Lost in the Weaponry Wrangle? Starglitter vs. Pike for Your Geo Daddy Zhongli
You look at your Genshin Impact polearms. You’re unsure how to equip your Geo Archon, Zhongli. Are you stuck between the Prototype Starglitter and Crescent Pike? Don’t worry. This guide helps you decide which weapon suits Zhongli best.
Prototype Starglitter: The Energy Recharge Buddy
First, let’s examine the Prototype Starglitter. Some players say, “Prototype Starglitter is better due to its ER.” They have a point. This 4-star craftable weapon is a decent free-to-play option for Zhongli. It helps with frequent Planet Befall meteor drops. This weapon is your burst-driven friend. The passive ability and Energy Recharge (ER) substat keep Zhongli’s Elemental Burst ready. This makes him a solid Geo damage source and reliable crowd controller.
- Pros: High Energy Recharge and easy to craft.
- Consider it if: You want Zhongli’s Elemental Burst active often.
- Keep in mind: It doesn’t enhance shield or raw damage as other weapons do.
Some might assert, “Fav Lance is better than Starglitter.” It’s true. The Favonius Lance tends to outshine Starglitter. It creates energy for the whole team, making it a great support choice. We’ll revisit Favonius Lance later.
Crescent Pike: The Physical Phantasm… or Fizzle?
Now, let’s consider the Crescent Pike. This weapon is often labeled a “Niche Option For Physical Zhongli.” The word “niche” applies here. The Crescent Pike has a Physical DMG Bonus substat. This sounds good for any physical hitter. But wait. “Crescent Pike is not a strong weapon for Zhongli” in most builds. Why is that? Zhongli’s kit relies on HP and Geo damage, not physical damage. Equipping him with a Physical DMG Bonus weapon is like adding racing stripes to a turtle. It may seem cool but doesn’t boost its speed.
- Pros: High Physical DMG Bonus.
- Consider it if: You want to push for Physical Zhongli, but maybe don’t.
- Keep in mind: It’s not effective for Zhongli due to his Geo kit focus.
Beyond Starglitter and Pike: Zhongli’s Arsenal of Awesome (and Less Awesome) Options
So, maybe Starglitter is a better fit than Pike for Zhongli. But remember, there are many polearms available. Let’s take a look at some great and budget-friendly choices for our favorite consultant.
The Support Staples: Favonius Lance & Black Tassel
For support Zhongli, two weapons shine: the Favonius Lance and Black Tassel.
- Favonius Lance: This 4-star weapon excels at supporting Zhongli in Genshin Impact. It generates energy for the whole team. If you want your Zhongli to be a battery, Favonius Lance is the choice.
- Black Tassel: Next, we have the 3-star Black Tassel. This may surprise you! Black Tassel strengthens Zhongli’s HP stat. It greatly boosts shield strength. If you seek a strong shield while on a budget, Black Tassel works well.
The DPS Powerhouses: Staff of Homa & Five-Star Friends
Want to increase Zhongli’s damage? Let’s discuss powerful weapons.
- Staff of Homa: This is the top five-star weapon. It’s the best option for a damage-focused build. This 5-star weapon boosts Zhongli’s damage output significantly. Pair it with a Geo-oriented build for best results. If you aim for DPS Zhongli and have it, Staff of Homa reigns supreme.
- Other 5-Star Options:
- Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: An excellent 5-star option, this spear provides a balance of damage and utility.
- Vortex Vanquisher: Zhongli’s signature weapon, but not always the best option. It remains viable, just not top-tier. Vortex Vanquisher is good, yet not *the best*.
- Engulfing Lightning: While for Raiden Shogun mainly, Engulfing Lightning suits burst-oriented Zhongli in a sub-DPS role.
Decent 4-Star Damage Dealers
No 5-star weapon? Don’t fret. There are respectable 4-star options available.
- Deathmatch: A solid option for burst support Zhongli, especially if you own a battle pass. Deathmatch provides Crit Rate, good for damage dealers. It is obtainable from the Battle Pass.
- Lithic Spear & Blackcliff Spear: These options depend on conditions but are decent choices. “Lithic Spear can be great for burst support, especially depending on your Liyue characters.” Similarly, “Blackcliff Spear is also a decent option for burst support, excellent if you save up for a 5-star weapon.” Blackcliff Pole features a max level’s CRIT DMG of 55.1% (12%).
- Rightful Reward & Dialogues of the Desert Sages: Newer 4-star options exist. Explore their effectiveness on Zhongli for potential benefits.
