Polearm Predicaments: Prototype Starglitter vs. Crescent Pike – Which Spear to Spare Your Starglitter For?
So, you’re at the blacksmith. You hold a Polearm Billet. You’re faced with a true Genshin dilemma: Prototype Starglitter or Crescent Pike? This decision is intense. Fear not, intrepid Traveler. We’re diving deep into this problem. Let’s break down the options available.
Prototype Starglitter: The Energetic All-Rounder
First up, Prototype Starglitter. You wonder, is it good? It’s like that reliable friend. It gives you a hefty amount of Energy Recharge. This weapon holds up as a decent 4-star option. It works well for characters needing help to fuel their Bursts. Think of it as the everyday polearm – not flashy, but effective.
Starglitter’s Strengths: Energy, Support, and Quick Swaps
The name hints at its main appeal: Energy Recharge. Its passive, “Starglitter,” boosts DMG from Normal and Charged Attacks after using an Elemental Skill. The Energy Recharge substat makes it ideal for support characters. Characters like Xiangling appreciate the energy boost. It fits well into a quick-swap composition.
Who Shines with Starglitter? Character Spotlights
- Xiangling: Surprisingly, Prototype Starglitter suits Xiangling. Crescent Pike is nearly unusable on her. She focuses on Pyro damage, making Physical DMG useless. Starglitter helps sustain her Burst, Pyronado, for better damage.
- Raiden Shogun (Early Game): Before obtaining Engulfing Lightning or The Catch, Prototype Starglitter works well as a free-to-play choice in mid-game. Energy Recharge helps charge up her powerful Musou no Hitotachi.
- Xiao (F2P Option): Prototype Starglitter is decent for Xiao, though not his best. His Skill synergizes with the weapon’s passive, allowing for attack buffs.
- Zhongli (Energy Recharge Focus): Crescent Pike underwhelms Zhongli. Prototype Starglitter remains superior for frequent Bursts or crowd control. Energy Recharge is critical for the Geo Archon when not building for Physical damage.
- Hu Tao (Burst Focus? Maybe…): Hu Tao with Prototype Starglitter may seem unconventional. If you focus on Burst damage intensively, it’s an option. Just remember, Staff of Homa is her best fit; even Crescent Pike outshines Starglitter in general DPS.
Starglitter’s Shadows: Not a DPS Superstar
Prototype Starglitter isn’t for main DPS roles. It’s not ideal for DPS. The passive provides some boost, but it’s not comparable to higher-damage-focused weapons like Crescent Pike in specific scenarios. If you seek raw power, it shouldn’t be your choice.
Starglitter Alternatives: Branching Out
Looking for Energy Recharge with variety? Consider Favonius Lance. It trades some Energy Recharge for higher Base Attack and more energy generation with its passive. Favonius Lance excels as a support weapon if team energy is a priority.
Refinement and Renaming
Should you refine Prototype Starglitter? Honestly, refining isn’t worth it unless you lack options. The passive gain from refinement is minimal. A fun fact: it hasn’t always been named Starglitter. Originally, it went by Prototype Grudge. Starglitter sounds more hopeful.
Crescent Pike: The Physical Powerhouse (in Specific Scenarios)
Now, let’s discuss Crescent Pike. “Is it a good weapon?” It’s complicated. This forgeable 4-Star polearm can deal serious physical damage when used correctly. Think of it as a specialist – powerful in certain hands and circumstances. In others, it’s better off unused.
Pike’s Power Play: Physical DMG and Double Strikes
Crescent Pike’s strength lies in its Physical DMG Bonus substat and unique passive. Collecting an Elemental Orb or Particle enhances the damage of Normal and Charged Attacks based on ATK. Refinements increase this “double strike,” making it effective on Characters who can consistently trigger its passive.
Pike’s Peak Performers: Character Spotlights
- Hu Tao (Surprisingly Good 4-Star): Yes, you read that right. Crescent Pike is the best 4-star weapon for Hu Tao in specific builds, notably Physical ones (though Vaporize generally shines). Although Physical DMG seems odd for Pyro characters, the passive truly makes it work.
- Mika (Niche Physical Support): For dedicated Physical Zhongli, Crescent Pike can work nicely if you lean into Mika’s Physical damage and Attack SPD buffs. However, this is quite a niche build.
Obtaining the Pike: Forging Ahead
Acquiring a Crescent Pike is easy. It’s only obtainable through forging, with the recipe available at the beginning of your Genshin journey. Speak to Wagner in Mondstadt, Master Zhang in Liyue, or Hajime in Inazuma if you’ve progressed that far. You’ll need a Northlander Polearm Billet, Crystal Chunks, and White Iron Chunks.
