Genshin Impact Best 5 Star Weapons Tier List (Strongest And Weakest Ranked)

In Genshin Impact, weapons are used by the characters, though that is probably a statement of the obvious. That said, 5 star weapons are usually seen as the best weapons available, and usually dominate the higher end of weapon tier lists. That said, this raises the question about which 5 star weapons are the best. Well, let’s take a look.

Things to consider and how this will work

• This is about overall effectiveness: Just as characters can fill multiple roles, weapons can be used in multiple contexts, as well as having different effectiveness in different roles. As such, we will be looking at the overall effectiveness.
  • If a weapon fills multiple roles, with vastly different effectiveness, than that gets averaged out
    • Example: S+ in DPS, S in Sub DPS, and A for support, then the weapon will be considered S
  • If a weapon fills multiple roles, but some of those roles are equally effective, then it can be placed in that tier.
    • Example: S+ in DPS, S in Sub DPS, and S in support, than it will be considered S
• This is ignoring cost: Most, if not all, 5 star weapons are gained from the weapons banner that runs concurrently with limited character banners. This means that if you don’t make an effort to pull on those banners, then you probably won’t have a 5 star weapon. As such, cost effectiveness in the realm of acquiring it will be ignored, and we will only focus on the weapon itself.
• We will be looking at how versatile these weapons are: Again, weapons that perform well in multiple roles, will be ranked higher. Likewise, if a weapon has good synergy with a larger selection of characters who can use that weapon type, they will also be ranked higher than weapons that are excellent for a smaller amount, even if that character is considered to be a more powerful character.
  • That said, this does not supplant overall effectiveness, but it may be a factor for those that aren’t as overwhelming, so no weapon is going to leap from C to S+ tier because of character versatility, but it might make the difference between being ranked lower or higher within a tier.
• Most of these weapons are already good: Most tier lists will find that 5 star weapons tend to rank more highly. Part of that is because most 5 star weapons are already good, especially in comparison to their 4 star, 3 star, 2 star and 1 star counterparts. This means that more than likely, the worst 5 star is still better than middling 4 stars, and that most of the weapons will be in the higher tiers, with lower tiers being the exception, not the norm.
• This will be going up to 5.1: At the time of the writing of this article, the 5.2 update has been launched. Notably, this means a new bow released for 5.2, the Astral Vulture’s Crimson Plumage. Furthermore, rumors, speculations and leaks discussing 5.3 have already begun. As it is too early to guess 5.3, and it is still early to see how effective Astral Vulture’s Crimson Plumage is, we will focus up to 5.1.
• This will be ranked D through S, and it will be comparative to each other: Like I mentioned earlier, most tier lists will place 5 star weapons very highly, with weapons being ranked C or D being quite rare. However, most tier lists are looking at 5 star weapons in comparison with other tiers of weapons, such as 4 or 3 star weapons. As such, this tier list will focus on how 5 star weapons compare and match up to other 5 star weapons only. As such, the tier list will be D through S.
  • It should be noted again, that this is only between 5 star weapons. For example, a weapon that might be a B or C tier here, would ordinarily find itself in A tiers, where they are buoyed by the large amount of 1, 2, 3 and 4 star weapons.

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Tierlist for 5 star weapons (as of 5.1)

