Which 4-Star Bow is Best for Ganyu? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of the best 4-star bow for Ganyu is a common one among Genshin Impact players, and for good reason. While 5-star weapons like Amos’ Bow and Aqua Simulacra undoubtedly offer superior stats and passives, they are not always accessible to everyone. So, for those looking to maximize Ganyu’s potential without relying on premium weapons, what’s the best choice?
The short answer: Prototype Crescent is generally the best 4-star bow for Ganyu.
However, the situation is nuanced and depends on the specific team composition and playstyle you’re using. Let’s explore why Prototype Crescent takes the top spot and discuss other viable alternatives.
Why Prototype Crescent is the Top Choice
Consistent Damage Boost
The Prototype Crescent‘s passive ability, “After a Charged Attack hits an opponent’s weak point, Movement Speed is increased by 10% and ATK is increased by 36% for 10s,” perfectly synergizes with Ganyu’s playstyle. Ganyu heavily relies on her Charged Attacks, and with good aim, hitting weak points is easily achievable. The significant ATK boost provided by this passive is where the Prototype Crescent shines.
Versatility Across Builds
The Prototype Crescent‘s passive and secondary ATK stat make it effective across various Ganyu builds. Whether you’re running a Melt team, a Freeze team, or even a hybrid, the ATK increase will consistently boost your damage output.
F2P-Friendly Accessibility
Unlike the Blackcliff Warbow, which requires Starglitter, the Prototype Crescent is craftable. This makes it a very accessible and F2P-friendly option for players. You can craft it early in the game with easily obtainable materials, offering a significant early boost to Ganyu’s damage.
How to Maximize its Potential
To truly maximize the effectiveness of the Prototype Crescent, practice hitting weak points. This is crucial to activate its passive. Against large enemies with obvious weak spots like ruin guards, this is quite easy. For more mobile enemies, aiming may require more practice.
Other Notable 4-Star Bows for Ganyu
While the Prototype Crescent is generally the best, here are some other 4-star bow options for Ganyu that are worth considering:
Hamayumi: Melt Comp Alternative
The Hamayumi bow’s passive, “Increases Normal Attack DMG by 16% and Charged Attack DMG by 12%. When the wielder’s Energy is at 100%, this effect is increased by 100%.”, offers good damage potential, particularly for Melt Ganyu builds. If you are using a 4 piece Wanderer’s Troupe artifact set and mostly use Charged Attacks without much need for her burst, Hamayumi can outcompete Prototype Crescent. However, it requires consistently full energy and is less versatile in other scenarios.
Blackcliff Warbow: Situational Burst Damage
The Blackcliff Warbow, with its Crit Damage secondary stat and passive that increases ATK after defeating enemies, can be beneficial in scenarios with multiple weak enemies. It also provides a very high crit damage which is always useful. However, Ganyu’s playstyle often involves focused damage on single targets or fewer strong enemies, and the ATK increase only works if you can repeatedly kill enemies.
Rust: Not Ideal for Ganyu
While Rust is a solid 4-star bow, it’s not optimal for Ganyu. Its passive primarily focuses on Normal Attack Damage, which is not Ganyu’s main source of damage. The Charged Attack DMG decrease can hurt your damage output significantly.
Comparing the Bows
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Prototype Crescent: Consistent ATK boost through passive, highly versatile, and easily craftable.
- Hamayumi: Good damage potential in specific Melt builds, requires full energy.
- Blackcliff Warbow: Crit Damage is great, but its passive is situational for Ganyu.
- Rust: Normal Attack focused, negatively affects Ganyu’s main damage source.
The Verdict
For most scenarios, the Prototype Crescent is the superior choice. Its ease of use, consistent ATK bonus, and F2P accessibility make it an excellent option. Hamayumi can be a good option for specific, charge-attack-focused melt team compositions. The other 4-star options are generally less efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Prototype Crescent better than Hamayumi for Ganyu?
Generally, Prototype Crescent is better due to its more consistent ATK increase, even though Hamayumi offers slightly better damage in specific Melt builds with a full Energy bar and charged attack play style.
2. What is the best artifact set for Ganyu with the Prototype Crescent?
For Freeze teams, 4-piece Blizzard Strayer is ideal. For Melt teams, 4-piece Wanderer’s Troupe or a mix of 2-piece Wanderer’s Troupe and 2-piece Gladiator/Shimenawa are great.
3. Does Prototype Crescent work in a Freeze team?
Yes, absolutely. The ATK bonus from Prototype Crescent‘s passive is beneficial in any team. It’s not specific to just melt reactions.
4. Should I focus on Crit Rate or Crit Damage with Prototype Crescent?
Aim for a 1:2 ratio of Crit Rate to Crit Damage. If using Blizzard Strayer in a freeze comp you may not need much crit rate.
5. Can a 4-star bow compete with a 5-star bow on Ganyu?
Yes, the Prototype Crescent allows Ganyu to perform very well with a good build even compared to some of her best 5-star bows. While not matching the raw power of weapons like Amos’ Bow, it’s a very viable option.
6. Is the Blackcliff Warbow worth buying from the Starglitter shop?
It’s not usually the best choice for Ganyu, as her playstyle isn’t about mobbing down weaker enemies. It can be decent if you have nothing else, but better alternatives are available.
7. How important is hitting weak points for the Prototype Crescent?
Hitting weak points is crucial for activating its passive and getting the most value out of the bow. This consistent boost in attack greatly improves Ganyu’s damage output.
8. Is there a 3-star bow that’s good for Ganyu?
No, 3-star bows are generally not recommended for Ganyu. The 4-star options are far superior.
9. How do I craft the Prototype Crescent?
You need a Bow Prototype, 50 Crystal Chunks, and 50 White Iron Chunks.
10. Does the Prototype Crescent need refinements?
Refinements will increase the amount of ATK bonus the bow provides. However, at R1 it’s a very strong option for Ganyu, refinements will only further increase its usefulness.
11. What is Ganyu’s best Melt team composition?
Common teams consist of Ganyu, Xiangling, Bennett, and an Anemo support like Kazuha or Sucrose.
12. Is Ganyu better with Melt or Freeze teams?
Both are strong. Freeze is easier for newer players and is less demanding to build. Melt generally offers higher damage output for veterans.
13. Can I use Rust on Ganyu?
While usable, Rust’s passive isn’t ideal for Ganyu. Other 4-star bows work much better.
14. Does the Prototype Crescent’s passive apply to the bloom damage from Ganyu’s charged attack?
Yes. It applies to all damage done by Ganyu, including the bloom from her charged attack, as it is all technically charged attack damage.
15. Is Ganyu worth investing in?
Yes. Ganyu is a fantastic DPS character who is easy to build and very powerful.