Beidou’s Best Blade: Unraveling the Claymore Captain’s Signature Style in Genshin Impact
Ahoy! Ever looked at Beidou, Captain of the Crux Fleet? Wondered about that electrifying aura around her claymore?
You’re not alone if you’ve thought, “What is Beidou’s weapon?”
We are diving into Genshin Impact’s weaponry, focusing on our favorite Electro powerhouse and her giant claymores.
This will reveal if Beidou really has a “signature” weapon. We will see what claymores fit her best too, and check out other Genshin characters’ weapons.
This acts as your treasure map for understanding Beidou’s best builds and the captivating realm of Genshin signature weapons.
Does Beidou Brandish a Signature Claymore?
Does Beidou have a weapon that’s her “signature” like other 5-star characters?
Officially, no, Beidou lacks a designated “signature weapon.” Ayaka has Mistsplitter Reforged. Raiden Shogun has Engulfing Lightning.
That does not mean our Electro captain lacks a strong blade.
Beidou offers a range of claymore options, fitting various playstyles and team compositions.
Some players say the **Blackcliff Claymore** visually matches Beidou’s style.
Its dark vibe complements her Electro vision and pirate persona.
The Blackcliff Claymore, available through Starglitter Exchange, isn’t bad. Its Crit DMG substat enhances Beidou’s damage potential.
But is it her *signature*? In the deep lore, probably not.
Then there’s the **Serpent Spine**. This battle pass weapon has fans among Beidou lovers.
Its passive ability boosts damage while taking damage. This can be a risk, but for skilled players, it can be powerful with shields and counters.
Is Serpent Spine *the* signature? Again, it’s more liked by the players than officially recognized.
What Claymore Does Beidou Typically Wield?
When discussing the *best* claymore for Beidou, theory crafters often highlight 5-star giants like **Wolf’s Gravestone**.
This weapon boasts a high ATK stat and a passive that buffs ATK for the party when enemies hit below 30% HP.
For a hybrid DPS/Support build, Wolf’s Gravestone amplifies Beidou’s damage and team utility significantly.
It’s top-tier and works wonders for Beidou, but is it *hers* in lore? Not really.
The Quest for Beidou’s Best Weapon: Beyond Signature Status
Let’s shift focus away from “signature” labels to weapon effectiveness for Beidou.
Which are the *best* weapons for her potential?
Top-Tier 5-Star Options
Apart from Wolf’s Gravestone, other 5-star claymores shine on Beidou:
- Skyward Pride: This claymore works if focusing on her Elemental Burst. Skyward Pride boosts Energy Recharge, allowing Beidou to unleash her Burst, “Stormbreaker.” It also triggers a spatial blade damage effect after using an Elemental Burst, adding damage.
Excellent 4-Star Alternatives
No 5-star claymore in inventory? Beidou has great 4-star choices:
- Sacrificial Greatsword: Energy Recharge matters for Beidou, and this sword is ideal. Its passive can end its Skill cooldown after damage with an Elemental Skill, useful for Beidou. This means more use of her Skill, “Tidecaller,” allowing for frequent parries. Imagine parrying fast—pure Electro bliss!
- Akuoumaru: If buffing Beidou’s attack or seeking high damage, this claymore hits hard. Its passive boosts Elemental Burst damage based on the party’s max Energy. For high-energy teams, Akuoumaru boosts her burst damage.
Signature Weapons in Genshin Impact: A Broader Look
Now that we’ve tackled Beidou’s weapon, let’s analyze signature weapons in Genshin Impact.
What’s a signature weapon in the game?
Which characters have these special armaments?
Defining Signature Weapons: More Than Just Stats
A “signature weapon” usually means a 5-star weapon made to fit a specific 5-star character.
These weapons often appear on banners with the character, making them appealing to pull for both.
Signature weapons may not always be the best-in-slot for optimization. Yet, they synergize well with their kit, lore, and design.
