The Lowdown on Flash: From Genshin Swords to Browser Ghosts
Let’s have a chat about “Flash.” This isn’t the speedster. It’s an overloaded term. It jumps between Teyvat and digital relics online.
We’re diving into the “Alley Flash” sword from Genshin Impact. Is it still around? Who should use it? Plus, we’ll dig up Adobe Flash, that software we loved and hated. We’ll bring Bennett into this too. He’s Genshin’s most beloved support character.
The Alley Flash Weapon: Is it Still a Hidden Gem?
You are hunting for the Alley Flash, right? A lover of unique weapons. Now, the question is: can you find this elusive blade?
Availability: Chasing Shadows or Still in Stock?
Let’s get to the point. Can you still find an Alley Flash sword? Genshin’s weapon system is complex. Acquiring weapons is like deciphering ancient runes blindfolded. The Alley Flash, along with the Alley Hunter bow and Xiphos’ Moonlight sword, is part of a limited weapon pool. Think of them as limited-edition sneakers. Instead of Instagram, you’ll flex on Hilichurls.
These weapons don’t sit in the standard banner. They show up in Weapon Wish Events and Epitome Invocation Banners. These banners are like pop-up weapon shops. They appear for limited times and vanish into the fog. Sometimes they resurface later, or never again with the same rate-up. It is gacha life!
Weapon Wish Events and Epitome Invocation Banners: Your Gacha Gateways
The Alley Hunter bow and Xiphos’ Moonlight sword each have their specific banner types. The Alley Hunter is a four-star bow focused on off-field damage. It is a Weapon Wish Event exclusive. When a Weapon Wish banner appears, there’s a slight chance that Alley Hunter might be present.
Xiphos’ Moonlight sword appears in the Epitome Invocation banners. These banners often feature two five-star weapons and a selection of four-star weapons. Xiphos often takes a backseat to five-star featured weapons. It often appears with the Key of Khaj-Nisut, Nilou’s signature weapon. If Nilou’s Key gets a rate-up, Xiphos may tag along as a sidekick. As of July 15, 2024, Xiphos was set to reappear on the Phase I Version 4.8 banner, possibly with the Key of Khaj-Nisut.
Returning to Alley Flash – while specifics about its banner aren’t provided, it’s safe to assume it follows a pattern similar to Xiphos. Expect it in Epitome Invocation banners alongside certain five-star swords. Stay alert for banner announcements! Consider saving up Primogems. Your digital wallet may protest, but your characters may appreciate it.
Character Suitability: Who Gets to Wield the Flash?
You pulled an Alley Flash or wish to. The next question: who gets to use it? Is it just a shiny toy, or does it serve a purpose? Let’s analyze some character matchups.
Lynette: A Flashy Fit?
Is the Alley Flash suitable for Lynette? Answer: potentially. Lynette, the magician from Fontaine, can benefit from the Alley Flash’s strengths. This sword has a high base attack for a four-star weapon. It is great for characters scaling off attack. Its secondary stat is Elemental Mastery (EM). Lynette may not focus on reactions in every setup, but EM helps, especially in teams triggering Swirl reactions or Vaporize setups.
The Alley Flash’s weapon effect boosts damage for off-field members. This fits Lynette’s potential as an off-field damage dealer. Her skills contribute damage even when she swaps out. For sub-DPS or off-field setups, the Alley Flash can be a strong contender.
Kuki Shinobu: Shockingly Good?
What about Kuki Shinobu? Is the Alley Flash good for her? The answer is nuanced. While Alley Flash works for Kuki, it isn’t her best-in-slot weapon. Kuki’s strengths are in healing and Electro application, scaling off HP and Elemental Mastery for reactions.
The Alley Flash emphasizes attack and off-field damage. It doesn’t amplify Kuki’s healing or Electro damage directly. Still, its base damage is impressive for a four-star weapon. It rivals many others in pure attack power. If seeking more damage-oriented Kuki builds, Alley Flash can be decent, if not optimal.
In essence, Alley Flash on Kuki is like taking a sports car to a monster truck rally. It isn’t ideal, but still performs well. Better-suited weapons exist, but Alley Flash can work if you want personal damage from Kuki.
Venti: Anemo Archon Approved?
