Quick Takeaway: Main stats hit hard with that 46.6% ATK% on Sands, often carrying 50-70% of your build's punch compared to the luck-based sub stats. For DPS setups, chase slot-perfect mains like Elemental DMG% in the Goblet before obsessing over CRIT subs at a 1:2 ratio. This guide breaks down slots, ER sweet spots (180-220%), AR45+ farming tips, and real builds for folks like Hu Tao (all about that HP scaling) and Neuvillette (Hydro DMG focus), potentially boosting your DPS by 200-400%.
Getting the Basics Down: Artifact Stats Explained
Main Stats 101: What They Are and Where They Shine by Slot
Ever wonder why some artifacts feel like game-changers right out of the gate? Main stats are your fixed powerhouses—think Flower's flat HP at 4,780 (for a maxed 5-star) or Plume's flat ATK of 311. Sands options? ATK% at a solid 46.6% for general damage dealers, ER% if your bursts need reliable uptime, EM stacking to 187 for reaction teams, HP% or even DEF% at 58.3% for characters like Itto. Drop rates aren't forgiving—HP%, ATK%, and DEF% hover around 26.7%, while ER and EM sit at just 10%.
Goblets get tricky: Elemental DMG% (46.6%, but only a 5% drop chance) or Physical DMG% (58.3%)—these multipliers often outpace a plain ATK% Goblet by 15-25%, based on damage formula breakdowns I've crunched. Circlets round it out with CRIT Rate at 31.1%, CRIT DMG at 62.2%, Healing Bonus (35.9% for supports), or another EM hit (187); CRIT options drop at 10% too.
Tailor to your character's scaling—ATK for straight DPS, HP for Hu Tao types. And hey, if you're hunting Emblem sets, hit up the Momiji-Dyed Court domain. (Editor's note: I've wasted way too many Resin runs ignoring this—don't be me.)
Sub Stats Unpacked: How the Rolling Game Works
Sub stats? They're the wild cards that unlock every four levels after your initial 3-4 lines on 5-stars. Rolls vary: CRIT Rate 2.7-3.9%, CRIT DMG 5.4-7.8%, ER% 4.5-6.5%, EM 16-23, ATK% 4.1-5.8%, or flat HP 209-299 (4-stars get 20-30% less). Once you hit four lines, upgrades randomly pump existing subs—no duplicates on the main, thankfully.
Post-Embattle Chapter IV, the Transmuter lets you pick two priorities, fueled by 1-4 Sanctifying Elixirs from Natlan Tribal Spaces. 5-stars edge out 4-stars with five extra rolls beyond the +16 cap, bumping overall value by 20-30%.
Always level to +4 first to peek at those subs, then use Transmuter to nudge toward CRIT or ER on keepers. It's not perfect RNG, but it beats blind hoping.
Why Split Hairs on Main vs. Sub? It Shapes Your Whole Build
Mains lock in those slot-specific multipliers—like Elemental DMG% only on Goblet—while subs layer on 30-50% extra, but they can't salvage a bad main. Zero benefit if it's wrong. Plug into the damage formula: [Base ATK × (1 + ATK%)] × [1 + DMG%] × CRIT, and you'll see mains driving 200-400% gains from baseline.
Quick audit tip: Ditch any DPS Goblet without Elemental DMG%. Refarm at AR45+ domains—guaranteed 5-star every 20 Resin. Oh, and for those dry spells, Genshin Impact quick recharge via BitTopup keeps things smooth with competitive prices, instant delivery, safe transactions, tons of payment options, and killer user reviews.
Drilling Deeper: Main Stats Slot by Slot
Flower and Plume: No Choices, All Subs
Flowers? Always flat HP at 4,780 for 5-star max. Plumes stick to flat ATK, 311 tops—4-stars cap at 232. These are set pieces, so pour your energy into subs: dual CRIT lines for DPS can net 20-30% more output.
Push to +20 using over a million Mora and six low-level fodder artifacts. CRIT and ER subs? Absolute keepers.
Sands Choices: ATK%, ER%, EM, HP%, or DEF%?
For DPS like Diluc, grab ATK% at 46.6%. Need burst consistency? ER% for that 180-220% threshold—Xiangling's 80-cost burst demands it. EM at 187 shines in Hyperbloom setups; HP% for Kokomi healers; DEF% (58.3%) is Itto's bread and butter. Drops skew low for ER/EM at 10%, others around 26.7%.