The Tierlist in its purest form

• S: These are the ideal 5 star weapons, that boast great powers, and can be used by a broad variety of characters of this weapon type, both meta and not.
  • Primordial Jade Cutter: 100/100
  • Beacon Of The Reed Sea: 98/100
  • Polar Star: 96/100
  • Mistsplitter Reforged: 95/100
  • Thundering Pulse: 93/100
  • Staff of Homa: 90/100
• A: These are powerful options for 5 star weapons, but they might have suffered from power creep, or there might be certain cases where they might not be as good of an option.
  • Aqua Simulacra: 89/100
  • Skyward Harp: 87/100
  • Freedom Sworn: 86/100
  • Wolf's Gravestone: 85/100
  • Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds: 84/100
  • Engulfing Lightning: 83/100
  • Staff Of Scarlet Sands: 82/100
  • Elegy For The End: 81/100
  • Verdict: 80/100
  • Redhorn Stonethresher: 79/100
  • Haran Geppaku Futsu: 78/100
  • A Thousand Floating Dreams: 77/100
  • The First Great Magic: 76/100
  • Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: 75/100
  • Tulaytullah's Remembrance: 73/100
  • Peak Patrol Song: 70/100
• B: Reliable, boosting strong options and potential, but might suffer from limited options for who can use them effectively. If it’s a weapon that can only really be effectively used by 1 character, chances are it’s going to end up here.
  • Skyward Blade: 69/100
  • Amos Bow: 67/100
  • Skyward Atlas: 66/100
  • Kagura's Verity: 65/100
  • Hunter's Path: 64/100
  • Uraku Misugiri: 63/100
  • Key Of Khaj-Nisut: 62/100
  • Song of Broken Pines: 60/100
  • Fang of the Mountain King: 59/100
  • Light of Foliar Incision: 58/100
  • Lumidouce Elegy: 57/100
  • Splendor of Tranquil Waters: 55/100
  • Absolution: 54/100
  • Surf’s Up: 53/100
  • Cashflow Supervision: 52/100
  • Crane's Echoing Call: 50/100
  • Tome of the Eternal Flow: 50/100
• C: A bit of a weaker option. They still might be better than most 3 or 4 star weapons, but against fellow 5 star weapons, better options are available.
  • Skyward Spine: 49/100
  • Skyward Pride: 48/100
  • Calamity Queller: 47/100
  • The Unforged: 45/100
  • Summit Shaper: 44/100
  • Memory of Dust: 43/100
  • Vortex Vanquisher: 42/100
  • Aquila Favonia: 41/100
  • Crimson Moon's Semblance: 40/100
• D: These are 5 star weapons that would be found to be actively worse than 3 or 4 star weapons (though they would still probably be better than 1 or 2 stars).
  • Silvershower Heartstrings: 39/100
  • Jadefall's Splendor: 35/100
  • Everlasting Moonglow: 30/100

The Best 5 star Weapons

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Primordial Jade Cutter

1. Primordial Jade Cutter

This sword’s mechanic is comparatively straight forward, but that is also what makes it such a powerhouse, as both an HP increase, a higher CRIT chance, and an ATK bonus based on the aforementioned HP increase, makes it a truly universal weapon.

• It increases HP by 20%.
• It also has an ATK bonus based on 1.2% of the wielder’s Max HP.
• It also gives a 9.6% CRIT Rate increase to its wielder, which grows as the weapon levels up, allowing you to build the wielder into a CRIT-dealing monster.
• These general, but helpful bonuses also means that it is universal, as any and all 21 sword wielding characters can effectively use this weapon.

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Beacon of the Reed Sea

 2. Beacon Of The Reed Sea

Although it was released for Dehya, a character that many players consider to be one of the weaker five star characters, the 5 star weapon released with her, the Beacon of the Reed Sea, is contrastingly considered one of the best 5 star claymores, well suited for any claymore DPS, as well as Dehya.

• After the character's Elemental skill hits an opponent, their ATK will be increased by 20% for 8s. This is useful for characters who lean on their Elemental skills in combat, such as Diluc, Dehya, or Gaming.
• In addition, after the character takes DMG, their ATK will be increased by 20% for 8s.
• It should be noted that both of these effects can be triggered even if the wielder is off-field, again, useful for Dehya in particular, but also for others who have off-field DMG potential, such as Chongyun.
• Finally, when not protected by a shield, the character's Max HP will be increased by 32%, which is useful for characters whose ATK scales off HP.
• This weapon is well suited for DPS or Sub DPS characters, which is good, cause that’s what most claymore characters tend to be. Out of the 16 claymore characters, only one does not synergize well with this weapon, Itto.
  • Examples of those who could synergize well includes:
    • Navia
    • Dehya
    • Diluc
    • Eula
    • Gaming

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Polar Star

 3. Polar Star

Tartaglia/Childe's signature weapon, this 5 star bow is perhaps one of the strongest choices for those seeking a strong Main and Sub DPS Bow user.

• Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG increased by 12%, so a solid choice for those whose lion share of damage dealing is through their skills or bursts, like Yelan.
• After a Normal Attack, Charged Attack, Elemental Skill or Elemental Burst hits an opponent, 1 stack of Ashen Nightstar will be gained for 12s. When stacks of Ashen Nightstar are present, ATK is increased by a set percentage, depending on the number of stacks gained.
  • 1 stack:10%
  • 2 stacks: 20%
  • 3 stacks: 30%
  • 4 stacks: 48%
• A flat CRIT Rate increase of 7.2% is the weapon’s bonus effect, which grows as the weapon levels up.
• Refinement will crank the percentages of the Stacks up.
• This weapon is ideal for bow characters seeking a role in DPS or Sub DPS.
• Out of the 19 bow characters, 14 have good synergy with this weapon.
  • Some of the best characters to use this weapon with are:
    • Yoimiya, where it is a strong reliable alternative to her own signature weapon or Rust
    • Yelan, who is perhaps the best suited to take advantage of the Ashen Nighstar stacks
    • Childe/Tartaglia
    • Ganyu
    • Chasca

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Mistsplitter Reforged

 4. Mistsplitter Reforged

Introduced in 4.3, Mistsplitter has for a long time, maintained a monopoly over 5 star swords. While synergizing with much less of the sword wielding characters, the ones that it does synergize with ensure that this sword remains a competitive and viable option.

• Gain a 12% Elemental DMG Bonus for a character's Elemental Type, making it great for characters who rely on elemental DMG.
• At stacks 1/2/3, Elemental DMG is further increased by 8/16/28%, with different durations based on individual situations when using it.
• Normal Attacks with Elemental DMG gives it a duration of 5 seconds.
• Casting an Elemental Burst gives it a duration of 10 seconds.
• Having less than 100% Energy results in the stacks disappearing when at full Energy.
• Its bonus effect is a flat CRIT DMG increase of 9.6 %, which grows as the weapon levels up.
• Refinement increases the percentages of the Elemental DMG, but does nothing for duration.
• This weapon is ideal for characters who mostly deal DMG via their elemental skills or bursts.
  • Notable examples include:
    • Alhaitham
    • Ayaka
    • Ayato, who benefits from the passive Elemental DMG boosts.
    • Keqing
    • Bennett theoretically if you aim for a more offensively minded build.

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Thundering Pulse

 5. Thundering Pulse

Another 4.3 introduction, this weapon is well suited for those seeking to create DPS focused bow characters.

• Increases ATK by 20% and grants Thunder Emblem which stacks.
• At stacks 1/2/3, Normal Attack DMG is further increased by 12/24/40%
• Once again, duration time is affected by the situation.
• Normal Attacks with Elemental DMG gives it a duration of 5 seconds.
• Casting an Elemental Burst gives it a duration of 10 seconds.
• Having less than 100% Energy results in the stacks disappearing when at full Energy.
• It gives a bonus effect of CRIT DMG being increased by 14.4%, which grows as the weapon levels up.
• Refining the weapon the percentage of the DMG dealt via Thunder Emblems, but not the duration.
• Refining also increases the ATK percentile.
• Well suited for building DPS characters, such as:
  • Yoimiya, again as a strong alternative.
  • Lyney
  • Sara
  • Tighnari
  • Ganyu

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Staff of Homa

 6. Staff of Homa

The Staff of Homa is probably one of the best polearms in the game, let alone among 5 stars. It is also central to a surprising paradox; it is ideal for DPS who need less HP, and for Sub DPS characters who need more HP.