And Venti, the Anemo Archon? Is Alley Hunter good for him? The answer is a clear YES, especially for off-field Venti builds. Alley Hunter shares the same off-field damage boost effect. Who excels at off-field damage among bow users? Venti!
Venti’s Burst, the Stormeye, offers crowd control and constant Anemo damage. Cast it, and you can switch Venti out. Stormeye continues to draw enemies and swirl elements like a chaotic black hole. Alley Hunter perfectly matches this playstyle. It boosts damage when Venti is off-field, enhancing his already potent Burst output. For maximizing Swirl damage on off-field Venti builds, Alley Hunter is highly cited as an excellent option.
Ororon (Yelan): Best Weapon Options?
Ororon? You mean Yelan! Nicknames for Fontaine characters pop up early. Let’s talk weapon options for Yelan and where Alley Hunter fits in. The prompt mentions “Ororon,” likely referring to Yelan given the context of bows and off-field damage.
For Yelan, known for her off-field damage and Hydro application, weapon choice matters. The best weapons increase her damage output and Energy Recharge, ensuring she can regularly use her powerful Burst, the Depth-Clarion Dice. Alley Hunter features among top-tier bow options for Yelan, often in a mid-to-high tier.
Common top-tier bows for Yelan include five-star options like Aqua Simulacra and Elegy for the End, both renowned for…
Alley Hunter offers significant damage boosts for Yelan. It increases off-field damage. This benefit is relevant because her attacks from her Burst persist off-field. Other four-star weapons like The Stringless or Favonius Warbow provide different utilities. Alley Hunter gives more direct damage boosts than Favonius Warbow. It’s also more versatile than The Stringless, making it a solid choice for Yelan builds focused on off-field damage.
Weapon Comparisons: Flash vs. the Field
Now, let’s compare weapons. In Genshin, comparisons matter. Artists must min-max their builds effectively. We will pit Alley Flash against some competitors.
Alley Flash vs. Skyward Blade for Bennett: A Support Sword Showdown
Is Alley Flash superior to Skyward Blade for Bennett? This is a common question. Both are swords usable by Bennett, yet they serve different roles. Skyward Blade is a five-star weapon with Energy Recharge as a secondary stat. Its passive improves ATK buff, movement speed, and attack damage after using an Elemental Burst. Alley Flash is a four-star sword with Elemental Mastery. Its passive boosts damage while off-field.
For Bennett, who supports with an ATK buff from his Burst, Skyward Blade is preferred. Bennett’s ATK buff relies on his base ATK, from character stats plus weapon stats. Skyward Blade has better base ATK than Alley Flash. This results in a larger ATK boost for Bennett’s team.
Moreover, the Energy Recharge on Skyward Blade is crucial for Bennett. He needs it to use his Burst frequently. Alley Flash’s substat of Elemental Mastery isn’t as useful for Bennett’s support role. The passive of Alley Flash doesn’t matter either. Bennett doesn’t deal significant off-field damage.
In summary, Skyward Blade enhances Bennett’s role more effectively, while Alley Flash’s benefits don’t strongly align with his support build. If you have both, Skyward Blade usually proves better for support Bennett. Alley Flash might work in a niche, damage-focused setup, but for support roles, stick with Skyward Blade.
Toukabou Shigure vs. Iron Sting: EM Sword Melee
Next up, we’ll compare Toukabou Shigure and Iron Sting. Both are four-star swords suited for Elemental Mastery users like Kuki Shinobu and Kaedehara Kazuha. Iron Sting is craftable and features an EM substat with a passive that boosts Elemental DMG. Toukabou Shigure, an event-exclusive, also offers an EM substat with a quirky passive that increases damage on cursed enemies affected by an Elemental Skill.
Both swords are decent options for Kuki Shinobu. They rank similarly for her support builds. However, for Kaedehara Kazuha, the choice can differ. Toukabou Shigure often performs better in single-target scenarios, frequently ranking as the second-best four-star option in such fights. For Energy Recharge tasks, Iron Sting can be more effective based on frequency needs.
The takeaway here is that Toukabou Shigure performs well against single, tough foes. Iron Sting is good for general Elemental DMG boosts, easier to get since it is craftable. If you lack a refined Iron Sting, Toukabou Shigure may be better. In general, it slightly edges out Iron Sting in single-target fights, if you managed to obtain it during its event.
