In the world of Teyvat, Catalyst wielders are unique spellcasters whose very attacks are imbued with elemental power. Unlike other weapon users, they do not need to infuse their strikes; every standard and charged attack directly channels elemental energy, allowing for consistent and versatile elemental application. These ranged or close-combat projectiles form the core of many powerful team compositions, from elemental reaction specialists to formidable main damage dealers. As of 2026, the arsenal of catalysts has grown significantly, each with distinct mechanics, stat bonuses, and passive abilities tailored to enhance specific playstyles and character kits. Understanding this diverse weapon category is key to unlocking the full potential of your mages, healers, and support characters.

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🌟 5-Star Premium Catalysts

The most powerful catalysts are typically 5-star weapons, often signature gear for specific characters, offering unparalleled base stats and unique effects.

  • A Thousand Floating Dreams: This intricate catalyst is a cornerstone for elemental mastery-focused teams. Its ability, A Thousand Nights' Dawnsong, provides substantial buffs based on party composition, granting Elemental Mastery for matching elements and DMG Bonuses for differing ones, while also boosting the entire team's Elemental Mastery.

  • Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds: A top-tier choice for main DPS catalysts users. It provides a valuable CRIT Rate secondary stat and its passive, Boundless Blessing, grants a stacking Elemental DMG bonus over time during combat, alongside a handy Movement SPD increase.

  • Skyward Atlas: A formidable weapon offering high base ATK. Its Wandering Clouds passive provides a flat Elemental DMG Bonus and has a chance to summon cloud spirits that autonomously attack foes.

  • Kagura's Verity: Designed for characters who rely heavily on their Elemental Skill. Using the skill grants stacks of Kagura Dance, significantly boosting Skill DMG and eventually granting an All Elemental DMG Bonus at max stacks.

  • Everlasting Moonglow: This catalyst shifts focus to HP and healing. It enhances Healing Bonus and scales Normal Attack DMG with the wielder's Max HP, making it ideal for healers who also deal damage through their normal attacks.

  • Memory of Dust: Excels in shield-centric teams. It increases Shield Strength and provides stacking ATK buffs that are dramatically enhanced when the wielder is protected by a shield.

  • Jadefall's Splendor: Another HP-focused catalyst that synergizes with shield creation and Elemental Bursts. Its Primordial Jade Regalia effect provides energy regeneration and an Elemental DMG Bonus scaled from Max HP.

  • Tulaytullah's Remembrance: A specialized weapon that dramatically enhances Normal Attack playstyles. It increases Attack Speed and provides a massive, stacking Normal Attack DMG bonus after using an Elemental Skill.

  • Cashflow Supervision: A dynamic weapon that thrives on HP fluctuation. It boosts ATK and provides stacking buffs to Normal and Charged Attack DMG whenever the wielder's HP changes, culminating in an Attack Speed bonus at max stacks.

  • Crane's Echoing Call: Uniquely focuses on enhancing Plunging Attack damage for the entire team and provides energy regeneration when allies perform plunging attacks.

  • Tome of the Eternal Flow: This powerful option increases HP and gains stacking Charged Attack DMG buffs from HP changes. At maximum stacks, it also provides valuable Energy restoration.

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⚔️ 4-Star & Craftable Catalysts

This tier contains highly accessible and powerful weapons obtainable through gacha, crafting, or events, forming the backbone of many players' arsenals.

