Alright, Genshin fans, it’s time to talk weapons. We will explore weapon stats, focusing on the Alley Flash. We want to see if this sword is a gem for Lynette, Kuki Shinobu, and Bennett. Choosing a weapon in Teyvat is crucial, perhaps even more than dodging a Ruin Guard’s attack.
Alley Flash: Good For Anyone?
Let’s examine the Alley Flash. It seems cool, reminiscent of a rogue’s tool in a scuffle. But does it hold up in-game? That’s the big question, the million-Mora question.
Lynette and Alley Flash: A Perfect Fit?
First, let’s discuss Lynette. This mysterious assistant has a knack for magic and a sharp Anemo blade. Is Alley Flash her ideal weapon? The answer is complicated. Alley Flash has a high base attack for a 4-star sword. Still, its secondary stat is Elemental Mastery (EM). Lynette triggers reactions but does not focus on EM scaling.
Lynette benefits from Anemo damage and support skills, especially with Constellations. While Alley Flash is not bad on her, it doesn’t enhance her strengths. It’s like giving a fish a bicycle; it technically works but isn’t optimal. There are better options out there.
Kuki Shinobu and Alley Flash: A Shocking Combo?
Next, let’s talk about Kuki Shinobu. This Arataki Gang member excels in healing and applying Electro effects. So, does Alley Flash help her or fall flat?
Alley Flash is not perfect for Kuki’s needs. Her damage relies on HP and Elemental Mastery. However, its high base attack is surprisingly useful. It offers solid damage potential for a 4-star sword. Other swords may boost her EM or HP. Alley Flash instead gives raw base damage, akin to using a sledgehammer for nails.
Basically, while Alley Flash isn’t the best fit for Kuki, its high damage keeps it viable. If you lack better options, it’s not terrible to use. But don’t expect it to turn Kuki into an Electro DPS powerhouse. She remains reliable and supportive but may hit harder.
Bennett and Alley Flash: A Fiery Bond?
Bennett, the unlucky adventurer, offers one of the best pulls in Genshin Impact. He shines with his Elemental Burst, Fantastic Voyage, buffing team attack based on his base attack. Does Alley Flash enhance Bennett’s potential? Or does it fall short?
The Alley Flash is ideal for Bennett. Its 4-star rarity makes it accessible compared to 5-star options. Why? Because Bennett’s buff relies on his base attack. This refers to the white number on the character screen. ATK% from artifacts does not contribute to Bennett’s buff. It’s all about that base.
Alley Flash excels in providing high base attack values among 4-star swords, rivaling some 5-star swords. Equipping it on Bennett boosts his base attack significantly, offering a stronger attack buff for your team. It adds some EM too, helping amplify his Pyro reactions.
Alley Flash vs. Skyward Blade: Best Choice?
Now, let’s compare Alley Flash with another popular sword for Bennett: the 5-star Skyward Blade. Skyward Blade is often seen as a top choice for Bennett due to its decent base attack and vital Energy Recharge (ER) substat. ER is crucial for getting when Bennett can use his Burst again.
So who wins in the Bennett weapon battle? The answer: it depends. If you have enough Energy Recharge from artifacts to keep Bennett’s Burst ready, then Alley Flash can outperform Skyward Blade in buff potential. Its base attack translates to a stronger attack boost for your team. It’s a glass cannon strategy — maximizing buffs at the cost of some comfort.
However, if you struggle with Burst uptime, Skyward Blade remains the better option. The ER substat helps ensure consistent Burst availability. A always-ready Burst is essential. It’s a tortoise and hare story; consistency beats raw power in Genshin.
Conclusion: For Bennett, if you can achieve good Energy Recharge levels (around 200% works well) without Skyward Blade, then Alley Flash offers an excellent attack buff. It’s a budget Aquila Favonia with great base attack. But if energy is an issue, stick with Skyward Blade for reliable support. Getting Aquila Favonia is tough; Alley Flash is easier to obtain.
Base ATK Breakdown: Bennett’s Best Friend
Let’s explore the “base attack” concept thoroughly because it underpins Bennett’s support role. How much base attack does Alley Flash have? At level 90, it reaches a high base attack of 620. That’s impressive for a 4-star weapon. Some 5-star swords have lower base attacks at lower refinements. This high value makes Alley Flash potent on Bennett.
Recall, Bennett’s Burst buff scales off his base attack. It ignores ATK% bonuses from artifacts and even weapon passives granting ATK boosts. The focus is on that base number. To maximize Bennett’s buff, prioritize his base attack.