Character Weapon Roundup: Beyond Starglitter and Pike
Let’s broaden our view and look at some superb weapon options for discussed characters and more.
Xiangling: Spear-tacular Choices
For Xiangling, maximize her Pyro damage and Energy Recharge. Some top choices include:
- 5-Star Supremacy: Engulfing Lightning, Staff of Homa, Staff of Scarlet Sands, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, Calamity Queller, Skyward Spine, Wavebreaker’s Fin. These options provide massive stat boosts.
- 4-Star Stars: The Catch (possibly her best 4-star, and FREE!), Dragon’s Bane (for Vaporize), Deathmatch, Favonius Lance. These are more accessible yet still powerful.
Raiden Shogun: Lightning-Fast Loadouts
Raiden Shogun craves Energy Recharge and damage. Her top options include:
- 5-Star Reign: Engulfing Lightning (her clear best), Staff of Homa, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, Skyward Spine.
- F2P Favorites: The Catch (amazing!), Prototype Starglitter (early-mid game), maybe even Favonius Lance for team energy support.
Xiao: Conqueror of Demons (and Weapon Banners)
Xiao thrives on high ATK and CRIT stats. His top weapon is:
- 5-Star Pinnacle: Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (his “canon” weapon, rightfully so).
- 3-Star Surprise: White Tassel (better than expected for budget!).
Zhongli: Pillar of Power (and HP)
Zhongli can be built many ways. HP and damage are key elements. Great weapon choices include:
- 5-Star Gold Standard: Staff of Homa (combining HP and damage? Yes!).
- 4-Star Standouts: Black Tassel (for shield strength), Rightful Reward (similar to Black Tassel with added ATK), Favonius Lance (for support).
Hu Tao: Specter of Damage (and Staff of Homa)
Hu Tao favors HP and CRIT. Her weapon wishlist consists of:
- Signature Sensation: Staff of Homa (her absolute best).
- 4-Star Contenders: Crescent Pike (for Physical builds), Dragon’s Bane (for Vaporize), Deathmatch.
Catalyst Corner: Brief Mentions
This discussion continues with weapon insights.
Let’s briefly cover top catalyst options for some characters from the prompt:
- Sucrose: Sacrificial Fragments, Mappa Mare, Skyward Atlas, Lost Prayers to the Sacred Winds, The Widsith, Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers, Favonius Codex, Solar Pearl (Elemental Mastery and support are her focus).
- Barbara: Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers (3-star healer MVP!), Prototype Amber (focused on HP healing).
- Lisa: Prototype Amber (great with Furina for buffs), possibly Flowing Purity (craftable option).
- Baizhu: Jadefall’s Splendor (his signature weapon), Prototype Amber (healing and shielding focus).
- Diluc: Rainslasher (for Vaporize teams), Prototype Archaic (F2P option).
- Kaeya: Mistsplitter Reforged (Cryo DMG), Blackcliff Sword (F2P), Primordial Jade Cutter, Summit Shaper, Aquila Favonia, Skyward Blade, Sacrificial Sword, Festering Desire (good for Freeze/Melt).
Masterless Starglitter: Shop ‘Til You Drop (Maybe)
Speaking of Starglitter, let’s mention Masterless Starglitter, the currency you gain when wishing upon a star… and get a duplicate character or weapon. You can’t farm Starglitter directly. It just builds up as you pull on banners. What can you buy? Paimon’s Bargains! Spend it for Ascension Materials, Mora, and Intertwined and Acquaint Fate. Some months, you can buy characters – although that’s not usually efficient unless you are very close to a constellation.
Should you save it? Some players suggest keeping at least 34 Masterless Starglitter and 750 Masterless Stardust (the less valuable currency) for emergencies or specific shop rotations. Keeping some stock is wise, as Paimon’s Bargains may tempt you with shiny items.
Archons and Arsenal: A Divine Weaponry Aside
While discussing powerful items, the Archons of Teyvat are quite formidable. Debating the “strongest” Archon entertains fans. Zhongli, with his ancient experience and immense power, is often a favorite. Raiden Shogun is the only Archon we have seen fight in-game, using her Musou no Hitotachi – a legendary technique that carved out Musoujin Gorge. Nahida can access Irminsul, the tree of knowledge, offering her immense information. Venti can flatten mountains. And Focalors… her guillotine made an impression.
Comparing Prototype Starglitter and Crescent Pike to Archon-level abilities seems unfair. But remember, every Traveler starts somewhere. Choosing the right weapon, even a 4-star forgeable weapon, is crucial on your path to becoming as powerful as the gods. Now, go forth and create your destiny (and perhaps a few polearms along the way)!
