In the ever-expanding, breathtaking world of Genshin Impact, the year 2026 has solidified an undeniable truth that echoes through the seven nations: the pursuit of five-star weapons is a fool's errand for the vast majority of adventurers. While the shimmering gold of a legendary weapon still captivates dreams, the true, unyielding power lies within the humble, yet devastatingly effective, arsenal of four-star armaments. These are not mere stepping stones; they are the bedrock upon which empires of damage and support are built, accessible to all and capable of rivaling, and in some legendary cases, surpassing, their five-star counterparts with shocking ease. Forget the astronomical Primogem costs and the soul-crushing gacha odds—the era of the four-star supremacy is here, and it is glorious.
The Unstoppable Polearm Pantheon 🏹
Polearm wielders are the epitome of elegant destruction, striking with blistering speed and unmatched reach. For them, two four-star weapons reign supreme, shaping the meta for years.
DPS - The Catch: The Free-to-Play God-Killer
This is not just a weapon; it is a testament to the power of perseverance. Earned through the serene, yet rewarding, activity of fishing with the Inazuma Fishing Association, 
The Catch ascends to a level of power that mocks the very concept of rarity. At its maximum refinement—achievable by any dedicated traveler—its passive bestows a jaw-dropping 32% Burst DMG Bonus and a critical 12% Burst CRIT Rate increase. Paired with its substantial Energy Recharge secondary stat, this weapon single-handedly solves stat requirements, making characters like Raiden Shogun and Xiangling unleash cataclysmic bursts with robotic consistency. It is, without hyperbole, one of the most powerful objects in Teyvat, and it costs nothing but time.
Support - Favonius Lance: The Eternal Energy Engine
Where The Catch empowers the individual, the Favonius Lance empowers the legion. This legendary weapon from the Knights of Favonius doesn't just feed its wielder; it feeds the entire team. Its passive is deceptively simple yet game-breaking: CRIT Hits have a chance to generate clear Energy Particles for the entire party. In a game where Burst uptime is the difference between victory and defeat, this mechanic is priceless. On supports like Shenhe, Yun Jin, or even a sub-DPS Rosaria, the Favonius Lance ensures that every character's ultimate is ready exactly when needed, creating a seamless, unstoppable cycle of elemental devastation.
The Earth-Shattering Claymore Colossi ⚔️
Claymores trade speed for raw, unadulterated power, and their best four-star representatives embody this philosophy perfectly.
DPS - Serpent Spine: The Crit Monster
The crown jewel of the Battle Pass, 
Serpent Spine has a reputation that precedes it—a reputation for being a five-star weapon in disguise. Its secondary stat is the coveted CRIT Rate, instantly simplifying artifact farming nightmares. Its passive is where the magic happens: for every second the wielder remains on the field and avoids damage, they gain a stack that increases DMG dealt by a ridiculous 6% each, capping at a 30% total DMG Bonus. With a competent shielder like Zhongli or a skilled player who can dodge, this weapon doesn't just compete with five-star options; it obliterates them, making it the undisputed king for main DPS characters like Diluc, Eula, and Itto.
Support - Favonius Greatsword: The Energy Titan
The claymore variant of the Favonius series carries the same legendary team-battery potential but with a twist. 
Favonius Greatsword boasts the highest Energy Recharge secondary stat of any Favonius weapon, a monumental 61.3% at level 90. This makes it the perfect lifeblood for energy-starved powerhouses like Beidou, who can then channel their massive Burst cost into constant, thunderous retaliation. It transforms characters like Sayu and Chongyun into not just supports, but relentless engines of elemental particle generation.
The Versatile Sword Sovereignty ⚔️
Swords offer the perfect balance, and their four-star champions provide a masterclass in utility and damage.