This means leveling Bennett to 90—worth it—and using a sword with high base attack stats. Weapons like Aquila Favonia, Mistsplitter Reforged, Prototype Rancour, and of course, Alley Flash, excel here.
Consider base attack as the backbone of Bennett’s buff strength. The stronger the base, the more impressive the attacks become.
The taller the building, the stronger the foundation (in this case, your team’s damage output). Ignoring base attack on Bennett is like building a house on sand. It may look okay at first, but it won’t hold up under pressure.
Lynette: More Than Just a Magician’s Assistant
Let’s spotlight Lynette. She is an Anemo character from Fontaine. She appears to be a support. However, she can also deal decent damage and fit into various team compositions. To reach her full potential, weapon choice is vital. So, let’s look at the best swords for Lynette, from accessible options to top-tier ones.
Top-Tier Swords for Lynette: Unleashing Her Anemo Prowess
To maximize Lynette’s potential, some swords stand out. They support different aspects of her kit, be it damage, energy regeneration, or utility.
- Freedom-Sworn: First is the Freedom-Sworn. This 5-star sword is practically Lynette’s signature weapon regarding aesthetics and effectiveness. It grants 608 base attack at level 90, providing a good foundation for damage. The passive and substat shine. Freedom-Sworn has Elemental Mastery, boosting Anemo Swirl reaction damage. Plus, its passive buffs damage and provides team-wide bonuses. If you have this sword and Lynette, it’s a match made in Teyvat heaven.
- Festering Desire: Next is the 4-star sword Festering Desire. If you got it during its event, dust it off. It has a solid 510 base attack and Energy Recharge substat, addressing Lynette’s energy needs. The passive increases Elemental Skill damage and crit rate, helping with her Enigmatic Feint skill. If you have this weapon, it’s a great F2P option for Lynette.
- Fleuve Cendre Ferryman: The Fleuve Cendre Ferryman is a craftable 4-star sword perfect for Fontaine characters. It offers 510 base attack and an Energy Recharge substat like Festering Desire. Its passive boosts Elemental Skill crit rate and Energy Recharge after using an Elemental Skill, enhancing her gameplay style. This weapon is highly accessible and great for focusing on Elemental Skill damage.
- Sacrificial Sword: For a support build, consider the Sacrificial Sword. It has 454 base attack and an Energy Recharge substat. Its passive resets Elemental Skill cooldown after use, which can mean more frequent Enigmatic Feint uses. This leads to more crowd control and Anemo application. If you want to maximize Lynette’s utility, this sword is excellent.
- Favonius Sword: Finally, we have the Favonius Sword. This option has 454 base attack and an Energy Recharge substat. Its passive generates energy particles for the team on crit hits. While Lynette’s crit rate may not be high in support builds, Favonius Sword aids team energy regeneration, making it reliable for Lynette.
Other noteworthy mentions include Amenoma Kageuchi, Black Sword, and Skyward Blade. Each offers benefits: increased damage, crit bonuses, or energy recharge. Choosing the best depends on your team composition and playstyle.
Artifact Sets for Lynette: Gearing Up for Success
Half the battle lies in artifacts. Two sets are particularly effective for Lynette:
- Viridescent Venerer (VV): This set reigns supreme for Anemo support. The 4-piece bonus reduces enemy Elemental Resistance to Swirled elements by 40%. This is key for boosting overall damage in elemental reaction teams. If you use Lynette mainly for support, VV is your best bet.
- Gilded Dreams: If you plan to utilize her in Hyperbloom teams or with Dendro reactions, Gilded Dreams is worth considering. The set enhances Elemental Mastery and ATK based on party makeup. If Lynette triggers reactions consistently, Gilded Dreams can boost her personal damage in teams focused on reactions. The domain shares space with Deepwood Memories, making farming efficient.
Team Compositions for Lynette: Finding Her Niche
Lynette excels in quick-swap team compositions where she delivers Anemo damage and crowd control while rotating with teammates. One effective comp is C6 Lynette + Xingqiu + Xiangling + Bennett. This lineup utilizes Lynette’s C1 (enhancing crowd control) and C4 (adding charges to her Elemental Skill) for more on-field presence and Anemo application. Xingqiu and Xiangling provide Hydro and Pyro off-field application. Bennett gives his attack buff and Pyro resonance, boosting the entire team’s damage output. This team creates a flurry of elemental reactions, ideally matching Lynette’s strengths.