• HP is increased by 20%, growing with each refinement of the weapon (you know, I think I might be seeing why the paradox exists).
• Provides an ATK Bonus based on 0.8% of the wielder’s Max HP. Should the wielder's HP be less than 50%, this ATK Bonus is increased by an additional 1% of Max HP. (yeah, now I know why the paradox exists).
• The Bonus effect is a CRIT DMG increase by 14.4% at the base level, and increased when leveled up.
• Refinement increases both HP, and the ATK bonus, as well as the additional ATK increase by Max HP.
• This weapon is ideal for DPS characters who rely on lower health as their skill sets lessen their HP, so the weapon helps to give more leeway between getting the DMG you want, and ensuring that the character isn’t, you know, dead. These characters are namely:
  • Hu Tao
  • Xiao
  • This weapon also is useful for Sub DPS characters who may need more HP, as well as having the CRIT stat help with DMG dealing. Notable examples include:
  • Zhongli
  • Candace
  • Rosaria

The Worst 5 star weapons

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Everlasting Moonglow

1. Everlasting Moonglow

Have you ever looked at something that was widely panned, and then you think “oh, so that’s why it was panned.” Yeah, I had that reaction when researching this weapon. Between a very centralized niche (a niche which many 3 or 4 star catalysts do much better in), an underwhelming skill, and even more underwhelming refinement, it’s probably not a surprise why it is placed where it is here in comparison to other 5 star weapons.

• Healing Bonus is increased by 10%, with Normal ATK DMG being increased by 1% of the Max HP of the character equipping this weapon. This makes it really only viable for healers.
• For 12 seconds after using an Elemental Burst, Normal Attacks that hit opponents will restore 0.6 Energy, with that energy being restored this way once every 0.1 second. That quick turnaround time is good, not so sure about the energy restoration.
• The biggest issue is perhaps that of refinement. The actual increases with refinement, are miniscule at best.
• For example: Base level, Healing bonus is 10%. At refinement level 5 (i.e. the max), that Healing bonus has only risen to 20%.
• Likewise, ATK bonus goes from 1% at refinement level 1, to 3%at refinement level 5.
• As for who can use it, healing characters are the only ones who can fully take advantage of it;
  • Barbara
  • Kokomi
  • Baizhu
• Basically, underwhelming, for a niche role (healing), and there are probably better options for that role anyway for weapons suited for healing roles, such as the 4 star weapon Sacrificial Fragments.

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Jadefall's Splendor

 2. Jadefall's Splendor

Another catalyst more geared towards support, while compared to other weapons as a whole, it comes out very average, but in a 5 star only competition, average becomes lower tier. With a modest bonus effect and skill, paired with refinements of mixed quality, it ensures that in a 5 star only competition, it comes out looking noticeable weaker (though nowhere near as bad as Everlasting Moonlight)

• Gives a bonus effect of an HP increase by 10.8%, which gets larger with leveling.
• For 3 seconds after using an Elemental Burst or creating a shield, the equipping character can gain the Primordial Jade Regalia effect.
• Restore 4.5 Energy every 2.5 seconds.
• Gain 0.3% Elemental DMG Bonus for their corresponding Elemental Type for every 1,000 Max HP they possess, up to 12%.
• This effect occurs even if the wielder is off-field.
• Refinement boosts energy restoration by small amounts, from 4.5 (R1) to 6.5 (R5), Elemental DMG Bonus is negligible (0.3% at R1 to 1.1% at R5), but an HP scaling that is far more generous (12% at R1 to 44% at R5).
• Again, ideal for healers, but not much else. Examples includes:
  • Kokomi, where it is actually a great weapon for her support builds.
  • Baizhu, where it is actually probably one of the better options for him if you plan to build him as either a dedicated healer or as a Dendro support.
  • Barbara
• In other words, while not implicitly a bad weapon, in comparison to other 5 star weapons, they’re probably better options, and is distinctly a niche weapon for healers.

