Is the Crescent Pike Still a Big Deal? A Deep Dive into This Polearm
In Genshin Impact, picking the right polearm feels tricky. You may wonder if the Crescent Pike is worth your time. Is it just another rusty pike in the blacksmith’s corner? Let’s analyze this forgeable 4-star weapon and see if it stands out in Teyvat’s shifting meta.
Crescent Pike: The Early Game Powerhouse
The Crescent Pike is not a gacha weapon. No need to spend precious Primogems here. You can forge it yourself! For a craftable weapon, it delivers solid damage, especially in the early game. It’s like that trusty rusty sword from the tutorial – useful and reliable. Even non-magic users find it effective.
Crescent Pike vs. The Competition: Spears at Dawn
Now, let’s compare Crescent Pike to other polearms. In Genshin, comparisons matter.
Crescent Pike vs. Dragonspine Spear: An Icy Showdown
The Dragonspine Spear arrives, forged from Dragonspine’s heart. Is Crescent Pike better? It’s complicated. The Dragonspine Spear has a passive with icicles. It sounds cool, but they can miss enemies at times. Moreover, its effectiveness relies on grouping foes together, which isn’t always possible. For reliable damage on Physical Rosaria, many prefer Crescent Pike over the Dragonspine Spear.
Crescent Pike vs. Prototype Starglitter: Starry Showdown or Glittering Letdown?
Next up is Prototype Starglitter. Is Crescent Pike better in this case? Not for everyone. Especially for Xiangling, Prototype Starglitter shines more. It enhances Energy Recharge for consistent Elemental Bursts. Meanwhile, Crescent Pike emphasizes Physical DMG Bonus. On Xiangling, Physical DMG Bonus lacks usefulness, making Prototype a better option for elemental reactions.
Crescent Pike vs. The Catch: Gone Fishin’ for Damage
How does “The Catch” stack up? That fishing polearm enhances Burst DPS for characters like Raiden Shogun. But it serves a different role than Crescent Pike. Crescent Pike boosts Normal and Charged Attack damage through Physical DMG focus. “The Catch” boosts Elemental Burst damage and Crit Rate. They offer different benefits, like apples and oranges, or pikes and fishing rods.
Who Wields the Pike Best? Character Compatibility Check
Who benefits most from the Crescent Pike? Let’s examine some characters.
Zhongli: Physical Geo Daddy?
Is Crescent Pike ideal for Zhongli? Surprisingly, yes, but under specific conditions. If you want a Physical DMG build (yes, this exists), Crescent Pike shines as his best 4-star weapon. It grants significant Physical DMG Bonus and a passive that boosts Normal and Charged Attack damage when he picks up Elemental particles. For this unique style, Crescent Pike is his only strong choice.
Rosaria: The Pike’s Poster Child?
Can Rosaria use Crescent Pike effectively? Absolutely. In Physical Rosaria builds, it’s often seen as her top weapon choice. It’s very effective. Rosaria triggers Superconduct, reducing Physical Resistance, keeping Crescent Pike’s passive active often. With high refinements, it’s often deemed OP for her use.
Xiao: Pike? More like… Nope.
Is Crescent Pike suitable for Xiao? Not at all. His damage mainly comes from Plunging Attacks during his Burst. Crescent Pike’s passive only activates on Normal and Charged Attacks, not on Plunging Attacks. Equipping him with Crescent Pike is pointless – you miss its passive and lose valuable Physical DMG Bonus. Thus, it’s the least favorable weapon for him.
Xiangling: Pyro Queen or Physical… Peasant?
Which polearm works better for Xiangling? Generally, neither is great for her typical Pyro DPS roles. Xiangling excels with Pyro damage and Elemental Reactions, making Physical DMG Bonus less significant for her playstyle. While Dragonspine Spear has conditional utility against groups, its overall effect is minimal. For her, focus on Energy Recharge or Pyro DMG options, like Prototype Starglitter.
Hu Tao: Unexpected Pike Power?
What about Hu Tao and Crescent Pike? Surprisingly, some consider it her best 4-star weapon in specific scenarios. Despite offering Physical DMG Bonus, which isn’t her main damage type, the passive can be beneficial. Double Strike activates when she picks up Elemental particles often, dealing extra damage based on her ATK. It can elevate her damage output in unique builds.
Crescent Pike: Under the Hood – Stats and Mechanics
Time to break down what makes Crescent Pike work.
Physical DMG Bonus: A Double-Edged Sword?
Crescent Pike carries a Physical DMG Bonus as its secondary stat. For Physical DPS characters like Rosaria or Zhongli, this is invaluable. It boosts their Physical damage directly. However, for characters like Xiangling who deal mainly Elemental damage, Physical DMG Bonus is largely ineffective, offering little benefit to their performance.
Double Strike: Passive Power Unleashed
The true strength of Crescent Pike lies in its passive: after picking up an Elemental Orb or Particle, Normal and Charged Attacks deal additional damage based on a portion of ATK. This “Double Strike” effect proves powerful for normal attack-focused characters who constantly generate or collect Elemental particles. Higher refinements increase the percentage, making stronger Crescent Pikes even more dangerous.
Forging Your Own Destiny (and Pike)
How do you acquire this legendary pike? It’s easy! The Crescent Pike is forgeable and a 4-Star polearm. You’ll need a Polearm Billet and some Crystal and White Iron Chunks at a blacksmith. It’s accessible for all players and especially useful in early to mid-game stages. So, is the Crescent Pike still relevant? Yes, especially in the right hands. For Physical DPS polearm users like Rosaria or niche Zhongli builds, it remains top-tier among 4-star options due to its forgeable nature. Just avoid giving it to Xiao or making Xiangling expect physical prowess. Understanding its advantages and limits ensures effective use of Crescent Pike and its unique double-striking potential.