Lynette’s Signature Weapon and the Fillet Blade Question
Lynette lacks an official “signature weapon.” However, Freedom-Sworn aligns with her kit aesthetically and functionally. It serves as a pseudo-signature weapon. Regarding the Fillet Blade, this 3-star weapon isn’t generally recommended for Lynette. While some players may find it fun or niche-effective, its low base attack hampers performance. There are far superior options available even among 3-star swords.
Lynette vs. Sayu and AMC: Anemo Support Showdown
Lynette often gets compared to Sayu and the Anemo Main Character (AMC). In healing, Sayu arguably excels due to her dedicated healing skills. Her Elemental Burst offers consistent healing. The AMC provides decent Anemo damage and crowd control but lacks Lynette’s specialized utility. Lynette excels in crowd control and Anemo application while boosting damage via Viridescent Venerer. While Sayu serves as a healer and AMC is versatile, Lynette shines as a flexible Anemo support who contributes defensively and offensively. Ultimately, “best” Anemo support relies on team needs and playstyle.
Bennett’s C6 and Lynette’s C6: A Pyro-Anemo Collision?
An interesting interaction occurs with both Bennett at C6 and Lynette at C6 together. Bennett’s C6 infuses his Burst field with Pyro while Lynette’s infuses her attacks with Anemo. So what happens? Bennett’s C6 Pyro takes precedence over Anemo from Lynette’s C6. When both Bursts are active, Lynette mainly deals Pyro damage with her infused attacks in Bennett’s field. While this sounds odd for an Anemo character, it isn’t necessarily bad.
Lynette works well in specific team setups. If you want her to deal Anemo damage, be cautious of Bennett’s C6 Pyro Infusion. Adjust your rotations or team as needed.
Lynette’s HP Loss and Anemo Vision: Unraveling the Mysteries
Lynette’s Elemental Skill, Enigmatic Feint, has a unique aspect: HP loss. Why does Lynette lose HP with her skill? It says that when she hits an enemy, she restores HP based on her Max HP. However, she loses HP each second for the next 4 seconds. This loss balances her HP restoration and damage potential. It creates a risk-reward dynamic, making you aware of her HP and perhaps needing to add healing to your team. It reflects the style of Fontaine, where HP fluctuation mechanics are common among its characters.
Regarding why Lynette has an Anemo vision, lore suggests Anemo visions often go to people who have faced loss or value independence. Lynette’s story, particularly her connection to her brother Lyney, may explain this. Her wish to guard those she loves aligns with the traits of the Anemo Archon. This connection fits the broader narrative surrounding Anemo characters in Genshin Impact.
Bennett: The Unsung Hero of Genshin Impact
Bennett deserves recognition as a hero. Despite calling himself unlucky, he is among the strongest support characters in Genshin Impact. His Elemental Burst acts as a game-changer. It provides a large attack buff and healing, making him essential in many team lineups. Let’s analyze how to build Bennett, focusing on artifacts, weapons, and more.
Artifact Sets for Bennett: Noblesse Oblige Reigns Supreme
For Bennett’s artifacts, the top choice is clear: 4-piece Noblesse Oblige (NBO). While Emblem of Severed Fate and Crimson Witch of Flames can work for sub-DPS builds, Noblesse Oblige remains the best for support Bennett. Its bonus grants a team-wide ATK boost of 20% for 12 seconds after an Elemental Burst. This works with Bennett’s own Burst buff, leading to an immense attack increase for your group. It embodies support utility by enhancing your team’s damage output. If you aim to maximize Bennett’s support roles, Noblesse Oblige is essential.
Weapons for Bennett: Base Attack is King, but Energy Recharge is Queen
We previously covered weapons for Bennett in the Alley Flash section. Now, let’s explore all viable sword options for this Pyro character.
- Aquila Favonia: The ideal weapon, Aquila Favonia, is a notable 5-star sword. It remains Bennett’s best weapon, boasting the highest base attack among swords in Genshin Impact (674 at level 90). This creates the largest possible attack boost from Bennett’s Burst. Its Physical DMG Bonus substat does not aid Bennett’s support role. However, its high base attack makes it invaluable. If you get Aquila Favonia, it’s a prime upgrade for Bennett.
- Skyward Blade: A strong second option is Skyward Blade. Its base attack is lower than Aquila Favonia’s (608 at level 90) but has an Energy Recharge substat. This is crucial for Bennett to ensure he can use his Burst consistently. Its passive boosts crit rate and normal attack speed post-Burst use, which benefits Bennett even if less impactful for his support role. Skyward Blade is a balanced choice for Bennett.
