Whiteblind vs. Prototype Archaic for Razor: A Deep Dive

The age-old question plaguing Razor mains: Whiteblind or Prototype Archaic? The answer, as with many things in Genshin Impact, is it depends. For pure, unadulterated damage output on Razor, Prototype Archaic generally edges out Whiteblind, especially at higher refinements. However, Whiteblind’s DEF scaling can provide significant survivability and smoother gameplay, especially for players with less optimized artifact stats. Let’s break down why.

Prototype Archaic: The Raw Powerhouse

Unleashing Razor’s Offensive Potential

Prototype Archaic is a forgeable weapon that boasts a high Base ATK and an ATK% substat. Its passive ability, “Crush,” gives a 50% chance on hit to deal an additional 240% ATK damage to enemies in a small AoE. This effect can occur once every 15 seconds. This weapon shines on Razor for the following reasons:

• High ATK scaling: Razor’s kit scales incredibly well with ATK. A higher ATK stat directly translates into higher damage on his Normal Attacks, Elemental Skill, and Elemental Burst.
• Crush passive burst: The “Crush” passive provides significant burst damage. While the 15-second cooldown limits its frequency, the high damage multiplier makes each proc impactful. This is especially valuable for clearing weaker enemies quickly.
• Accessibility: Being a forgeable weapon, Prototype Archaic is readily available to most players. Refinements are also easier to obtain compared to gacha weapons.

The Prototype Archaic Advantage

For players focused on maximizing Razor’s damage output in situations where survivability isn’t a major concern (e.g., overworld exploration with a dedicated healer or well-executed Abyss runs), Prototype Archaic is often the superior choice. Its raw ATK scaling simply provides more consistent damage across Razor’s entire kit.

Whiteblind: The Defensive Dynamo

Fortifying Razor’s Defenses and Damage

Whiteblind is another forgeable weapon, but its strength lies in its DEF substat and its passive ability, “Good Form.” Hitting an enemy with Normal or Charged Attacks increases ATK and DEF by 6% for 6 seconds, stacking up to 4 times. This effect can occur once every 0.5 seconds. While DEF might seem like an odd stat for an offensive character like Razor, Whiteblind offers some unexpected benefits:

• DEF provides increased survivability: Razor’s interruption resistance isn’t the best, and he can be easily staggered by enemy attacks. The increased DEF from Whiteblind makes him significantly more resistant to damage, allowing for more consistent DPS uptime.
• Smoother Gameplay: The added survivability translates to smoother gameplay, especially in the Spiral Abyss. Less time spent dodging means more time spent attacking.
• Synergy with some team compositions: While not the primary focus, the increased DEF can benefit certain team compositions that rely on characters with DEF scaling abilities (e.g., Albedo).

The Whiteblind Advantage

Whiteblind is an excellent option for players who:

• Struggle with Razor’s survivability: If you find yourself frequently getting interrupted or taking excessive damage, Whiteblind’s added DEF can be a game-changer.
• Have less optimized artifact stats: DEF scaling can help compensate for a lack of ATK stats on your artifacts.
• Prioritize consistent DPS uptime over maximizing peak damage: Whiteblind’s increased survivability allows you to maintain a more consistent damage output over time.
• Play Coop mode frequently: The additional defense can be highly useful in coop mode, where dodging attacks can be harder to coordinate.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind for Razor:

Feature	Prototype Archaic	Whiteblind
—————–	———————————-	———————————-
Base ATK	High	High
Substat	ATK%	DEF%
Passive Ability	High-damage AoE burst (15s CD)	ATK & DEF increase (stacking)
Main Benefit	Maximize damage output	Enhance survivability & consistency
Best For	Players focused on raw damage	Players needing more survivability
Refinement Benefit	Higher damage output	Higher defence and attack boost

Conclusion

Ultimately, the “better” weapon depends on your playstyle, team composition, and artifact stats. If you prioritize maximizing damage and have good survivability, Prototype Archaic is likely the better choice. If you struggle with Razor’s survivability or have less-than-ideal artifacts, Whiteblind can provide a significant boost to your overall gameplay experience. Experiment with both weapons and see which one feels better for you.