Often, signature weapons appear in a character’s splash art and promotional materials, solidifying these connections.
Who Wields a Signature? Genshin’s Signature Weapon Roster
Which characters possess these signature weapons? Notable examples include:
- Kazuha: His weapon is **Freedom-Sworn**, a 5-star sword aligning with his Anemo support role. It boosts Elemental Mastery and team damage. Kazuha’s card features **Kagotsurube Isshin**, a 4-star sword highlighting a lore link.
- Klee: This spark knight’s weapon is **Dodoco Tales**, a 4-star catalyst from a past event, reflecting Klee’s nature.
- Ayaka: Kamisato Ayaka’s weapon is **Mistsplitter Reforged**, boosting her Cryo damage and Crit DMG, ideal for a powerful Cryo DPS.
- Jean: While **Aquila Favonia**, a 5-star sword, doesn’t clearly signal her signature, it associates with Jean, the Dandelion Knight, boasting high base ATK. Some prefer **Favonius Sword** for thematic ties to the Favonius Knights.
- Venti: Initially, **Skyward Harp** was his signature bow. Now, **Elegy for the End** fits better. It boosts team Elemental Mastery and ATK.
- Yae Miko: Her weapon is **Kagura’s Verity**, a 5-star catalyst that enhances her Elemental Skill damage.
- Tartaglia (Childe): Childe’s signature bow is **Polar Star**, enhancing damage through stacks based on various attacks.
- Ganyu: Her weapon is **Amos’ Bow**, boosting Normal and Charged Attack DMG, perfect for her charged shot playstyle.
- Nahida: The Dendro Archon’s weapon is **A Thousand Floating Dreams**, providing a huge Elemental Mastery boost.
- Ayato: His weapon is **Haran Geppaku Futsu**, focusing on Crit Rate and Normal Attack damage.
- Keqing: Expected to wield **Heartseeker**, a 5-star sword for Crit Rate and enhancing her Electro-infused attacks.
- Diluc: While up for debate, **Wolf’s Gravestone** is often seen as his signature weapon due to promotional ties.
- Shenhe: Her weapon is **Calamity Queller**.
- a 5-star polearm boosts ATK. Surprisingly, the 4-star **Favonius Lance** is often her *best* weapon in team compositions. It provides Energy Recharge and energy generation for the team. This shows that “signature” doesn’t mean “best.”
- Kokomi: Sangonomiya Kokomi’s signature weapon is **Everlasting Moonglow**, a 5-star catalyst. It improves her healing and Hydro damage based on HP. It’s both thematic and statistically ideal for her.
- Cyno: The General Mahamatra’s signature weapon is **Staff of the Scarlet Sands**, a 5-star polearm. It converts Elemental Mastery into ATK. This perfectly synergizes with Cyno’s Electro-charged builds.
- Tighnari: The forest ranger’s signature weapon is **Hunter’s Path**, a 5-star bow that boosts Charged Attack damage and Elemental Mastery. It aligns perfectly with Tighnari’s Dendro-charged attacks.
Characters Without Clear-Cut Signatures (or Subjective Signatures)
- Rosaria: Some speculate **Dragonspine Spear** might be related to Rosaria due to lore ties. However, it’s not officially her signature or her best weapon.
- Amber: Amber lacks a clearly defined signature weapon. Players tend to use bows that boost her support or Pyro capabilities.
- Yanfei: Yanfei, as a 4-star character, lacks a 5-star signature weapon. Catalysts boosting her Pyro damage are generally preferred.
- Barbara: Barbara, another 4-star, similarly lacks a signature weapon. Weapons like **Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers** (a 3-star!) and **Prototype Amber** fit her support/healing role, focusing on utility.
- Diona: **Sacrificial Bow** is often seen as Diona’s “signature” 4-star weapon. It enhances Energy Recharge and resets her Skill cooldown, boosting shield and energy generation. However, it’s more a community-accepted best-in-slot than an official signature.
