Each Prototype weapon has a different variety of stats and passives, but they’re all generally good weapons. Still, some Prototype weapons are definitely better than others. Here’s a more detailed list of their synergies with all currently playable characters.
Great means that it works great with the character, and it can be one of their best 4-star weapon options. Good means that it works well with the character, but there are better options – usually 4-star gacha weapons. Decent means that it works on the character, but there are other far better options – usually other craftable, free, or 3-star weapons. Not recommended means that it doesn’t synergize well with the character or there are simply significantly better weapon options available.
Prototype Rancour
Prototype Rancour is mainly a weapon for Physical DPS units. This is mostly because of its Physical damage bonus stat. So it works with any sword user that you intend to play as a Physical DPS. And since Physical DPS units spend a lot of field time performing normal and charged attacks, they can easily proc Rancour’s passive – which is a free damage bonus. Another notable user of Rancour is Bennett. Although he’s a support and not a Physical DPS, he greatly benefits from Rancour’s high Base ATK. Bennett’s ATK buffs scale entirely from his Base ATK – which is only affected by the character and weapon’s Base ATK. He doesn’t benefit from Rancour’s secondary stat and passive, but he’s generally not meant to deal damage anyway.
Prototype Archaic
Prototype Archaic is a good weapon that often competes with multiple other claymores. Because of its passive, Archaic is most useful for on-field characters that can consistently proc the extra damage. Razor is the most notable character that has Archaic as his best-in-slot F2P weapon. Archaic also works on off-field DPS units, but it’s simply considered an ATK stat stick – since the wielder won’t be triggering its passive. So it will synergize well with every ATK-scaling claymore user.
Prototype Starglitter
Prototype Starglitter is a decent weapon, but it’s often outshined by Favonius Lance. In every scenario where Starglitter works, Favonius Lance simply does better. This is because Favonius Lance has a significantly better passive. Plus, there’s currently no character that can fully benefit from Starglitter’s passive. So it’s generally just considered an Energy Recharge stat stick or an alternative to Favonius Lance.
Prototype Crescent
Prototype Crescent is a really powerful weapon because of its passive. It can outperform multiple weapons – sometimes even 5-stars – with higher refinements. But this only works against enemies with a weakspot, and if you can hit that weakspot. Otherwise, Crescent is just considered an ATK stat stick. Crescent is mostly recommended for units with a charged attack playstyle – like Ganyu and DPS Amber – since it’s very easy for them to proc this passive. But Crescent also works great with every ATK-scaling bow user as long as you can proc its passive. It’s generally less practical but definitely viable. For instance, you can perform a quick charged attack against an opponent’s weak point before casting Fischl’s skill. It takes a bit more time and aiming practice, but she’ll effectively benefit from the passive’s ATK buff. This also works for units like Tartaglia, Aloy, Tighnari, and Yoimiya.
Prototype Amber
Prototype Amber is a great weapon with a unique passive. After casting the wielder’s elemental burst, it regenerates energy and HP for the entire party. This is independent of the wielder’s actual kit and role. So it allows you to turn any catalyst user into a healer and support – which is a really nice option to have. For instance, using Prototype Amber on Sucrose in a Double Geo Xiao team lets you run a team with no dedicated healers to maximize damage. But thanks to Prototype Amber, Sucrose can still provide micro-healing to the entire team. This also works with every other team that uses a support catalyst user – like Mona for Freeze teams, Heizou for Taser teams, and many more. Still, Prototype Amber isn’t recommended for any DPS builds with ATK-scaling characters. Kokomi is currently the only character that can fully benefit from Prototype Amber in both a DPS and support build.