Remember, Genshin Impact is all about finding what works best for you. There are many character builds and the best choice will depend on individual preferences. You can learn more about game theory and character build choices from academic resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Prototype Archaic better than Whiteblind at R5 for Razor?

Yes, generally, Prototype Archaic R5 will outperform Whiteblind R5 in terms of raw damage output. The increased ATK% from the substat and the more frequent procs of the “Crush” passive make it a potent offensive weapon.

2. Does Whiteblind’s DEF scaling make Razor a tank?

No, Whiteblind won’t turn Razor into an unkillable tank. However, the increased DEF significantly improves his survivability, making him less susceptible to interruption and allowing him to withstand more damage.

3. Can Whiteblind be a viable option for Razor in the Spiral Abyss?

Absolutely. Whiteblind can be a viable option for Razor in the Spiral Abyss, especially if you’re struggling to survive against the tougher enemies. The added survivability can help you maintain consistent DPS uptime and clear chambers more efficiently.

4. How does Serpent Spine compare to Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind for Razor?

Serpent Spine is generally considered the superior option for damage, especially at higher refinements. However, it requires maintaining stacks, which can be challenging in certain situations. Prototype Archaic offers more consistent damage, while Whiteblind focuses on survivability.

5. What artifacts should I use with Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind on Razor?

The ideal artifact sets for Razor are 4-piece Gladiator’s Finale or a 2-piece Bloodstained Chivalry/2-piece Pale Flame combination. However, if you are struggling to get a good artifact, then focus on Attack and crit damage.

6. Does Whiteblind work well with Superconduct reactions?

Whiteblind’s DEF scaling doesn’t directly enhance Superconduct reactions. However, the increased survivability allows you to trigger Superconduct more consistently without getting interrupted.

7. Can I use Whiteblind on other characters besides Razor?

Yes, Whiteblind can be a good option for characters who benefit from DEF scaling, such as Noelle and Xinyan.

8. What is the best team composition for Razor with Prototype Archaic?

A good team composition for Razor with Prototype Archaic typically includes a Cryo character for Superconduct (e.g., Rosaria, Kaeya, Diona), an Electro battery (e.g., Fischl, Beidou), and a Healer/Shielder (e.g., Bennett, Diona, Zhongli).

9. Is it worth refining Prototype Archaic or Whiteblind?

Yes, refining both Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind is highly recommended. Refinements significantly increase the damage output of Prototype Archaic and the DEF/ATK bonuses of Whiteblind.

10. Does Energy Recharge affect the decision between Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind?

Not directly. However, if you are having energy problems, then having high damage might not matter. You might want to consider an Energy Recharge weapon. If you want to choose between those two weapons specifically, neither will help you with Energy Recharge.

11. What talents should I prioritize when using Prototype Archaic or Whiteblind on Razor?

You should prioritize Razor’s Normal Attack talent (Steel Fang), as it is the primary source of his damage. Next, focus on his Elemental Burst (Lightning Fang), followed by his Elemental Skill (Claw and Thunder).

12. How does the choice between Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind affect Razor’s playstyle?

With Prototype Archaic, you’ll want to focus on maximizing your damage output and quickly eliminating enemies. With Whiteblind, you can afford to be a bit more aggressive and focus on maintaining consistent DPS uptime.

13. Can I use Prototype Archaic on Diluc?

Yes, Prototype Archaic is a viable option for Diluc, especially if you don’t have access to other 5-star or gacha 4-star weapons.

14. Is there a specific constellation level where Whiteblind becomes better than Prototype Archaic for Razor?

No, there isn’t a specific constellation level that drastically changes the viability of either weapon. The choice between Prototype Archaic and Whiteblind remains largely dependent on your playstyle, team composition, and artifact stats.

15. What if I don’t have either Prototype Archaic or Whiteblind? What are some other good F2P claymore options for Razor?

If you don’t have access to either Prototype Archaic or Whiteblind, some other good F2P claymore options for Razor include the Akuoumaru, and Lithic Blade.