Skyward Spine: Is This Polearm a Spineless Choice or a Solid Pick in Genshin Impact?
Skyward Spine. A polearm that shines with five-star rarity in your inventory. Yet it raises the question: “Is this weapon actually good?” When you pull a 5-star weapon, you want excitement. But Skyward Spine feels like mere applause from the back row. Before dismissing it as enhancement fodder, let’s explore who can wield this spear effectively.
Skyward Spine: Stats and What They Mean
Skyward Spine has its stats. At level 90, it offers 674 Base Attack. Quite strong indeed. The sub-stat is Energy Recharge, at 36.8% maxed out. This setup hints at a focus on “Burst Support!” It grabs attention like a Ruin Guard spotting you.
The passive, “Skyward Spine,” brings extra benefits. It boosts Crit Rate by 8% and Attack Speed by 12%. Plus, Normal and Charged Attacks have a chance to unleash a vacuum blade that deals 40% of Attack as AoE damage. Vacuum blades sound exciting, right? In practice, they are just an added feature. The Crit Rate is useful, while Attack Speed is a plus. Those vacuum blades? Just extra seasoning; they won’t steal the show.
Character Deep Dive: Who Actually Wants a Skyward Spine?
So, who actually benefits from the Skyward Spine in Teyvat? Let’s examine each character for potential synergy.
Xiangling: The Chili Queen’s Choice?
Xiangling, head chef of Wanmin Restaurant and Pyro DPS queen. Does she like Skyward Spine? It’s… okay. Her best option remains “The Catch,” a 4-star weapon gained from fishing. Yes, fishing. Genshin Impact is unique.
Skyward Spine vs. “The Catch” for Xiangling
“The Catch” stands as her primary recommendation. Why? It’s designed for her playstyle. It has Energy Recharge which Xiangling needs. It enhances her Elemental Burst, Pyronado, her main damage source. Skyward Spine doesn’t hit those targets as well for Xiangling. While good, it’s better suited for Raiden.
Picture this: “The Catch” is gourmet spice made for her dishes. Skyward Spine is quality all-purpose seasoning. Great, but not ideal. If you own a refined “The Catch,” especially at Refinement Rank 5, it will generally outperform Skyward Spine for Xiangling. But if “The Catch” is busy elsewhere, or fishing minigame scares you, Skyward Spine serves as a valid option, especially if Energy Recharge is lacking.
Xiangling’s Energy Recharge Needs
Xiangling craves energy recharge. To frequently unleash her Burst, Pyronado, aim for about 180-200% Energy Recharge. This goal becomes crucial without Bennett’s support. Skyward Spine’s ER sub-stat assists in reaching this energy target.
Xiangling’s Artifact Choices
Xiangling has several optimal artifact choices. “Emblem of Severed Fate,” “Crimson Witch of Flames,” and “Noblesse Oblige” compete for the spotlight. However, 4-piece “Emblem of Severed Fate” often reigns supreme. It boosts her Burst damage and Energy Recharge, syncing well with her skills and Skyward Spine’s strengths.
Candace: Support from the Depths
Candace serves as Aaru Village’s Guardian but is primarily a support character. Does Skyward Spine suit her? The answer is a soft “maybe.” Candace thrives in support roles, buffing Normal Attacks with Hydro infusion. She desires Energy Recharge for her Burst. Still, Skyward Spine doesn’t fully align with her support needs. Other polearms better serve her focus on HP and utility stats.
Zhongli: The Geo Archon’s Pillar of Strength
Zhongli, the God of Contracts and Geo Archon, commands meteors. Is there room for Skyward Spine in his kit? Yes, it works well. Like other Energy Recharge weapons, it aids his Energy restoration. Despite his Archon status, he appreciates Energy Recharge to deploy his potent Burst, Planet Befall, reliably. Skyward Spine promotes spamming his Burst effectively.
Favonius Lance vs. Skyward Spine for Zhongli
However, the Favonius Lance exists. Favonius Lance often tops the list of 4-star support polearms for Zhongli. It generates energy particles for the whole team upon a Crit hit, serving as an incredible energy battery. If your party struggles with energy management, Favonius Lance excels over Skyward Spine for Zhongli. But if frequent Burst usage matters for crowd control and damage, Skyward Spine remains appealing.
Zhongli’s Shield Build and Other Options
If you’re building Zhongli purely for shield use, focus on optimizing HP over attack damage. Damage polearms like Skyward Spine become less relevant in these situations. For shield-oriented builds, weapons like “Rightful Reward” offer better benefits due to their HP scaling and superior passive effects over extra damage.
Even the modest 3-star Black Tassel stands potent for shield-focused Zhongli builds. While not the strongest offensively, Black Tassel suits dedicated Genshin Impact shielders well. Thus, for damage and Burst spamming, Skyward Spine is feasible; for team energy needs, Favonius Lance excels; while HP-focused polearms shine for pure shielding.
