Genshin Impact: Is the Crescent Pike Still King or Just Another Rusty Polearm?
The Crescent Pike brings memories of frantic play and hilichurls vanishing under a storm of physical damage. For a long time, this weapon was not just good; it was the go-to choice for many polearm users. In Teyvat, with power creep being constant, does the Crescent Pike still excel? Or is it now just a relic? Let’s analyze its status.
Who Still Wields the Pike with Pride?
Let’s begin with characters. Not all polearm users can wield a Crescent Pike and gain combat prowess. Its true power lies in its passive ability: after obtaining an Elemental Orb or Particle, Normal and Charged Attacks gain extra Physical DMG. This is vital. Physical damage. So, if your character thrives on elemental reactions, the Pike may not suit them.
The Pikeli Dream (Zhongli Physical Build)
Remember the “Pikeli” build? Physical Zhongli with the Crescent Pike was once popular. The idea is to shift the Geo Archon from a shield provider to a damage dealer. The Crescent Pike suits this niche perfectly. It offers a Physical DMG Bonus as a substat, enhancing his attack damage when absorbing elemental particles. You will pierce through foes with stone spears.
However, there is a flaw. To unlock Pikeli’s full potential, you often need help from a support character. Enter Mika. This Cryo hero buffs Physical DMG and Attack SPD. Perfect, right? Not so fast. Mika competes for slots against top-tier supports like Yun Jin or Bennett that offer broader buffs. So, Pikeli is fun and strong but may not be optimal for the Abyss leaderboards. However, if you want Zhongli to hit hard with a polearm, Crescent Pike is your best 4-star bet.
Rosaria: Cryo Physical Crusher (Maybe?)
Rosaria, the gothic nun, also joins the Crescent Pike discussion. If you want her focused on Physical damage, the Crescent Pike appears attractive. Although Rosaria is Cryo and can utilize the Dragonspine Spear’s passive, the Pike’s steady Physical DMG boost often outweighs the sporadic icicles from Dragonspine Spear, particularly against single or mobile foes. If going full Physical Rosaria, Crescent Pike is a strong candidate.
Hu Tao: An Unexpected Pike Wielder?
Wait, Hu Tao? The Pyro queen and charged attack expert? Surprisingly, Crescent Pike can be her ideal 4-star weapon under certain circumstances. One might question how Physical DMG helps a Pyro character. The twist: the Pike’s passive does not consider element types. Picking up a particle adds extra hits to Normal and Charged Attacks. These “Double strikes” dish out a portion of your ATK as Physical damage. At higher refinements, this amount increases. For Hu Tao, who integrates Normal Attacks into her cycle, these additional hits yield a meaningful damage boost if you haven’t acquired her Staff of Homa or other 5-star alternatives. It’s an unconventional choice but effective for those considering the Pike.
Xiao: Pike? More Like Nope.
Let’s clear this up swiftly. Crescent Pike for Xiao? That’s a no-go. While Xiao wields a polearm, his damage primarily comes from Plunging Attacks during his Burst. And the Crescent Pike exclusively buffs Normal and Charged Attacks. Equipping this on Xiao ignores his main damage method. Furthermore, the Physical DMG Bonus substat does not apply to Xiao, who deals Anemo damage during his Burst. For him, the Crescent Pike is not merely inferior; it’s counterproductive. Many better 4-star options exist for the Demon Lord, like the Blackcliff Pole or Favonius Lance for energy recharge.
Pike vs. the Polearm Posse: Weapon Face-Offs
Now, let’s compare the Crescent Pike against its polearm counterparts to determine its standing.
Crescent Pike vs. Prototype Starglitter (for Zhongli… and others?)
Someone suggested that Prototype Starglitter, focused on Energy Recharge, exceeds Crescent Pike for Zhongli? Absurd! Okay, maybe not fully absurd, but questionable for a Physical DPS Zhongli. Yes, Starglitter provides ER, aiding Zhongli’s Burst uptime, but Pikeli requires pure damage. The Pike’s Physical DMG Bonus and passive enhance his Normal and Charged Attack output, the essence of the build. Starglitter’s passive boosts Normal and Charged DMG after an Elemental Skill but is less effective for a Physical Zhongli centered on auto-attacks. In most scenarios, Crescent Pike wins. But if you struggle with energy on Zhongli and use him for Burst support, then perhaps Starglitter has niche value. For pure Physical damage? Pike all day.
Crescent Pike vs. Dragonspine Spear: Icy Showdown
Dragonspine Spear offers a Physical DMG Bonus substat similar to the Pike but diverges in passive ability. This spear has a chance to drop icicles on foes when using Normal or Charged Attacks, creating AoE Cryo DMG. It sounds interesting; however, the icicle’s AoE is limited, and its Cryo damage is usually not relevant in Physical builds. The content brief states the icicle’s AoE is “too small to make a large difference in battle.” Against close-packed foes, it may yield some slight damage. But against single or dispersed enemies, the Pike’s regular damage procs prove more reliable and effective. Dragonspine Spear can be entertaining for its Cryo theme, yet for raw Physical output on characters like Rosaria or Physical Zhongli, Crescent Pike often excels.
Crescent Pike: Final Verdict – Still Sharp, But Needs the Right Wielder
The Crescent Pike is not the undisputed champion of polearms today (if it ever truly was), but it remains a strong 4-star weapon, particularly for characters emphasizing Physical damage through Normal and Charged Attacks. Its craftable nature, decent Physical DMG Bonus substat, and boost passive make it suitable for certain builds on characters like Physical Zhongli, Rosaria, and surprisingly Hu Tao. It’s not a universal polearm answer – avoid equipping it to Xiao – but in capable hands, the Crescent Pike can produce significant damage. With some effort and the correct character, achieve “heavy damage,” as noted. Just ensure you grasp its pros and cons and pair it with characters who can harness its full potential. Now, time to build Zhongli… Pike at the ready!