Figure your ER needs—160% for 60-cost bursts, shave 20-40% with Favonius weapons. If uptime dips below 100% in Spiral Abyss, swap to ER Sands and test it out.
Goblet Game-Changer: Elemental DMG% Over ATK%
Elemental DMG% (46.6%, tough 5% drop) multiplies your hits, beating ATK% by 15-25% on a 2000 base ATK setup per the math. Physical DMG% (58.3%) suits Eula perfectly.
Use four Elixirs in the Transmuter for the right element. Slap on a matching Goblet, and that's 15-25% DPS right there. (From years editing these guides, I've seen players stuck on ATK% Goblets—huge mistake.)
Circlet Picks: CRIT Rate, DMG, Healing, or EM?
If your total CRIT Rate's under 50%, go 31.1% CRIT Rate. Otherwise, 62.2% CRIT DMG to hit that 1:2 ratio. Healing Bonus (35.9%) for Kokomi, EM (187) for Swirl enablers. CRIT and Healing drop at 10%, EM at 4%.
Start from base (5% Rate, 50% DMG), then layer subs to 60-70% Rate and 120-150% DMG.
Sub Stat Deep Cuts
Rolling Mechanics: From Start to Upgrades
5-stars kick off with 3-4 lines, adding one every +4 levels until four, then random boosts to what's there (Transmuter helps bias after unlock—no main stat repeats).
Hit +12 for those upgrade rolls; feed +4 trash to Transmuter for 80% EXP efficiency. Simple as that.
Roll Ranges and That RNG Factor
5-star values: CRIT Rate 2.7-3.9% (weight 3), CRIT DMG 5.4-7.8% (weight 3), ER% 4.5-6.5% (weight 4), EM 16-23 (weight 4), ATK% 4.1-5.8% (weight 4). Four rolls roughly equal one main stat—say, 4×5% ATK% for 20%.
Aim for 70-100% efficient rolls; anything under three useful lines (no CRIT)? Straight to fodder.
4-Line vs. 3-Line: The Edge You Want
That fourth line? It adds an extra roll—about 11.1% CRIT DMG chance after three lines—boosting value by 20%. Version 6.0 (September 10, 2025) even locks in a fourth sub on 3-lines sometimes.
Level to +4 to scout; keep if the main's right and you've got at least one CRIT.
Sub Stat Rankings: What's Worth It?
Top Tier (CRIT/ER/EM): Two-plus lines for DPS or supports—game-changers.
Mid Tier (ATK%/HP%/DEF%): Depends on role, like DEF% for Husk sets.
Bottom Tier (Flats): Trash unless your scaler needs 'em, say flat DEF for Noelle.
Score with CV (over 30's solid); dump anything with double flats.
The Big Picture: Prioritizing Main Over Sub
Golden Rule: Nail the Main Stat Every Time
Mains deliver guaranteed 46.6% slot boosts (50-70% of build value)—a wrong one, like ATK% on Itto, wastes it all, and subs can't patch that hole.
That Elemental DMG% Goblet? 15-25% DPS uplift over ATK%.
Can Subs Save a Bad Main? (Spoiler: Rarely)
Subs can mimic mains with 4-5 rolls—five CRIT lines approximate a Circlet—but they flop on Goblet DMG%. 5-stars' bonus rolls help, yet mains are the bedrock.
Farm dual domains for right mains; sometimes 2pc+2pc with killer subs beats a mismatched 4pc.
The Numbers Don't Lie: Main Impact vs. Godly Subs
Mains multiply (46.6% DMG% trumps four additive ATK% rolls); perfect subs add 20-30%, but a wrong main tanks 46.6%.
CV calc: (Rate×2) + DMG over 31 per piece; full set over 166 for S-tier.
That 80/20 Farming Truth
80% of your gains come from correct mains and sets, 20% from subs. At AR45+, efficiency jumps 71%.
Weekly 1260 Resin? That's 63+ 5-stars with Condensed beats (40 Resin for doubles).
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Tailoring Stats to Roles
DPS Mains: All In on CRIT
Hu Tao thrives with ATK% Sands, Pyro DMG% Goblet, CRIT DMG Circlet; subs prioritize CRIT > ATK% > EM, ER at 160-200% pre-CRIT.
Picture seven ATK% rolls, 14 CRIT Rate, 17 CRIT DMG: 90.7% Rate, 182.6% DMG. Insane.
Sub-DPS/Bursters: ER and Damage Dance
Xiangling? ER Sands, Pyro DMG% Goblet, CRIT Rate Circlet; Emblem set, 200-220% ER, subs ER > CRIT.
