Quick Overview: We're diving into all the 4-star weapons in Genshin Impact, ranked by role for version 6.0 (dropping September 10, 2025). Standouts include The Catch for burst-heavy polearm users (+32% Burst DMG at R5), Serpent Spine for raw claymore damage (+30% DMG stacks), and the Favonius lineup for energy recharge support (61.3% ER). Don't sleep on refining Sacrificial weapons—they give a 40-80% reset chance that can change everything. For F2P folks, craftables like Prototype Amber deliver solid ER (45.9%) and some healing on the side. Aim for that classic 1:2 CRIT ratio, 180-200% ER, and team setups that shine in the Abyss.
Getting the Lowdown on 4-Star Weapon Rankings in Genshin Impact
What Turns a 4-Star into a Must-Have
You know those 4-stars that punch way above their weight? They hit 510+ base ATK at level 90, pack secondary stats like 27.6% CRIT Rate or 61.3% ER, and their passives crank up damage by 20-32%. Take The Widsith—it's got 55.1% CRIT DMG and dishes out 10-second buffs like +60% ATK or +240 EM, perfect for reaction-heavy squads. The key? Pair the passive with the character's kit. Serpent Spine shines for on-field DPS like Diluc. And yeah, always chase that 1:2 CRIT balance with your artifacts—it's non-negotiable.
How We Rank: Base ATK, Stats, and Those Game-Changing Passives
I always start with base ATK—565 on the Blackcliff Longsword is a beast. Then, stats that fit the role, like 61.3% ER on Favonius Sword. Passives need to scale well, too; Sacrificial Sword's 40-80% reset at R5 is gold. Fun fact: R5 The Catch (+32% Burst DMG) edges out R1 Skyward Spine in tests. My process? List 'em by weapon type, score the CRIT/ER/EM, run sims to check passives, and refine for at least three characters. It's straightforward, but it works.
Breaking Down Roles: DPS, Sub-DPS, and Support Weapons
DPS weapons amp up Normal and Charged attacks—Song of Stillness boosts all DMG by +32% when healing's active, ideal for Yoimiya. Sub-DPS focus on off-field bursts; Engulfing Lightning pulls +28% ATK from ER for Raiden. Supports handle buffs, heals, and energy—Freedom-Sworn gives +20% team ATK on reactions, a Kazuha favorite. Assign wisely: Bloodsoaked Ruins (+36% Lunar-Charged DMG) for Flins-style DPS, Sacrificial Sword for Xingqiu's double Skills, Favonius Sword for Bennett's particles. Version 6.0 leans into EM weapons like Nightweaver's Looking Glass for Bloom teams—have you tried that yet?
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The Full 4-Star Weapon Tier List (Across All Roles)
S-Tier: The Absolute Cream of the Crop
These bad boys scale across teams with 20-50% boosts that feel universal. The Catch (polearm, 45.9% ER, +32% Burst DMG at R5) is Xiangling's dream. The Widsith (catalyst, 55.1% CRIT DMG, +60% ATK) turns Klee into a monster. At R5, they straight-up outpace some 5-stars in the Abyss. Pro tip: Stack 180-200% ER on Sub-DPS users, slap on 4-piece Gilded Dreams, and refine one per role. Boom—your team's set.
A-Tier: Versatile Picks with a Twist
A-tier brings niche passives that shine in the right spot. Serpent Spine (claymore, 27.6% CRIT Rate, +30% DMG stacks) is Eula's go-to. Dragon's Bane (polearm, 221 EM, +36% DMG vs Hydro/Pyro at R5) amps Hu Tao hard. Blackcliff series tacks on +36% ATK per kill maxed out. Grab Blackcliffs from Paimon's Bargains, test 20-second rotations, and watch for 10-15% DPS bumps over B-tier stuff.
B-Tier: Reliable for Specific Setups
These fit like a glove in targeted teams. Prototype Rancour (sword, physical/ATK focus) suits Razor perfectly. Rust (bow, +80% Normal DMG) boosts Fischl's output. R5 makes 'em F2P-friendly in 6.0. Craft with billets to hit R5, slot into mono-element comps, and steer clear of ER-heavy roles.
C-Tier: Niche Tools for Edge Cases
C-tier, like Cool Steel (sword, Cryo DMG vs affected enemies), caps at under 10% team impact unless elements align just right. They're fine for low-investment alts. But for Abyss floors 9 and up? Swap to A-tier every time—no question.
