Aquila Favonia: Decoding the Eagle of the West Wind in Genshin Impact
Aquila Favonia is a fancy name. It is Latin for “Eagle of the West Wind.” In Genshin Impact, it is a 5-star sword. You may have it. You might wonder about its true potential.
Aquila Favonia and Bennett: A Stat Stick Situation?
Aquila Favonia is often a stat stick for Bennett. “Stat stick” refers to using a weapon for its base stats rather than its special ability. Why does this apply to our unlucky adventurer Bennett?
Aquila Favonia has high Base ATK. This is great because Bennett’s burst scales from Base ATK. However, it also has a Physical DMG Bonus as a secondary stat. But Bennett focuses on Pyro damage, not physical damage. So, that bonus is wasted when using him as a support powerhouse.
You might think, “A 5-star is still a 5-star.” This is true, but context matters for Genshin weapons. While Aquila Favonia is not bad for Bennett, there are often better options. This especially holds true when considering the competition.
Aquila Favonia vs. Mistsplitter Reforged: A Tale of Two Swords
Aquila Favonia and Mistsplitter Reforged share the same Base ATK. However, that is where the similarities end for Bennett. Mistsplitter Reforged is a top-tier DPS sword. It fits characters dealing Elemental DMG. Its passive and Elemental DMG Bonus boost elemental damage output. This makes it ideal for characters like Ayaka or Keqing.
Mistsplitter Reforged, while having the same Base ATK, is overkill for Bennett. Its passive is not used in his support role. Aquila Favonia still works as a stat stick for Bennett due to its high Base ATK.
Top 4-Star Sword Alternatives for Bennett: F2P and Beyond
If you lack Aquila Favonia or Mistsplitter Reforged, don’t worry! Many excellent 4-star options often outperform Aquila Favonia for Bennett. They are easier to obtain. Let’s look at a few:
- The Amenoma Kageuchi: This craftable sword from Inazuma is a great choice. Its passive aids Bennett with Energy Recharge, vital for using his burst consistently.
- The Favonius Sword: Another Energy Recharge option. Favonius Sword generates energy particles for the team, improving Bennett’s support and energy generation.
- The Prototype Rancour: Hear me out. Prototype Rancour has a Physical DMG Bonus like Aquila Favonia. It is more accessible and decent if you are early in the game with no other options, but prioritize ER swords.
- The Festering Desire: If you got it from its event, it’s amazing on Bennett. It boosts Elemental Skill DMG and Energy Recharge. If you have it, use it!
- The Alley Flash: This sword from event banners has high Base ATK for a 4-star weapon and increases ATK. It’s strong for maximizing Bennett’s ATK buff.
Character Suitability Beyond Bennett: Who Else Can Wield Aquila?
Aquila Favonia may seem underwhelming on support Bennett regarding passive utilization. But other characters might shine with this “Eagle of the West Wind.” Can anyone else use it effectively?
The answer is yes. Characters like Jean, Qiqi, Keqing (Physical build), and niche picks like Kuki Shinobu can use Aquila Favonia. Jean benefits from the ATK and Physical DMG for an offensive build, while Qiqi can use any sword and still heal. Keqing might go physical, but elemental Keqing is generally stronger. Kuki has better options as a support character.
The harsh truth? Most of these characters have better weapon choices that better fit their kits and builds. Aquila Favonia’s Physical DMG Bonus feels out of place in the current meta, favoring Elemental Reactions and damage.
Ayaka and Aquila Favonia: A Chilly Reception?
Is Aquila Favonia good for Ayaka? The short answer is no. Ayaka is a Cryo queen designed for icy elemental destruction. Physical DMG is not her strength. The high Base ATK is welcome, but the Physical DMG Bonus and passive do not help her. She prefers weapons boosting her Crit DMG, Crit Rate, or Elemental DMG.
Ayaka’s Best 4-Star Sword: The Black Sword Reigns Supreme
For a 4-star weapon that enhances Ayaka’s performance, consider The Black Sword from the Battle Pass. It offers Crit Rate as a secondary stat, valuable for Ayaka. Its passive boosts Normal and Charged Attack DMG and supplies healing based on ATK. It synergizes well with her.
Beyond Aquila: Signature Weapons and Character Identity
Let’s glance at other characters and their signature weapons to see how weapon design ties into character identity:
- Diluc & Wolf’s Gravestone: Diluc’s claymore enhances ATK significantly and increases it against enemies with low HP. This works well for a Pyro DPS powerhouse.
- Tartaglia (Childe) & Polar Star: Polar Star complements Childe’s stance-switching gameplay. It stacks ATK buffs based on hits with Normal Attacks, Charged Attacks, Elemental Skills, and Bursts.
- Kazuha & Freedom-Sworn: Freedom-Sworn is made for Kazuha’s support role. It boosts Elemental Mastery and overall DMG while adding team-wide buffs to ATK and attacks.
- Xiao & Primordial Winged Jade Spear: Xiao’s spear increases ATK when hitting foes and further boosts DMG at max stacks. Ideal for his Plunging Attack-focused gameplay.
- Dehya & Beacon of the Reed Sea: Beacon of the Reed Sea has a Crit Rate substat and provides ATK buffs after using Elemental Skill or taking damage. It fits her tanky playstyle.
- Ayato & Haran Geppaku Futsu: Ayato’s Haran Geppaku Futsu, with its Crit Rate substat and Normal Attack DMG bonus, fits his rapid Normal Attack style during his Elemental Skill state.
Bennett’s Build Deep Dive: Stats, Artifacts, and Scaling
Since we discussed Bennett, let’s dive deeper into his stats:
- Stats Bennett Scales Off Of: Bennett scales from his Base ATK for his buff and Max HP for healing. Only Base ATK matters for his buff!
- Best Artifact Set: 4-piece Noblesse Oblige is the go-to set. It gives a team-wide ATK buff after using his burst, stacking with his own buff.
- Energy Recharge (ER) Needs: Aim for about 200-240% Energy Recharge. This allows him to use his burst on cooldown. Adjust based on your team.
- ATK Buff Scaling Demystified: Bennett’s ATK buff scales off his Base ATK. ATK% from artifacts or weapon passives do not increase his buff. Focus on weapon Base ATK.
- Healing Mechanics: Bennett’s Fantastic Voyage healing scales off his Max HP. To heal more, stack HP on artifacts.
Aquila Favonia, a 5-star sword, has a high Base ATK but is often outperformed by specialized weapons. Especially for support characters like Bennett, understanding passives and character scaling is crucial for optimizing your Genshin Impact team. Sometimes, 4-star options are the real MVPs.
