Swords in Genshin Impact: complete guide to choosing, optimizing, and mastering each blade

What turns a sword into a legend within Teyvat? Imagine the sensation of the blade cutting through the wind after an elemental burst: speed, synergy, and an effect that changes a rotation. In this in-depth guide, you will discover how swords work in Genshin Impact, which ones set the meta, how to obtain them, and how to maximize their potential according to your character and playstyle.

In the following sections, you will learn to evaluate a sword beyond its base attack number: you will understand passives, substats, elemental synergies, acquisition methods, and practical recommendations for builds. We also include comparative tables, a release timeline to follow the evolution of the arsenal, and real examples that will help you choose the ideal blade for your team.

Evolution and featured sword releases in Genshin Impact

Placing the timeline here helps to understand why certain weapons set trends and how blacksmithing and events have shaped the viable options for each era of the game.

Era	Event
I. Initial Release and Early Versions (1.x)
Prototype Rancour	“Workhorse” sword available from the start: obtained for free upon reaching Adventure Rank 10; typical weapon for early players.
Aquila Favonia	One of the first 5-star swords available; historically had the highest Base Attack until the arrival of Mistsplitter Reforged.
Festering Desire — Version 1.2	4-star sword obtained as an event reward in v1.2; limited access weapon (event) that serves as a chronological marker for early versions.
Mistsplitter Reforged	5-star gachapon sword released after Aquila Favonia; equaled/surpassed its Base Attack and redefined power benchmarks in its category.
II. Expansion to Inazuma (Versions 2.x)
Amenoma Kageuchi (forgeable sword)	Forgeable weapon introduced with Inazuma; blueprint obtained from the world quest “The Farmer’s Treasure” — focuses on energy management/recharge.
Cinnabar Spindle — Version 2.3 (event)	4-star sword distributed as an event reward in v2.3, specifically designed for Albedo.
Iron Sting	Forgeable sword present in the Inazuma weapon set, focused on Elemental Mastery; available through forging.
III. Expansion to Sumeru (Versions 3.x)
Sapwood Blade	Forgeable sword oriented towards the Dendro meta; obtained by exchanging “Aranara Stories” with Aravinay near the Tree of Dreams in Sumeru.
IV. Expansion to Fontaine and recent meta (Versions 4.x)
Furina and other recent releases (≈ v4.1 or later)	Context of character distribution around v4.1 or later: Furina (one-handed sword user, Hydro) and the appearance of other Hydro/sword characters like Neuvillette and Wriothesley in meta discussions.
Fleuve Cendre Ferryman	Weapon linked to Fontaine that can be obtained through the region’s fishing association (contextual acquisition mechanism of Fontaine).
V. Future Outlook and Speculations (2025 and beyond)
Meta Updates — 2025	Guides and discussions anticipate continuous meta evolution in 2025, with new weapons and adjustments that will change usage priorities.
Natlan — Expected Forgeable Weapons	It is mentioned that Natlan’s arrival could bring new craftable weapons (e.g., “Earth Shaker” among the speculated) linked to the region.
Nod‑Krai and Leaks for Version 6.0	There are references to alleged leaks of Nod‑Krai weapons planned for v6.0; for now, they remain in the realm of speculation.

Why you shouldn’t just look at base attack

The base attack number is a sword’s first impression, but the full story is in the substats and passive. A blade with lower attack can outperform one with more damage if its passive boosts your bursts, improves critical chance, or provides effects after elemental reactions.

• Substats: Crit Rate, Crit DMG, Energy Recharge, Elemental Mastery, and ATK% change how the sword scales with the character’s artifacts.
• Passives: Temporary speed or damage buffs, accumulations per hit, and effects after using the ultimate can drastically increase your actual DPS per rotation.
• Synergy: A sword that amplifies elemental mastery shines in reaction-based teams, while one that improves burst damage better accompanies supports that generate elemental charge.

The best swords: analysis by category

Here we examine the most relevant swords according to their ranks and role. We do not seek an absolute truth, but practical recommendations for different player profiles.

Essential 5★ Swords

• Mistsplitter Reforged: Passive that boosts elemental damage after accumulation and one of the best for DPS relying on sustained elemental damage.
• Aquila Favonia: Excellent option for physical users: its passive returns part of the damage as attack and increases the wielder’s survival after taking hits.
• Sharp Skyward Blade (hypothetical 5★ meta example): High base attack stat and speed/crit bonus that favors aggressive rotations after ultimate.

Worthwhile 4★ Swords

• Black Sword: Very versatile for DPS: adds critical chance and damage to normal attacks, accessible to many players.
• Prototype Rancour: Free for many users and useful for physical or mixed attack builds.
• Iron Sting: Excellent in compositions that leverage Elemental Mastery to boost reactions.

3★ Swords and situational uses

• Dark Iron Sword / Harbinger of Dawn: Useful in early stages or for characters who do not require high substats; they can be kept until refined and may offer a surprise.

Practical comparison: how to choose according to your role

The following table summarizes which type of sword is best suited depending on the character’s role and combat objective.

