It’s finally time. Baal the Raiden Shogun, the Electro Archon is going live in Genshin Impact as of Update 2.1, launching shortly (or already launched, depending on when you’re reading this). She is the third Archon added to the game after must-haves Venti and Zhongli, and the first new electro hero…ever, though that’s about to change with a number of upcoming characters.
As such, you may be wondering what the best build for Baal is, if you’re managed to farm her ascension materials and plan to rocket her up to rank 90 when Genshin Impact’s 2.1 patch goes live later. That involves putting quite a few pieces together, and here’s my best advice as to what you’re going to want to do with her.
The Best Baal Artifacts
Emblem of Severed Fate (Momiji-Dyed Court Domain) – (2 piece) Energy Recharge + 20%, (4 piece) Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of Energy Recharge. A maximum of 75% bonus DMG can be obtained in this way.
Thundering Fury (Midsummer Courtyard Domain) – (2 piece) Electro DMG +15%, (4 piece) Overload, Electro-Charged, and Superconduct damage +40%. Triggering those 3 reactions reduces Elemental Burst cooldown by 1 second. Can only activate once every 0.8 seconds.
Noblesse Oblige (Clear Pool & Mountain Cavern) – (2 piece) Elemental Burst DMG +20%, (4 piece) After using an Elemental Burst, all teammates get +20% ATK. Lasts 12s, does not stack.
So, your best option here is almost certainly going to be Emblem of Severed Fate, a set that I have to believe was crafted specifically for Baal’s release, given her reliance on Elemental Burst and Energy Recharge. But in a pinch, you could mix and match two pieces of Thundering Fury with two pieces of Noblesse Oblige instead.
The Best Baal Polearms and Weapons
Engulfing Lightning (5 star, weapon banner) - Attack increased by 28% of Energy Recharge over the base 100%. You can gain a maximum bonus of 80% ATK. Gain 30% Energy Recharge for 12s after using an Elemental Burst.
Skyward Spine (5 star) - Increases CRIT Rate by 8% and increases Normal ATK SPD by 12%. Additionally, Normal and Charged Attacks hits on opponents have a 50% chance to trigger a vacuum blade that deals 40% of ATK as DMG in a small AoE. This effect can occur no more than once every 2s.
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (5 star) - On hit, increases ATK by 3.2% for 6s. Max 7 stacks. This effect can only occur once every 0.3s. While in possession of the maximum possible stacks, DMG dealt is increased by 12%.
The Catch (4 star) - Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 16% and Elemental Burst CRIT Rate by 6%
Favonius Lance (4 star) - CRIT Hits have a 60% chance to generate a small amount of Elemental Particles, which will regenerate 6 Energy for the Character. Can only occur once every 12s.
Like with every new 5 star, the best weapon for Baal is going to be the one they specifically made just for her, though going for weapon banners is a recipe to drive yourself crazy. Skyward Spine is a solid backup choice, and worst case scenario, I know you have a few Favonius Lances lying around.
So, that should be more than enough to get you started with your brand new Baal. Enjoy the thunder goddess and I will modify this list with any additional items that I think could also be good choices, once people get to play with her in the wild.
Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to my free weekly content round-up newsletter, God Rolls.
Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series, and The Earthborn Trilogy, which is also on audiobook.