Test burst uptime; team particles can trim ER needs by 20-40%.
Healers/Shielders: HP% and DEF% Focus
Kokomi rocks HP% Sands/Goblet, Healing Bonus Circlet; 180-220% ER, subs HP% > ER. Itto? DEF% Sands, Geo DMG% Goblet, CRIT Circlet; Husk adds 30% DEF.
Skip ATK% mains—stick to HP/DEF scaling.
Reaction Stars: EM Takes Over
Kazuha or Nahida? EM mains for Swirl/Burgeon; VV set shreds 40% RES; subs EM > ER, 800+ EM for Hyperbloom.
Go full EM for transformative reactions (ditch CRIT); 100-200 EM for Vape/Melt amps.
CRIT Optimization: Getting It Right
The 1:2 Ratio: Why Balance Wins
Aim 1:2 CRIT Rate to DMG—50%:100% minimum, 60-70%:120-150% sweet spot. Base is 5%:50%; each sub roll adds ~3.1% Rate or 6.6% DMG.
Blizzard Strayer's +40% Rate? Caps 100% in freeze comps easy.
Crunching Crit Value (CV)
CV = (CRIT Rate% × 2) + CRIT DMG%; over 30 per piece is good, over 166 for the set screams S-tier. Mains count as three rolls.
Run it after +4; under 15.5? Fodder time.
Rate or DMG First?
Under 50% total Rate? Circlet it. Over 70%? Go DMG. Factor ascension stats or weapons (Cryo resonance +15% Rate).
Subs fine-tune; overcap Rate (>100%) flips to DMG Circlet.
Weapons and Ascension in the Mix
Favonius procs 30-40% extra Rate—cut ER by 20-40%. Emblem turns spare ER into 75% Burst DMG.
Team buffs like Bennett's +1000 ATK? Downplays ATK% value.
ATK% vs. Elemental DMG: Breaking Down the Math
Simplified Damage Formula
Total DMG = [Base ATK × (1 + ATK%)] × [1 + DMG%] × [1 + CRIT DMG × Rate] × other multipliers. Percents stack exponentially—multiplication city.
At 2000 base ATK, 46.6% DMG% crushes ATK%.
Why Elemental Goblets Dominate
15-25% DPS edge for on-field DPS; that 5% drop? Transmute with four Elixirs.
Always over ATK% unless the element's off—then refarm.
When ATK% Goblet Sneaks In
Hybrids or bad drops might force it, but multiplicatively? It's weaker.
Fallback only; hunt the match.
ATK Stacking's Diminishing Edge
High base (1000+ from Plume/weapon) softens ATK% impact; total cap around 200-300%.
Tweak with Lagrange for variants—I've optimized tons this way.
ER and EM: Hitting Thresholds
ER Needs by Character and Team
180-220% for 80-cost bursts (Xiangling/Sara push 200-250%); 160% for 60-cost. Batteries lower it.
Off-field Xiangling? 220% for Pyronado uptime.
ER Sands Over ATK%?
If under 180% and uptime suffers, yes—beats marginal CRIT. Emblem 4pc converts excess to 25% Burst DMG.
ER mains/subs first; don't exceed 250%.
EM for Reaction Plays
EM trumps CRIT in transformative reactions (Swirl/Hyperbloom at 800+); 100-200 for amplifying (Vape/Melt).
Full EM mains for Kuki; no CRIT there.
EM vs. CRIT in Transformative Setups
EM scales flat (+40% Bloom via Flower set); CRIT's dead weight—stack EM subs.
800-1000 EM for drivers like Sucrose.
Real Builds: Character Spotlights
Hu Tao: HP% Sands, Pyro DMG, CRIT Setup
HP% Sands fuels her scaling, Pyro DMG% Goblet (46.6%), CRIT DMG Circlet; subs CRIT > HP% > ER (180%). Nets 200%+ DPS.
Crimson Witch domain farms; nail 1:2 CRIT.
Raiden Shogun: ER or ATK Sands?
ER Sands for 200%+ burst uptime, Electro DMG% Goblet, CRIT Rate Circlet; Emblem set. ER > ATK if uptime lags.
Abyss test; switch to ATK once capped.
Nahida: Triple EM Stack or Balanced?
EM Sands/Goblet/Circlet for Dendro core; Deepwood set; subs EM > ER, 800+ for Burgeon.
EM over CRIT; VV shreds resistance.
