on his goblet artifact. While he is an Anemo character and deals Anemo damage as his primary source of offense, prioritizing ATK% on his goblet often provides a more significant damage increase, especially early on and for general use. This may sound counterintuitive, but let’s break down why this is the case.
Understanding Scaramouche’s Damage Scaling
Scaramouche’s abilities primarily scale with Attack (ATK). This means that the higher his ATK stat is, the more damage his Normal Attacks, Elemental Skill, and Elemental Burst will inflict. While Anemo damage bonus certainly boosts the damage he deals, a significant portion of his damage calculation hinges on his raw ATK stat.
His kit revolves around his ability to enter the Windfavored State after activating his Elemental Skill. In this state, his Normal Attacks become his primary damage source. During this state, he gains the ability to fly and fire wind blades. The damage of these Normal Attacks increases with ATK.
Why ATK% Goblet is Often Superior
An Anemo Damage Bonus goblet directly increases the damage of Anemo attacks, which would seem ideal. However, the game’s damage calculation formula often favors a well-rounded build. When you consider the following factors, you will see why a good ATK% goblet usually outshines an Anemo damage bonus goblet:
- Diminishing Returns: As you acquire more sources of Anemo damage bonus (such as from a 2-piece Viridescent Venerer set, his ascension stat, etc.), the effectiveness of each additional percentage decreases. The difference in damage between, say, 50% Anemo damage bonus and 90% isn’t as large as the difference between 0% and 50%.
- ATK% Multiplies Overall Damage: ATK% doesn’t just boost his Anemo damage; it enhances the base damage of all his attacks. This multiplicative effect can result in a more noticeable increase in overall damage output, especially early in building Scaramouche when other sources of damage are lower.
- Artifact Substats: It’s very difficult to roll the perfect goblet, therefore focusing on maximizing stats in general is the best way to increase damage output. Even if the main stat isn’t Anemo damage bonus, you may receive a goblet with ATK%, Crit Rate, or Crit Damage substats. A higher ATK% with better substats will often outperform a bad Anemo Damage goblet.
- Team Buffs: Many team compositions already provide boosts to Anemo damage through support characters like Faruzan. These external buffs make ATK% an even better option to balance Scaramouche’s damage scaling.
When Anemo Damage Goblet Might Be Viable
While ATK% is generally the preferred option, there are specific scenarios where an Anemo Damage Bonus goblet could be more effective:
- Extremely High ATK: If Scaramouche’s ATK is already incredibly high due to weapon choice, artifacts, and team buffs, the diminishing returns of ATK% become significant. In these instances, an Anemo Damage Bonus goblet could provide a more substantial increase to his damage output.
- Specific Set Bonus: Some 2pc set bonuses give ATK or elemental damage bonus. Depending on your 4pc set and substats, you can see how an Anemo Goblet might be useful.
- End-Game Builds with God-Tier Artifacts: For players who have reached the pinnacle of artifact farming and possess an Anemo damage bonus goblet with extremely high crit substats, this can compete or even slightly outpace the ATK% option.
- Specific Team Compositions: In team setups specifically tailored to buff Anemo damage, an Anemo Damage Bonus goblet may sometimes yield better results. However, the benefit is often marginal.
The Priority: Crit Stats
Regardless of the goblet’s main stat (ATK% or Anemo Damage Bonus), the focus should always be on obtaining high Crit Rate and Crit DMG substats. These stats are crucial for maximizing Scaramouche’s overall damage potential. A good balance of Crit Rate (around 70%) and Crit DMG (140%+) is crucial for optimal damage output.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Scaramouche to further solidify our understanding of the character:
1. What is Scaramouche’s main role in a team?
Scaramouche is primarily a Main DPS character. His playstyle revolves around his Normal Attacks during his Elemental Skill’s Windfavored State. He is not built for support or reactions.
2. What are Scaramouche’s best artifact sets?
The most optimal artifact sets are Desert Pavilion Chronicle and Shimenawa’s Reminiscence. A 2-Piece Viridescent Venerer with a 2 Piece ATK Bonus set will also perform well, especially before farming his main set.
3. What are Scaramouche’s ascension stats?
Scaramouche’s ascension stat is Crit Rate. This makes building crit stats easier with artifacts and weapons.
4. What are some of the best weapons for Scaramouche?
The best weapon for Scaramouche is his signature weapon, Tulaytullah’s Remembrance. Other strong options include Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds, Kagura’s Verity, and Skyward Atlas. The Widsith can be a great F2P option depending on the buff you receive upon character swap.
5. Is C6 Scaramouche worth it?
Yes, C6 Scaramouche is very powerful, significantly increasing his skill duration and damage potential. However, it’s an expensive investment. Constellations 1-5 offer incremental improvements, but do not change his kit greatly.
6. Can Scaramouche swirl?
Yes, Scaramouche can swirl and absorb different elements. He gains various buffs from the elements he absorbs.
7. Which elements does Scaramouche’s swirl react with?
He can react with Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, and Electro. The effects from each absorbed element are different, but they increase the damage potential of the ability.
8. What elements should I use with Scaramouche?
The most effective element combinations include Pyro and Cryo for Melt reactions, or Hydro and Electro for Electrocharge. In most cases, the absorption of Pyro and Cryo is the best damage potential option.
9. Is Scaramouche immune to Electro?
Scaramouche has high Electro resistance, making Electro characters less effective against him. However, he does not have complete immunity.
10. What is the best stat priority for Scaramouche?
Prioritize Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge (especially if you are not using his signature weapon).
11. Why is Scaramouche Anemo?
Scaramouche’s Anemo Vision reflects his newfound purpose and freedom after his transformation from the Fatui Harbinger. It is thematically tied to his ability to drift around in the air.
12. Can you rename Scaramouche?
Yes, you can rename Scaramouche (Wanderer) after completing a specific Archon Quest.
13. What are some names that Scaramouche will reject?
Scaramouche will reject his former names like Scaramouche, Balladeer, and Kunikuzushi. He will also reject the names of other playable characters or Fatui Harbingers.
14. Does Childe still have a vision?
Childe has an Hydro Vision, but the abyssal power within him causes it to sometimes malfunction. He has been imprisoned in Fontaine, which seems to be weakening him and his ability to harness his vision.
15. Who does Scaramouche have a crush on?
The most prominent ship is Scaramona, where the fandom has decided that Mona has caught Scaramouche’s interest.
Conclusion
In summary, while Anemo damage is important for Scaramouche, it’s not the primary focus when choosing his goblet. An ATK% goblet is generally more beneficial, especially for less optimal builds. Focus on achieving a good balance of ATK, Crit Rate, and Crit DMG to maximize his damage output. Anemo damage goblets can be useful in extremely optimized builds, but are not a necessity. Understanding the nuances of damage calculation and how his kit scales is essential for building an effective Wanderer.