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Prototype Rancour on Kaeya: A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Prototype Rancour is a good weapon for Kaeya, especially if you’re aiming for a Physical DPS build. Its high Base ATK and Physical DMG Bonus substat synergize well with his attack style, making him a formidable force on the battlefield. However, the weapon’s effectiveness is also dependent on your team composition, play style, and the specific role you want Kaeya to fulfill.

Understanding Kaeya and His Role

Kaeya, a free character obtained early in Genshin Impact, is a versatile sword user who can function as a Main DPS, Sub-DPS, or even a Support character. His abilities focus on Cryo application and sustained damage, but his play style can be significantly enhanced by choosing the right weapon. When considering Prototype Rancour, understanding Kaeya’s potential builds is crucial.

Prototype Rancour: A Physical DPS Powerhouse

The Prototype Rancour stands out due to its Physical DMG Bonus substat. This substat is key to boosting Kaeya’s normal and charged attack damage. The weapon’s passive ability, Smashed Stone, further enhances its DPS potential.

Smashed Stone Passive: On hit, Normal or Charged Attacks increase ATK and DEF by 4% for 6 seconds. This effect can stack up to 4 times, potentially boosting both his offensive and defensive capabilities significantly. This is particularly useful in prolonged combat scenarios.

For a Physical DPS Kaeya, Prototype Rancour is a readily accessible and effective option, especially in the early to mid-game. Its crafting availability means you can refine it to higher levels, further increasing its ATK and passive effect.

Alternatives to Prototype Rancour

While Prototype Rancour shines in a Physical DPS build, other weapons might be more suitable depending on your specific needs.

Favonius Sword: Excellent for Energy Recharge, especially if you need Kaeya to be a battery for your team. Its passive generates elemental particles, helping to fuel your team’s bursts.
The Flute: A decent choice for a hybrid build, but generally less effective than Prototype Rancour for pure Physical DPS.
Skyward Blade: A premium option acquired through Wishes, offering a high Base ATK and Energy Recharge substat. Best for energy-hungry builds.
Harbinger of Dawn: A surprisingly effective 3-star weapon, especially for an off-field support Kaeya. Its Crit Rate bonus when above 90% HP is highly valuable.
Sacrificial Sword: Best for support roles needing energy recharge, especially if his role is that of a battery in the team.

Building Your Kaeya: Artifacts and Team Compositions

Complementing the Prototype Rancour with the right artifacts and team composition is essential for maximizing Kaeya’s potential.

Artifact Sets: The Pale Flame set is ideal for Physical DPS Kaeya, providing significant Physical DMG Bonus and ATK boosts. Alternatively, a Bloodstained Chivalry and Pale Flame two-piece combination can also be effective.
Team Compositions: Kaeya thrives in teams that can trigger Superconduct (Cryo + Electro), reducing enemy Physical RES. Popular team compositions include:
- Kaeya, Fischl/Beidou, Bennett, and a flex slot (e.g., a shielder).
- Kaeya, Rosaria, Xiangling, Bennett (for melt reactions).
- Kaeya, Chongyun, Xingqiu, Diona.

Prototype Rancour: Limitations and Considerations

Despite its strengths, Prototype Rancour isn’t a universal solution. Its reliance on Physical DMG can be a disadvantage against enemies with high Physical RES. Moreover, it lacks elemental damage buffs, making it less optimal for elemental reaction-focused builds. Players also need to have the billets available to craft it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Prototype Rancour better than Favonius Sword for Kaeya?

It depends on the role. Prototype Rancour is better for Physical DPS, while Favonius Sword is superior for Support, providing much-needed Energy Recharge for the team.

2. Who else can effectively use Prototype Rancour?

Characters who benefit from high Base ATK and Physical DMG Bonus like Jean, Keqing, Qiqi, and the Traveler can effectively utilize Prototype Rancour.

3. How does the Smashed Stone passive work in practice?

The Smashed Stone passive increases ATK and DEF by 4% for 6 seconds upon hitting an enemy with Normal or Charged Attacks. This effect stacks up to 4 times, providing a maximum of 16% ATK and DEF boost. Keeping the stacks up requires consistent attacking.

4. Is Prototype Rancour worth refining?

Yes, refining Prototype Rancour increases the percentage of the Smashed Stone passive, providing a more significant boost to ATK and DEF.

5. What are the best artifact stats for a Physical DPS Kaeya with Prototype Rancour?

Focus on ATK%, Physical DMG Bonus, Crit Rate, and Crit DMG for the main stats. Substats should prioritize Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge.

6. Can Prototype Rancour be used on a Cryo DPS Kaeya build?

While possible, Prototype Rancour isn’t optimal for a Cryo DPS build. Weapons that enhance Cryo DMG or Elemental Mastery are more effective in that role.

7. How does Prototype Rancour compare to Lion’s Roar for Kaeya?

Prototype Rancour is generally better for Physical DPS, while Lion’s Roar can be decent for a burst support build focused on reverse melt.

8. What is the best team composition for Prototype Rancour Kaeya?

A team consisting of Kaeya, a Superconduct enabler (e.g., Fischl/Beidou), a buffer (e.g., Bennett), and a shielder (e.g., Diona/Zhongli) is highly effective.

9. Is Prototype Rancour a good early-game weapon for Kaeya?

Yes, Prototype Rancour is an excellent early-game weapon due to its accessibility and substantial Physical DMG Bonus.

10. Does Kaeya’s Constellation affect the effectiveness of Prototype Rancour?

Yes, particularly his C1. This Constellation increases Kaeya’s Crit Rate against enemies affected by Cryo, improving his overall DPS with Prototype Rancour.

11. Is Prototype Rancour better than Sacrificial Sword for Kaeya?

If the role is DPS, then use the Prototype Rancour, since its stats are geared for DPS. If his role is Support, then the Sacrificial Sword is better, since you need the Energy Recharge stat for his burst.

12. Is Harbinger of Dawn a good option for Kaeya, and how does it compare to Prototype Rancour?

Harbinger of Dawn can be a good option for Kaeya. It’s more suited for off-field support characters because of its Crit Rate bonuses when above 90% HP. If you’re using Kaeya as a physical DPS, Prototype Rancour is more suitable.

13. How important is Energy Recharge for a Prototype Rancour Kaeya build?

Energy Recharge is important, but not the primary focus. Aim for enough Energy Recharge to consistently use his Elemental Burst, but prioritize ATK, Crit, and Physical DMG.

14. Can Prototype Rancour be considered a “budget” weapon option for Kaeya?

Yes, Prototype Rancour is a great budget option due to its craftable nature and effectiveness as a Physical DPS weapon.

15. How does understanding game mechanics through resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) enhance weapon selection in Genshin Impact?

Understanding game mechanics through resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) can enhance weapon selection in Genshin Impact by providing players with a deeper insight into how different stats and passives interact with character abilities and team compositions. This knowledge enables players to make informed decisions based on solid research, leading to optimized character builds and gameplay strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prototype Rancour is a very good option for Kaeya, particularly when you want him to be a Physical DPS character. Its accessibility, Physical DMG Bonus, and stacking ATK buff make it a worthwhile choice. However, always consider your team composition and Kaeya’s intended role when selecting the most appropriate weapon for him.

Is Prototype Rancour good on Kaeya?