Building Your Geo Daddy: Stats and Sets
The weapon alone does not define success. Understanding Zhongli’s scaling and proper building is essential.
- HP is Key: “Zhongli’s abilities scale off his Max HP for shield strength and duration.” Additionally, “his regularly used attacks also scale from Max HP.” Stacking HP improves shield strength and slightly boosts damage.
- Geo & Crit for Damage: “Zhongli benefits from Geo DMG% and Crit stats for damage.” For effective damage output, these should not be overlooked.
- Support Build Stats: “For support builds, balance focusing on HP, Geo DMG%, and Crit stats.” This gives you shield strength and burst damage. “Prioritize Full HP on Sands, Goblet, and Circlet” for more robust shields or HP/Geo/Crit for balance.
- DPS Build Stats: “For offensive builds, consider ATK Sands, Geo DMG% Goblet, and Crit Rate/Crit Damage Circlet.” If aiming for full DPS, favors damage stats.
- Artifact Sets: “Instead of full sets, opt for 2-piece The Exile and 2-piece Archaic Petra.” This grants an Energy Recharge +20% and a 15% Geo DMG bonus. Alternatively, use 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith (HP +20%) and 2-piece Archaic Petra (Geo DMG Bonus +15%). “Zhongli performs best with artifacts featuring ATK, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG substats” to maximize damage potential.
Polearm Ponderings: What About Other Characters?
Let’s briefly examine how Prototype Starglitter and Crescent Pike perform for other polearm users.
- Xiangling: “Between both weapons, Prototype Starglitter is vastly superior on Xiangling.” “Crescent Pike’s Physical DMG Bonus is ineffective as Xiangling focuses on Pyro damage.” Conversely, Prototype Starglitter offers high Energy Recharge (ER) important for Xiangling. In fact, “The Catch is the top F2P weapon for Xiangling.”
- Hu Tao: “For Hu Tao, Staff of Homa is her best-in-slot weapon!” For 4-star choices, consider “Dragon’s Bane, Deathmatch, Jade Spear, or Staff of Scarlet Sands.” Interestingly, “Crescent Pike can work as the best 4-star weapon for Hu Tao” in some physical builds, though Crit or Elemental Mastery weapons are preferable for her Vaporize playstyle. “Opt for weapons offering Crit Rate or Crit Damage to maximize damage output.”
- Raiden Shogun:“Engulfing Lightning will be her best in slot,” naturally. “The Prototype Starglitter”
- It is a solid mid-game choice for her. “The Catch is better than Favonius Lance and Prototype Starglitter.” Raiden Shogun’s damage mainly scales off Energy Recharge and Resolve.
- Rosaria: “Crescent Pike is practically the only option” for a Physical DPS Rosaria build.
Weapon Trivia Time!
Before we finish up, here are some weapon facts:
- “Wavebreaker’s Fin is one of Genshin Impact’s top 4-star polearms. This weapon features the highest base attack of all 4-star weapons in the category (620 at level 90).” Keep an eye out for it!
- “Deathmatch is the only game mode that allows players to leave during gameplay without penalty.” Wait, what? Actually, Deathmatch comes from the Battle Pass, not a game mode! Maybe there’s confusion there.
- “Footprint of the Rainbow in Genshin Impact is one of those rare weapons that scales with DEF.” Interesting for niche DEF-scaling polearm users, if they exist.
Starglitter: More Than Just a Name
A quick word about Starglitter itself. “Genshin Impact’s Starglitter should be spent on Ascension Materials and Characters.” Masterless Starglitter is valuable! “Masterless Starglitter is obtained when a 4/5★ weapon or character that the player owns is obtained” from wishes. Don’t underestimate its shop value!
The Verdict?
For Zhongli, in the battle of Prototype Starglitter vs. Crescent Pike, Prototype Starglitter generally wins for its Energy Recharge utility, especially for burst builds. Yet, neither is truly top-tier for him. For support, Favonius Lance often shines. In terms of damage, Staff of Homa (if available) rules supreme. Other 5-star and 4-star options like Deathmatch and Blackcliff Spear are viable choices. For budget builds focused on shields? Surprisingly, the humble Black Tassel can be quite effective.
The “best” weapon depends on your build, team, and playstyle. Experiment, enjoy, and may your meteors always crit!
Want more Zhongli wisdom? Check out the Zhongli Guide – Best Builds and Tips on IGN for more detailed advice.
