Prototype Archaic Genshin Impact Guide ⇒ Best Builds & Tips

Prototype Archaic is one of the earliest claymore weapons introduced in Genshin Impact, known for its reliability, accessibility, and punchy AoE damage effect. As a 4-star craftable weapon, Prototype Archaic offers a strong base ATK and an ATK% secondary stat, making it an excellent choice for free-to-play players and veterans alike seeking a dependable damage-dealing weapon for claymore characters.

Source : Genshin Impact Official

Weapon Type and Basic Stats

Prototype Archaic is a 4-star claymore-type weapon in Genshin Impact. It features a high base ATK and a secondary stat that increases ATK%, making it ideal for main DPS roles.

Stat Progression

Level	Base ATK	Secondary Stat (ATK%)
1	44	6.0%
20+	144	10.6%
40+	252	15.4%
50+	319	17.9%
60+	387	20.3%
70+	455	22.7%
80+	523	25.1%
90	565	27.6%

Passive Ability: Crush

Prototype Archaic features a unique passive effect called Crush. This ability enhances the user’s raw physical damage potential and adds AoE functionality to regular attacks.

Effect: On hit, Normal or Charged Attacks have a 50% chance to deal an additional 240% ATK as AoE damage.
Cooldown: Can be triggered once every 15 seconds.

This passive makes Prototype Archaic especially effective in crowd control situations and synergizes well with claymore users who rely on sustained Normal Attack chains.

How to Obtain Prototype Archaic

Prototype Archaic is one of the most accessible 4-star weapons in the game, since it doesn’t rely on gacha pulls.

Crafting Requirements

Northlander Claymore Prototype x1
White Iron Chunk x50
Crystal Chunk x50

You can craft Prototype Archaic at any blacksmith in Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, or Sumeru. Game8 and community sources recommend farming mining routes and weekly bosses for crafting materials and prototypes.

Ascension Materials

To level Prototype Archaic to 90, here is the breakdown of required ascension resources:

Weapon Ascension Materials:

Grain of Aerosiderite x3
Piece of Aerosiderite x9
Bit of Aerosiderite x9
Chunk of Aerosiderite x4

Common Enemy Drops:

Damaged Mask x10
Stained Mask x15
Ominous Mask x18

Elite Enemy Drops:

Fragile Bone Shard x15
Sturdy Bone Shard x18
Fossilized Bone Shard x27

Other:

Mora x150,000

Prepare these materials in advance to avoid progression bottlenecks for your character build.

Top Characters to Wield Prototype Archaic

Prototype Archaic shines across multiple claymore characters thanks to its unrestricted stats and additional AoE proc. Here are the best characters to equip this weapon:

Best Synergizing Characters

Razor – As a physical DPS, Razor benefits from the weapon’s ATK% scaling and AoE proc, maximizing normal attack uptime.
Eula – While Eula is a burst DPS by design, Prototype Archaic provides a great balance of raw ATK and cheap investment, especially at lower AR levels.
Navia – Though her kit can scale with different types of weapons, ATK-oriented builds appreciate Prototype Archaic’s generous stats and passive effect.

Other Compatible Characters

Beidou – A solid backup weapon if Serpent Spine or luxurious 5-stars aren’t available.
Xinyan – Damage-focused Xinyan builds benefit from consistent ATK boosts and the AoE potential.
Chongyun – Supports his role as a Cryo sub-DPS with decent uptime and ATK scaling.

Source : Zy0x

Best Team Role and Build Recommendations

Prototype Archaic best complements characters in a Main DPS or Burst DPS role, allowing both consistent damage and burst AoE potential.

Main DPS Build

Main Stat Priorities: ATK%, Physical DMG, Crit Rate / Crit DMG
Artifact Set: Pale Flame (2) + Bloodstained Chivalry (2) or 4-piece Gladiator’s Finale
Support Characters: Fischl, Bennett, Diona for consistent battery and healing

Sub-DPS Build

Main Stat Priorities: ATK%, Elemental Mastery, Crit DMG
Artifact Set: Noblesse Oblige (4) or 2-piece ATK% sets
Support Characters: Electro applicators like Fischl, Electro Traveler

Why Prototype Archaic Remains a Fan Favorite

Despite newer weapon releases, Prototype Archaic maintains its utility as a go-to option for low-resource builds and beginner gameplay. Its craftability and ATK focus make it incredibly useful for early and mid-game progression. Additionally, many players retain it into later stages due to its comfortable synergy with a wide array of characters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prototype Archaic in Genshin Impact

What is Prototype Archaic?

Prototype Archaic is a 4-star claymore weapon in Genshin Impact that provides high base ATK and a passive ability that deals bonus AoE damage.

How can I obtain Prototype Archaic?

You can craft Prototype Archaic at any blacksmith using a Northlander Claymore Prototype, White Iron Chunks, and Crystal Chunks.

Is Prototype Archaic good for Eula?

Yes, it’s a solid 4-star option for Eula, especially in early and mid-game stages for players who need a high-ATK claymore.

Which characters benefit the most from Prototype Archaic?

Razor, Eula, Navia, and Xinyan perform very well with Prototype Archaic due to its ATK% stat and AoE passive.

Can Prototype Archaic be used at higher AR levels?

Absolutely. While outclassed by 5-star options, its consistency and craftability make it viable in high-level content for many players.

How many times can the passive ability trigger?

The Crush passive can only trigger once every 15 seconds, regardless of hit frequency.

Where do I get the Northlander Claymore Prototype?

It can be obtained from weekly bosses or certain quest rewards. Make sure to check the battle pass and souvenir shops, too.

Does Refinement improve Prototype Archaic?

Yes. The bonus AoE ATK% damage increases with each refinement level, making it stronger and more consistent with investment.

Is Prototype Archaic better than Blackcliff Slasher?

Prototype Archaic is better in consistency and crafting accessibility. Blackcliff Slasher may outscale in Crit builds but requires Starglitter purchases.