Ever wondered what keeps your Genshin Impact roster strong without dropping a dime? Top free-to-play 4-star weapons like the craftable Iron Sting (packing 510 base ATK, 165 EM, and a +6% DMG boost per stack after Elemental DMG) or the fishing reward The Catch (+32% Burst DMG and +12% Burst CRIT Rate at R5) stand out. I've ranked them here based on how versatile they are for DPS, sub-DPS, and support roles, tossing in some build tips along the way. Trust me, as someone who's grinded through countless updates, these picks can turn a newbie account into something fierce.
Getting Started with F2P 4-Star Weapons in Genshin Impact
Let's talk craftables first—stuff like Iron Sting, which gives you 510 base ATK and 165 EM, plus a passive that ramps up all DMG by 6% per stack. You forge it with 1 Billet, 50 Crystal Chunks, and 50 White Iron Chunks once you hit Adventure Rank 10. Then there's the R5 The Catch, dishing out +32% Burst DMG and +12% Burst CRIT Rate—honestly, it blows unrefined Skyward Spine out of the water for burst supports. Oh, and don't sleep on the Favonius series; they generate 6 Energy particles on CRIT hits with a 60% chance at R1, scaling to 100% at R5.
Here's how you get rolling: 1. Farm those billets—each needs 200 Crystal Chunks. 2. Craft your prototypes. 3. Refine 'em to R5 for peak performance. Another gem is Sapwood Blade, granting +60 EM on Dendro reaction pickups; unlock the blueprints by completing Stories of You and the Aranara, then forge with 1 Billet and some ores. Running low on resources? Check out buy Genshin Genesis Crystals via BitTopup—they've got competitive pricing, instant delivery, secure transactions, excellent customer support rated highly by users, and wide payment options. (Pro tip: I've used similar services during dry spells—saves a ton of headache.)
Why Bother with F2P Options Anyway?
Simple: They keep you competitive without the gacha grind. Take Prototype Rancour—565 base ATK, +34.5% Physical DMG Bonus, and a passive that stacks +4% ATK/DEF up to 16% at R5. Or Whiteblind, which adds +6% ATK/DEF per stack up to 24% at R5, perfect for Noelle paired with Husk of Opulent Dreams 4pc. To snag one: 1. Collect 1 Claymore Billet and ores. 2. Head to the blacksmith and forge it. 3. Test those passive triggers every 0.5s in your overworld rotations—it's all about that uptime.
A Quick Look at 4-Star Weapon Rarity
These aren't your basic 3-stars; they've got real punch. The Stringless boasts 510 base ATK and 165 EM, cranking Skill/Burst DMG by +24% at R1 up to +48% at R5—ideal for Fischl. Compare that to Favonius Sword (ER 61.3%, 6 particles on 60% CRIT chance) versus Sacrificial Sword (same ER, but 40% Skill CD reset scaling to 80% at R5). Get 'em via wishes or battle pass, refine for reliability, and pair with Noblesse Oblige to amp team bursts. It's fascinating how a little ER can change everything—right?
Breaking Down the Weapon Tiers
SS-tier stuff like the Favonius series? They deliver ER 61.3% and a 60% chance for 6 Energy particles on CRIT. The Catch hits SS too, with +16% Burst DMG and +6% Burst CRIT Rate at R1, scaling to +32%/+12% at R5. To make the most: 1. Calculate your ER needs for that sweet 200%. 2. Prioritize refinements. 3. Simulate rotations in domains. (In my experience, skipping this step leads to so many failed Abyss runs—don't be that player.)
S-Tier Standouts
Serpent Spine rocks 510 base ATK and 27.6% CRIT Rate, with a passive stacking +6% DMG up to +30% at R5—great for Gaming. Then you've got Sacrificial Greatsword (ER 61.3%, 40% Skill CD reset to 80% at R5) pitted against Favonius Greatsword (same ER but particle generation), and Sacrificial shines for Thoma in Burgeon teams. Acquire from battle pass or wishes, mitigate drawbacks with shields, and slot into plunge builds with Marechaussee Hunter. Solid choices all around.
