Skyward Spine: Is This Polearm Pointing You in the Right Direction?
The Skyward Spine is a 5-star polearm from the Mondstadt Series. It embodies the fiery breath of Dvalin, shaped into a weapon. It’s not just an ordinary polearm; it features impressive stats and effects.
- Description: This polearm focuses on sky and wind power. It points towards the heavens. It’s a part of the Mondstadt Series.
- Stats: At level 90, it has a base attack of 674. It also offers a 36.8% Energy Recharge sub-stat at max level, making it great for Elemental Bursts.
- Effect: Skyward Spine provides solid buffs. It boosts your CRIT Rate by 8% and increases Normal Attack Speed by 12%. Also, Normal and Charged Attacks have a 50% chance to create a vacuum blade, dealing 40% of ATK as damage in a small area. Handy, right?
Who will get the most from this spear? Characters needing energy and CRIT boosts. Think of Bennett, Xingqiu, and Childe (Tartaglia). They all enjoy the Energy Recharge and CRIT Rate the spear offers for their abilities.
Raiden Shogun: Electro Archon or Electro… Alright?
Now onto the Electro Archon, Raiden Shogun. She’s a powerhouse, consistently ranking among the best since her Version 2.1 debut. Her Elemental Burst is a nuke. She becomes a valued teammate, but let’s go deeper than “great burst damage.”
Raiden’s Talents: Leveling Priorities
- Normal Attack: If you’re not auto-attacking with Raiden (and there are better uses for resin), skip crowning her Normal Attack talent. Save crowns for characters who actually rely on normal attacks.
- Elemental Burst: This is where the real action is. Crowning her Burst is worth it. It’s her key ability, her “I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING” moment. Max out that burst damage!
- Elemental Skill: Leveling her Skill won’t boost Hyperbloom damage, but it does enhance Burst DMG. If you focus on her Burst, leveling the Skill makes sense.
Constellations: C2 is the Golden Ticket
- C2 (Constellation 2): If you want Raiden to shine, aim for C2. It’s a considerable damage boost and the sweet spot for investment. Highly recommended for those willing to spend.
Weapons for the Electro Queen: Arming the Archon
- Best-in-Slot: Engulfing Lightning. No surprises here. Engulfing Lightning was made for Raiden. It’s her signature weapon.
- Top Tier 5-Star Alternative: Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. While not as perfect as Engulfing Lightning, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, often Xiao’s best friend, is still a great pick for Raiden.
- Best 4-Star Option: The Catch (Refinement 5). A solid F2P option, The Catch becomes a great weapon at Refinement 5. Don’t overlook free weapons!
Artifacts: Emblem of Severed Fate is Your BFF
- Best Artifact Set: Emblem of Severed Fate. Four pieces of Emblem of Severed Fate are essential for Raiden. It’s a staple in her builds.
- Stats to Prioritize: Look for CRIT damage, CRIT rate, Energy Recharge (ER), and ATK%. Elemental Mastery (EM) can also add bonus value. Flower piece? Always flat HP main stat, plus those great substats.
Energy Recharge: Fueling the Burst Machine
Energy Recharge matters for Raiden. Why? With the 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate set, more ER means more damage. Think of it as adding fuel to a burst-damage engine. The more you pour in, the bigger the explosion.
The Catch: Seriously Good for a Freebie
Don’t ignore The Catch. Although Engulfing Lightning is the ideal weapon, The Catch ranks well for a free 4-star version. Its power grows after being refined.
Raiden at C0: Still a Superstar
Even at C0, Raiden Shogun remains an AMAZING unit. She starts strong without needing constellations. Though C2 elevates her performance significantly.
Team Comps: National Team Domination
The “National Team” is a classic setup for Raiden. Aim for 200% Energy Recharge for smooth gameplay in a National team. You might get away with 180% if you’re efficient.
Skyward Spine and Raiden Shogun: A Match Made in… Mondstadt?
Is Skyward Spine good for Raiden Shogun? It’s not horrible. The Energy Recharge and Crit Rate help. However, it’s not her ideal pick. Engulfing Lightning remains supreme. Skyward Spine serves as a decent backup, but it’s not optimal. Like bringing a knife to a gunfight – it can work but is not the best choice.
Skyward Spine: Beyond Raiden – Who Else Wants a Spine in the Sky?
Let’s see where else Skyward Spine can excel besides being a mediocre option for Raiden.
Xiangling vs. The Catch: The F2P Firecracker Face-Off
The content doesn’t directly compare Skyward Spine and The Catch for Xiangling, but it’s evident: The Catch generally outshines the option for F2P players. It fits her energy needs beautifully and enhances Burst damage. Skyward Spine is fine, but The Catch is simply better.
Candace: Is Skyward Spine Good for Her?
The info doesn’t state if Skyward Spine is ideal for Candace, though her Energy Recharge needs are mentioned. Candace may require over 200% ER without another Hydro character. Skyward Spine’s ER substat helps, making it a useful choice. Whether it’s optimal is likely up to your build and team.
