Discover the intricacies and power of Aqua Simulacra, a premium 5-star bow that has captured the attention of Genshin Impact players around the world. This guide covers everything from its standout stats and unique passive ability to the best characters to wield it, strategic build considerations, and essential tips on how to obtain and upgrade this coveted weapon.

Weapon Snapshot and Key Features

Aqua Simulacra is renowned for its breathtaking watery blue design and exceptional in-game performance. Often associated with Yelan, its signature user, this bow is not only a visual marvel but also delivers impressive damage output and survivability enhancements to a range of characters.

Basic Specifications

  • Rarity: 5-Star
  • Weapon Type: Bow
  • Base Attack: Level 1: 44, Level 90: 542
  • Secondary Stat (CRIT DMG): Level 1: 19.2%, Level 90: 88.2%

Unique Passive Ability – The Cleansing Form

The weapon’s signature passive ability offers two notable benefits:

  • HP Increase: Boosts the wielder's HP by 16% at Refinement Rank 1 (scaling up to 32% at Rank 5).
  • Damage Bonus: Provides a 20% damage bonus when enemies are nearby at Rank 1, which scales up to 40% at Rank 5. This bonus works whether the character is on-field or not, making it a versatile pick for both primary and off-field damage dealers.

How to Obtain Aqua Simulacra

Aqua Simulacra is exclusively available through the Epitome Invocation weapon banner in Genshin Impact. It is frequently featured alongside Yelan's character banner, highlighting its status as her signature weapon. Recent weapon banner rotations have been noted as recently as April 2025, ensuring that players have ample opportunities to acquire this exceptional bow.

Champion Compatibility and Build Optimization

This bow’s attributes make it a strong choice for several key bow-using characters in Genshin Impact. Whether you are focusing on main DPS roles or supportive off-field damage, Aqua Simulacra is a versatile addition to your arsenal.

Ideal Users

  • Yelan: As the weapon's signature user, Yelan fully benefits from the HP increase for enhanced damage scaling combined with the universal damage bonus that boosts her Hydro attacks.
  • Ganyu: The high CRIT DMG stat provides her charged attacks with significant burst potential, making this bow a natural fit.
  • Tartaglia (Childe): Leverages the combination of high CRIT DMG and damage bonus across his multiple attack forms.
  • Yoimiya: The weapon's stats complement her rapid normal attack playstyle, boosting overall damage output effectively.

Strategic Build Considerations

For players looking to maximize the efficiency of Aqua Simulacra, consider focusing on builds that enhance CRIT DMG and overall damage. Pairing it with characters who benefit from HP scaling—especially those positioned as sub-DPS—can further amplify its advantages during both on-field and off-field scenarios.

Comparative Analysis with Other 5-Star Bows

When positioned against other 5-star bows in Genshin Impact, Aqua Simulacra distinguishes itself by offering a universal damage bonus unaffected by the character's presence in the active team lineup. While bows like Thundering Pulse, Polar Star, Skyward Harp, Hunter's Path, and The First Great Magic have their distinct strengths, Aqua Simulacra simultaneously satisfies the needs of CRIT Stat, HP Bonus, and Elemental/Physical DMG Bonus builds, making it one of the most versatile choices available.

Ascension Materials and Upgrade Insights

Upgrading Aqua Simulacra follows the conventional 5-star ascension requirements found in Genshin Impact. Players will need to gather a mix of domain materials, common enemy drops, and specific weapon ascension items obtained from weekly bosses. Investing in the weapon for its full potential, including its scaling passive ability, is a must for competitive play.

Tactical Insights for Masterful Utilization

Before committing to Aqua Simulacra, consider the following tactical insights:

  • Ease of Use: The straightforward damage bonus mechanic does not rely on complex conversion rates, making it user-friendly for both seasoned and new players.
  • Conditional Effects: The bonus damage is activated when enemies are nearby; thus, understanding battle positioning is key to maximizing its effectiveness.
  • Off-field Contribution: Its ability to maintain the damage bonus while off-field is particularly beneficial for supporting characters who contribute continuity in damage output during team rotations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aqua Simulacra in Genshin Impact

What is Aqua Simulacra and why is it popular?

Aqua Simulacra is a 5-star bow celebrated for its unique design, exceptional stats, and a dual-effect passive ability that provides both HP boost and a damage bonus. Its popularity is enhanced by being Yelan's signature weapon along with its versatility across various character builds.

How does the passive ability of Aqua Simulacra work?

The passive ability, known as The Cleansing Form, offers an HP increase and a universal damage bonus when enemies are nearby. These benefits also apply when the character wielding the bow is off-field, making it valuable for both main DPS and support roles.

What are the base attack and CRIT DMG levels of Aqua Simulacra?

At Level 1, Aqua Simulacra has a base attack of 44 and a CRIT DMG of 19.2%. By Level 90, these values improve to a base attack of 542 and a CRIT DMG of 88.2%.

Which characters benefit the most from using Aqua Simulacra?

Ideal users include Yelan, Ganyu, Tartaglia (Childe), and Yoimiya. These characters benefit from the HP boost, CRIT DMG enhancement, and the overall damage bonus provided by the weapon.

How does refinement affect Aqua Simulacra's performance?

Refinement enhances the passive ability of the weapon. The HP increase scales from 16% at Rank 1 to 32% at Rank 5, and the damage bonus scales from 20% to 40% over the same range, thereby significantly boosting the weapon's effectiveness.

Where can I obtain Aqua Simulacra in the game?

The bow is exclusively available through the Epitome Invocation weapon banner. It is often seen alongside Yelan's character banner, making it accessible during specific event rotations.

How does Aqua Simulacra compare with other 5-star bows in Genshin Impact?

Unlike other arches that require complex stat conversions, Aqua Simulacra offers a straightforward and universally applicable damage bonus. This versatility makes it well-suited for a variety of playstyles and character builds compared with other top-tier bows.

What sort of materials are needed to ascend Aqua Simulacra?

Ascending Aqua Simulacra requires a combination of domain-specific ascent materials, enemy drops, and weapon ascension items from weekly bosses, aligning with the standard requirements for 5-star weapons in Genshin Impact.

Can Aqua Simulacra be effectively used on off-field characters?

Yes, the universal damage bonus remains active even when the wielder is off-field, making it especially effective for sub-DPS characters who contribute significant damage without being the active character.

What strategic factors should I consider before pulling for Aqua Simulacra?

Players should consider its conditional damage activation, the advantage of its off-field bonus, and how it complements the existing team composition and character build strategies when making their decision.