Neuvillette: HP% Hydro Optimization
HP% Sands, Hydro DMG% Goblet, CRIT DMG Circlet; Marechaussee Hunter; subs CRIT > HP% > ER (180%); 60% Rate, 150% DMG.
Team tweaks; Transmute HP mains.
Scoring Artifacts: What Counts as Good?
Crit Value Breakdown
CV over 30 per piece? Solid. 51+? Perfect. Context matters—ER/EM weighs heavier for supports. Total over 166? S-tier set.
ATK% Sands with dual CRIT scores big.
Benchmarks by Your Progress
AR45+: Keep correct main + two CRIT. Mid-game: One CRIT + something useful. No CRIT? Trash.
+16 first—half the +20 cost.
Strongbox or Keep Grinding?
Strongbox crafts random old sets (three trash for one piece)—great fodder like Noblesse. Domains for fresh ones (Silken Moon's Serenade).
Hoar Fragile Resin for events; weekly bosses for Gladiator.
Resin Math for Efficiency
AR45+: 20 Resin per 5-star; Condensed doubles it. Cap 200 stored (since June 5, 2024), 180 daily regen.
Pre-45, talent focus; weekly 1260 = 63+ 5-stars.
Pitfalls and Myths to Dodge
Trap #1: High CV, Wrong Main
A 46.6% loss on wrong mains (HP% Goblet for DPS)—subs won't fix it.
Match scaling (HP/DEF/EM/ATK); refarm or Transmute.
Trap #2: Skipping ER Checks
Burst downtime kills more than low CRIT; cap ER before damage stats.
ER Sands under 180%; team calcs hit 220% off-field.
Trap #3: Flat Stat Obsession
Flats fade at high levels; % stats rule (dump double flats).
% for DPS/healers; flats only for low-base scalers.
Myth Bust: Perfect Gear Not Required
CV over 30 with right mains clears Abyss; 200-400% baseline works.
2pc+2pc > wrong 4pc; grind versatile sets first.
Set Bonus Pitfall: Stats Trump Pieces Sometimes
Off-piece with good stats (ATK% + CRIT) beats mismatched sets; sets add 15-40%.
Stats > sets unless utility like VV 4pc shines. (Editor's take: I've cleared floors on imperfect gear—focus smart.)
Your Optimization Roadmap
Step 1: Pin Down Main Stats per Character
DPS: ATK%/DMG%/CRIT. Supports: ER/EM/HP%.
List slots; target matching domains.
Step 2: Sub Stat Minimums
Correct main + one CRIT; over two useful (CRIT/ER/EM/ATK).
+4 to check; CV over 30.
Step 3: Upgrade Flowchart
+4 reveals, +12 upgrades, +16/+20 for rollers; fodder +4 to Transmuter.
Mora/EXP balance; snag cheap 2-star fodder.
Step 4: Farming Long Game
AR45+ dual domains (Emblem + Shimenawa); weekly 1260 Resin; Transmuter per set/update.
Diversify sets; elite mobs for 3-4 star fodder.
Handy Tools and Extras
Genshin Optimizer crunches CV and builds automatically; Spiral Abyss tests ER/CRIT live. Spreadsheets log sub rolls; damage calculators verify formulas.
Artifact Build Calculator balances stats; dive into character guides for tailored recs.
FAQ
What's the deal with main vs. sub stats in Genshin Impact?
Mains are fixed, slot-locked (like 46.6% Elemental DMG% Goblet, 50-70% build value). Subs are random add-ons (up to 3.9% CRIT Rate per roll, every +4 levels, 30-50% total tweak; four rolls mimic one main).
Main or sub stats—which rules artifacts?
Mains set the multipliers (15-25% DPS from right Goblet); subs polish but can't fix wrongs (0% on ATK% for DEF scalers).
Best mains per slot?
Flower: Flat HP (4,780 5-star). Plume: Flat ATK (311). Sands: ATK%/ER%/EM (ER for 180-220% bursts). Goblet: Elemental DMG% (46.6%). Circlet: CRIT Rate/DMG (31.1%/62.2%) for 1:2 ratio.
How do sub rolls shake out?
5-stars start 3-4 lines; +4 adds to four, then random boosts (Transmuter picks two biases). Ranges: CRIT DMG 5.4-7.8%; 5-stars' extra rolls make 'em better.
Solid crit value for artifacts?
CV = (Rate% × 2) + DMG; over 30 per piece, over 166 set S-tier. Supports value ER/EM more; total 60-70% Rate, 120-150% DMG.