Bennett: The Unlucky Adventurer’s Lucky Break
Bennett the unlucky adventurer manages to be a stellar support character. Does Skyward Spine fit him? Yes! Bennet and Jean are best picks for the Skyward weapon series. High base damage appeals to Bennett’s kit and the ER aids him too. Bennett scales his attack buff off his Base Attack, so he loves that high base stat.
Jean: The Dandelion Knight’s Gentle Breeze
Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, showcases versatility as a character.
Skyward Spine provides healing, crowd control, and decent damage. Does Skyward Spine fit her? “Who should use Skyward Blade? Bennet and Jean are ideal. It has high base damage that Bennet loves and Jean benefits from too. The extra ER is helpful.” Again, Skyward Blade is linked with Jean. Like Bennett, Jean’s high base attack is important.
Building Jean as a healer, “Skyward Blade is best if players make a healer-focused Jean.” While Skyward Spine lacks sword status, high base attack logic remains. Jean heals based on her Attack. A higher Base Attack from Skyward Spine means better healing. The Energy Recharge is great for maintaining her Burst, Dandelion Breeze, which ensures steady healing and Anemo application. Skyward Spine for Healer Jean
A healer-focused Jean finds Skyward Spine is a good option. It offers Base Attack for healing and Energy Recharge for Burst uptime. However, it isn’t her best weapon. Options like Favonius Sword (for team energy) or Aquila Favonia (for higher Base Attack) might suit team needs better. “Aquila works well as a stat stick for Benny or physical build. Choices are Jean, Qiqi, Benben, Keqing, and Kuki, but they have better options.” Aquila’s high base attack is usually overkill for Jean’s healing.
Skyward Spine balances healer-support efforts, especially for frequent Bursting.
Raiden Shogun: The Electro Archon’s Quick Strikes
Raiden Shogun, the Electro Archon, rules Inazuma and reigns as the Burst DPS queen. Does Skyward Spine fit Raiden? Surprisingly, yes. “Skyward Spine excels with Xiangling, even without The Catch. However, it’s better for Raiden due to her need for speed and energy recharge.” While “The Catch” is Raiden’s top 4-star choice, and Engulfing Lightning is her 5-star weapon, Skyward Spine has a unique role.
Skyward Spine’s Benefits for Raiden
Skyward Spine’s passive boosts attack speed, beneficial for Raiden’s playstyle focused on quick strikes. The gameplay centers around her Elemental Burst, Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu, converting Normal Attacks into high-damage Electro slashes. Increased Attack Speed from Skyward Spine translates to more hits during her Burst duration, increasing her overall DPS.
“Raiden also gains from Energy Recharge for frequent burst use.” The Energy Recharge sub-stat is great for Raiden, allowing her to Burst off cooldown, vital for her role in the team as a Battery and Burst DPS. Attack Speed and Energy Recharge Synergy for Raiden
For Raiden, combining Attack Speed and Energy Recharge from Skyward Spine is powerful. It enables faster attacks during her Burst and ensures she maintains energy for frequent Burst availability. While Engulfing Lightning and Staff of Homa may offer more damage, Skyward Spine creates a balanced approach where Burst uptime and speed are necessary.
Additionally, Skyward Spine is a standard banner weapon, possibly more accessible than limited 5-star options.
Mika: The Reconnaissance Captain’s Backup Plan
Mika, the cartographer and reconnaissance captain, serves primarily as support. He focuses on Physical damage buffs and healing. “Is Skyward Spine effective for Mika?” It’s mentioned as a good 5-star technology substitute. “The best immediate 5-star weapon substitute for Mika is Skyward Spine.” Mika values Energy Recharge to maintain his Burst, Starfrost Swirl, for consistent healing and buffs.
High Base Attack holds less importance in his support role, but Energy Recharge makes Skyward Spine a viable option if lacking other ER polearms.
Yunjin: The Opera Singer’s Stage Presence
Yunjin, the opera singer and Geo support, buffs Normal Attack damage based on Defense. “Is Skyward Spine beneficial for Yunjin?” For Yunjin, it provides Energy Recharge, vital for maintaining her Burst, Cliffbreaker’s Banner, to deliver Normal Attack boosts. “Skyward Spine grants around 36% Energy Recharge, which is a solid gain.” However, “other than that, this Polearm lacks additional benefits.” Yunjin’s Burst deals no damage; thus relying on Skyward Spine’s high Base ATK isn’t effective. Besides Energy Recharge, Yunjin could benefit more from Defense-focused polearms or others offering greater team utility.