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Silvershower Heartstrings

3. Silvershower Heartstrings

Sigewinne's signature weapon, this bow is a bow designed for healer bow characters, which might be the biggest issue, alongside the fact that it is paired with a bond of life mechanic, ensures that most characters can;t really use it even half decently, let alone perfectly synergize with it.

• The equipping character can gain the Remedy effect.
  • When they possess Remedy stacks, Max HP will increase by a set amount of percentage.
    • 1 stack: 12%
    • 2 stack: 24%
    • 3 stack: 40%
  • 1 stack may be gained when the following conditions are met:
    • 1 stack for 25 second when using an Elemental Skill
    • 1 stack for 25 second when the value of a Bond of Life increases
    • 1 stack for 20 second for performing healing
  • Stacks can be gained even if wielder is off-field.
  • If all 3 stacks are active, then Elemental Burst CRIT Rates will be increased by 28%.
  • Refinement increases Max HP percentages, and increases the Elemental Burst CRIT Rates.
  • Problem is, only one character can acquire all 3 stacks; Sigewinne
    • The other two potential options, can only acquire a limited amount of the stacks, and have better options.
      • Diona, who can only trigger 2.
        • Elemental Skill and Healing
      • Yelan, who can only trigger 1.
        • Elemental Skill
  • In other words, a lot of effort, for a weapon that only truly benefits one character, and another two who can get limited benefits, and can’t use it to its full potential.

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Crimson Moon's Semblance

 4. Crimson Moon's Semblance

This weapon is well suited for Arlechino, which also happened to be one of its major issues as well, as it is suited for only Arlecchino. The main reason is due to the Bond of Life mechanic, which Crimson Moon’s Semblance gives its wielder. The problem is that only Arlecchino has countermeasures and mechanics to make it work, meaning that while other characters can use it, it might be actively detrimental to use it.

• Grants a Bond of Life equal to 25% of Max HP when a Charged Attack hits an opponent.
  • This gets triggered once every 14 seconds.
• When the equipping character has a Bond of Life, they gain a 12% DMG Bonus
  • If the value of the Bond of Life is greater than or equal to 30% of that wielder’s Max HP, then congrats, they gain an additional 24% DMG Bonus.
• A bonus effect of an increased CRIT Rate by 4.8%.
• Refinement amps up the DMG bonuses.
• Arlecchino is perhaps the best character to use this weapon, as her kit is already heavily geared towards the Bond of Life Mechanic.
• Likewise, most polearm characters could use it, but lack the mechanics needed to not be bitten in the butt by the Bond of Life mechanic.

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Aquila Favonia

 5. Aquila Favonia

This one is a pretty straightforward weapon, but it only buffs and focuses on one thing: ATK. This makes it very limited in what builds it is good for, which in turn limits who can actually effectively use the weapon.

• The bonus effect is an increase in Physical DMG by 9.0%, which grows as the weapon levels up.
• ATK is increased by 20%, which can get up to 40% with refinement.
• When taking DMG, HP is regenerated equal to 100% of ATK and dealing 200% of ATK as DMG to surrounding enemies.
  • This can happen once every 15 seconds.
  • And does not change, even with refinement or leveling up.
• This weapon is effective for characters who rely more on Physical DMG, rather than those who use Elemental DMG.
  • Jean, where it helps healing, and gives some fire power if push comes to shove.
  • Qiqi, in a similar vein to that of Jean.
  • Keqing
  • Bennett, largely because his Elemental Burst provides healing and an ATK buff, which scales off of his Base ATK, so an Aquila Favonia can help buff his buffs.
• Basically, it is useful, but it is also limited in how it can be useful compared to other support-focused weapons as well as with other 5 star weapons.