The Sword of Descension is a unique 4-star sword in Genshin Impact that blends impressive aesthetics with PlayStation-linked exclusivity. While not necessarily the strongest weapon in terms of raw stats or competitive meta relevance, its platform-specific bonuses and special affinity with the Traveler make it one of the more interesting collector’s blades in the game. For players who enjoy exploring character lore or seeking out every piece of unique gear, this sword is a compelling option—especially for those playing on Sony consoles.

Exploring the Sword of Descension: A Platform-Exclusive Blade with a Purpose

Introduced in the earliest days of Genshin Impact, the Sword of Descension is a 4-star sword designed primarily for PlayStation users. What sets this weapon apart is not just its stat distribution, but its unique passive bonus that offers a noticeable performance boost for the Traveler and is only fully effective on the PlayStation Network.

Sword of Descension Basics and Weapon Type

  • Rarity: 4-Star
  • Weapon Type: Sword
  • Base Attack at Level 1: 39
  • Max Base Attack at Level 90: 440
  • Secondary Stat: ATK%
  • ATK% at Level 90: 35.2%

As a one-handed sword, it fits into the arsenals of a wide variety of sword-wielding Genshin Impact characters. However, due to its unique passive and playstyle synergy, it is most optimal with the Traveler.

How to Get the Sword of Descension

The Sword of Descension cannot be pulled through standard banners or crafted like many other weapons. It is unlocked through a specific process tied to Sony’s PlayStation Network.

Requirements:

  • You must log into Genshin Impact through a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 device at least once.
  • You must link your HoYoverse account to your PlayStation Network account.

Once this is done, players are rewarded with the Sword of Descension and a matching glider called the Wings of Descension.

Unique Passive Ability: Descension

The Sword of Descension’s signature ability is named “Descension” and includes two distinct effects:

  • Normal and Charged Attacks have a 50% chance to deal an additional 200% ATK as AoE DMG. This can occur once every 10 seconds.
  • Traveler Boost: When the Traveler equips this weapon, they receive an extra flat 66 ATK stat bonus. This additional stat significantly boosts early-game performance when paired with the base stats of the Traveler.

Important Note: This passive is only fully effective when playing through the PlayStation Network. On other platforms, the passive may be inactive or partially restricted, though the flat stat bonuses remain visible.

Best Characters for Sword of Descension

Best Choice: Traveler (Anemo, Geo, Electro, or Dendro)

This weapon was practically made for the Traveler. In fact, the weapon’s full value—including the bonus ATK and increased passive trigger—is only realized when equipped by this protagonist. The Traveler’s frequent use of Normal Attacks and their flexible elemental options give this blade more versatile utility than with most other characters.

Secondary Options

While the Sword of Descension can technically be equipped by any sword-user, it is significantly less viable due to the loss of the Traveler-exclusive stat bonus. Lower base damage and the conditional passive further limit its effectiveness for characters like:

  • Kaeya
  • Bennett (Only as a placeholder before support-focused weapons are obtained)
  • Sayu or Kuki Shinobu (If no better swords are available)

However, in nearly all of these cases, other 4-star or event weapons will outperform the Sword of Descension in terms of synergy and stats.

Refinement and Ascension Details

Refinement:

The Sword of Descension cannot be refined beyond its initial level. The game does not provide duplicates of this weapon, and it cannot be synthesized.

Ascension Materials:

  • Boreal Wolf’s Milk Tooth
  • Dead Ley Line Branch
  • Treasure Hoarder Insignia
  • Mora

These materials are easy to obtain in early-game areas, aligning with this weapon’s positioning as a starting tool for PlayStation players.

Sword of Descension: Use Cases and Limitations

This sword is a niche, themed weapon that plays best into narrative immersion and platform loyalty rather than raw power. It is valuable primarily for:

  • PlayStation-only players looking to optimize their Traveler build
  • Collectors who want every exclusive item
  • Early-game combat where the passive effect can supplement weaker attack multipliers

Drawbacks:

  • Platform-restricted effects weaken utility outside PlayStation
  • No refinement levels severely limits late-game damage scaling
  • Only flat ATK bonuses, not ideal scaling for endgame DPS needs

Frequently Asked Questions about Sword of Descension in Genshin Impact

What is the Sword of Descension in Genshin Impact?

It is a 4-star sword exclusive to PlayStation Network players and features a platform-restricted passive ability that enhances AoE damage and provides a flat ATK boost to the Traveler.

How do I get the Sword of Descension?

You must log into Genshin Impact on a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console and link your HoYoverse account to your PSN account.

Can I refine the Sword of Descension?

No, you cannot refine this weapon. There is no method to obtain duplicates of it, making refinement impossible.

Who is the best character to use this sword with?

The Traveler (any element) is the best fit, thanks to the 66 flat ATK bonus and full passive activation.

Does the Sword of Descension work on PC or Mobile?

The weapon can be equipped, but its passive ability may not activate outside of a PlayStation platform. The flat bonuses still apply.

Is the Sword of Descension better than other 4-star swords?

For most characters, no. Its passive is unreliable, and the stats are outclassed by refinable weapons like the Iron Sting or the Amenoma Kageuchi.

Can I get the Sword of Descension if I originally started on PC?

Yes, by linking your HoYoverse account with a PlayStation Network account and logging in from a PlayStation console.

Is the Sword of Descension good in endgame Spiral Abyss content?

Not particularly. Due to its lower base stats, lack of refinement, and inconsistent passive, it is not considered endgame-viable except for novelty Traveler builds.

Does the sword have lore significance?

Yes, the description hints that it comes from another world, possibly referencing Sony-exclusive worlds or cross-dimensional travel, adding to its lore-rich status.

Is the sword tradeable or shareable between accounts?

No, it is a single-account reward and cannot be traded or gifted. Once redeemed, it is bound to your account and platform history.

Where to Learn More

For in-depth build guides, comparisons, and stat breakdowns, consider exploring the following sites:

Final Verdict: Is Sword of Descension Worth Using?

The Sword of Descension serves a specific purpose in Genshin Impact’s vast arsenal. While it won’t replace top-tier swords in challenging content, its value lies in its exclusivity, unique synergy with the Traveler, and early-game strength for PlayStation players. For collectors and travelers loyal to their PlayStation consoles, it’s a weapon worth wielding—even if only for a portion of your adventure.