Genshin Impact 2025 Best Weapons: Role-Specific DPS, Sub-DPS & Supports

Dive into role-tailored weapon recs for Genshin Impact's 2025 meta—this covers on-field DPS beasts, off-field reaction machines, and buff-heavy supports. Drawing from the 6.0-6.1 shake-ups, we're spotlighting gems like Staff of Homa for Hu Tao, Engulfing Lightning for Raiden Shogun, and Freedom-Sworn for Kazuha. Expect stats breakdowns, head-to-heads, F2P hacks, and build tips to smash those Abyss clears. (58 words)

Getting a Grip on Role-Specific Weapons in Genshin 2025

Breaking Down DPS, Sub-DPS, and Support Roles

Ever wonder why some teams just click while others fizzle out? It boils down to roles. DPS characters shoulder 80-90% of your team's damage in Spiral Abyss, leaning hard on CRIT stats and elemental DMG bonuses through Normal, Charged, or Burst hits. Sub-DPS, on the other hand, thrive off-field, stacking EM and ER to trigger reactions like Vaporize—that's a +40% DMG multiplier right there—via Skills or Bursts. Supports? They're the glue, pumping ER for 100% Burst uptime while dishing out buffs, heals, or shields.

Weapon picks need to sync with these scalings: CRIT/ATK for DPS, EM/ER for Sub-DPS, and passive buffs for Supports. Mismatch them, and you're looking at a 15-25% efficiency dip. Take Staff of Homa—its HP scaling amps Hu Tao's Vaporize DPS by 20-30% compared to Dragon's Bane. How do you nail this? Start by eyeing your character's kit, like Hu Tao's low-HP Charged Attacks. Then grab weapons that match their ascension stats. Finally, test in actual teams to hit that sweet 1:2 CRIT ratio.

Why Your Weapon Choice Can Make or Break the 2025 Meta

Picture this: Versions 6.0 (dropping September 10, 2025) and 6.1 (October 22, 2025) roll in with Lunar-Bloom reactions and Nightweaver’s Looking Glass, pushing EM-heavy Dendro/Hydro squads for a +48% Bloom DMG boost. Weapons aren't just accessories—they bridge those 20-30% gaps in endgame content through refinements. Five-stars like Engulfing Lightning edge out four-stars by 15% in Burst loops, but a refined The Catch can hit 80-90% of that five-star punch for F2P players. Oh, and Version 5.8 (July 30, 2025) tossed in Starcaller's Watch for +28% DMG buffs—game-changer.

To play it smart, chase banners with Epitomized Path for signature weapons (max 160 pulls). Refine to R5 with dupes, and weave in sets like Crimson Witch 4pc for that +40% Vaporize kick.

For deeper dives on character rankings, swing by our Genshin Character Tier List by Role.

Killer DPS Weapons for Your Main Damage Carriers

The Top 5 DPS Standouts: Staff of Homa and Its Rivals

Let's kick off with Staff of Homa (Polearm), the undisputed king for Hu Tao as a Pyro DPS. It packs a base ATK of 608, 66.2% CRIT DMG, +20% HP, and ATK boosts of +0.8% of Max HP (+1% under 50% HP)—translating to 20-30% more Vaporize DPS. Switching gears to swords, Mistsplitter Reforged shines for Ayaka's Cryo bursts: base ATK 542-674, 44.1% CRIT DMG, and stackable +28% Elemental DMG Bonus.

Claymore users, don't sleep on Redhorn Stonethresher for Itto's Geo DPS—base ATK 542, a whopping 88.2% CRIT DMG, +28% DEF, and Normal/Charged DMG up +40% of DEF. Catalysts? Tome of the Eternal Flow rules Neuvillette's Charged ATKs with base ATK 542, 88.2% CRIT DMG, +16% HP, +14% Charged DMG per stack (up to 3), plus 8-12 Energy restores. And for the fresh face, A Thousand Blazing Suns (Claymore) elevates Mavuika's Pyro DPS: base ATK 608, 66.2% CRIT DMG, +28% CRIT DMG/+20% ATK after Skill/Burst (extends 2s, max 6s, +75% in Nightsoul's Blessing).

Building these? Level 'em to 90 with Mora and materials. Pull on character banners—like Hu Tao's for Homa, hitting 80/20 pity. If you're F2P, R1 five-stars work, but Serpent Spine at R5 narrows the gap by 20-30%.