Prime 4-Star Weapons for DPS Characters
Sword Picks for DPS, Ranked
The Black Sword takes the crown (27.6% CRIT Rate, +20% Normal DMG, plus HP regen on CRIT—Traveler loves it). Amenoma Kageuchi (55.1% ATK, energy seeds for Burst) is forgeable for Ayaka. Peak Patrol Song (new in 6.0, DEF-based +25.6% team Ele DMG for Normal attackers). Forge Amenoma with the Inazuma blueprint, refine Black Sword to R5 through Battle Pass, pair with ATK% Sands, and you're looking at 50%+ Normal damage spikes.
Claymore Standouts for DPS
Serpent Spine rules here (27.6% CRIT Rate, +30% DMG at max stacks for Diluc, with +15% damage taken offset by shields). A Thousand Blazing Suns (6.0 addition, +28% CRIT DMG on Skill/Burst, +75% in Nightsoul's Blessing for Natlan DPS). Prototype Archaic (craftable, 50% AoE DMG chance) works wonders for Eula. Snag Serpent Spine via Gnostic Hymn, craft Archaic with a billet, test those stacks on bosses—you'll see 20% DPS gains easy.
Polearm Powerhouses for DPS
Deathmatch leads the pack (36.8% CRIT Rate, +24% ATK solo or +16% ATK/DEF in parties for Xiao). Bloodsoaked Ruins (6.0, 22.1% CRIT Rate, +36% Lunar-Charged DMG after Burst for Flins, +12 Energy on reactions). The Catch (45.9% ER, +32% Burst DMG). Fish up 6 Raimei Angelfish for R5 Catch in Inazuma, wish for Bloodsoaked on Luna I, build to 180% ER with a CRIT circlet. Solid.
Bow Options That Hit Hard for DPS
The Viridescent Hunt (27.6% CRIT Rate, 40% ATK DMG Cyclone every 0.5s) is Ganyu's jam. Song of Stillness (41.3% ATK, +32% all DMG under healing for Yoimiya—forge it). Hamayumi (craftable, Normal ATK focus for bow backups). Battle Pass for Viridescent, Sumeru blueprint for Song, aim for 200% ER in charged shots. Why not?
Catalyst Choices for DPS Wizards
The Widsith (55.1% CRIT DMG, +48% Ele DMG buffs) fits Nahida's quick-swaps. Solar Pearl (27.6% CRIT Rate, boosts Normal and Ele DMG mutually for Klee). Pull Widsith on banners, refine to loop buffs every 30 seconds, add EM Sands for 15% reaction DPS that rivals 5-stars.
Killer 4-Star Weapons for Sub-DPS Characters
ER-Focused Gear for Burst Sub-DPS
Sacrificial Sword (61.3% ER, 40-80% Skill reset) lets Xingqiu drop double rain swords. Engulfing Lightning (+28% ATK from ER, +30% after Burst for Raiden). At R5, you get 80% uptime in 6.0. Wish for the Sacrificial series, push 200%+ ER, double up Skills for 25% team DPS uplift.
EM Tools for Reaction Sub-DPS
Sacrificial Fragments (221 EM, Skill reset) powers Sucrose's Swirls. Nightweaver's Looking Glass (6.0 catalyst, 221+ EM, +25% Skill DMG for Lauma in Bloom). It amps Vaporize/Melt by 30-50%; Dragon's Bane adds +36% DMG vs affected foes. Go EM Goblet, refine for resets, test Hyperbloom—40% reaction damage boost, no joke.
CRIT Builds for Sub-DPS
Blackcliff series (36.8% CRIT DMG, +36% ATK after kills) suits Beidou. Astral Vulture's Crimson Plumage (+24% ATK on Swirl, +48% Charged DMG for Anemo Sub-DPS). Buy from Paimon's Shop, stack in Abyss runs, CRIT DMG circlet for 1:2 ratio.
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Top 4-Star Weapons for Support Roles
Favonius Lineup: Your Energy Batteries
Favonius Sword (61.3% ER, particles on 60% CRIT) fuels Kazuha's team bursts. Favonius Lance (30.6% ER for Zhongli's shields); Warbow for Diona. Hits 100% Burst uptime. Pull from standard banner, R5 refine, CRIT Rate headpiece for reliable procs.
Sacrificial Series: Reset Masters for Skills
Sacrificial Bow (30.6% ER, 40-80% Skill reset) keeps Fischl's Oz up. Greatsword for Noelle's bursts. Elegy for the End (60 EM, +100 EM/+20% ATK at 4 sigils for Fischl). Wish during events, 150% ER build, double Skills in 20 seconds for +16% team DMG.
Utility Supports: TTDS, Prototype Amber, and More
Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers (+24% ATK on switch-in) is Bennett's buddy. Prototype Amber (41.3% HP, post-Burst heals + Energy for Kokomi). Freedom-Sworn (+20% ATK on reactions). Craft Amber with a billet, quick-swap TTDS, sims show +10-15% team ATK easy.
