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Is Prototype Archaic Good for Noelle? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer: Prototype Archaic can be a decent option for Noelle, especially in the early to mid-game, but it is not her ideal weapon for a majority of end-game builds. Its effectiveness largely depends on your playstyle and how you intend to use Noelle. Let’s delve deeper into why.

Understanding Prototype Archaic

The Prototype Archaic is a craftable 4-star claymore that boasts a high Base ATK stat and a passive ability that deals additional AoE damage every 15 seconds. Specifically, the passive triggers a 50% chance to deal 240% ATK damage in a small area upon hitting an enemy with a normal attack. It’s known for its accessibility and consistent damage boost, making it a popular choice for many claymore users early on.

Strengths of Prototype Archaic for Noelle:

Ease of Acquisition: It’s a craftable weapon, meaning it’s readily accessible for F2P players or those who haven’t been lucky with gacha pulls.
Good Base ATK: The high Base ATK can be useful for Noelle’s overall damage, particularly if you don’t have better offensive options.
Passive Damage: The AoE damage from the passive is a welcome bonus, especially against grouped-up enemies.
Versatility: It’s not a bad general-purpose option if you’re using Noelle in a mixed role, where she is not fully optimized for damage or defense.

Weaknesses of Prototype Archaic for Noelle:

Lack of DEF Scaling: Noelle’s primary damage and healing scale directly from her DEF stat, not ATK. The Prototype Archaic primarily boosts ATK, which makes it less synergistic with her core scaling mechanics.
Passive Inconsistency: The 50% proc chance of the passive means the extra damage is not guaranteed, making it unreliable.
Better Alternatives: There are other weapons that better complement Noelle’s unique scaling and abilities, particularly for her more common roles as a shielder, healer, or DEF-based DPS.

When to Consider Prototype Archaic

Prototype Archaic might be a reasonable pick for Noelle in these scenarios:

Early Game: If you’re just starting out and don’t have access to better weapons, it can carry Noelle through early content.
Hybrid Build: If you are using a hybrid Noelle build which requires some offensive stats besides defense, forgoing other better defensive or crit options due to their rarity or unavailability.
Temporary Option: It can be a decent hold-over weapon until you get something more suitable for your desired Noelle build.

Better Alternatives for Noelle

While the Prototype Archaic is passable, several other weapons are more optimal for Noelle, depending on the desired build and player’s role:

Whiteblind (4-Star): This is Noelle’s premier F2P weapon. It provides DEF% as a substat and increases DEF and ATK upon hitting enemies. Whiteblind directly enhances her damage and healing potential and is often considered the go-to option.
Redhorn Stonethresher (5-Star): This is her best-in-slot weapon for DPS-oriented builds, offering high DEF and significant Crit Damage. It also greatly increases her DEF stat.
The Serpent Spine (4-Star – Battle Pass): A solid choice for DPS Noelle builds, offering Crit Rate, but requires managing its passive.
Favonius Greatsword (4-Star): This weapon can be a viable support option, providing Energy Recharge, allowing her to Burst more often and act as a battery for her team.
Sacrificial Greatsword (4-Star): Can be a good choice if you have energy issues and desire to trigger her Elemental Skill twice.

Optimal Builds for Noelle

Noelle’s artifact set depends entirely on her role in your team.

Main DPS:
- Husk of Opulent Dreams: This 4-piece set is often her best option for maximizing her DEF-scaling damage and is recommended if you are running her primarily as a damage dealer.
- Gladiator’s Finale/Retracing Bolide (2-Piece/2-Piece): For a more general DPS boost.
- Artifact Main Stats: DEF% (Sands), Geo DMG Bonus (Goblet), Crit Rate/Crit DMG (Circlet)
Support/Shielding/Healing:
- Husk of Opulent Dreams (4-Piece): As a support, the increased DEF improves her shield strength and healing output.
- Husk of Opulent Dreams (2-Piece) + Maiden Beloved/Ocean-Hued Clam (2-Piece): This combination balances shield strength and healing efficiency.
- Artifact Main Stats: DEF% (Sands), DEF% or Geo DMG Bonus (Goblet), DEF% or Healing Bonus or Crit Rate/Crit DMG (Circlet) depending on needed stats.
- Note: While energy recharge is important, prioritize DEF, Crit, and Geo Damage first when building a DPS or a support Noelle.