Digging into Stats and Synergies for DPS Powerhouses

Primordial Jade Cutter (Sword) is another beast: base ATK 542, 44.1% CRIT Rate, +20% HP, and ATK +1.2% of Max HP—perfect for Hu Tao or Alhaitham paired with Gilded Dreams 4pc. Comparing Engulfing Lightning to The Catch for Raiden? Engulfing nets +28% ATK from ER (up to 80%) and +30% ER post-Burst, outperforming by 15% at 200%+ ER. The Catch (base ATK 510, 45.9% ER, +32% Burst DMG, +12% CRIT Rate at R5) is your F2P go-to, snag it fishing.

Haran Geppaku Futsu (Sword) beats Mistsplitter by 15% for Ayato's Hydro infusion, with +36% Normal DMG post-Skill. Bows? Polar Star edges Thundering Pulse by 10% for Ganyu's multi-hits: 33.1% CRIT Rate, +12% Skill/Burst scaling to +48% ATK stacks. Verdict (Claymore) suits Navia: base ATK 674, +20% ATK, +18% Skill DMG per Crystallize (max 2). Newer drops like Bloodsoaked Ruins (Polearm, 6.0) for Flins Electro—base ATK 674, 22.1% CRIT Rate, +CRIT DMG post-reactions. And Absolution (Sword) for Clorinde: base ATK 674, 22.1% CRIT DMG, amps Bond of Life.

Synergies seal the deal—Homa with Crimson Witch 4pc for +40% Vaporize, always chasing 1:2 CRIT via artifacts. Pro tip: Aim for 120-140% ER on Hu Tao. Farm those CRIT > ATK substats, and run Vaporize teams to lock in 80% uptime.

(Quick aside from your editor: I've seen too many players overlook ER calcs—it's the silent killer of DPS rotations.)

When you're ready to juice up that DPS arsenal without the grind, Genshin crystals recharge through Buffget delivers competitive rates and instant top-ups. It's safe, HoYoverse-compliant, supports every region, and users rave about the seamless experience for fast team boosts.

Level up your artifact game with our Best Artifacts for DPS/Sub-DPS/Support.

Must-Have Sub-DPS Weapons for Off-Field Mayhem

Standout Sub-DPS Choices, Led by Engulfing Lightning

Sub-DPS are the sneaky damage engines—why settle for on-field when off-field reactions can snowball? Aqua Simulacra (Bow) dominates for Yelan as Hydro Sub-DPS: base ATK 542, 88.2% CRIT DMG, +16% HP, +20% DMG to nearby foes off-field, and +20% Burst in Vaporize setups.

The Catch (Polearm) is Xiangling's best buddy: base ATK 510, 45.9% ER, +16-32% Burst DMG, +6-12% CRIT Rate (R1-R5)—it holds its own against Engulfing in Overvape teams at 200% ER. Catalysts shine too; A Thousand Floating Dreams for Nahida: base ATK 620, 265 EM, +32 EM per same-element ally (max 3), +10% Elemental DMG per stack, and +40 party EM for Dendro cores.

Dragon's Bane (Polearm) excels off-field: base ATK 454, 221 EM, +20-36% DMG vs. Hydro/Pyro in Vaporize/Melt. For Yae Miko, Kagura's Verity (Catalyst): base ATK 608, 66.2% CRIT DMG, +12% Skill DMG per stack (max 3), +12% Elemental DMG at max for her totems. Staff of the Scarlet Sands (Polearm) boosts Xiangling: base ATK 510, 110 EM, +52 EM as ATK, +28% EM as ATK per Skill (max 3).

Fresh from 6.0, Nightweaver’s Looking Glass (Catalyst) for Lauma: base ATK 542, 265 EM, +120% Bloom DMG in Dendro/Hydro. The First Great Magic (Bow) for Lyney: base ATK 608, 66.2% CRIT DMG, +16% Charged DMG, +16-48% ATK based on party elements.

To build: Unlock fishing for The Catch (6 Raimei Angelfish). Push 200% ER for full Burst uptime. Slap on Emblem of Severed Fate 4pc to convert ER into Burst DMG.

