Genshin Impact enthusiasts are buzzing over recent leaks revealing a new free four-star bow coming in Version 5.6. While the promise of a free weapon is always exciting, this particular bow’s focus on HP-based damage scaling has ignited a mixed reaction from the community.
The Leaked Stats and Skill:
According to the leaks, the new bow boasts a base ATK of 510 and a significant 41.4% HP increase as its secondary stat. Its passive skill allows players to unleash AoE damage at the target’s location, scaling with the character’s maximum HP. However, a 15-second cooldown on this ability has raised concerns about its overall effectiveness.
Why the Controversy?
The core issue lies in the weapon’s HP-centric design. Many Genshin Impact DPS characters heavily rely on ATK and CRIT stats for optimal damage output. This leaves the new bow primarily beneficial for Hydro characters, who often utilize HP scaling. Currently, the Hydro bow users are Tartaglia, Sigewinne, and Yelan. Among them, Yelan appears to be the most suitable candidate, but the weapon’s practical application remains uncertain.
Comparison to Previous Free Weapons:
Genshin Impact has a history of providing free weapons through limited-time events, with some achieving immense popularity. The previous update’s polearm, Tamayuratei no Ohanashi, was well-received for its versatile stats and upgrade potential. In contrast, the new HP-scaling bow has left many players underwhelmed.
While leaks suggest a slight increase in the bow’s base ATK to compensate, players argue that it doesn’t address the fundamental issue of HP scaling’s limited utility for most DPS characters. Some speculate that HoYoverse might be designing this bow with a future, yet-to-be-released Hydro character in mind, one who can fully leverage its passive ability.
What Else to Expect in Version 5.6:
Beyond the new bow, the 5.6 beta test has confirmed the arrival of two new playable characters: Escoffier, a five-star Cryo user from Fontaine, and Ifa, a four-star Anemo character from Natlan. These additions will further diversify team compositions and offer players new strategic possibilities.
Looking Ahead:
Despite the mixed reception, the new bow still presents a free option for players interested in experimenting with HP-scaling builds. As the official release of Version 5.6 draws closer, adjustments to the weapon’s stats and passive skill are still possible.
The Genshin Impact community eagerly awaits more information from HoYoverse on how this bow will integrate into the game’s evolving meta. In the meantime, players are left to speculate and strategize, anticipating the exciting new content that Version 5.6 promises to deliver.
