Is the Prototype Rancour Good? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, the Prototype Rancour is a good sword in Genshin Impact, especially for certain types of characters and team compositions. While it might not be the absolute top-tier option for every single character, its accessibility, ease of refinement, and consistent Physical DMG bonus make it a reliable and effective choice, particularly in the early and mid-game. It is a 4-star weapon that can be crafted, making it a valuable asset for players who may not have access to more premium options. The sword shines particularly well on characters that rely heavily on Normal and Charged Attacks for their primary damage output.

Prototype Rancour: Key Strengths

The Prototype Rancour’s main strength lies in its passive ability, Smashed Stone, which activates on hit with Normal or Charged Attacks. This ability increases both the wielder’s ATK and DEF by 4% for 6 seconds. This effect can stack up to 5 times, potentially boosting attack and defense by 20% respectively. This passive makes the Prototype Rancour an excellent choice for characters that are frequently hitting enemies with their standard attacks, ensuring the bonus damage is consistently active and reliable.

Another crucial benefit is the Physical DMG Bonus substat. This bonus further enhances the power of the character’s non-elemental damage, making it particularly suitable for Physical Damage Dealers. The higher base attack for a 4 star sword also makes it a great option for those not having access to a 5 star weapon. The combination of high base attack and a potent passive leads to significant overall DPS increases when used correctly.

Who Benefits Most From The Prototype Rancour?

The Prototype Rancour is best suited for characters that utilize Physical Damage as their main damage source and rely on consistent normal attacks. Some specific characters who greatly benefit from the sword include:

• Main DPS Characters: Characters who spend the most time on the field and use normal attacks to deal damage, like Keqing or even Kaeya when focusing on Physical builds.
• Physical Jean: Jean’s healing also scales on attack. The prototype rancour’s attack boost also increases her healing output.
• Traveler (Physical Build): The Traveler’s physical-oriented builds can greatly benefit from the added attack and damage bonus the Prototype Rancour provides.
• Early game characters: In early game, before access to better options, this sword can prove to be a huge asset.

The sword is also great for players looking to build a physical damage build in their team.

Comparing Prototype Rancour to Other Swords

While the Prototype Rancour is a solid choice, it’s essential to understand how it stacks up against other swords in the game.

Prototype Rancour vs Sacrificial Sword

The Sacrificial Sword is better suited for characters that need Energy Recharge to use their Elemental Burst often and quickly. Therefore, Sacrificial Sword is better for a support character who relies on their burst, while Prototype Rancour is better for a DPS who will utilize their normal attack a lot.

Prototype Rancour vs The Flute

The Flute is more useful for characters whose skills and/or bursts scale off the attack stat. Prototype Rancour shines brighter on main DPS roles where their normal attacks are their primary source of damage.

Prototype Rancour vs Favonius Sword

The Favonius Sword is good for characters that require more energy recharge in order to cast their elemental burst more often. While the Prototype Rancour provides a passive suited for Physical DPS. The base attack of Favonius Sword is also low.

Prototype Rancour vs Iron Sting

Iron Sting will yield the highest upfront Elemental Mastery and team-wide buff, if compared to the other 4 star options. However, the Prototype Rancour’s physical damage output will overall be higher if built for that character.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Prototype Rancour is a good weapon to invest in, especially if you’re building a Physical DPS character in the early or mid game. It is accessible through crafting, has a decent base attack, and is boosted by a useful passive and Physical Damage substat. This makes it a reliable and potent choice for numerous characters, allowing you to clear content effectively until you get better weapons. While it might not be the ultimate sword, it’s definitely a good and important option to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Prototype Rancour, offering additional information and context:

1. Is Prototype Rancour the best sword in Genshin Impact?

No, the Prototype Rancour is not the best sword in Genshin Impact. That title is often given to 5-star swords like Mistsplitter Reforged or Aquila Favonia, which boast higher base stats and more powerful passives. However, the Prototype Rancour is a strong and accessible 4-star option.

2. Can the Prototype Rancour be used on Bennett?

Yes, while Bennett is generally more suitable for support builds which benefit more from weapons with energy recharge, the Prototype Rancour can still work, as the attack bonus would increase his burst healing as well. However, there are better options for him.

3. How is the Prototype Rancour for Keqing?

The Prototype Rancour is a good option for Keqing if you are building her as a Physical Damage dealer, as her normal attacks are one of her primary sources of damage. It has a high base attack and boosts her physical damage.

4. Is Prototype Rancour better than the Sword of Descension?

The Prototype Rancour is generally better than the Sword of Descension. The Sword of Descension has an awful base attack, and characters do not always benefit from the energy recharge it provides.

5. Who is Prototype Rancour good for other than DPS?

While the Prototype Rancour shines on main DPS characters, some support characters can use the sword for its base attack, especially those that benefit from ATK scaling, such as Jean when built for physical.

6. Is Prototype Rancour good for the Traveler?

Yes, especially when building the Traveler for Physical Damage, the Prototype Rancour is a great choice.

7. Does the Prototype Rancour’s passive work on charged attacks?

Yes, the passive ability Smashed Stone increases ATK and DEF for 6s on normal or charged attacks.

8. How do I get the Prototype Rancour?

The Prototype Rancour is craftable at the Blacksmith, using the required materials. You can get its blueprint by reaching Adventure Rank 10.

9. Is the base attack of the Prototype Rancour good?

Yes, the Prototype Rancour has a good base attack, which is a great advantage for a craftable 4-star weapon.

10. What is the secondary stat of the Prototype Rancour?

The secondary stat of the Prototype Rancour is Physical DMG Bonus.

11. Does the Prototype Rancour work with characters using Elemental DMG?

While it can work, the Prototype Rancour is generally more effective for Physical Damage oriented characters, due to its secondary stat. Characters using Elemental DMG would find other weapons more effective.

12. Is the Prototype Rancour good for Kaeya?

Yes, the Prototype Rancour can be a good weapon for Kaeya if you are aiming for a physical build.

13. Can I refine the Prototype Rancour?

Yes, like other craftable weapons, the Prototype Rancour can be refined by using duplicates of itself to increase the effects of its passive ability.

14. Is the Prototype Rancour a free-to-play weapon?

Yes, the Prototype Rancour is a free-to-play friendly option since it is a craftable weapon.

15. What are the crafting materials needed for Prototype Rancour?

You need 50 Crystal Chunks, 50 White Iron Chunks, and 1 Northlander Sword Billet to craft the Prototype Rancour.