Head-to-Heads: Raw Damage vs. Team Utility

Lost Prayer or Kagura's Verity for Yae Miko? Lost Prayer (33.1% CRIT Rate, +32% Elemental DMG on movement) shines +20% on-field, but Kagura's edges it off-field for totems with Golden Troupe 4pc (+25% Skill DMG). The Stringless (Bow) vs. Favonius Warbow for Fischl: Stringless (+24% Skill/Burst DMG, 165 EM) pumps reactions +20% in EM squads; Favonius feeds energy in particle-starved teams.

Blackmarrow Lantern vs. A Thousand Floating Dreams for Nahida? Blackmarrow (221 EM, +48% Bloom DMG, craftable in 6.0) adds +20% in Dendro-Hydro; Dreams spreads +40 universal EM. Elegy for the End (Bow) for Fischl: base ATK 608, 55.1% ER, +60 EM, sigils granting +100 EM/+20% ATK (12s) in Taser comps. Aqua Simulacra outpaces Viridescent Hunt by +20% off-field DMG for Yelan, though Hunt brings CRIT Rate.

Test these in Genshin Optimizer for that 15% output edge. Refine to R5 for passive pops like on Stringless. Run National teams to max Vaporize uptime.

(Editor's take: As someone who's farmed Inazuma waters endlessly, The Catch feels like a rite of passage—totally worth the fish grind.)

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Don't miss our cornerstone guide: Genshin Impact Ultimate Weapon Tier List 2025.

Prime Support Weapons for Buffs, Heals, and Shields

Essentials Like Thrilling Tales and Skyward Atlas

Supports aren't flashy, but they turn good teams into great ones. Freedom-Sworn (Sword) is Kazuha's Anemo dream: base ATK 608, 198 EM, +10% DMG, and reaction Sigils (2 stacks: +20% ATK, +16% Normal/Charged/Plunging DMG to the party, 12s)—pair with Viridescent Venerer 4pc for -40% RES shred.

Favonius Sword works wonders for Bennett or Xingqiu: base ATK 454, 61.3% ER, 60% CRIT chance to spit 6 Energy particles team-wide (100% at R5). Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers (3-star Catalyst) for Bennett: base ATK 401, 35.2% HP, +24% ATK to the next swappee (10s, once/20s at R5, craftable). Key of Khaj-Nisut (Sword) for Nilou's Bloom: base ATK 542, 41.3% HP, +20% HP, team +20% Elemental DMG on Burst.

Sacrificial Greatsword (Claymore) for Diona: base ATK 565, 30.6% ER, 40-80% Skill reset (80% at R5) for endless shields and heals. The Widsith (Catalyst) for Mona: base ATK 510, 55.1% CRIT DMG, random 10s buffs (ATK +60%, DMG +48%, EM +240; R5 +120% ATK). Rightful Reward (Polearm) for Yaoyao: base ATK 565, 41.3% HP, +24% HP, +8% Movement SPD, healing converting to +16% ATK (6s). Calamity Queller (Polearm) for Shenhe: base ATK 674, 41.3% ATK, +Burst DMG with Noblesse Oblige 4pc (+20% team ATK).

Craft Thrilling Tales at the blacksmith (AR 10+). Rock a CRIT Rate circlet on Favonius for reliable procs. Trigger these off-field in Swirl teams for +30% ER via Xiphos' Moonlight.

Tailored Builds for Healers and Shielders

Sacrificial Sword vs. Favonius for Xingqiu? Sacrificial (base ATK 454, 61.3% ER, 40-80% Skill reset) boosts +25% in quick-swap Vaporize/Bloom; Favonius prioritizes particles. Iron Sting vs. Xiphos' Moonlight for Kazuha: Iron Sting (165 EM, +6-12% reaction DMG stacks, craftable) adds +15% Swirl; Xiphos (base ATK 510, 165 EM, +0.036% ER per EM every 10s up to 30% party ER) suits reaction enablers.

Sacrificial Fragments vs. Thrilling Tales for Sucrose: Sacrificial (221 EM, 40% Skill reset) edges +15% Swirls over Thrilling's ATK in EM teams with Viridescent 4pc. Peak Patrol Song vs. Key of Khaj-Nisut: Peak (+25.6% party Elemental DMG from DEF stacks) shines +15% in mixed teams; Key focuses Bloom HP buffs. Noblesse Oblige vs. Emblem for Bennett: Noblesse (+20% team ATK post-Burst) is universal; Emblem (+75% Burst DMG from ER) fits his kit +10%.