Deep Dive: Rankings by Weapon Type
Every 4-Star Sword, Side by Side
SS-Tier: Freedom-Sworn (team buffs), Sacrificial Sword (resets), Peak Patrol Song (Ele DMG amp).
S-Tier: The Black Sword (Normal DMG + healing), Amenoma Kageuchi (energy utility).
A-Tier: Xiphos' Moonlight (EM reactions), Favonius Sword (particles). Sacrificial edges Favonius for cooldown-heavy play; refine Amenoma for Ayato's 55.1% ATK. (Editor's take: Swords are sneaky versatile—I've swapped mine mid-Abyss more times than I can count.)
Claymore Breakdown
SS-Tier: Serpent Spine (DMG stacks), A Thousand Blazing Suns (Skill CRIT).
S-Tier: Blackcliff Slasher (+ATK post-kills), Favonius Greatsword (ER particles).
A-Tier: Prototype Archaic (AoE chance), Makhaira Aquamarine (EM/ER). Serpent Spine's +30% single-target crushes Blackcliff's +36% multi-kill; craft Archaic for F2P Diluc setups.
Polearm Showdown
SS-Tier: The Catch (Burst ER), Deathmatch (ATK scaling), Bloodsoaked Ruins (Lunar DMG).
S-Tier: Favonius Lance (particles), Dragon's Bane (reaction EM).
A-Tier: Kitain Cross Spear (EM for Cyno), Wavebreaker's Fin (Burst DMG). R5 Catch beats R1 5-stars for F2P; fish those refinements.
All Bows Compared
SS-Tier: Elegy for the End (team EM/ATK), The Stringless (Skill/Burst +24%, 165 EM).
S-Tier: Favonius Warbow (ER particles), Sacrificial Bow (resets).
A-Tier: Alley Hunter (off-field DMG), Rust (Normal ATK). Stringless tops Alley for Swirl +24% Burst; forge Rust early for DPS.
Catalyst Comparison
SS-Tier: The Widsith (buffs CRIT DMG), A Thousand Floating Dreams (EM sharing).
S-Tier: Sacrificial Fragments (EM reset), Prototype Amber (heals ER).
A-Tier: Favonius Codex (particles), Thrilling Tales (ATK switch-in). Widsith's +48% Ele DMG goes toe-to-toe with 5-stars; craft Amber for sustain.
Gacha, Craftable, or Event? Breaking Down 4-Star Sources
Gacha Exclusives Worth the Pull
Hunt Widsith (random buffs for catalysts) or Deathmatch (versatile polearm) at that 0.8% 4-star drop. In 6.0, Bloodsoaked Ruins hits Luna I (September 10-30, 2025). Save 160 Primogems per pull, chase R5 dups, skip if it doesn't fit your roster.
Craftable Gems (Prioritize Your Billets)
Top the list with Amenoma Kageuchi (energy sword, 1 Northlander Billet + ores); Prototype Amber (heals for catalysts). Hamayumi (bow Normal DPS); Whiteblind (DEF for Itto). Farm billets from bosses/AR, craft with 50 Crystal Chunks, refine to R5.
Event Weapons You Might've Slept On
Song of Stillness (DMG under healing) from Sumeru events. Trade 75 Starglitter for Favonius series. Check your inventory, exchange one, prioritize over 3-stars.
Refining 4-Stars: Your Guide to Maxing Potential
Weapons That Love Refinements
Passives scale big here: Sacrificial Sword jumps from 40% (R1) to 80% (R5) reset, hitting 30% uptime. The Catch +32% Burst; Serpent Spine +30% DMG. Duplicate via wishes or fishing, refine for 2+ characters, sim the damage.
Refinement Priority Breakdown
SS Priority: The Catch, Sacrificial series, Favonius series (energy impact).
S Priority: Widsith, Dragon's Bane (reaction scaling).
A Priority: Blackcliff, Prototype series (versatility). F2P? Hammer craftables like Amber; R5 4-stars top R1 5-stars in 6.0 meta.
Copies or Refine? When to Decide
Keep multiples for multi-role flexibility (Favonius Sword for Kazuha/Jean). Refine for single mains (Sacrificial for Xingqiu). Base it on type versatility; don't fodder event uniques.
Pairing Weapons with Characters: Smart Matches
4-Star Swaps for 5-Star Signatures
The Catch hits 88% of Engulfing Lightning's performance for Raiden at R5. Sacrificial Sword as Kazuha's Freedom-Sworn alt (resets grouping). Bloodsoaked Ruins is F2P BiS for Flins over 5-stars. Match ER subs for Raiden, test teams for 20% output.