- Layla: Layla has no true signature weapon. Weapons boosting HP, like **The Key of Khaj-Nisut** or **Primordial Jade Cutter**, maximize her shield strength. **Favonius Sword** is also a viable option for energy generation.
- Zhongli’s Signature Dish (Bonus!): Not a weapon, but fun! Zhongli’s “signature” dish is **Slow-Cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup**, a recipe for his birthday. A little Genshin trivia!
Does Every 5-Star Character Brandish a Signature Weapon?
As shown above, not *every* 5-star character has a branded, thematically curated signature weapon.
Some older 5-stars possess weapons deemed “good” for them without unique designs.
Sometimes, like Shenhe and the Favonius Lance, a 4-star weapon can outperform a character’s supposed 5-star signature in certain scenarios.
Also, newer 5-star characters often receive dedicated signature weapons upon their release since miHoYo has honed weapon design and synergy over time.
Signature Weapons: Lore and Art Deep Dive
The link between signature weapons and character lore is often intentional.
Take Kazuha and Kagotsurube Isshin. Although Freedom-Sworn is his 5-star signature, the 4-star Kagotsurube Isshin features in his splash art.
This visual connection is no accident.
It’s tied to Kazuha’s backstory and the Isshin Art sword style, grounding him in Teyvat and offering players an approachable lore-rich weapon option.
This attention to detail is common among other signature weapons, where design, passive abilities, and names reflect elements of characters’ personalities or regions.
For players who enjoy narrative aspects of Genshin Impact, these signature weapons deliver added depth.
For further insights on signature weapons, you can visit Signature Weapons Genshin Impact | HoYoLAB, where fans analyze thematic weapon pairings.
Specific Weapons for Specific Characters? Weapon Type Restrictions
Signature weapons are designed for specific characters but remember that in Genshin Impact, weapon types are character-locked.
Beidou can *only* wield claymores.
Yanfei is restricted to catalysts.
Barbara also uses catalysts exclusively.
Amber can only wield bows, and so forth.
There are five weapon types: Bows, Catalysts, Claymores, Polearms, and Swords.
You can’t equip a sword on Beidou, no matter how cool it looks, nor can you give Diluc a catalyst no matter how much damage he inflicts.
This restriction is fundamental to Genshin’s character-building system.
Jade Cutter: Signature Snub or Universal Star?
Some players grumble about **Primordial Jade Cutter** being “no one’s signature weapon.”
And they are right!
The Jade Cutter is a 5-star sword that isn’t tied to any particular character in terms of lore.
Its high Crit Rate substat and HP-scaling passive make it an *exceptionally* strong sword for many sword characters.
While not tied to a specific character, its versatility makes it highly sought-after.
So, it’s not a signature but definitely a star performer in Genshin’s weapon lineup.
Beyond Blades: Delving Deeper into Beidou and Genshin Lore
Let’s pivot back to the electrifying captain and explore intriguing facets of Beidou and Genshin Impact.
Beidou’s Background: Nationality and Pronunciation
Where does Beidou come from?
Beidou is from **Liyue**, one of Teyvat’s seven nations inspired by Chinese culture.
“BeiDou” (北斗) translates to the **Big Dipper** constellation in English, reflecting her adventurous spirit as a captain.
“Beidou” is pronounced “Bay-doe.”
Helpful guides online show proper pronunciation for all your favorite Genshin characters.
Beidou’s Defenses: Shield or Parry?
Does Beidou have a shield?
No; Beidou doesn’t create a traditional shield like Noelle or Zhongli.
However, her Elemental Skill, “Tidecaller,” acts as a **parry**.
This raises her claymore to absorb damage.
When the skill is released, either by holding it or tapping as she’s hit, she counters with powerful Electro damage.
Her Elemental Burst, “Stormbreaker,” provides **damage reduction** and Electro damage but doesn’t create a lasting shield.
