In the world of Teyvat, few characters have maintained their relevance in the meta quite like Xiangling. Despite being a free 4-star character that players can obtain by completing Floor 3 of the Spiral Abyss, she continues to be one of Genshin Impact's most powerful off-field DPS characters in 2025. Her ability to deal consistent Pyro damage while not being on the field makes her invaluable for various team compositions. However, to maximize her potential, you need to equip her with the right weapon - and that's where this guide comes in.

Why Weapon Choice Matters for Xiangling

Xiangling's damage potential is heavily dependent on her ability to use her Elemental Burst (Pyronado) as frequently as possible. This means she needs a delicate balance of Energy Recharge, CRIT stats, ATK, and Elemental Mastery. The right 4-star weapon can help address her specific needs while complementing your artifact build and team composition.

As one seasoned player put it, "Xiangling without her burst is like a chef without a stove - all the ingredients but nothing cooking!"

The Catch: Undisputed Best F2P Option

When discussing Genshin Impact's best 4-star weapon for Xiangling, most veterans will immediately point to The Catch. This fishing-reward polearm has established itself as her signature F2P weapon, and for good reason:

• Base ATK: 510

• Secondary Stat: 45.9% Energy Recharge

• Passive: Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 32% and Elemental Burst CRIT Rate by 12% (at R5)

The Catch perfectly addresses Xiangling's energy needs while significantly boosting her Pyronado damage. The extra CRIT Rate on her burst is particularly valuable, allowing you to focus more on CRIT DMG in your artifacts.

To obtain this weapon, you'll need to catch specific fish across Teyvat and exchange them at the fishing association in Fontaine. While the grind might feel tedious, the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Dragon's Bane: The Reaction Master

For players who run Xiangling in vaporize or melt teams (which is most optimal teams), Dragon's Bane stands out as an excellent option:

• Base ATK: 454

• Secondary Stat: 221 Elemental Mastery (at level 90)

• Passive: Increases DMG against enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro by 36% (at R5)

"Dragon's Bane turns Xiangling's vaporize damage from spicy to scorching," as one community member colorfully described it.

This weapon is particularly effective when paired with Hydro enablers like Xingqiu, Yelan, or Neuvillette. Since you'll be constantly vaporizing Xiangling's Pyronado hits, both the Elemental Mastery stat and the passive ability provide tremendous value.

Prototype Starglitter: The Energy Solution

For newer players or those struggling with Xiangling's energy requirements, Prototype Starglitter offers a solid solution:

• Base ATK: 510

• Secondary Stat: 45.9% Energy Recharge

• Passive: After using an Elemental Skill, Normal and Charged Attack DMG is increased by 12% for 12s. Max 2 stacks.

While the passive doesn't directly benefit Xiangling's preferred playstyle (off-field DPS), the Energy Recharge substat is extremely valuable. This craftable weapon can be your stepping stone until you acquire The Catch.

Wavebreaker's Fin: The Team Synergy Weapon

For players lucky enough to have obtained this weapon from the weapon banner:

• Base ATK: 620

• Secondary Stat: 13.8% ATK%

• Passive: Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 0.36% (at R1) of the combined Energy cost of all party members, up to 40%.

In teams with high energy costs (like National Team variations), Wavebreaker's Fin can actually outperform some 5-star weapons. Its damage potential scales with your team composition, making it particularly valuable in teams where multiple characters have 80-cost bursts.

Kitain Cross Spear: The Underrated Option

This Inazuman craftable weapon deserves more attention than it gets:

• Base ATK: 565

• Secondary Stat: 110 Elemental Mastery (at level 90)

• Passive: Increases Elemental Skill DMG by 12% (at R1). After Elemental Skill hits an opponent, the character loses 3 Energy but regenerates 3 Energy every 2s for 6s.

The energy mechanics of this weapon are unique and can help reduce Xiangling's ER requirements when used properly. The Elemental Mastery substat also benefits her reaction damage, making it a versatile option for various team compositions.

Building Around Your Weapon Choice

Your weapon selection should influence how you build the rest of Xiangling's kit:

1. With ER weapons (The Catch, Prototype Starglitter): Focus more on CRIT and ATK% in artifacts

2. With EM weapons (Dragon's Bane, Kitain Cross Spear): Ensure sufficient ER through substats or teammates

3. With ATK% weapons (Wavebreaker's Fin): Balance CRIT and ER needs carefully

Remember that Xiangling nearly always wants the 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set, which synergizes perfectly with Energy Recharge and boosts her burst damage.

Team Considerations

Your weapon choice should also consider team composition:

• With Bennett: His ATK buff reduces the need for ATK% weapons

• With Raiden Shogun: Her energy generation reduces ER requirements

• In reaction teams: EM weapons gain tremendous value

• In mono-Pyro: CRIT and ATK% become more important

Conclusion: The Verdict on Xiangling's Best 4-Star Weapon

If we had to crown a single best 4-star weapon for Xiangling, The Catch would take the title for most situations. Its combination of Energy Recharge and direct burst damage buffs perfectly aligns with her needs as an off-field burst DPS.

However, Dragon's Bane in reaction-focused teams can sometimes outperform even The Catch, especially at high refinements and with sufficient ER from other sources.

As we move further into 2025 and Genshin Impact continues to evolve, Xiangling remains a powerhouse character worth investing in. Whichever 4-star weapon you choose from this list, you'll be well on your way to unleashing her full potential and watching enemies melt away in the flames of her Pyronado.

Remember, the best weapon ultimately depends on your specific team composition, artifact substats, and playstyle preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different options to find what works best for your Xiangling build!