The Raven Bow is a staple 3-star weapon in Genshin Impact prized for its early-game versatility and synergy with elemental reaction-focused teams. While it lacks the raw firepower of higher-rarity bows, its unique passive and Elemental Mastery substat make it an excellent pick for players seeking to maximize reaction damage across a broad range of characters, without spending premium resources.

Complete Overview of Raven Bow in Genshin Impact

Weapon Type, Rarity, and Accessibility

The Raven Bow is widely accessible due to its three-star rarity, making it much easier to obtain and refine compared to its 4 and 5-star counterparts. This also ensures most players will encounter it early in their adventure.

Main Stats and Passive Ability

  • Base ATK (Lv. 1): 40
  • Base ATK (Lv. 90): 448
  • Secondary Stat: Elemental Mastery
  • Elemental Mastery (Lv. 1): 20
  • Elemental Mastery (Lv. 90): 94

Passive Effect – Bane of Flame and Water: Increases damage against enemies afflicted by Hydro or Pyro by the following rates, depending on refinement:

  • Refinement 1: 12%
  • Refinement 2: 15%
  • Refinement 3: 18%
  • Refinement 4: 21%
  • Refinement 5: 24%

This unique effect means the Raven Bow truly shines in parties consistently inflicting Hydro or Pyro statuses on enemies, allowing for reliable passive activation.

Best Characters and Team Synergy for Raven Bow

Since Raven Bow’s efficiency relies on triggering Hydro or Pyro-based elemental reactions, it is especially suited for characters who either apply these elements with their skills or frequently trigger reactions for amplified damage.

Top Characters for Raven Bow

  • Amber: Great fit for early-game Pyro zones and reaction setups.
  • Fischl: Excels in teams focused on Overloaded or Electro-Charged reactions.
  • Venti: Swirl teams benefit from added Elemental Mastery and frequent elemental application.
  • Collei: Useful in Dendro reaction teams pairing with Pyro/Hydro supports.
  • Aloy, Diona, Gorou, Kujou Sara, Sethos, Ororon: Offer situational benefits based on team comp and reaction frequency.

Best Team Types and Build Strategies

  • Elemental Reaction Teams: Vigorously benefits from teams built around Vaporize, Overloaded, Electro-Charged, Burning, or Bloom reactions. Maximize the bow’s Elemental Mastery and passive by consistently targeting enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro.
  • Sub-DPS/Support Roles: Place the bow on characters who frequently switch in and out to trigger specific reactions, rather than relying on normal attack DPS.
  • Starter/Low-Spend Accounts: Perfect for free-to-play players wanting to bolster their reaction damage without needing rare pulls or spending primogems on weapon banners.

For a comprehensive guide on character builds and further weapon analysis, visit Fextralife’s Raven Bow page.

Performance, Refinement, and Limitations

Why Choose Raven Bow?

  • Good accessibility and availability via the Wish system.
  • Decently high Elemental Mastery substat for a 3-star weapon.
  • Easy to refine to R5 quickly for budget-friendly power scaling.
  • Fits multiple characters and diverse early- and mid-game setups.

Potential Downsides

  • Lower overall base attack when compared to 4 and 5-star bows.
  • Passive only triggers against Hydro or Pyro-affected enemies. Less useful in mono-element or non-reaction compositions.
  • Not recommended for builds relying primarily on normal/charged attack scaling or raw attack stats instead of reactions.

Design, Lore, and Thematic Elements

The Raven Bow is aesthetically marked with obsidian feathers and a design that suggests a connection to the underworld, as highlighted in its lore: “Ravens are known to be the ferrymen of the dead. This bow’s limb is decorated with raven feathers, which forebode the imminent death of its target.” This ties neatly into its gameplay purpose – dealing increased damage to enemies already in peril via elemental statuses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Raven Bow in Genshin Impact

What is the Raven Bow in Genshin Impact?

The Raven Bow is a 3-star bow weapon with an Elemental Mastery substat and a passive skill that increases damage against enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro.

How can I get the Raven Bow?

You can obtain the Raven Bow exclusively through the Wish (Gacha) system. As a 3-star weapon, it frequently appears in weapon pulls.

Which characters are best for the Raven Bow?

Raven Bow works best on reaction-focused bow characters such as Amber, Fischl, Venti, and Collei, especially in teams utilizing Hydro and Pyro elements.

What is the passive effect of the Raven Bow?

Its passive skill, Bane of Flame and Water, increases damage against enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro by up to 24% at maximum refinement.

Is the Raven Bow good for DPS or support builds?

The Raven Bow is best used on sub-DPS or support characters who actively trigger elemental reactions rather than main DPS builds relying on base ATK.

How does the Raven Bow compare with 4-star and 5-star bows?

While it lacks the higher base stats of rarer weapons, the Raven Bow can outperform them in early-game or budget teams focused on reactions, but is usually outclassed in late-game builds.

Can I refine Raven Bow easily?

Yes, its common drop rate makes it easy to acquire multiple copies for refinement, quickly increasing the power of its passive skill.

Does Raven Bow work with all elemental reactions?

Its passive bonus is exclusive to enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro, but the Elemental Mastery substat benefits almost all elemental reactions.

Should free-to-play players invest resources in Raven Bow?

Yes, free-to-play players can safely invest in refining and leveling Raven Bow for early-to-mid-game builds, especially if lacking 4-star options.

What are good alternatives to Raven Bow?

Alternatives include the Slingshot for normal/charged attack builds and Recurve Bow for HP-focused support, but for elemental reactions, Raven Bow is a top choice until better options become available.

For in-depth weapon builds and character optimization, consult the latest innovations and community builds at ThEriaGames’ Raven Bow Guide and Game8’s Weapon Article.