So while she lacks traditional shielding, Beidou has incredible resilience thanks to her parry and burst damage reduction.
Captain Beidou: Title and Crew
What is Beidou’s official title?
She is the **Captain of The Crux**, a renowned crew based in Liyue Harbor.
Beidou is both respected and feared for her daring voyages and unmatched combat skills.
She carries a strong sense of justice too.
Beidou’s Relationships: Love and Loyalty
Who is Beidou’s romantic interest?
This topic spurs speculation within the Genshin community.
A popular ship exists between Beidou and Ningguang, the Tianquan of Liyue Qixing.
Their interactions in the game fuel this speculation during events and quests.
However, miHoYo hasn’t confirmed any romance between them officially.
Their bond is deep. Whether romantic or very close friendship remains open to player interpretation.
Who *owns* Beidou?
In-game, Beidou is self-owned! She captains her ship and crew while following her own code of conduct.
If you refer to corporate ownership, Genshin Impact and Beidou belong to HoYoverse, the global company.
Constellations and Capabilities: Beidou at C0
Does Beidou have a shield at C0 (Constellation 0)?
No; she still doesn’t have a shield even at higher constellations.
The parry and damage reduction are available at C0.
Is C0 Beidou worth using?
Definitely!
Beidou remains viable even at C0.
Her constellations enhance power significantly at C2 (Chain Lightning on Burst) and C6 (Electro RES reduction).
However, she functions well without constellations too.
Her damage potential nearly doubles from C0 to C6, demonstrating considerable power boosts from constellations for 4-stars.
Unlike many 5-stars feeling incomplete at C0, Beidou stands as a solid unit from the start.
Visual Details: Beidou’s
Eye and Gender
Does Beidou have two eyes?
Yes, Beidou has two eyes. Her left eye is covered by an eyepatch.
This eyepatch suggests she has a visual impairment in her left eye. Still, it does not affect her combat skills.
What gender is Beidou?
Beidou is female.
Elemental Fury: Beidou’s Burst Explained
What is Beidou’s burst, “Stormbreaker,” all about?
Beidou’s Burst is crucial to her kit.
When activated, “Stormbreaker” forms a霆霆 shield of Electro energy surrounding your active character.
While active, when your character uses Normal or Charged Attacks, “Stormbreaker” triggers coordinated Electro attacks that can bounce between nearby enemies.
This feature makes Beidou an excellent Electro applicator and damage dealer, especially in teams focused on Electro-Charged or Aggravate reactions.
Character Interactions: Kazuha’s Nickname and Ningguang’s Words
What does Kazuha call Beidou?
In English Genshin Impact, Kazuha calls Beidou “Beidou.”
However, in Chinese, he calls her 大姐头 (dàjiětóu), meaning “big sister boss.” He uses 姉君 (anegimi) in Japanese, a respectful term for “elder sister.” These language nuances deepen their relationship and show Beidou’s esteemed position.
What did Ningguang say to Beidou?
Ningguang has notable dialogues with Beidou.
One memorable quote is, “Sincerely, Beidou, you misunderstand me. I take strolls through Yujing Terrace and the harbor every day.”
This highlights the contrast between Ningguang’s opulence and her sincere appreciation for simple things, revealed through her interactions with Beidou.
Linguistic Roots: Beidou’s Name Meaning
What does “Beidou” mean in English?
“Beidou” (北斗) translates to the **Big Dipper** constellation in Chinese.
This name fits a character who navigates seas and leads a crew, evoking guidance, adventure, and celestial navigation.
Character Comparisons: Beidou vs. Fischl and Raiden Shogun
Who can replace Beidou in a team?
In certain team setups, especially those needing off-field Electro application, **Raiden Shogun** can effectively replace Beidou.
However, Beidou provides unique advantages like her parry and damage reduction. Her burst also has distinct electro-application patterns compared to Raiden Shogun.