Cyno: A Surprisingly Good Fit
For Cyno, Skyward Spine actually performs well among 5-star choices. It boosts both Energy Recharge and Attack, both valuable for Cyno. His signature weapon, Staff of the Scarlet Sands, excels for damage, but Skyward Spine remains a viable 5-star option.
Mika: A Solid Substitute
Mika finds Skyward Spine a worthy 5-star substitute weapon. If Skyward Spine is the available polearm, it’s a respectable option.
Yun Jin: Energy Recharge is a Yun-Win
Yun Jin gets nice benefits from Skyward Spine’s Energy Recharge. About 36% ER is helpful for maintaining her Burst up consistently.
Zhongli: Making Energy Restoration Easier
Zhongli can also find Skyward Spine useful. It simplifies his Energy restoration process, beneficial for effective rotations and more frequent shields. However, for pure damage output, Staff of Homa reigns supreme.
Xiao: Not His Skyward Cup of Tea
Xiao? Not particularly. Skyward Spine isn’t the right fit for him. Energy Recharge as a substat isn’t his focus, though the passive CRIT Rate counts for something. There are definitely better polearms for our Yaksha.
Raiden Shogun: Builds and Key Considerations – A Quick Recap
Best Weapon for Raiden Shogun:
Still Engulfing Lightning. It remains the best-in-slot weapon. Designed perfectly for her… because it is.
Best 4-Star Weapon:
The Catch still holds strong as a top option, especially at Refinement 5. Free and effective? Yes!
Artifacts for Raiden:
Emblem of Severed Fate. Use four pieces. Focus on CRIT damage, CRIT rate, ER, and ATK% substats. Don’t forget to add some EM if possible.
Is Raiden Worth Pulling For?
Absolutely! Raiden Shogun stands as a top-tier character displaying her worth consistently. Her burst damage is incredible, and she’s useful on any account.
Weapon Roundup: A Quick Glance at Other Notables
Engulfing Lightning:
This is Raiden’s top weapon, boasting high base attack. It does trade some ER substat for Skyward Spine’s benefits. A 5-star powerhouse.
The Catch:
Xiangling’s and Raiden’s F2P companion. Available, fishable, and effective, especially when at R5. Get your fishing rod!
Staff of the Scarlet Sands:
Cyno’s signature weapon.
weapon for his kit. It maximizes damage output.
Kitain Cross Spear:
A solid 4-star F2P choice for Cyno. It focuses on Elemental Mastery and reactions.
Staff of Homa:
This polearm is Zhongli’s dream weapon. It is a top-tier 5-star weapon for many characters.
A Thousand Floating Dreams:
This is Nahida’s best weapon. It is made for her Dendro mastery and support role.
Freedom Sworn:
Kazuha’s signature sword boosts his support capabilities.
Primordial Jade Cutter:
A versatile sword, ideal for HP scaling characters. Great for Layla, boosting HP and ATK%.
Mistsplitter Reforged:
A powerful sword, known for Elemental DMG Bonus. It is often linked to Ayaka.
Xiphos’ Moonlight, Iron Sting, Toukabou Shigure, Sacrificial Sword, Dark Iron Sword:
This list contains various swords with strengths suited to different characters and builds. Options range from EM-focused weapons to utility and F2P choices.
Skyward Blade, Aquila Favonia:
These swords from the Skyward series work well for characters like Bennett and Jean. They excel in healing or support builds.
Character Mentions: Who Else is in Genshin?
Bennett:
He loves Energy Recharge and CRIT from Skyward Spine. Also a top pick for Skyward Blade. Be careful of C6 Bennett if not ready for Pyro chaos.
Jean:
She enjoys Skyward Blade and Aquila Favonia. The Skyward Blade is fantastic for healer Jean.
Sucrose & Nahida:
Both gain much from Elemental Mastery. Weapons like A Thousand Floating Dreams (Nahida) and EM-focused weapons suit them.
Layla:
HP scaling is crucial for her. Key of Khaj-Nisut and Primordial Jade Cutter are great weapon choices.
Mika:
For him, Skyward Spine is a strong 5-star substitute weapon.
Candace:
She is the Hydro infusion queen. She needs Energy Recharge. Skyward Spine helps her. It scales with HP but has split scaling for DPS.
Kazuha:
His signature weapon is Freedom Sworn. It enhances his support abilities.
Shenhe, Xiangling, Zhongli, Xiao:
All are polearm users with various best weapon options previously discussed. They include Calamity Queller, The Catch, Staff of Homa, and considerations for Skyward Spine (or not for Xiao).
Hu Tao:
A Pyro DPS powerhouse associated with Staff of Homa.
Cyno & Yun Jin:
Cyno benefits from Skyward Spine and his signature Staff of Scarlet Sands. Yun Jin also appreciates ER from Skyward Spine.