DPS - Amenoma Kageuchi: The Self-Sustaining Blade
Forged in the fires of Inazuman craftsmanship, 
Amenoma Kageuchi is a revolutionary weapon that solves energy problems while dishing out serious damage. Its passive generates Succession Seeds after using an Elemental Skill, which are then consumed by the Burst to refund a flat amount of Energy. This mechanic, combined with its hefty ATK% secondary stat, makes it the premier free-to-play choice for characters like Kamisato Ayaka and Ayato, allowing them to forsake heavy Energy Recharge investment for more offensive stats and still unleash their dazzling Bursts on cooldown. It is elegance and efficiency forged into steel.
Support - Favonius Sword: The Support's Holy Grail
In a weapon class overflowing with incredible support characters, the 
Favonius Sword is nothing short of essential. Its value is immeasurable. From the Anemo archon-support Kazuha, to the hydro powerhouse Xingqiu, to the versatile healers like Jean and the ever-reliable Traveler, this sword is the key that unlocks their full potential by ensuring their game-changing Bursts are always available. The high Energy Recharge stat and particle-generating passive make it the most sought-after support sword for a reason.
The Arcane Catalyst Commanders 📖
Catalysts channel pure elemental fury, and their four-star options offer both explosive power and miraculous utility.
DPS - The Widsith: The Crit Damage Powerhouse
Do not let its four-star rating fool you. 
The Widsith is a statistical anomaly, boasting a secondary stat of CRIT DMG—a luxury typically reserved for the rarest of weapons. When its wielder takes the field, a random movement from its "recital" begins, granting a truly massive buff to ATK%, Elemental DMG, or Elemental Mastery. In the hands of a reaction-based DPS like Yanfei, Klee, or even the mighty Neuvillette, these buffs can produce damage numbers that rival and often exceed those of standard five-star catalysts. It is the definition of a glass cannon's dream.
Support - Prototype Amber: The Universal Healer
Prototype Amber performs alchemy of the highest order: it transforms any catalyst user into a healer. Its passive triggers upon using an Elemental Burst, regenerating HP for the entire party over 6 seconds and even refunding Energy to the wielder. This revolutionary effect allows non-healer supports like Ningguang, Mona, or even a Burst-support Lisa to provide crucial sustain, opening up team compositions and adding invaluable survival utility. It is the ultimate flex slot enabler, forged right at the blacksmith.
The Pinpoint Bow Barrage 🎯
Masters of ranged precision, bow users have four-star options that cater to both relentless offense and impeccable support.
DPS - Song of Stillness: The Universal Damage Dealer
A more recent addition from Fontaine's forging blueprints, 
Song of Stillness has risen to prominence for its sheer versatility. Its condition is simple: after being healed, the wielder gains a whopping 32% DMG Bonus to all their damage. This universal buff, combined with its solid ATK% secondary stat, makes it an exceptional choice for virtually any bow DPS, from Ganyu to Yoimiya to Lyney. It requires minimal team setup and delivers maximum results.
Support - Favonius Warbow: The Accessible Energy Queen
The final piece of the Favonius puzzle is also one of the most accessible. 
Favonius Warbow can be obtained for free as a quest reward, making it an instant powerhouse for any account. Its value is immense on characters whose utility is locked behind their Burst. It is the perfect tool for Diona to spam her life-saving shield, for Collei or Yaoyao to maintain Dendro application, for Faruzan to empower her Anemo DPS, and for Yelan to ensure her devastating dice are always rolling. It is the gift that keeps on giving, fueling the team's engine forever.
Conclusion: The Four-Star Dynasty
The evidence is overwhelming and the conclusion is inescapable. In 2026, the smartest, most powerful travelers in Teyvat are not necessarily the ones with the most five-star weapons; they are the ones who have mastered the incredible potential of the four-star arsenal. From the free, god-like The Catch to the battle-pass beast Serpent Spine, and the universally essential Favonius series, these weapons form the unbreakable backbone of any successful team. They are accessible, they are refinable, and they are, without a shadow of a doubt, capable of conquering all content the game has to offer. So save your Primogems for new characters, and let these legendary four-star weapons unleash their true, world-shaking power. 🚀