Which is better, Beidou or Fischl?
This greatly depends on the situation.
Beidou is usually seen as more versatile and powerful in AoE (Area of Effect) scenarios due to her burst’s bouncing Electro damage.
Fischl excels in single-target scenarios and aids energy management with her consistent Electro application from Oz.
If energy is an issue or if dealing with mainly single-target bosses, Fischl may be better. But for general content and multiple enemies, Beidou often surpasses Fischl in overall impact.
Cultural Identity: Is Beidou Chinese or Japanese?
Is Beidou Chinese or Japanese?
Beidou is a character from Liyue with Chinese cultural inspiration. This reflects the game’s overall Chinese cultural influences for the Liyue region.
Her name, design, and lore derive from Chinese culture and mythology.
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) mentioned earlier is a real-world Chinese satellite navigation system, reinforcing this Chinese connection.
BeiDou Navigation System: A Real-World Connection
Speaking of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, let’s touch briefly on its real-world counterpart.
BeiDou vs. GPS: Navigation System Showdown
Is BeiDou better than GPS?
In reality, China’s BeiDou navigation system is advanced. It may even surpass GPS in some aspects.
Some claimed advantages of BeiDou include potentially better accuracy, broader availability in certain regions, and a robust ground infrastructure.
Yet, for global public services, BeiDou and GPS show similar practical positioning accuracy, usually within 2 to 3 meters.
Advantages and Disadvantages of BeiDou (Real-World)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the BeiDou Navigation System?
Advantages can include:
- Enhanced accuracy in specific areas.
- Improved availability where BeiDou infrastructure is strong.
- Strong ground infrastructure support.
Disadvantages can include:
- Vulnerability to signal interference.
- Lower accuracy in urban canyons or dense settings.
- Security concerns regarding location tracking (this varies by perspective and application).
Ownership and Origins: BeiDou’s Geopolitical Context
Who *owns* the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System?
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is owned by China.
Developed independently, it meets China’s national security and economic development needs. It aims to give an alternative to global navigation systems like GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), and Galileo (EU).
Is the BeiDou Navigation System Chinese or Japanese?
The BeiDou System is **Chinese**.
It represents a project of the Chinese government and showcases national pride and technological achievement for China.
Weaponry Wisdom: General Genshin Weapon Knowledge
Let’s conclude our weapon discussion with some general Genshin weapon knowledge.
Weapon Types in Genshin: Variety is the Spice
What weapon does Beidou use? (Reiterating for clarity)
Beidou wields **claymores**. Big, heavy, Electro-infused claymores!
What weapon does Gaming use?
The recently introduced Gaming character also uses a **claymore**.
Claymores are a common weapon type in Genshin Impact. They are favored for their strong Normal Attacks and Charged Attacks. They break Geo shields and mine ore effectively.
Signature Weapons Revisited: 5-Star Exclusivity?
Does every 5-star character have a signature weapon?
No, not every 5-star character possesses a *dedicated* signature weapon made specifically for them at release.
However, many newer 5-star characters receive signature weapons. Older 5-stars often have weapons linked to them or considered their best options.
Weapon Banner Pity: Avoiding 5-Star Fails
Can you lose your pity to a 5-star weapon?
Yes, in the weapon banner, you may “lose pity” by acquiring a 5-star weapon that is not one of the rate-up weapons.
Weapon banner pity differs from character banner pity.
Your pity *does* carry over between weapon banners.
If you do not receive a 5-star weapon on a banner, your pity count does not reset. It keeps accumulating until you pull a 5-star weapon.
This pity system guarantees a 5-star weapon within a specific number of pulls. However, it may not be the *specific* rate-up weapon you wanted.
Dual Weapon Wielders: The Exception, Not the Rule
Which Genshin character has 2 weapons?
Currently, only **Raiden Shogun** and **Tartaglia (Childe)** have different “weapons” based on their