Prototype Archaic vs. Whiteblind: The Claymore Conundrum – Which Weapon Reigns Supreme?
You’re at your blacksmith’s forge in Genshin Impact. Sweat beads on your brow. The age-old question pops up: “Prototype Archaic or Whiteblind?” It’s a Claymore crisis. We’re here to decipher this. Weapon choices can feel confusing, but fear not! We will break it down.
The Tale of Two Claymores: Prototype Archaic vs. Whiteblind – A Head-to-Head
Let’s get straight to it. In Genshin’s Claymore arena, the Prototype Archaic shines for versatility. It’s a Swiss Army knife of Claymores. Most characters will find it useful. Except for our lovely Geo maids and buff knights like Noelle and Arataki Itto. They operate on a different wavelength.
Prototype Archaic: The F2P DPS Darling
Prototype Archaic is a reliable friend. This four-star weapon is forged, not found in gacha rolls. It’s accessible. This is music to those who prefer spending Primogems on wishes or resin refills.
Why is it loved? Let’s break it down:
- Stats that Sing: At level 90, expect a hefty 565 Base ATK and 27.6% ATK sub-stat. In simpler terms, it hits hard, enhancing your character’s power. It’s like giving your Claymore user a caffeine boost – pure offensive strength.
- Passive Powerhouse: Prototype Archaic has a useful passive. Land an attack for a chance to create a powerful AoE explosion, dealing bonus ATK damage. Think of it as a mini-nuke attached to your Claymore. Perfect for mobs or just adding some extra *oomph* to attacks.
- Razor’s Edge and Others: Characters like Razor, Diluc, and Beidou can wield this weapon effectively. For Razor, this is a fantastic forgeable option. It boosts his attack, complements his kit, and looks cool doing it. Beidou appreciates the raw ATK power, enhancing her counters.
In essence, Prototype Archaic is your reliable DPS Claymore for many characters. It’s safe, favored, and won’t disappoint.
Whiteblind: The Defense Dynamo
Now, let’s turn to the Whiteblind. This Claymore sings a different tune—one of strong defense and resilience. It’s not brute force; it’s about being an unyielding wall.
Why Whiteblind? Let’s explore:
- DEF is Key: Whiteblind’s secondary stat is DEF%, reaching 51.7% at max level. Its Base ATK is lower at 510, showing its purpose. This Claymore isn’t ATK-focused; it’s a DEF machine.
- Noelle’s Best Friend: Whiteblind is perfect for Noelle. Her damage scales off DEF, and Whiteblind provides plenty. It forms the cornerstone of her builds, allowing her to tank hits, heal allies, and deal respectable damage. Itto prefers signature weapons but can use Whiteblind in defense builds.
- Diluc…? Maybe? Interestingly, Whiteblind boosts Diluc’s “overall defense.” He mainly uses ATK-scaling weapons, but maybe there’s a niche tanky Diluc build lurking? Probably not optimal, but Genshin encourages experimentation!
Whiteblind excels in its niche. It’s the specialist, ideal for characters who thrive on defense while converting that into offensive power. For Noelle mains, it’s essential.
Character-Specific Claymore Choices: The Nitty-Gritty
Let’s see which Claymore shines for specific characters.
Noelle: Whiteblind is the Winner
Unsurprisingly, Whiteblind is Noelle’s top free-to-play choice. It fits perfectly. If you build Noelle, prioritize forging Whiteblind.
Alternative Options: Tidal Shadow is a close second, just below Whiteblind. Skyward Pride is also viable for Energy Recharge issues. But Whiteblind remains the queen of forgeable options for our Geo maid.
Razor: Prototype Archaic for the Win
For Razor, Prototype Archaic is typically superior among forgeable weapons. It increases his ATK, which boosts damage with his Electro claws. A straightforward power boost enhances his aggressive playstyle.
Alternative Options: Snow-Tombed Starsilver and Blackcliff Slasher are other options. Snow-Tombed offers Physical DMG Bonus, while Blackcliff Slasher provides Crit DMG from Starglitter Exchange. However, Prototype Archaic stays a strong and accessible choice.
Diluc: Archaic or… Luxurious Sea-Lord?!
For Diluc, Prototype Archaic is solid, offering the ATK stat he craves. But there’s a twist: “Luxurious Sea-Lord.” Yes, the Tuna Claymore. If you snagged this during Moonlight Merriment, it’s surprisingly strong on Diluc. The Sea-Lord provides ATK% and an Elemental Burst DMG Bonus. So, while Prototype Archaic is reliable, the Tuna Claymore has a more unique appeal.
Alternative Options: While Whiteblind is mentioned, it may not suit a DPS-focused Diluc. Luxurious Sea-Lord brings a fun and effective alternative.
Eula: Archaic is… Acceptable, But Not Optimal?
For Eula, the decision is lukewarm. Prototype Archaic is “slightly better” than mentioned alternatives. However, the recommendation suggests that crafting/leveling it may not justify the effort. If you have other options for Eula, like Snow-Tombed Starsilver, stick with those.
Alternative Options: Snow-Tombed Starsilver can be a better choice if leveled up. The message is clear: don’t rush to craft Prototype Archaic for Eula if you have suited Claymores.
Gaming & Beidou: Prototype Archaic is a Go-To
For both Gaming and Beidou, Prototype Archaic is a solid choice. Gaming enjoys the raw ATK boost for plunge attacks, while Beidou values it for overall damage enhancement, particularly her counters. It’s dependable Claymore for both.
Beyond Archaic and Whiteblind: A Weaponry Whirlwind
The Genshin weapon world is vast! Let’s touch on other Claymore contenders for broader context.
- Tidal Shadow: A decent alternative for Noelle, but just below Whiteblind. If you crafted it accidentally, it’s still usable.
- Skyward Pride: A 5-star option for Noelle if Energy Recharge is an issue. Generally, 5-stars outclass 4-stars but are harder to obtain.
- Snow-Tombed Starsilver: A Physical DMG Claymore usable for Razor and Eula if leveled.
- Blackcliff Slasher: This comes from Starglitter Exchange and provides Crit DMG. An option for Razor and others needing Crit stats.
- Luxurious Sea-Lord (Tuna Claymore): The event-exclusive option that surprisingly benefits Diluc and other ATK-scaling Claymore users.
- Wolf’s Gravestone & Serpent Spine: Best for Chongyun, seen as top-tier Claymores for their performance, but harder to acquire.
- The Bell: Also compared to Prototype Archaic, but usually considered less desirable due to its HP sub-stat and specific shield passive.
Final Verdict: Archaic for Most, Whiteblind for Select Few
In the clash of Prototype Archaic versus Whiteblind, Prototype Archaic emerges as the more useful weapon. It’s the dependable damage dealer, versatile for most Claymore DPS characters, and F2P friendly. Craft and level it to elevate your damage numbers.
Whiteblind is a specialist. It champions DEF-scaling characters like Noelle and works well for Itto. If you main these characters, prioritize forging Whiteblind. For others, Prototype Archaic serves better.
Ultimately, the “best” weapon depends on your character, build, and playstyle. Hopefully, this helps you make an informed decision at the forge. Now, go out and smash some hilichurls with your Claymore knowledge!