Adobe Flash (Software): A Digital Fossil
Now, let’s shift from weapons to Adobe Flash. Yes, that Flash. It powered many browser games, animations, and annoying website intros in the past. It feels like uncovering a digital dinosaur bone. Let’s explore this once-popular software.
Availability and Support: Ghost in the Machine?
Can you access Flash now? Technically, yes, but you shouldn’t. Adobe ended support for Flash Player after 2020, marking a digital sunset. Microsoft also planned to remove Flash from Windows by the end of 2020. Most modern browsers have Flash disabled by default.
The era of Adobe Flash is over. It’s like trying to watch VHS on an 8K TV – possible with workarounds but nearly useless and full of compatibility issues. The digital world has moved on. Flash remains behind, not for nostalgia, but for practical reasons.
Why Was Flash Removed? Security, Snail-Pace, and No Phones Allowed
Why was Flash thrown to the digital dustbin? It involves many factors. It was a perfect storm of obsolescence.
First, security. Flash was a severe security risk, filled with vulnerabilities. This made it a target for threats. Security breaches became common, causing headaches for users and companies alike. In a world wary of cybersecurity, Flash became an unacceptable liability.
Second, performance. Flash often caused browsers to lag and CPU usage to soar. High CPU usage led to slowdowns, getting annoying fast. In contrast, sleek web experiences are favored today. Flash was a clunky dinosaur.
Third, mobile incompatibility. Flash struggled on mobile devices, especially iOS. This severely limited its reach. Imagine building a digital empire while having issues with mobile use; Flash faced such hurdles.
Finally, open standards emerged. HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, and WebGL became superior alternatives. They provided better security and compatibility. Replacing Flash was like upgrading an old bridge to a sturdy highway. Browsers like Google, Microsoft, and Apple encouraged Flash’s end in favor of these technologies.
In conclusion, Flash was removed due to security issues, poor performance, mobile incompatibility, and superior technology. This was necessary digital housecleaning.
What Replaced Flash? The Web’s New Building Blocks
If Flash is gone, what filled the gap? The answer is modern web technologies: HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, and WebGL. These tools are superior for interactive web content.
HTML5 serves as the foundational language of the web. It supports multimedia and interactivity, acting as the skeleton of a website.
JavaScript brings life to web pages. It adds dynamic behavior and interactivity. CSS manages the visual aspects, ensuring consistency and appeal. It acts as the skin of a site, making it attractive.
WebGL replaces Flash in rendering 3D graphics. This JavaScript API works within browsers without plugins. It marks a shift from basic animations to advanced CGI.
These tools create a secure and efficient web. Adobe rebranded Flash Professional to Adobe Animate in 2015. They transitioned to better HTML5 standards. Adobe recognized the end for Flash and promoted new technologies.
If you still use Flash content, Ruffle can help. This emulator runs on modern browsers via WebAssembly. It allows for old Flash content without security risks. Think of it as a digital museum piece, interesting yet outdated.
Does Shockwave Flash Still Work? Another Digital Relic
Shockwave Flash is gone. Adobe stopped making Shockwave Player on April 9, 2019. You can’t download it anymore. Like Flash, it’s a relic replaced by modern technology.
Bennett (Character): Flashy Support in Teyvat
Bennett from Genshin Impact is naturally unlucky. Ironically, he is a powerful support character. We’ve discussed Alley Flash and Skyward Blade, but let’s examine weapon options and builds in detail.
Weapon Options: Arming the Unluckiest Adventurer
Genshin players ask: what 4-star weapon suits Bennett? The answer hinges on Bennett’s Elemental Burst, Fantastic Voyage. This ability provides an ATK boost to nearby allies based on his base ATK. Thus, high base ATK weapons rank best for him.
Top Tier Options: 5-Star Supremacy
Five-star swords are ideal for Bennett. Aquila Favonia is often called his “best-in-slot” weapon. It features the highest base ATK among swords in Genshin Impact, enhancing his ATK buff. Its passive offers added survivability.
Skyward Blade is also a strong option. Despite its slightly lower base ATK, it’s a favorite. Its Energy Recharge substat helps maintain Bennett’s Burst uptime. The passive provides improved Energy Recharge, movement speed, and attack speed.
Five-star DPS swords like Mistsplitter Reforged can work on Bennett due to their high base ATK. However, their passive effects are wasted since he is not a primary damage dealer.
