Skyward Atlas: Is This Celestial Tome Worth Wishing For?
You found the Skyward Atlas in Genshin Impact. Did it drop from gacha gods? Or are you curious about its true value? Let’s explore the details behind the Skyward Atlas. Will it improve your catalyst-wielding characters, or just gather digital dust?
First, let’s discuss stats. The Skyward Atlas features a high base Attack of 674. This places it firmly among 5-star catalysts. It also provides a 33.1% ATK Bonus as a secondary stat. In Genshin, ATK matters. This weapon clearly stands out.
But stats are just numbers, right? What about the passive ability? This is where the Skyward Atlas gets interesting. Its passive shoots a bolt that bounces around, dealing damage. Some may frown and say, “Physical damage? On a catalyst?” Hold on! This passive activates often and adds damage without elemental reactions. Think of it as a bonus damage helper always attacking enemies. Plus, for some characters, the physical damage snapshots. If you buff ATK before the passive activates, it locks in that boosted ATK until the passive’s damage ends.
In gameplay, this passive is not just for show. It strikes enemies six times during its duration. However, if the catalyst user falls in battle or is in the team selection screen, the passive stops working. This Atlas is a team player, only activating when you’re fighting.
Who Gets to Wield the Power of the Heavens? Character Suitability
The Skyward Atlas has solid stats and a unique passive. But who benefits from this celestial weapon? Let’s analyze some characters and see where the Atlas excels.
Wanderer
The Wanderer loves ATK. He truly desires it. The Skyward Atlas gives him an ATK boost. While Tullaytullah’s Remembrance is his top weapon, the Atlas is a strong second option. If you want to deal Anemo-infused kicks and lack his signature item, the Skyward Atlas is a superb alternative.
Mona
In her story quest trial, Mona uses the Skyward Atlas. She recognizes its worth. Like many DPS catalysts, she thrives on ATK, and the Atlas gives her plenty. Its general stat-boosting nature fits her well, enhancing her Hydro damage and burst potential. No convoluted conditions here, just effectiveness.
Sucrose
Sucrose can benefit from the Skyward Atlas, too. She often uses weapons centered on Elemental Mastery or Energy Recharge, but the Atlas offers another perspective. The increased Attack and elemental damage from its passive turn her into a surprisingly strong damage dealer. This helps her shine as an offensive character when not fully supporting others.
Kokomi
You might be wondering about Kokomi using an ATK-focused weapon. Yes, she can! Known for healing and Hydro application, in reaction-heavy teams where she enables others, the Skyward Atlas becomes useful. The increased ATK improves her damage, while the 12% Elemental Damage Bonus enhances Hydro attacks. It’s not her best weapon for pure healing, but it shines in offensive builds.
Heizou
Heizou adores the Skyward Atlas. As a brawler-type main DPS focused on elemental reactions, it’s perfect for him. The high base ATK, stacking buff mechanic, and passive synergy with his playstyle make it his top catalyst choice. It enhances his combat prowess significantly.
Nahida
Nahida finds value in the Skyward Atlas as well. Some say it’s better for her than Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds. Why? She capitalizes on the Atlas’s passive damage effectively. Her Dendro application ensures frequent procs, adding more damage to her kit. It demonstrates the weapon’s versatility.
Yae Miko
Yae Miko also gains from the Skyward Atlas. She needs ATK for significant damage output. The Atlas boosts her attack power and improves her Electro turret damage. It’s an effective means of enhancing her output without complication.
Xianyun (Cloud Retainer)
Xianyun may seem an odd candidate for an ATK-focused weapon. However, to maximize her Ascension 4 buff, the Skyward Atlas is key. Its high base ATK and ATK% secondary stat help her hit her required ATK cap easily. For maximizing Xianyun’s support capabilities, it’s strategically sound.
Wriothesley
The Duke of the Fortress of Meropide might find the Skyward Atlas helpful when his signature weapon is unavailable. It offers balanced stats and expands his Cryo damage potential. Though other weapons may excel in specific scenarios, it remains a solid 5-star option for increased damage.
Ningguang
Ningguang, our Geo powerhouse, sees the Skyward Atlas as a prime choice. It’s labeled a “solid general-purpose catalyst.” This perfectly fits Ningguang’s playstyle. It consistently ranks among her best weapon options, boosting her Geo damage and Jade Screen projectiles effectively.
Skyward Atlas vs. Dodoco Tales: A Tale of Two Tomes
Let’s make a quick comparison. Dodoco Tales, a craftable 4-star catalyst, is often seen as a decent free option. Yet against an R1 Skyward Atlas, Dodoco Tales falls short in damage output. This underlines the potent and consistent boost provided by the Skyward Atlas over 4-star alternatives.
Alternatives in the Arsenal: When the Atlas Isn’t Available
While the Skyward Atlas is strong, it’s not the only choice available. For Wriothesley, Flowing Purity serves as an excellent 4-star backup, providing a significant DMG% buff that suits his playstyle well. For Wanderer, if the Atlas is unavailable, options like Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds or Memory of Dust are viable alternatives catering to different needs.
In summary, the Skyward Atlas isn’t necessarily the absolute best catalyst for every character in every scenario. However, its high base ATK, notable ATK bonus, and reliable passive damage create an exceptionally versatile weapon. It’s a “generalist” 5-star catalyst that increases damage potential for many characters reliant on ATK. If you pull one, be thankful—
you’ve acquired a celestial weapon that can elevate your catalyst users significantly. Just avoid dropping it on your foot; it looks heavy.