Prototype Amber for Kokomi healers: 41.3% HP, +4 Energy/2s post-Burst, heals +4% HP/2s. Refine Sacrificial to R5 for 80% resets. Use EM sands for +30% team ER. Sync with Tenacity of the Millelith 4pc for +20% ATK.

F2P Weapon Wins by Role

Go-To 4-Star Swaps That Punch Above Their Weight

The Catch is F2P gold for Raiden or Xiangling Sub-DPS: R5 delivers +32% Burst DMG from Inazuma fishing, hitting 80-90% of Engulfing's output. Iron Sting (craftable Sword): 165 EM, +6-12% reaction DMG (24% at R5) for Kazuha's Swirl, bridging 20-30% to five-stars.

Prototype Crescent (forgeable Bow): +30% Charged DMG after weak points (R5 +72% ATK) for Ganyu or Yoimiya DPS. Serpent Spine R5 (Battle Pass): 27.6% CRIT Rate, +30% DMG stacks, 80-90% of Redhorn for Eula (shields offset its +15% taken DMG). R5 Wolf's Gravestone alt: 80-90% output with +40% party ATK.

Farm billets from Weekly Bosses. Craft at AR 10+ blacksmith (1 Northlander, 50 Crystal/White Iron Chunks). Refine with event dupes for reaction spikes.

Smart Crafting and Farming Paths

Fishing for The Catch? Unlock the Inazuma quest, trade 6 Raimei Angelfish/20 Golden/Rusty Koi to Kujirai Momiji—daily grinds lead to R5. Refining 4-stars: Hit Inventory > Refine with dupes, chase R5 for +32% Burst on The Catch (level with Mora).

Craft Iron Sting for Nahida: 1 billet + mats. Prototype Amber for healers: same deal. Steps: Hit AR for the blacksmith. Hoard 50 Crystal Chunks from domains. Test R5 in Bloom teams for +48% DMG.

Weapon Face-Offs Across Roles

5-Star vs. 4-Star Battles

Staff of Homa vs. Dragon's Bane for Hu Tao: Homa pulls +25% Vaporize in HP scalers. Engulfing vs. The Catch for Raiden: Engulfing +15% at high ER, Catch for F2P ease. Aqua Simulacra vs. Viridescent Hunt for Yelan: Aqua +20% off-field Burst, Hunt for CRIT.

Freedom-Sworn vs. Iron Sting for Kazuha: Freedom +20% ATK buffs, Iron +15% Swirl F2P. Peak Patrol vs. Freedom-Sworn: Peak +10% in DEF teams, Freedom for reactions. R5 Serpent Spine vs. R1 Wolf's for Eula: Serpent 80-90% output, Wolf +40% team ATK. Blackmarrow vs. Dreams for Nahida: Blackmarrow +20% Bloom specialized.

Based on optimizer data, five-stars win with base ATK 674 vs. 510 and unique passives (+28% DMG stacks). Four-stars counter with craftability/refinability (R5 closes 20-30% gaps) and zero gacha drama. DPS leans five-stars for CRIT; Sub-DPS favors four-stars for EM/ER.

Simulate in Genshin Optimizer. Pull signatures on 50/50s. Stock F2P options for Natlan twists.

How These Shape Your Spiral Abyss Runs

Homa locks in 9-12 star clears with Vaporize (+40% DMG). Engulfing fuels 100% Burst loops in Overvape. Freedom-Sworn melts RES for +16% party DMG. R5 Catch hits 80% efficiency in Abyss 12; skip ER sands on CRIT DPS to dodge 15-25% losses.

Key metrics: Base ATK over 500, substats in CRIT/EM/ER, off-field passives. Synergies like Freeze with Blizzard Strayer +40% CRIT.

Build 1:2 CRIT. Test full comps. Refresh after 6.1 patches.

Dodging Weapon Pitfalls and Gacha Heartbreak

Busting Myths on Scaling

Nothing stings like scaling mismatches—ER sands on Hu Tao? That's a 15-25% DPS gut punch. Align with the kit: HP for Homa, EM for reactions. Skip refinements, and you leave 20-30% on the table; R5 Catch matches five-stars. Gacha woes from non-sigs? Use Epitomized Path for Homa (160 pulls max).

Calc ER at 120-140%. Ditch ER on scalers. Favors Sacrificial resets over Jade Cutter.

