2-Handed Swords in Genshin Impact: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Upgrading
Genshin Impact captivates players not only with its expansive open world but also with its diverse weapon system. Among these, the two-handed sword—commonly known as the claymore—stands out for its ability to deal massive physical damage and deliver wide-area attacks. This guide provides an in-depth look at two-handed swords in Genshin Impact, discussing their characteristics, pros and cons, and practical tips on how to select and upgrade these powerful weapons.
Overview of Two-Handed Swords
General Features
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Design:
Two-handed swords feature larger, heavier blades compared to one-handed swords. Their robust design enables powerful strikes capable of covering a broad area. -
Attack Range:
With their wide swing arcs, claymores are particularly effective in dealing damage to multiple enemies simultaneously, making them an excellent choice for handling large groups or boss encounters. -
Combat Effects:
Many two-handed swords come with additional effects such as increased physical damage, shield-breaking capabilities, or AoE (area-of-effect) enhancements that further boost their damage output.
Advantages and Disadvantages
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Advantages:
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High Damage Output: Two-handed swords typically offer superior physical damage, delivering impactful strikes that can shatter enemy defenses.
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Wide-Area Attacks: Their sweeping motion allows you to hit several targets at once, which is especially useful in crowd-control scenarios.
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Shield Penetration: Many claymores can break through enemy shields, giving you a tactical edge in both PvE and PvP encounters.
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Disadvantages:
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Slower Attack Speed: Due to their weight, two-handed swords generally have a slower attack rate compared to lighter weapons such as one-handed swords or polearms.
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Reduced Mobility: Characters wielding claymores may be less agile, which can be a drawback in situations requiring rapid movement or evasion.
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Selecting the Right Two-Handed Sword
Matching Your Play Style
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Frontline Assault:
If you enjoy engaging enemies head-on with powerful, decisive blows, a two-handed sword is an ideal choice. Its ability to deal heavy damage with wide-area attacks makes it perfect for a direct combat approach. -
Dealing with Groups:
In PvE scenarios where you face hordes of enemies, the multi-target capability of claymores helps you clear waves of foes quickly and efficiently.
Notable Two-Handed Sword Options
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Wolf’s Gravestone:
Widely acclaimed for its high damage and percentage-based attack boost, this claymore is a favorite among main DPS characters like Diluc. Its ability to significantly boost damage output during critical moments makes it a top-tier option. -
Other Variants:
There are several other two-handed swords available in Genshin Impact that offer a range of effects—from enhancing physical damage to breaking enemy shields. Each option caters to different combat strategies and character builds, so choose one that best aligns with your gameplay style and team composition.
Tips for Upgrading and Optimizing Two-Handed Swords
Accumulating Upgrade Materials
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Resource Gathering:
Participate in quests, events, and explore Teyvat thoroughly to gather the necessary upgrade materials for your claymore. Efficient resource management is key to timely upgrades. -
Prioritizing Main Characters:
Focus on upgrading two-handed swords for your core characters. Investing in your primary DPS or frontline fighters ensures that your team maintains a strong offensive presence.
Synergy with Artifacts and Gear
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Complementary Artifacts:
Pair your two-handed sword with artifacts that enhance its strengths. Look for sets that boost physical damage, increase critical rates, or improve overall attack power to maximize the weapon’s potential. -
Adapting Your Strategy:
Based on your sword’s effects, adjust your team composition and battle tactics accordingly. Whether facing boss fights or large mobs, the right combination of gear and strategy will help you exploit the full potential of your claymore.
Monitoring Events and Game Updates
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Special Events:
Genshin Impact frequently offers events that reward exclusive weapons or upgrade materials. Keep an eye on these opportunities to secure rare and powerful two-handed swords. -
Developer Updates:
Stay informed about updates from miHoYo to learn about new weapon releases or adjustments that might influence your upgrade strategy and overall combat effectiveness.
Benefits of Using Two-Handed Swords
Delivering Devastating Attacks
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High Impact Strikes:
With their superior physical damage, two-handed swords allow you to unleash powerful attacks that can quickly break through enemy defenses. -
Game-Changing in PvP:
In player-versus-player battles, the ability to deliver wide-reaching, shield-penetrating attacks gives you a significant advantage, allowing you to dominate opponents and control the battlefield.
Enhancing Tactical Flexibility
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Versatile Combat Options:
Although their attack speed might be slower, the area-of-effect capabilities of claymores let you adjust your strategy dynamically—from single-target precision to multi-target disruption. -
Resource Efficiency:
Upgrading a two-handed sword for your main character maximizes your resource investment, translating to a more formidable presence in challenging encounters.
Conclusion
Two-handed swords in Genshin Impact are a powerful choice for players who favor direct, high-damage combat with wide-area effects. While they may trade off speed and agility for raw power, their ability to break through enemy defenses and handle multiple targets makes them indispensable in many scenarios—both in PvE and PvP.
Carefully consider your play style, prioritize the right upgrades, and keep an eye on special events to optimize your claymore’s performance. With the right strategy, a two-handed sword can be the key to unlocking your character’s full potential and achieving success in the vast world of Teyvat.