Hits for Meta Favorites
Bennett: Favonius Sword (particles for ATK buff). Nahida: A Thousand Floating Dreams (+40 party EM). Yelan: The Stringless (+24% Burst). Xilonen: Favonius Sword (CRIT particles). Verify 200% ER for supports, 4pc Scroll of the Hero artifacts, level to 90.
F2P Starter Builds
Kick off with Prototype Rancour (physical sword for Keqing); Iron Sting (EM craftable for reactions). Standouts: The Catch (#1 polearm), Amber (#2 catalyst). Fish Catch R1 (20 Koi), craft daily ores, refine over junk pulls.
Snagging 4-Star Weapons: Your Acquisition Playbook
Weapon Banner Strategy
4-stars guaranteed every 10 pulls (50/50 on featured). Target Sacrificial/Widsith. Save for Epitomized Path, pull Luna I (September 10, 2025) for Bloodsoaked, use event fates.
Standard vs Limited: The Odds
Standard drops Favonius at 5.1% 4-star; limited juices Deathmatch. Paimon's Bargains: Blackcliff for 800 Starglitter. Pull standard for basics, limited for 6.0 meta, exchange dups.
Starglitter Swaps Worth It
Favonius Sword (75 Starglitter) or Polearm first. ER for supports. Farm from pulls, buy monthly, cap at 2 per type.
Crafting with Billets
Weekly bosses drop 'em for Amenoma (energy sword). Grab Inazuma blueprint, blacksmith with Mora/ores, refine to R5 for Natlan 6.0.
Pitfalls to Dodge with 4-Stars
Flashy but Floppy Picks
Steer clear of Black Tassel (HP claymore) unless Noelle—it's 20% DPS short elsewhere. Cool Steel's Cryo-only. Check passive synergy, sim vs meta, fodder the low-versatility ones.
Bad Pairings That Hurt
No CRIT weapons on ER supports—Serpent Spine on Zhongli tanks 15% uptime sans shields. Match ER for Sub-DPS, verify stats, tweak artifacts.
Refinement Wastes to Avoid
Don't refine Lion's Roar (Ele DMG vs opponents) without Electro teams. Keep one copy, refine after roster locks, fodder for levels.
4-Star vs 5-Star: The Real Talk
Times 4-Stars Steal the Show
R5 The Catch tops R1 Staff of Homa (+32% Burst in ER spots). Widsith matches Lost Prayer in reactions. In 6.0, Bloodsoaked outdoes some 5-stars for Flins.
Role-by-Role Gaps
DPS trails 10-20% (Serpent Spine nears Wolf's Gravestone with dodges). Sub-DPS? Minimal—Sacrificial bridges Engulfing. Supports: Basically even (Favonius equals Skyward). 4-stars win on access.
Bang for Your Buck: R5 4-Star vs R1 5-Star
R5 4-stars cost less (dups over Primogems), scale stronger (Catch R5 beats R1 Skyward Spine by 15% Burst). Invest F2P crafts, pull 5-stars for sigs, refine 4s first.
FAQ: Quick Hits on 4-Star Rankings
What's the overall best 4-star in Genshin Impact?
The Widsith for DPS (55.1% CRIT DMG, +60% ATK or +240 EM buffs every 30s—rivals 5-stars for Yae Miko reactions). Favonius series for all-around play (ER particles fire up team bursts).
Worth refining 4-stars?
Absolutely—Sacrificial/Favonius R5 hits 80% resets or procs for 100% Burst uptime. R5 The Catch outdoes R1 5-stars by 15-20% in ER roles like Xiangling.
Which 4-stars beat 5-stars?
R5 The Catch (+32% Burst DMG) and Serpent Spine (+30% DMG stacks) top R1 5-stars for Raiden/Eula, shaving 5-10% off the Abyss gap in 6.0 meta.
Best F2P 4-stars?
The Catch (fishing R5 for Burst ER), Prototype Amber (craftable heals/ER for Kokomi), Amenoma Kageuchi (forged energy for Ayaka). They deliver 80-90% of 5-star power.
How to grab The Catch?
Fish in Inazuma: 6 Raimei Angelfish + 20 Golden Koi, trade with Kujirai Momiji for R1, refine with mats. Perfect R5 for Xiangling/Raiden bursts.
Serpent Spine from Battle Pass—worth it?
Yep, for Diluc DPS (27.6% CRIT Rate, +30% DMG stacks, +15% taken mitigated by shields). Unlock at level 30 Gnostic Hymn for $9.99—top BP choice hands down.