Unveiling the Weapon: Staff of Homa
The world of Teyvat in *Genshin Impact* is filled with wonder, mystery, and a constant pursuit: the quest for power. For those who delve into this vibrant open-world game, the acquisition of powerful weapons can be a game-changer. Among these treasures, the Staff of Homa stands tall, a polearm renowned for its impressive stats and the devastating potential it unlocks in the hands of the right characters. This guide will provide you with an in-depth look at this coveted weapon, equipping you with the knowledge to understand its mechanics, identify its best users, and strategize for its acquisition and effective utilization.
Core Statistics and Passive Abilities
At its heart, the Staff of Homa’s primary strength lies in its raw numbers. From the moment it’s equipped, the wielder gains significant advantages. The polearm possesses a formidable base attack stat that increases with level, giving it a huge attack boost. It also grants a substantial bonus to the wielder’s hit points. This is more than just a stat increase; this hit points bonus is intricately tied to the weapon’s passive ability, which creates a synergistic chain reaction of power.
The key to the Staff of Homa’s true power is its passive ability. The passive is the primary reason that the weapon is so strong. It provides a multi-layered buff: it first increases the wielder’s hit points. Then, it provides a proportional attack bonus based on the wielder’s maximum hit points. And it does one final thing: it grants an attack bonus when the wielder’s health drops below a certain threshold. This trifecta of effects elevates the Staff of Homa beyond a simple stat stick, turning it into a dynamic and strategically rich tool.
Materials for Advancement
To truly unleash the Staff of Homa’s potential, players must ascend it. This requires specific materials gathered throughout Teyvat. You will require a variety of ascension materials including, but not limited to, weapon ascension materials, enemy drops from specific world bosses, and a healthy supply of Mora, the in-game currency. These materials will change as your weapon levels up, making this a process that requires careful planning and a willingness to explore all corners of the world.
Best Companions for the Staff of Homa
While many characters can wield a polearm, the Staff of Homa’s mechanics make it a perfect match for certain individuals. These characters can truly harness the weapon’s full potential, resulting in devastating damage output.
Hu Tao, The Crimson Witch
Hu Tao, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, is arguably the most iconic user of the Staff of Homa. Her elemental skill, Guiding Afterlife, converts her hit points into attack power and she loses hit points over the duration of her Elemental skill. This, combined with the Staff of Homa’s HP-based attack buff and bonus when HP is low, creates an exceptional synergy. Every attack from Hu Tao has the potential to be lethal, making her a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. The Staff of Homa’s Crit Damage stat further enhances her damage output, allowing for huge numbers to be put out in the shortest amount of time. Building a powerful Hu Tao with this weapon requires dedication, but the results are often worth the effort.
Other Synergistic Characters
While Hu Tao is the clear frontrunner, other characters can greatly benefit from the Staff of Homa. These characters may not fully capitalize on its potential as Hu Tao does, but it still makes them extremely effective combatants.
Zhongli, the Geo Archon in disguise, can also utilize the Staff of Homa. It can significantly improve his damage output. He is able to deal more damage, while the hit points bonus also helps with his shield’s strength. This combination of increased damage and survivability can make him a truly formidable unit, both as a damage dealer and as a support character.
Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, is another excellent choice. Xiao’s ultimate ability, Bane of All Evil, drains his hit points over time. This fits in beautifully with the staff’s passive, creating a consistent damage output. The increased attack and critical damage can transform Xiao into a whirlwind of destruction.
Other characters who may find some use with the Staff of Homa include those who have hit points scaling in their kit. Their potential may be limited, but the Staff of Homa can still offer a significant boost to their overall power.
Seeking the Weapon: The Epitome Invocation and Considerations
Acquiring the Staff of Homa is an undertaking that requires participation in the weapon banner, also known as Epitome Invocation. This banner is separate from the character banners, and it features a selection of five-star weapons, usually with a featured weapon that has a higher drop rate. The process is governed by a pity system, guaranteeing a five-star weapon after a certain number of pulls. It is extremely important to note that it is not guaranteed that you will get the weapon. Because of this, it’s important to prepare, which comes down to careful planning and saving.
Before attempting to acquire the Staff of Homa, consider your primogems and resources. Decide whether the potential gain is worth the investment. The weapon banner uses the same currency as the character banner, so it’s important to balance your wishes between the two. Don’t feel pressured to wish if you do not feel fully comfortable. Patience and prudence are key when it comes to managing your Genshin Impact resources.
Strategies and Practical Use
Knowing how to wield the Staff of Homa to its maximum potential requires both strategic team composition and skillful execution.
Team Dynamics
For Hu Tao, a team centered around vaporize reactions is highly recommended. Hydro characters such as Xingqiu and Yelan are essential, and the additional healing and shield support is provided by characters like Zhongli or Thoma. Experimentation is important for finding a team that fits your playstyle.
Zhongli may often fit well in a team designed around maximizing shield uptime, as well as supporting high damage units like Eula.
Mastering Combat
The Staff of Homa’s effectiveness depends on the wielder’s ability to manage their hit points. This can involve positioning to avoid attacks, understanding enemy attack patterns, and utilizing healing options in the team. Mastering these skills will allow you to consistently get the maximum value from the weapon’s passive effects.
Building Your Characters
The final aspect is building your characters. With Hu Tao, players will want to focus on the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set. Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and hit points are your main stats. Pay attention to the substats and ensure that each artifact will provide enough value.
For Zhongli and Xiao, the artifact sets will vary. However, the main stats remain the same.
Alternatives and Weighing Your Options
While the Staff of Homa is exceptional, it is essential to acknowledge alternative weapons and situations.
Polearm Alternatives
Other five-star polearms like the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear and Engulfing Lightning can be powerful options. Each polearm has unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider your team composition, preferred playstyle, and available resources. The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is a versatile weapon and has good stats. Engulfing Lightning is best for characters like Raiden Shogun.
Strategic Decisions
The choice between the Staff of Homa and alternative weapons will often come down to a few key factors. The primary factor is the character you are building. Another factor is the stats that your character has.
Final Thoughts
The Staff of Homa is more than just a weapon. It is a catalyst for destruction and a symbol of true power in Genshin Impact. Its blend of high statistics, strategic depth, and synergy with key characters like Hu Tao makes it a highly desirable item. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new traveler, the Staff of Homa is a weapon that deserves respect and admiration. While obtaining it requires patience and dedication, the rewards can be extraordinary. So, start saving those primogems, plan your strategy, and prepare to unleash the true power of Teyvat!
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