- Mistsplitter Reforged: Although mainly a DPS weapon, Mistsplitter Reforged remains an option due to its high base attack (674 at level 90). Its crit damage substat is less relevant for Bennett’s support role. However, its base attack makes it a strong choice if you have it and lack Aquila Favonia or Skyward Blade.
- Favonius Sword: In 4-star options, Favonius Sword is a solid choice. It has a lower base attack (454 at level 90) but compensates with an Energy Recharge substat and passive that generates energy particles on crit hits. The Favonius Sword helps maintain Bennett’s Burst readiness. It suits F2P players well, especially if energy generation is an issue.
- Prototype Rancour: Another craftable choice is Prototype Rancour. It has a slightly higher base attack than Favonius Sword (565 at level 90). Still, its Physical DMG Bonus substat and passive don’t help Bennett’s support role. The higher base attack is beneficial. However, lower Energy Recharge makes it less desired than other options.
- Sapwood Blade: Sapwood Blade is a craftable Sumeru weapon worth considering due to its Elemental Mastery substat and passive that grants ATK% after Dendro reactions. Though this EM substat does not aid Bennett directly, the ATK% boost can enhance his base stats indirectly. However, consistently triggering Dendro reactions may challenge some team compositions. Sapwood Blade is niche but has some value in specific teams.
Energy Recharge (ER) Requirements for Bennett: Burst Uptime is Paramount
Energy Recharge is critical for Bennett. How much ER should he have? It depends on your team setup and rotation. Generally, target around 180%-200% ER if Bennett is the only Pyro character and you wish for constant Burst uptime using one Elemental Skill per Burst cycle. If you have other Pyro users generating more energy with Favonius weapons, aim for around 150%-170% ER or lower. It requires experimenting to fine-tune ER based on your team and playstyle.
Bennett’s Buff Scaling: Base Attack Demystified (Again!)
Bennett’s buff scaling is vital to grasp. Bennett’s Burst buff relies solely on his base attack. Hence, only two elements influence it: his character base attack and weapon base attack. ATK% and flat ATK from gear DO NOT affect his buff. Focus on maximizing base attack and Energy Recharge when creating support Bennett. Ignore ATK% and flat ATK; they do not enhance his buffing abilities.
Healing and HP Scaling for Bennett: Keeping the Team Alive
Bennett’s key role is buffing, yet he also heals with his Burst. Interestingly, Bennett’s healing scales off his Max HP, unlike his buff that scales with base attack. To optimize healing potential, aim for around 25,000-30,000 HP. Use HP% main stats on artifacts to help achieve this. However, prioritize Energy Recharge and base attack first since proper buff and Burst uptime are more impactful than maximizing healing. His healing remains strong without major HP investments, especially at high talent levels.
Crit Ratio for Sub-DPS Bennett: A Balancing Act
Many players prefer the support build for Bennett. However, a sub-DPS build can suit those wanting more damage output. In this case, a decent crit ratio becomes crucial. What crit stats does he need for sub-DPS? Aim for a crit ratio of at least 50% Crit Rate and 100% Crit Damage. Energy Recharge still ranks as the top priority, even in sub-DPS setups. Aim for around 200% ER for reliable Burst uptime before focusing on crit stats to boost personal damage inside his Burst field. However, remember that sub-DPS builds are not universally applicable.
than support Bennett. His strength lies in buffing.
Bennett’s C6: Blessing or Curse? Debunking the Myths
Bennett’s Constellation 6 (C6) often sparks debate among Genshin players. Is C6 Bennett bad? Generally, NO for most players and team setups. C6 infuses his Burst area with Pyro. This grants a Pyro damage bonus to characters inside and infuses weapons with Pyro for sword, claymore, or polearm users. The “curse” of C6 arises from the Pyro infusion. This can override elemental infusions for some characters and disrupt team setups, especially physical DPS ones. Yet, for the majority of teams focused on elemental reactions, C6 Bennett is beneficial. The Pyro damage bonus matters, and the infusion allows potent Pyro-related reactions like Vaporize and Melt. Character types impacted negatively are usually physical DPS characters like Eula, as the Pyro infusion can hinder Superconduct reactions. However, for elemental teams, C6 Bennett enhances support.
Level 90 Bennett: Is It Worth the Investment?
Should you level Bennett to 90? In most cases, YES. Leveling Bennett increases his base attack. As discussed, this forms the basis of his attack buff. The jump from level 80/90 to 90 has a significant impact. This investment is justified, particularly due to Bennett’s versatility as a character.