Pulling Smart in 2025

Hoards for 6.0 banners (September 10-30, 2025): Nightweaver’s for Lauma (+20% over Dreams). F2P? Skip if Catch covers you. Top priority: Hu Tao rerun for Homa.

Set Path to targets. Wield 50/50s wisely. Lean on craftables.

Weaving Weapons into Artifacts and Teams

Sample Full Builds for Fan Favorites

Hu Tao DPS: Staff of Homa + Crimson Witch 4pc (HP% Sands, Pyro Goblet, CRIT Circlet), 1:2 CRIT for Vaporize. Raiden Sub-DPS: Engulfing + Emblem 4pc (ER Sands, Electro Goblet, CRIT Circlet), 200% ER. Kazuha Support: Freedom-Sworn + Viridescent 4pc (EM Sands, Anemo Goblet, EM Circlet), +20% ATK buffs.

Yelan Sub-DPS: Aqua Simulacra + Emblem (HP% Sands, Hydro Goblet, CRIT Circlet). Bennett Support: Thrilling Tales + Noblesse/Emblem (HP% Sands, HP Goblet, Healing Circlet), +20% team ATK. Level talents to 10. Farm artifacts for subs. Match ER to team particles.

Optimization Tools That Actually Help

Genshin Optimizer spots fits for 15% gains. Nail 1:2 CRIT; skip ER on non-Bursters.

Future-Proofing Your Genshin Gear for 2025

Keeping Up with Patch Waves

6.1 (October 22-November 11, 2025) brings Reliquary of Truth for Nefer (+Bloom) and Dawning Frost (EM + CRIT DMG). 5.6 (May 7, 2025) added Symphonist of Scents (+32% ATK on healing). Patches drop every 6 weeks; 6.2 hits December 2025 for Pyro/Electro.

Stock EM weapons for Bloom. Refine four-stars before five-stars. Watch announcements.

Matching New Characters' Needs

6.0 introduces Nightweaver’s for Lauma's Dendro/Hydro. Prep Serpent Spine for Natlan. Homa for HP DPS.

Test Lunar-Bloom. Prioritize craftables. Adapt to meta swings.

For all-in-one builds, check our Comprehensive Genshin Builds Guide.

Wrapping Up: Crafting Your Dream Genshin Squad

The Big Wins

Nail role fits: CRIT for DPS (Homa +25%), EM/ER for Sub-DPS (Engulfing +15%), buffs for Supports (Freedom +20%). F2P R5 narrows gaps; blend with artifacts for Abyss dominance. Steer clear of scaling slips in the 2025 meta.

Your Action Plan

Refine what you've got. Test squads. Pull with purpose. Hit our full Genshin builds guide to fine-tune.

FAQ

What are the best DPS weapons in Genshin Impact for 2025?
Staff of Homa for Hu Tao (+20-30% Vaporize DPS), Mistsplitter for Ayaka (+28% Cryo DMG), Redhorn for Itto (+40% DEF-scaled DMG). Refine Serpent Spine R5 for 80-90% output.

How do Sub-DPS weapons differ from main DPS picks?
Sub-DPS focus off-field EM/ER for reactions (Engulfing +30% ER for Raiden bursts), DPS on-field CRIT/ATK (Homa HP scaling). Sub-DPS boost team 20% via utility.

Which support weapons provide the best value for F2P players?
Thrilling Tales (+24% ATK swap, R5 craft), The Catch (R5 +32% Burst DMG fishing), Iron Sting (+24% reaction stacks). Close 20-30% to Freedom-Sworn.

Are there any new weapons coming in Genshin 2025 that change role metas?
6.0 (September 10, 2025): Nightweaver’s Looking Glass (+120% Bloom for Lauma Sub-DPS); 6.1 (October 22, 2025): Reliquary of Truth for Nefer Support, shifts Dendro/Hydro to EM builds.

What's the top weapon for Hu Tao as a DPS in 2025?
Staff of Homa (Base ATK 608, CRIT DMG 66.2%, HP +20%), with Crimson Witch 4pc for +40% Vaporize. Alternative: Primordial Jade Cutter for HP scaling.

How to choose between 5-star and 4-star weapons by role?
5-stars like Aqua Simulacra +20% Sub-DPS Burst; 4-stars R5 like Kagura's Verity match off-field. Prioritize F2P craftables for ER/EM roles, test Optimizer for 15% gains.