In Genshin Impact, weapons can significantly alter how powerful your characters are, and equipping the right one can be the difference between clearing Spiral Abyss or struggling in domains. With dozens of 5-star and 4-star options across different weapon types, it can be overwhelming for both new and veteran players to know what truly works.

This tier list breaks down the strongest weapons for each weapon type—swords, claymores, polearms, bows, and catalysts—focusing on performance in real gameplay. Each weapon is evaluated based on stats, passive ability, synergy with characters, role suitability (main DPS, sub-DPS, support), and ease of access. Whether you’re free-to-play or a whale, this guide will help you optimize your builds. For a comprehensive introduction to the game, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Genshin Impact!

Best Swords

Swords are used by some of the game’s most versatile characters, including main DPS like Ayaka and sub-DPS like Bennett.

SS Tier

• Mistsplitter Reforged: High Crit DMG, incredible synergy with elemental burst characters like Ayaka.
• Primordial Jade Cutter: Crit Rate and HP scaling, ideal for hybrid DPS units like Alhaitham or even support builds like Xinyan.

S Tier

• Haran Geppaku Futsu: Excellent elemental burst sword for Kamisato Ayato and other hydro swordsmen.
• Aquila Favonia: Physical damage boost and healing passive; best used on Jean and Physical Keqing.

A Tier

• The Black Sword: A Battle Pass weapon great for crit builds; pairs well with Keqing or Kaeya.
• Iron Sting: EM-boosting F2P choice for elemental reaction users like Kazuha or Albedo.

Best Bows

Bows are often used by characters that rely on positioning and reactions, including top-tier supports and ranged DPS units.

SS Tier

• Polar Star: High Crit Rate and stacking ATK; amazing for Childe and Ganyu.
• Aqua Simulacra: Exceptional HP-scaling Crit DMG bow for characters like Yelan.

S Tier

• Thundering Pulse: Excellent Crit DMG for Yoimiya and similar high-output DPS.
• Skyward Harp: Balanced stats; great on most archers needing reliable Crit.

A Tier

• Recurve Bow: Underrated healing and HP-boosting weapon; pairs well with Barbara.
• Favonius Warbow: Energy Recharge bow, ideal for supporting units like Diona or Sara.

Best Catalysts

Catalysts are exclusive to magical casters, often favoring high Elemental Mastery or burst capabilities.

SS Tier

• Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds: High Crit Rate, mobility buff; ideal for constant on-field DPS like Yanfei or Klee.
• Skyward Atlas: Boosts ATK and elemental damage; fits well with Lisa or Mona.

S Tier

• Kagura’s Verity: Exceptional Crit DMG burst catalyst; tailor-made for Yae Miko.
• The Widsith: Randomized boosts make it ideal for burst mages like Mona or Heizou.

A Tier

• Mappa Mare: Craftable EM-based catalyst good for reaction-focused characters.
• Sacrificial Fragments: Skill-resetting makes it optimal for Sucrose.

Best Claymores

Claymore users often play the main DPS role and benefit from raw attack power or physical damage boosts.

SS Tier

• Redhorn Stonethresher: Best Crit DMG claymore; designed for Itto but usable on many DPS.
• Wolf’s Gravestone: Great team-wide ATK buff and Physical boost.

S Tier

• Serpent Spine: Battle Pass weapon with Crit Rate scaling; high risk but high reward for DPS players.
• The Unforged: ATK scaling and shield synergy; great for Noelle or Beidou with shields.

A Tier

• Luxurious Sea-Lord: Surprisingly effective for burst setups; best for F2P players.
• Favonius Greatsword: Energy Recharge support tool.

Best Polearms

Polearms dominate the meta due to their attack speed and synergy with popular characters like Raiden and Hu Tao.

SS Tier

• Staff of Homa: Best Crit DMG and HP-scaling polearm; ideal for Hu Tao and Zhongli.
• Engulfing Lightning: Top-tier Energy Recharge and ATK conversion for burst-focused characters like Raiden Shogun.

S Tier

• Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: Crit Rate and stacking ATK; universally powerful.
• Calamity Queller: Specializes in elemental burst scaling, great for Shenhe.

A Tier

• Favonius Lance: Great for ER builds on Rosaria and Xiangling.
• The Catch: Best F2P weapon for burst support polearm users.

The weapon meta in Genshin Impact continues to evolve, but some choices remain consistently strong across patches and playstyles. Whether you’re aiming for massive Crit bursts, elemental reaction chains, or reliable Energy Recharge setups, there are standout weapons for every situation.

Five-star weapons dominate in raw power, but many four-star alternatives—like The Catch, Widsith, and Serpent Spine—offer impressive performance at lower investment. Choosing the right weapon means understanding your character’s scaling, team role, and synergy. Build around your weapon’s passive, pair it with optimal artifacts, and you’ll unlock each character’s true potential. For the best gaming experience, play Genshin Impact on BlueStacks!