Weapon Base ATK Secondary Stat Key Passive Ability Best For
The Widsith 510 CRIT DMG Random massive buff (ATK, Elemental DMG, or EM) on field entry. Burst DPS, Sub-DPS
Solar Pearl 510 CRIT Rate Skill/Burst hits boost NA DMG, and vice-versa. Hybrid DPS
Sacrificial Fragments 454 Elemental Mastery High chance to reset Elemental Skill cooldown. Support, Reaction Enablers
Favonius Codex 510 Energy Recharge CRIT hits generate Energy particles for the team. Battery/Support
Wandering Evenstar 510 Elemental Mastery Converts wielder's EM into bonus ATK for themselves and the party. Support, EM Buffer
Mappa Mare (Craftable) 565 Elemental Mastery Triggering reactions grants Elemental DMG Bonus stacks. Reaction Drivers
Prototype Amber (Craftable) 510 HP Using Burst regenerates Energy and HP for the whole party. Healer/Support
Oathsworn Eye (Event) 565 ATK Using an Elemental Skill boosts Energy Recharge. Skill-focused Burst Supports
Ballad of the Boundless Blue (Event) 565 Energy Recharge Normal and Charged Attacks grant stacking DMG bonuses. On-Field Driver
Frostbearer (Craftable) 510 ATK Attacks have a chance to drop an ice crystal, dealing AoE Cryo DMG. Cryo-focused DPS
Flowing Purity (Craftable) 565 ATK Using Skill grants Elemental DMG Bonus and a Bond of Life; clearing it grants more DMG Bonus. High-Risk DPS

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📚 3-Star & Niche Catalysts

While often outclassed in the late game, these weapons provide excellent early-game options and can have surprisingly effective niche uses.

  • Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers: Perhaps the most famous support weapon in the game. Its simple passive provides a massive 48% ATK buff to the next character you switch to, making it invaluable for boosting your main DPS's damage, especially in quick-swap teams. Its HP secondary stat also benefits healers like Barbara.

  • Magic Guide: An exceptional early-game weapon for reaction teams. Its Bane of Storm and Tide passive directly increases damage against opponents affected by Hydro or Electro, making it perfect for characters like Lisa or Barbara in Electro-Charged compositions.

  • Otherworldly Story: Provides Energy Recharge and a small healing effect when picking up energy particles, offering sustain for newer players.

  • Twin Nephrite: Offers CRIT Rate and a movement/ATK speed boost after defeating an enemy, useful for exploration and early combat.

  • Emerald Orb: Boosts Elemental Mastery and increases ATK after triggering certain Hydro-related reactions.

Note: 1-Star catalysts like Apprentice's Notes and Pocket Grimoire have no secondary stats or passives and are only for the earliest stages of the game.

🎯 Choosing the Right Catalyst: A Strategic Overview

Selecting the optimal catalyst depends entirely on your character's role, desired stats, and team synergy.

For Main DPS Characters:

:crossed_swords: Prioritize weapons with offensive secondary stats (CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%) and passives that boost personal damage. Lost Prayer, Skyward Atlas, Solar Pearl, The Widsith, and Tulaytullah's Remembrance are top contenders.

For Sub-DPS & Reaction Enablers:

:cyclone: Elemental Mastery and Energy Recharge are key. Sacrificial Fragments, The Widsith, Mappa Mare, Favonius Codex, and Fruit of Fulfillment excel here, ensuring high reaction damage and consistent ability uptime.

For Support & Healers:

:sparkling_heart: Utility is paramount. Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers is the ultimate support tool. Prototype Amber provides team-wide healing and energy. Everlasting Moonglow and Jadefall's Splendor turn healers into hybrid damage dealers. Favonius Codex helps battery the team.

For Team Buffing:

:chart_with_upwards_trend: Some catalysts specialize in empowering the entire party. A Thousand Floating Dreams and Wandering Evenstar share Elemental Mastery. Hakushin Ring buffs Elemental DMG for Electro-reaction teams. Crane's Echoing Call buffs plunging attacks.

In conclusion, the catalyst arsenal in Genshin Impact offers incredible depth and specialization. From the straightforward power of The Widsith to the intricate team buffing of A Thousand Floating Dreams, there is a perfect magical tome for every spellcaster in your roster. As the game continues to evolve towards 2026, mastering these weapons' synergies remains fundamental to conquering the Spiral Abyss and all other challenges Teyvat has to offer.

Information is adapted from Rock Paper Shotgun, a trusted source for PC gaming news and reviews. Rock Paper Shotgun's coverage of Genshin Impact regularly explores weapon meta shifts, including the evolving role of catalysts in both casual and competitive play, and provides expert insights into how new catalyst releases impact team-building strategies and elemental reaction optimization.