Final Verdict

While the Prototype Archaic is a decent weapon for its accessibility and general damage output, it is not the best choice for Noelle, especially for players looking to optimize her kit. If you are looking to min/max your Noelle’s potential, you should aim for weapons that scale with her DEF stat, like the Whiteblind or Redhorn Stonethresher. Focus on building her DEF, Crit Rate/DMG, and Geo damage for the most effective results. Consider Prototype Archaic as a suitable placeholder weapon that can be upgraded when you acquire better suited options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Prototype Archaic better than Whiteblind for Noelle?

No, Whiteblind is generally better for Noelle. Its DEF-based stats directly enhance her damage and healing, which Prototype Archaic does not do.

2. What is the best F2P weapon for Noelle?

The Whiteblind is the best F2P option for Noelle, it compliments her DEF-based kit.

3. Does Noelle need ATK or DEF?

Noelle primarily scales with DEF. Her healing, shielding, and Burst damage all scale directly off her DEF stat. While ATK is useful, DEF should be your main priority.

4. What talents should I prioritize on Noelle?

Prioritize Breastplate (Elemental Skill) for shield strength and healing, then Sweeping Time (Elemental Burst) for damage when she has her shield. Her normal attack is usually less of a priority unless you intend to use her consistently on-field for basic attacks.

5. What are the best artifacts for a Noelle Main DPS build?

The Husk of Opulent Dreams is often the best 4-piece set for a Main DPS Noelle, enhancing her DEF and Geo damage.

6. Is Noelle a good healer?

Yes, Noelle can be a very effective healer, especially with the right build. Her healing scales off her DEF stat and is especially effective during her burst.

7. How do you increase Noelle’s healing?

Increase her DEF stat through artifacts and weapons. Level up her Elemental Skill. Additionally, with her first constellation, you have a chance to heal every normal attack. Her healing is also guaranteed while her elemental burst is active.

8. Is Noelle a good shielder?

Yes, Noelle is a fantastic shielder. Her Elemental Skill creates a strong shield that scales off her DEF. This shield can protect your entire party.

9. What is the best stat priority for Noelle’s artifacts?

Sands: DEF%
Goblet: Geo DMG Bonus
Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG, depending on your needs and current stat balances.

10. What are the recommended substats for Noelle?

Prioritize Crit Rate, Crit DMG, Energy Recharge, and DEF%.

11. Is Prototype Archaic good for Diluc?

Yes, Prototype Archaic is a decent 4-star option for Diluc, especially if you don’t have better options. It has a high Base Attack and the passive can contribute to overall damage.

12. Is Prototype Archaic good for Dehya?

While you can use it on Dehya, the Prototype Archaic is not ideal for Dehya, as it does not scale with her kit as effectively as other weapons. It does provide a raw attack boost, but it’s not optimized for her skill or burst.

13. Is Prototype Archaic better than Luxurious Sea Lord?

It depends on the use case. For burst damage, Luxurious Sea Lord is often better. For overall damage outside of the burst, the Prototype Archaic may be slightly better.

14. Should I level Noelle to 90?

Yes, if you plan to use her frequently, leveling Noelle to 90 is beneficial since her defense will scale and affect her overall performance, and her base stats will increase.

15. Can I use Prototype Archaic on a support Noelle?

You can, but it’s not optimal. Favonius Greatsword or Sacrificial Greatsword are better options for support, and Whiteblind is the preferred all-purpose choice.

Is Prototype Archaic good for Noelle?