Role	Optimal 5★	Accessible 4★	Recommended Use
Physical DPS	Aquila Favonia, Wolf’s Gravestone	Prototype Rancour, Black Sword	Prioritize Crit DMG / ATK% and healing or lifesteal effects if the character is fragile.
Elemental DPS (reactions)	Mistsplitter Reforged, Sharp Skyward Blade	Iron Sting, Rainslasher	Look for Elemental Mastery and passives that boost damage after reactions.
Support / Sub-DPS	Freedom-Sworn, Favonius Sword	Favonius Sword (4★), Amenoma Kageuchi (forgeable)	Energy recharge and particle generation are key.

Best Swords per Character: Quick Guide

Although the final choice depends on artifacts and synergy, these combinations are the most replicated in guides and DPS calculators.

• Traveler (Anemo / Geo): Swords with recharge or that increase burst damage to maximize elemental swap utility.
• Keqing: Black Sword or Mistsplitter Reforged, depending on whether you seek versatility or maximum critical damage.
• Furina (Hydro, sword user): Weapons that increase elemental damage and recharge favor maintaining constant Hydro reactions.

How to get the best swords in Genshin Impact

Acquisition varies: gachapon (Wish), temporary events, quest rewards, and forging. Each method has its cost and accessibility. Understanding the routes helps you plan resources and decide what to expect or forge.

Below, the shortcode shows related products in our store that replicate the aesthetic of your favorite swords within a curated selection:

• Wish (Gachapon): Main source of 5★ and many exclusive 4★. Ideal if you are looking for a specific weapon during its banner.
• Events: Offer temporary or unique 4★ weapons for a limited time; they are valuable because they often compete with gachapon weapons in performance.
• Forging: An alternative for 4★ and 3★ weapons with fixed costs; recommended if you need a weapon with a specific passive that fits your build.
• Rewards/Gifts: Some weapons are obtained through quests or achievements, usually with good passives for certain characters.

Resource management strategy: prioritize saving wishes for banners that include weapons that truly improve your main characters. Forge when you need a specific tool and materials are affordable.

How to maximize a sword: level up, ascend, and refine

An unenhanced blade is just potential. Here are the critical steps to turn a weapon into a central piece of your build:

• Leveling up: Use weapon experience materials to increase base attack; prioritize swords with passives that improve by level or with useful substats.
• Ascending: Requires specific materials and allows reaching higher levels; some passives scale better after ascending.
• Refining: Use duplicates to improve the passive. Refine weapons that complement your character’s rotation, not necessarily those you see as “the strongest.”

Combat usage strategies and rotations

The best rotations combine normal attacks, skills, and bursts, taking advantage of the sword’s passives. Here are some patterns:

• Aggressive rotation: Skill → switch to DPS → burst → normal attacks maximizes swords with temporary damage or speed buffs after the ultimate.
• Reaction-based rotation: Prioritize applying elements with the support and then switching to the wielder who exploits Elemental Mastery and the sword’s passives.
• Extended support: Keep the user out of harm’s way while their passive generates resources or particles if the sword provides recharge/particles.

Practical example: with a sword that grants +10% attack speed for 12s after ultimate, plan your rotation so that the ultimate is used just before the maximum damage window; chain support bursts when they are ready to take advantage of that window.

Artifact building and important substats

Swords are complemented by artifacts that enhance their strengths. Practical rules:

• If you seek raw damage: Prioritize Crit Rate / Crit DMG and ATK% in artifacts.
• If the sword amplifies reactions: Elemental Mastery and elemental damage are paramount.
• Supports and particle generators: Energy Recharge and HP/Defense if the character’s passive scales with those stats.

Advanced tips and common mistakes

• Don’t refine automatically: If the passive improves slightly with refinement but your build doesn’t take advantage of it, save duplicates for a future character.
• Avoid “chasing” a 5★ without a plan: Often a well-selected and refined 4★ outperforms a poorly synchronized 5★ with your team.
• Check synergies: Before leveling up, test the sword in combat or with simulators to verify the actual DPS increase.

Comparative analysis: numerical examples and tables

These examples help you understand how choice influences real numbers. The table compares key attributes and when they should be considered.

Weapon	Base Attack (example)	Typical Substat	Best Uses
Mistsplitter Reforged	608	Crit Rate / Elemental Damage	DPS based on elemental damage and bursts
Aquila Favonia	644	ATK% / Regeneration	Physical DPS, survival
Iron Sting	510	Elemental Mastery	Reactions and sub-DPS

The metagame and its impact on sword choice

The meta changes with characters and patches. Weapons that are standard today may rotate into situational use when a passive appears that breaks synergies. Keep a priority list and update your resource plan with each version.

Tips for planning your wishes and materials

Save wishes for the banners that truly matter: those containing weapons or characters that use the swords you want to improve. Save ascension materials and duplicates when anticipating future banners or characters with similar roles.

Final recommendations for mastering swords

Mastering a sword involves understanding its rhythm: when to use the burst, how to coordinate recharge, and which passives to empower. There is no single answer, but there is a method: evaluate the passive, test it in combat, and optimize artifacts around its strengths.

If you want to delve into a specific blade or optimize a character step by step, turn this article into your checklist: identify the passive, decide the priority of leveling up, calculate the benefit of refinement, and plan wishes or forging.

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