Best Polearm Characters Tier List in Genshin Impact (2026)
Polearm characters make up one of the largest weapon classes in Genshin Impact, and they include some of the most powerful units in the entire game. From Archons to versatile supports, spear wielders consistently dominate the meta. Here’s how they all stack up.
How We Ranked These Characters
We evaluated each polearm character based on damage ceiling, team flexibility, ease of use, and Spiral Abyss viability. Rankings assume C0 with four-star weapon alternatives unless otherwise noted.
S-Tier: The Best of the Best
Zhongli is the gold standard for comfort gameplay. His unbreakable shield, universal Geo RES shred, and crowd control petrification make him a staple in almost any team. He doesn’t deal huge damage himself, but the survivability he provides is unmatched.
Raiden Shogun continues to reign as one of the strongest characters in the game. Her Elemental Burst deals devastating Electro damage while regenerating energy for the entire team, making her the backbone of Hypercarry and National variants alike.
Hu Tao delivers some of the highest single-target DPS in Genshin Impact. Her HP-draining playstyle rewards skilled players with massive Vaporize numbers, and she remains a top-tier pick for boss-focused content.
A-Tier: Excellent Choices
Xiao is the premier Anemo DPS with incredible AoE plunge damage during his burst. He’s self-sufficient but benefits greatly from dedicated supports like Faruzan. His main drawback is a lack of strong reaction-based teams.
Shenhe is the ultimate Cryo support. Her Icy Quill buff dramatically amplifies the damage of Cryo carries like Ganyu and Ayaka, making her irreplaceable in Freeze and Mono Cryo compositions.
Cyno has grown into a powerful Quicken DPS with proper team investment. His extended burst window works well with Dendro supports, and recent updates have given him more competitive team options.
B-Tier: Solid Performers
Xiangling remains one of the best off-field Pyro appliers in the game. Her Pyronado does consistent damage and enables powerful Vaporize and Melt reactions. She’s a four-star who competes with five-stars regularly.
Rosaria provides off-field Cryo application, a crit rate buff for the team, and decent sub-DPS damage. She fits comfortably in Freeze, Melt, and Physical teams as a flexible support.
Thoma offers a Pyro shield and off-field Pyro application. While his shield isn’t as strong as Zhongli’s, he fills a useful niche in Burgeon teams where his Pyro application triggers consistent Dendro reactions.
C-Tier: Niche Picks
Candace provides a Hydro infusion for normal attacks, but her niche kit limits her team options. She can enable unique playstyles but struggles to compete with more versatile Hydro supports.
Mika is a dedicated Physical support who buffs attack speed and provides healing. He’s tailored for Eula teams but sees limited use outside that specific composition.
Final Thoughts
Polearm characters are stacked with top-tier options across every role. Whether you need an invincible shielder, a burst DPS powerhouse, or a reaction enabler, there’s a spear wielder for every situation. Focus your resources on the S and A tiers for the best return on investment.