A-Tier Picks That Punch Above Their Weight
Prototype Crescent bow? 510 base ATK, +41.3% ATK, and a passive that grants +36% ATK on weak point hits for 10s. Sapwood Blade (ER 30.6%, +60 EM on Dendro pickup) versus Xiphos' Moonlight (ER 61.3%, ER boost per EM)—Sapwood fits Collei in Quicken with Gilded Dreams 4pc like a glove. Trade for blueprints via quests, craft and refine, then integrate into Quicken teams. These aren't flashy, but they get the job done.
B-Tier Basics for Early Game
Black Tassel offers HP 46.9% and +40% DMG vs slimes—handy for early Zhongli, but transition to Favonius Lance later. Compound Bow (Physical DMG 69%, stacking +4% ATK up to 16% at R5) suits physical users. Craft the basics, test passives, and upgrade as your AR climbs. Not glamorous, but essential stepping stones.
Best F2P Swords for Fresh Faces
Iron Sting's a beast: 510 base ATK, 165 EM, +6% DMG per stack up to 12% at R5—pairs perfectly with Kazuha in Swirl teams. Prototype Rancour? 565 base ATK, +34.5% Physical DMG, +4% ATK/DEF stacks to 16% at R5 for Kaeya with Pale Flame 4pc. Gather billets and chunks, forge at the blacksmith, and refine for max stacks. Easy peasy.
Top Picks and Their Stats
Favonius Sword (454 base ATK, ER 61.3%, 60% particle chance scaling to 100% at R5) is Bennett's best friend. Sacrificial Sword matches the ER but adds CD resets for Xingqiu. Pull duplicates from wishes, build CRIT Rate over 50%, and weave into energy rotations with Noblesse Oblige.
How They Sync with Characters
Sapwood Blade on Collei? +60 EM for 12s in Dendro teams with Deepwood Memories. Iron Sting with Kazuha and Viridescent Venerer? EM buffs galore. Trigger reactions, pick up effects, and optimize with Gilded Dreams for +50 EM. It's all about that synergy—makes or breaks a build.
Top F2P Claymores to Swing
Whiteblind: 510 base ATK, +51.7% DEF, +6% ATK/DEF stacks to 24% at R5 for Noelle Geo DPS. Prototype Archaic? 565 base ATK, +27.6% ATK, 50% chance for 240% AoE DMG scaling to 100% at R5—Diluc's AoE dream. Craft with billets, refine duplicates, and pair with Husk artifacts.
Recommended Swings
Katsuragikiri Nagamasa (510 base ATK, ER 45.9%, +6% Skill DMG with net +9 Energy) fits Beidou like a charm. Serpent Spine ranks SS for +30% DMG max in plunge setups like Gaming with Marechaussee Hunter. Obtain via battle pass, stack passives on-field, and mitigate extra DMG with shields. (As an editor who's tested these in endless trials, Serpent Spine feels like cheating sometimes.)
Build Ideas That Work
Noelle thrives with Whiteblind and Husk 4pc for DEF scaling; Thoma grabs Sacrificial Greatsword for Burgeon with those resets. Aim for 200% ER, test in Abyss, and swap for better synergy. Boom. Done.
Polearm Tier List for Beginners
The Catch: 510 base ATK, ER 45.9%, +32%/+12% Burst boosts at R5—Xiangling's staple. Crescent Pike? 565 base ATK, +34.5% Physical DMG, +20% ATK on pickups to +40% at R5 for Rosaria physical builds. Fish for The Catch, craft the others, and refine to R5. Need a top-up? Use BitTopup for Genshin Impact top up with fast account crediting, robust security measures, global support for multiple currencies, and top-rated after-sales service ensuring user satisfaction.
Craftable vs. Event Polearms
Kitain Cross Spear (565 base ATK, 110 EM, +6% Skill DMG with net +9 Energy) for Thoma Burgeon versus The Catch for burst uptime; Moonpiercer (565 base ATK, 110 EM, +16% ATK on Dendro pickups to +32% at R5) for Yaoyao. Complete quests for blueprints, exchange fish, and prioritize ER for supports.
Refinement Advice
Favonius Lance (565 base ATK, ER 30.6%, 60% particle chance) powers Yaoyao teams; Prototype Starglitter (+8% N/A DMG stacks) vs. The Catch, where Catch wins for off-field roles. Save duplicates, focus R5 on staples, and test ER thresholds. Smart refining pays off big time.