Cyno: The General Mahamatra’s Quickdraw
Cyno, the General Mahamatra, serves as an Electro DPS character who relies on extended involvement during his Burst. “Is Skyward Spine useful for Cyno?” “Skyward Spine (5-star polearm) increases energy recharge and attack speed while triggering damage effects.” For Cyno, it grants both Energy Recharge and Attack Speed. ER helps him utilize consistent Bursts, essential for his rotations. Attack Speed may not be as vital as for Raiden, but faster Normal Attack strings during his Burst can still aid him. Yet, Cyno prefers weapons boosting damage directly, like Crit-focused polearms or those with Electro DMG Bonus.
Skyward Spine is decent but not the absolute best option.
Shenhe: The Lonesome Transcendence’s Icy Support
Shenhe amplifies Cryo damage and serves as a support. “Is Skyward Spine suitable for Shenhe?” “As a statstick, it’s a decent choice for Shenhe; providing high base ATK from its five-star status and some Energy Recharge helps Shenhe Burst more often.” For Shenhe, it works as a decent option adding value to Cryo characters through their Skill by increasing damage bonuses. The Energy Recharge helps her Burst consistently and apply Cryo RES shred while further buffing Cryo damage. While not specifically designed for her, Skyward Spine offers value in a support role.
Rosaria: The Thorny Benevolence in Freeze Teams
Rosaria excels in Cryo application and Crit Rate support in Freeze teams. “Can Rosaria use Skyward Spine?” “Skyward Spine’s passive may be less helpful aside from a bit of CRIT Rate; however, its high Base Attack and ER mainstat have solid placement in Rosaria’s Freeze teams.” For Freeze teams with Rosaria, Skyward Spine becomes viable due to an ER mainstat that simplifies requirement fulfillment. This allows allocation of more stats to her offensive artifacts. Yet the passive’s Attack Speed benefits are minimal; high Base Attack and Energy Recharge remain key advantages.
The ER aids consistent Burst to apply Cryo and enhance team Crit Rate buffs. The high Base Attack heightens personal damage slightly while increasing damage in her Burst hits. Skyward Spine in Rosaria Freeze Teams
In Freeze teams needing reliable Cryo application and Burst uptime, Skyward Spine helps Rosaria effectively fulfill her duties. It lets you focus on offensive stats like Crit Rate on artifacts since this weapon grants substantial Energy Recharge. With this context, while it may not be top-tier damage-wise for her role, it remains a solid support weapon.
Yun Jin (Again?): Double-Checking the Opera Singer
Yun Jin again? Let’s clarify. “Skyward Spine grants Yun Jin approximately 36% Energy Recharge, which is favorable.” As previously noted, while this ER is beneficial, “Aside from that, this Polearm provides limited value.” Yun Jin’s scaling relies on Defense; thus, her Burst output yields no damage making the Base Attack and passive of Skyward Spine largely ineffective.
For Yun Jin, focus on Defense-scaling polearms or those with team utility instead of Skyward Spine.
Weapon Comparisons: Skyward Spine in the Arena
Let’s compare Skyward Spine with other contenders to check its performance.
Skyward Spine vs. “The Catch”
“The Catch” is a 4-star weapon obtained through fishing. It is often better than Skyward Spine for Xiangling. It also competes well for Raiden Shogun. It offers great Energy Recharge and Crit stats, essential for burst-focused builds. It’s accessible due to farming.
Skyward Spine vs. Dragon’s Bane
Dragon’s Bane specializes in Elemental Mastery and damage against Pyro or Hydro enemies. For Xiangling in Vaporize teams, a refined Dragon’s Bane may surpass Skyward Spine. However, it requires proper artifact investment in Crit Rate and Energy Recharge.
Skyward Spine vs. Favonius Lance
Favonius Lance supports the team’s energy generation. It is ideal for Zhongli as it supplies many Energy points. Compared to Skyward Spine, it boosts team DPS more efficiently in energy-hungry setups whereas Skyward Spine improves individual DPS slightly.
Skyward Spine vs. Prototype Starglitter
Prototype Starglitter is craftable and offers Energy Recharge along with boosting Normal and Charged Attacks after an Elemental Skill. For Xiangling, it serves as a decent F2P option. However, it underperforms against “The Catch” and Skyward Spine in overall damage potential.
Skyward Spine vs. 5-Star Damage Polearms
Against dedicated 5-star weapons, Skyward Spine generally underperforms in raw damage output. The top contenders like Staff of Homa and Engulfing Lightning maximize damage with Crit stats and ATK buffs. These surpass Skyward Spine in raw damage but not in utility.
Final Verdict: Is Skyward Spine Worth It?
So, is Skyward Spine worth equipping? Not quite the best choice but not without merit. It remains a jack-of-all-trades for various polearm users. It offers solid versatility and Energy Recharge, benefiting characters like Raiden Shogun and Xiangling. It balances Base Attack with Energy Recharge. If you pull one and lack superior options, it remains a respectable choice. Its reliability will ensure consistent Burst uptime, making it a useful tool in Genshin Impact.
