Genshin Impact: How good is the new 5-star bow Aqua Simulacra?

The newest 5-star Yelan is not the only shiny addition to Genshin Impact with the release of the long-awaited version 2.7.

A new 5-star bow, the Aqua Simulacra, also joins the roster, getting its own weapon banner run alongside the dual character banners for Yelan and Xiao.

If you're still undecided on whether or not you should tap into your Primogem hoard for the Aqua Simulacra, read on to find out if it's worth wishing for.

First of all, the Aqua Simulacra has some great stats.

At max level, it has a 88.2% Crit DMG substat — tied with the Redhorn Stonethresher claymore for the highest Crit DMG substat among all weapons in the game.

The bow's passive effect also increases the wielder’s HP by 16% and offers a damage increase of 20% when opponents are nearby.

The passive will take effect whether or not the character is on field, making it viable for both main DPS and sub-DPS roles.

One thing to note about the Aqua Simulacra is that it has the lowest base attack of all 5-star bows at just 574 at max level.

For comparison, all other 5-star bows have over 600 base attack at max level, and the free event 4-star Fading Twilight maxes out at 565.

With that said, Aqua Simulacra's low base attack doesn’t matter for Yelan, whose damage fully scales off her max HP.

What really makes Aqua Simulacra the perfect weapon for Yelan is its whopping 88.2% Crit DMG substat and its passive that increases both HP and damage.

With Yelan ascending with Crit Rate, Aqua Simulacra's Crit DMG substat also makes it very easy to reach ideal Crit ratios.

On top of all that, the bow's design also compliments Yelan's aesthetic very well.

In short, Aqua Simulacra is hands-down Yelan's best-in-slot weapon. If you’re lucky enough to get both Yelan and her signature bow, you’re looking at arguably one of the best character-weapon combinations in your roster and is definitely worth the primogems.

But if you don’t have Yelan but somehow end up with Aqua Simulacra (looking at you, Xiao mains who tried to get Primordial Jade Winged Spear), it is not much of a loss at all.

Because of the insane amount of Crit DMG it gives, the Aqua Simulacra can also be a good option when you don’t have any other 5-star bows for other DPS bow characters.

Among 5-star characters, Childe and Yoimiya can benefit from Aqua Simulacra’s passive, considering their playstyles will have them in close proximity with their opponents.

Ganyu, however, only benefits from the Crit DMG substat and doesn’t get anything from the passive. You're better off trying for the Amos' Bow if you have the Cocogoat.

However, outside of the 5-stars and aside from Fischl, there aren't really any other 4-star bow characters that can make good use of the Aqua Simulacra. The Prinzessin der Verurteilung will benefit greatly from the weapon's great stats and passive in both main DPS and sub-DPS roles.

Now, if you don’t have enough to also wish for Yelan’s bow, or somehow end up losing pity and getting the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, another cheaper option you can get is the Favonius Warbow, whose high Energy Recharge substat is necessary for Yelan to use her burst off cooldown.

However, if you’re strictly free-to-play, Fading Twilight is also a good choice.

It has essentially the same passive as Aqua Simulacra's, and the energy recharge substat is something that can greatly benefit Yelan.

But if you somehow end up with Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, do not fret!

Seeing as it’s a generalist spear with a passive that’s not restrictive, any polearm DPS character can make good use of this weapon.

Yan Ku is a full-time dog parent, part-time (gacha) gamer, and part-time writer.

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