F2P Bows: Rankings and Real Uses
Prototype Crescent: 510 base ATK, +41.3% ATK, +36% ATK on weak points—Amber's go-to with Wanderer's Troupe. Hamayumi (454 base ATK, +55.1% ATK, +16% N/A DMG doubling at full energy to +32% at R5) mimics Yoimiya DPS. Craft with billets, collect conches for blueprints, and maintain energy.
Bows for DPS and Support
King's Squire (454 base ATK, +55.1% ATK, +60 EM on Skill/Burst to +120 at R5) boosts Collei reactions; Stringless (+24% Skill/Burst DMG to +48% at R5) for Venti Swirl with Viridescent Venerer. Trade Aranara for blueprints, refine, and use in reaction teams.
How to Grab 'Em
Compound Bow (+69% Physical DMG, +4% ATK stacks to +16% at R5) through crafting; Favonius Warbow (ER 61.3%, particles) vs. Sacrificial Bow (ER 30.6%, resets) for Diona Freeze. Unlock fishing/events, complete tasks, redeem and refine.
Catalyst Weapons for F2P Mages
Mappa Mare: 565 base ATK, 110 EM, +8% Elemental DMG stacks to +16% at R5 for Lisa with Thundering Fury. Prototype Amber (510 base ATK, +41.3% HP, Burst regenerates 4 Energy/2s and +4% HP) for Barbara with Ocean-Hued Clam. Craft basics, refine, and pair with HP artifacts.
Focusing on Elemental Mastery
Fruit of Fulfillment (510 base ATK, ER 45.9%, +24 EM per stack max 5) for Nahida in Bloom; Hakushin Ring (565 base ATK, ER 30.6%, +10% Elemental DMG on Electro reactions to +20% at R5) for Fischl. Complete quests, trigger reactions, stack passives.
Fitting into Team Roles
Thrilling Tales (401 base ATK, HP 35.2%, +24% ATK buff to +48% at R5) for Sucrose boosting DPS; Widsith (CRIT DMG 55.1%, +120% ATK random buffs at R5) vs. Sacrificial Fragments (EM 221, resets) for Mona burst. Pull for 3-stars, switch for buffs, optimize rotations.
How to Snag and Level These Weapons
Forge Amenoma Kageuchi with 1 Billet + 50 ores each via quests; upgrade using enhancement ores and Mora, ascending at levels 20-90 with regional materials. Select at the blacksmith, input materials, refine with duplicates for R5.
Your Forging Roadmap
Billets come from exchanging 200 chunks, and Zhongli refunds 15% ores for polearms; for The Catch, catch 700 fish total and exchange. Unlock fishing, use bait, trade for refinements. Patience is key here—fishing's a grind, but worth it.
Events and Shops to Watch
Ultimate Overlord's Mega Magic Sword (ER 30.6%, +12% ATK) via event points; Serpent Spine from battle pass. Check the event calendar, complete tasks, redeem and refine in future events.
Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips
Don't ditch R5 4-stars for low-refine 5-stars—like skipping The Catch for Raiden. Focus on crafting/fishing, test synergies. Simulate rotations, check ER, swap mismatched gear like Black Tassel on non-Zhongli. (Editor note: I've seen too many players regret this—stick to what fits.)
Steering Clear of Bad Calls
Skip Cool Steel or Debate Club; Dragonspine Spear (Physical 69%, icicle procs) vs. Crescent Pike (+20% ATK)—pick based on role. Check sub-stats, simulate vs. bosses, replace low-uptime weapons.
Keeping Up with the Meta
EM's huge with Dendro; fix low ER with Favonius particles and 200% ER sands. Calculate burst costs, pair batteries, use CRIT circlets. Adapt or get left behind.
Wrapping It Up and Looking Ahead
The cream of the crop: The Catch (SS polearm, +32%/+12% Burst at R5), Iron Sting (S sword, +12% DMG at R5), Prototype Crescent (A bow, +36% ATK on weak points)—all craftable or fishable, often outperforming gacha pulls at high refinements.
Quick Recap of the Best
SS for Sacrificial series resets; S for Prototype ATK boosts; R5 4-stars beat R1 5-stars hands down.
Patch Watch: Stay Sharp
Natlan drops Ring of Yaxche (HP 41.3%, +0.6% Normal DMG per 1k HP to +1.2% at R5); keep an eye on free refines and new synergies. The meta evolves—I've been tracking it for years, and it's always a thrill.