Polearms stand out in Genshin Impact for their rapid attack sequences and extended reach, making them ideal for both aggressive DPS roles and defensive supports. These weapons deliver balanced damage with quick combos, typically featuring 3-6 normal attacks followed by stamina-consuming charged lunges. This guide dives deep into the strongest polearms across rarities, matches them with premier wielders, and offers build tips to elevate your gameplay.
Understanding Polearm Mechanics and Advantages
Polearm users benefit from swift normal attack chains that emphasize speed over raw power per hit. Charged attacks often involve forward dashes piercing multiple foes, costing 25 stamina by default, though characters like Zhongli or Xiao showcase unique animations such as sweeping slashes. This versatility suits mobile playstyles, especially in AoE scenarios or against clustered enemies.
- Fast Attack Speed: Enables frequent elemental infusions and reactions.
- Long Range: Keeps characters safer during engagements.
- Moderate Damage: Scales well with crit stats and passives focused on rate or damage boosts.
In the current meta, polearms excel for hypercarries and battery supports, with top weapons amplifying crit, ATK, or energy recharge.
Elite 5-Star Polearms: The Meta-Defining Choices
Five-star polearms dominate due to superior base ATK, premium substats, and game-changing passives. Here’s a breakdown of the cream of the crop.
| Weapon | Base ATK (Lv.90) | Substat | Key Passive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff of Homa | 608 | Crit DMG 66.2% | HP boost and ATK% based on max HP; excels for HP-scaling DPS. |
| Primordial Jade Winged-Spear | 674 | Crit Rate 22.1% | ATK% stacks on hit; ideal for sustained damage. |
| Staff of the Scarlet Sands | 510 | Crit Rate 41.3% | Skill DMG boost via Sands of Eon; great for burst supports. |
| Engulfing Lightning | 608 | Energy Recharge 55.1% | ER and ATK% scaling with team ER; perfect for off-field. |
| Vortex Vanquisher | 608 | ATK% 49.6% | DMG bonus inside shields; synergizes with shatters. |
Staff of Homa remains a top pick for its Crit DMG and HP utility, suiting both DPS and healers. Primordial Jade Winged-Spear offers reliable crit rate stacking, pushing consistent output.
Strong 4-Star Polearms for Free-to-Play Success
Accessible alternatives shine in battle passes, events, or wishes, often rivaling 5-stars with the right team.
- Deathmatch: Crit Rate 36.8%; ATK% or DMG bonus in squads of 2-3. Battle Pass exclusive, meta for Xiao.
- Crimson Moon’s Semblance: From Pale Forgotten Glory domain; provides ATK speed and speed buffs post-burst.
- Prospector’s Drill/Shovel: HP% substat; massive DEF ignore for Geo teams, craftable via Frostbearing Tree.
- Dragon’s Bane: Elemental DMG Bonus; budget reaction enabler against enemies of the same element.
- Favonius Lance: ER 61.3%; particle generation for energy-hungry allies.
These options ensure F2P players can compete, with Deathmatch frequently cited as a cornerstone.
Premier Polearm Characters and Their Signatures
Not all polearms fit every user; synergy with kits defines greatness. Zhongli claims the top shielder spot with his unmatched hold skill.
Main DPS Powerhouses
Hypercarries like Hu Tao thrive on Staff of Homa’s HP scaling, while Xiao pairs with Deathmatch for plunge mastery.
- Hu Tao: Vaporize queen; Homa maximizes her HP-drain mechanics.
- Xiao: Plunge specialist; Jade Spear or Deathmatch for crit and ATK.
- Arlecchino: Bond of Life scaler; Homa or Scarlet Sands for overworld and Abyss.
Sub-DPS and Quick-Swap Stars
Raiden Shogun batteries teams with Engulfing Lightning’s ER overflow.
- Raiden Shogun: Ultimate energy refund; Engulfing for max field time.
- Shenhe: Cryo infusion; Calamity Queller or Vortex for ATK shred.
