Is Royal Longsword Good for Keqing? A Comprehensive Guide

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In short, the Royal Longsword is generally not a good weapon choice for Keqing. While it offers an ATK% substat, which Keqing benefits from, its passive, “Focus,” which increases CRIT Rate upon damaging an opponent, only to reset upon scoring a CRIT Hit, is highly unreliable and inconsistent, especially at higher refinement ranks. Better weapon options exist that offer more consistent damage output and synergy with Keqing’s Electro or Physical DPS playstyles.

Royal Longsword: A Closer Look

The Royal Longsword, obtainable through the Paimon’s Bargains shop using Starglitter, presents a straightforward ATK% substat, beneficial for any character whose damage scales primarily on ATK, including Keqing. However, its passive, designed to provide CRIT Rate through stacks, suffers from several critical flaws when applied to Keqing’s gameplay:

• Inconsistency: Keqing’s fast-paced attack style and access to abilities that apply Electro quickly, often result in CRIT hits before the Royal Longsword’s passive can stack up significantly. This leads to the passive constantly resetting, making its CRIT Rate bonus unreliable.

• Opportunity Cost: There are several other weapons, readily available, that offer either higher base ATK, a more beneficial substat (like CRIT Damage or CRIT Rate), or a more reliable and impactful passive ability. Using the Royal Longsword essentially means sacrificing a significant damage potential for a largely unfulfilled promise of increasing CRIT Rate.

• Refinement Inefficiencies: While refining the Royal Longsword increases the stack accumulation and maximum CRIT Rate granted, the core problem of resetting upon a critical hit remains. Higher refinements exacerbate the feeling of wasted potential.

Why Royal Longsword Doesn’t Synergize with Keqing’s Kit

Keqing’s kit relies on a mix of Normal Attacks, Charged Attacks, Elemental Skill, and Elemental Burst. Each of these elements synergizes in ways that are not complimented by Royal Longsword’s passive.

• Electro Keqing: An Electro Keqing build typically focuses on frequent Electro application and high CRIT values. Relying on the Royal Longsword’s inconsistent CRIT Rate buff jeopardizes the consistency of triggering Elemental Reactions (such as Aggravate) and maximizing overall DPS. Weapons that directly increase CRIT Rate/CRIT Damage or provide valuable Elemental DMG Bonus are significantly better.

• Physical Keqing: While Physical Keqing benefits more from a consistent ATK boost, even then, weapons with consistent Physical DMG Bonus or passives that enhance Normal/Charged Attack damage (such as the Aquila Favonia or Prototype Rancour) will outperform the Royal Longsword due to their reliable damage output.

Superior Weapon Alternatives for Keqing

Consider these alternatives for a more effective build:

• Primordial Jade Cutter: The undisputed best-in-slot for Keqing, providing a massive CRIT Rate substat and scaling ATK based on HP.

• Mistsplitter Reforged: Another excellent choice, boasting a high base ATK and a passive perfectly suited for Elemental DMG dealers like Keqing.

• Haran Geppaku Futsu: Provides a CRIT Rate substat and further boosts Normal Attack DMG, suitable for Keqing’s playstyle.

• Blackcliff Longsword: Obtainable through Paimon’s Bargains, the Blackcliff Longsword offers a valuable CRIT DMG substat, making it a more consistent choice than the Royal Longsword.

• Lion’s Roar: A strong option for Electro Keqing teams focused on Electro-Charged reactions.

• The Flute: While less optimal than the above choices, it offers a solid ATK substat and a passive that provides AoE damage, making it a decent F2P option.

• Prototype Rancour: The best F2P choice for physical Keqing.

FAQs: Royal Longsword and Keqing

1. Can the Royal Longsword ever be useful on Keqing?

In extremely niche situations, where you have absolutely no other weapon options and your Keqing’s CRIT Rate is exceptionally low, the Royal Longsword might provide a temporary boost. However, prioritize acquiring even a basic 4-star weapon as soon as possible.

2. Is Royal Longsword good for other characters?

Some characters with slower, less frequent attacks, or those who have difficulty building CRIT Rate naturally, may benefit more from the Royal Longsword’s passive. However, dedicated weapon options almost always exist that are superior.

3. How does the Royal Longsword compare to the Blackcliff Longsword for Keqing?

The Blackcliff Longsword is almost always a better choice for Keqing than the Royal Longsword. Its CRIT DMG substat provides a consistent damage increase, which is far more valuable than the Royal Longsword’s unreliable CRIT Rate passive.

4. Does the Royal Longsword’s passive stack with other CRIT Rate buffs?

Yes, the CRIT Rate provided by the Royal Longsword’s passive stacks additively with other CRIT Rate bonuses from artifacts, other weapon passives, and character talents.

5. Does the Royal Longsword’s passive work off-field?

No, the Royal Longsword’s passive only activates when the character wielding the weapon is on the field and actively attacking.

6. What artifacts are best to pair with Royal Longsword on Keqing?

Even if you are forced to use the Royal Longsword, you should still aim for the standard Keqing artifact builds: 2-piece Thundering Fury/ 2-piece Gladiator’s Finale (or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence) for Electro Keqing, or 4-piece Pale Flame for Physical Keqing. Prioritize CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG on your artifacts to compensate for the weapon’s shortcomings.

7. How important is CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG for Keqing?

CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG are crucial for Keqing. Aim for a CRIT Rate of at least 50-60% and CRIT DMG of 120% or higher for optimal damage output.

8. What team compositions work best with Keqing when using the Royal Longsword?

Team compositions should focus on maximizing Keqing’s ATK and damage potential. Buffer supports like Bennett are useful, but are useful no matter the weapon.

9. Should I refine the Royal Longsword if I’m using it on Keqing?

Refining the Royal Longsword will increase the maximum CRIT Rate and how quickly stacks are gained, but it doesn’t address the fundamental problem of the passive resetting upon critical hits. Resources are better spent on upgrading a better weapon or improving your artifacts.

10. Is the Royal Longsword worth buying from Paimon’s Bargains?

Generally, no. Starglitter is a valuable resource that should be saved for characters or constellations. Spending it on the Royal weapons is not recommended, as there are better options available through other means.

11. How does Royal Longsword compare to the Iron Sting?

For Electro Keqing, the Iron Sting, a craftable weapon that boosts Elemental Mastery, can be a decent option, especially in teams focused on Aggravate. It provides a more consistent benefit than Royal Longsword.

12. Does the Royal Longsword’s passive affect Charged Attacks?

Yes, the Royal Longsword’s passive applies to both Normal and Charged Attacks.

13. Can the Royal Longsword be used in the Spiral Abyss?

While you can use the Royal Longsword in the Spiral Abyss, you will likely find it challenging to achieve high clear times due to its inconsistent passive. Prioritize equipping Keqing with a more reliable weapon.

14. Are there any niche builds where Royal Longsword might be considered on Keqing?

No. No specialized build exists where the Royal Longsword is preferred over other alternatives.

15. Where can I learn more about optimizing my Genshin Impact characters?

You can learn more about Genshin Impact mechanics and strategies by checking online community guides, watching YouTube tutorials, and exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This academic community studies the nuances of games and their application to educational settings. Understanding game mechanics is essential to improving your gameplay and building a stronger team!