4-Star Standouts: F2P Friendly Power
For four-star choices, the selection becomes more interesting. Amenoma Kageuchi, a craftable sword, is robust. Its Energy regains after using an Elemental Skill is valuable for Bennett, meeting his energy needs effectively.
The Favonius Sword is another fantastic four-star pick. Its Energy Recharge substat aids energy-focused builds. The passive ability generates energy particles on critical hits, benefiting Bennett and the team. However, its base ATK is lower.
Alley Flash is noteworthy as well. While not chosen for its passive on Bennett, its high base ATK offers a viable option if needed. Still, its EM substat and off-field damage passive are less relevant for Bennett’s support role.
F2P Favs: Budget Blades
For budget players, Prototype Rancour often ranks as a solid choice. It boasts decent base ATK with a Physical DMG Bonus substat. Its passive can be helpful if Bennett serves as a niche on-field damage dealer.
Skyrider Sword, a three-star weapon, may seem weak but serves as a viable budget option. It addresses Bennett’s needs with an Energy Recharge substat. Its passive improves ATK and Movement SPD after using Burst. It’s not top-tier but works for early game players.
Iron Sting, another craftable sword, is not recommended for Bennett. Its EM focus is mismatched for supporting roles. It’s more suited for EM-scaling characters centered around reactions.
Sapwood Blade is another viable four-star craftable weapon. With solid base ATK and an Energy Recharge substat, it delivers both ATK potential and energy sustainability. Its passive’s relevance for Bennett’s support role is limited.
Energy Recharge (ER) Needs: Bursting on Demand
Bennett’s Energy Recharge needs are crucial for optimizing builds. His Elemental Burst provides healing and an ATK buff. Consistency in using his Burst is key, making Energy Recharge vital.
A recommended ER for Bennett is around 200-240%. This range allows reliable Burst usage in most team setups. However, needs may vary based on several factors:
- Team Composition: If Bennett is the only Pyro character, he’ll need more ER, possibly reaching 225-240%. Pairing him with another Pyro character lowers the ER requirement to around 180-200%.
- Playstyle and Skill Usage: Frequent use of Bennett’s Elemental Skill impacts ER needs. Higher skill usage generates energy particles, lowering ER needs. For quick Burst-swaps, a higher ER compensates for less skill use.
- Weapon Choice: Weapons with Energy Recharge substats lower Bennett’s ER needs from artifacts. Top weapons let you focus other artifact stats while reaching the desired ER threshold.
Community guides suggest calculating ER needs per Skill usage: around 220-250% ER if his Skill is used twice per Burst rotation. Ultimately, the ideal ER depends on team dynamics and playstyle. It’s better to overshoot ER for consistent Burst uptime than risk falling short and losing Burst effectiveness.
his support effectiveness.
Build and Scaling: Noblesse Oblige for the Win
The best artifact set for Bennett is 4-piece Noblesse Oblige. This set suits Bennett’s support role. The 2-piece bonus offers +20% Elemental Burst DMG. This small boost benefits Bennett’s Burst. But the 4-piece bonus is crucial.
Using an Elemental Burst boosts all party ATK by 20% for 12 seconds. This stacks with Bennett’s own ATK buff. Thus, it provides a strong team-wide damage increase. The 4-piece Noblesse Oblige makes Bennett a powerful ATK buffer. It is the top choice for support Bennett in most teams.
While Noblesse Oblige is standard, alternative artifact sets exist. The 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames works for specific on-field DPS builds. It suits Vaporize or Melt teams. This build is unconventional and sacrifices Bennett’s support role.
For beginners or those facing Energy Recharge issues, 4-piece Exile may serve as a temporary fix. Its 2-piece bonus grants Energy Recharge. The 4-piece bonus regenerates energy for the team after a Burst. Still, Noblesse Oblige remains the better long-term choice.
For artifact stats on support Bennett, focus on:
- Sands: Energy Recharge or ATK% (if ER is met)
- Goblet: HP% (for healing) or Pyro DMG Bonus (for niche builds)
- Circlet: Healing Bonus or HP% (for healing) or Crit Rate/Crit DMG (for niche builds)
Prioritize Energy Recharge in substats until you achieve the needed threshold. Then, focus on HP%, with some flat HP for healing. ATK% stats follow.