- Cyno: Hyperbloom driver; Kitsain or Homa for Aggravate.
Support and Sustain Experts
Zhongli’s shielding defines polearm utility, enhanced by Black Tassel or Favonius.
- Zhongli: Geo pillar; any HP polearm like Prospector’s for pillar spam.
- Yaoyao: Dendro healer; Favonius for Dendro cores.
- Chevreuse: Overload buffer; ER weapons for team ATK boosts.
Building Polearm Teams for Maximum Impact
Pair polearms with elemental appliers and shredders. Example teams:
| Role | Team Composition | Key Synergies |
|---|---|---|
| Hu Tao Vaporize | Hu Tao (Homa), Yelan, Zhongli, Kazuha | HP scaling, shields, VV shred, grouping. |
| Xiao National | Xiao (Deathmatch), Xiangling, Bennett, Yun Jin | Plunges, off-field Pyro, heals/buffs, normal ATK boost. |
| Raiden Hypercarry | Raiden (Engulfing), Sara, Kazuha, Bennett | ER funnel, ATK buffs, resistance shred, healing. |
| Zhongli Mono-Geo | Zhongli (Prospector’s), Navia, Albedo, Furina | Shields, crystallize, Geo resonance, DMG buffs. |
Focus on ER sands for supports, crit circlets for DPS, and HP/ATK goblets per kit.
Polearm Tier List: Current Meta Snapshot
Based on Version 6.4 rankings, here’s a streamlined tier list.
- SS-Tier (Best-in-Slot): Staff of Homa, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, Engulfing Lightning.
- S-Tier (Meta Staples): Deathmatch, Vortex Vanquisher, Scarlet Sands.
- A-Tier (Strong Alternatives): Skyward Spine, Ballad of the Fjords, Dragonspine Spear.
- B-Tier (Situational): Favonius Lance, Lithic Spear, Blackcliff Pole.
Tiers shift with patches; Homa’s universality keeps it SS across roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best polearm for beginners?
White Tassel or Royal Spear from Paimon’s Bargains offer easy defense or crit rate access.
Is Staff of Homa worth pulling?
Yes, for HP-scalers like Hu Tao or supports; its Crit DMG is unmatched.
Which character makes polearms shine brightest?
Zhongli for utility, Hu Tao for damage; both redefine their roles.
Can F2P players get top polearms?
Absolutely—Deathmatch via BP, Prospector’s via crafting, Dragon’s Bane via wishes.
How do polearms compare to other weapons?
They offer speed and reach over claymore power or bow precision, suiting plunge and reaction teams.
Advanced Tips for Polearm Mastery
Optimize rotations: Burst first for Shenhe, weave normals for Hu Tao. Artifact sets like Crimson Witch or Marechaussee for specific kits. Experiment in domains to test synergies—polearms reward precise timing and team comps.
For Abyss clears, prioritize energy management; Engulfing on Raiden can solo battery duties. Track HoYoLAB for patch notes, as new polearms like Tamayuratei no Ohanashi emerge.
Refining weapons via duplicates amplifies passives—aim for R5 Deathmatch. Pair with resonates like Noblesse for group buffs.
References
- Genshin Impact: Top 20 Best Polearms for DPS Characters — YouTube. 2024.
- Genshin Impact: 10 Best Polearms, Ranked — TheGamer. 2024-05-01. https://www.thegamer.com/genshin-impact-best-polearms-ranked/
- Weapon Tier List | Best Weapons of All Types | Genshin Impact — Game8. 2024-09-01. https://game8.co/games/Genshin-Impact/archives/305739
- Polearm – Genshin Impact Wiki — Fandom. 2024. https://genshin-impact.fandom.com/wiki/Polearm
- Best Polearm Users In Genshin Impact — GameRant. 2024. https://gamerant.com/genshin-impact-best-polearm-users/
- What do you think is the best General 5 Star Polearm is? — GameFAQs. 2024. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/270518-genshin-impact/80444940

