The arrival of Genshin Impact Version 5.1 in 2025 marks a significant shift in character optimization strategies, introducing game-altering weapons that reshape established combat approaches. Xilonen’s debut as a Geo support character capable of inflicting RES shred complements the update’s four new weapons, with the 4-star claymore Fruitful Hook emerging as an unexpected meta disruptor. Its specialized mechanics provide unprecedented advantages for plunging attack-focused characters like Gaming, while opening fresh possibilities for unconventional team compositions involving Chongyun or Eula. Beyond new Archon Quests and events, this claymore’s unique dual buff system—simultaneously boosting CRIT rate and damage multipliers—forces players to reevaluate artifact stat priorities and rotation sequences, signaling one of HoYoverse’s most impactful gear innovations since Sumeru’s release.

🌟 Weapon Mechanics: Fruitful Hook’s Dual Buff System

Fruitful Hook delivers substantial statistical advantages with its 564 base ATK and 27.5% ATK sub-stat at maximum level. However, its true power lies in the groundbreaking passive skill:

• 16% Plunging Attack CRIT Rate boost (always active)

• 16% increased Normal/Charged/Plunging Attack DMG for 10s after plunging strike hits

This dual-phase enhancement creates self-sustaining damage loops where initial plunges trigger subsequent amplified attacks. Unlike conditional weapons requiring external triggers, Fruitful Hook’s design intrinsically synchronizes with plunging-focused rotations. Gaming immediately benefits since his Elemental Skill mechanics guarantee constant uptime, but the claymore’s versatility extends further. When paired with Xianyun’s plunging support capabilities, traditionally ground-based claymore users become aerial combat specialists overnight.

⚔️ Gaming’s New Meta: Outclassing 4-Star Alternatives

For Gaming mains, Fruitful Hook represents both an upgrade and stat recalibration opportunity. Compared to his previous best 4-star option, Serpent Spine:

Weapon	CRIT Rate	DMG Bonus	Rotation Synergy
Serpent Spine	27.6% CRIT Rate (stacks)	None	Requires shield/dodging
Fruitful Hook	16% (plunge only)	16% universal	Auto-triggers on plunge

The seamless integration with Gaming’s Wushou Dance playstyle eliminates conditional management while providing comparable CRIT value. Crucially, the innate 16% plunge CRIT allows artifact optimization shifts—players can reduce CRIT Rate substats by ≈20% to reallocate resources toward CRIT DMG or ATK%. This fundamentally alters his BiS artifact combinations, making Marechaussee Hunter potentially superior to Crimson Witch sets despite pyro specialization. While Beacon of the Reed Sea remains his 5-star peak, Fruitful Hook closes the gap significantly for free-to-play rosters.

🔄 Ripple Effects: Unexpected Character Revivals

Beyond Gaming, Fruitful Hook unlocks niche possibilities for previously plunge-incompatible units:

• Eula: When teamed with Xianyun, her physical burst combos gain aerial chain potential

• Chongyun: Cryo infusion + plunge multipliers create shatter/freeze hybrid builds

• Diluc: Reignites viability through dragonstrike plunges without stamina constraints

The weapon’s secondary 16% universal damage buff applies even after landing, enabling seamless transition into normal/charged attack strings. This transforms characters into hybrid damage dealers rather than plunge one-tricks. As Xilonen’s RES shred enters the equation, teams gain ≈40% effective damage amplification through layered debuffs and buffs—a meta-defining synergy for physical and elemental compositions alike.

❓ People Also Ask

Why prioritize Fruitful Hook over 5-star options?

Accessibility defines its value—being a 4-star weapon guarantees higher refinement levels (R5) versus typically R1 5-stars. At maximum refinement, its passive jumps to 32% CRIT Rate and 32% DMG bonus, surpassing unrefined premium alternatives.

Does plunge damage trigger both buffs simultaneously?

Yes! The initial plunge activates the CRIT Rate boost during impact while immediately triggering the 10-second universal damage buff for follow-up attacks.

How does Xilonen enhance Fruitful Hook users?

Her Geo application reduces enemy RES by 30-40%, creating multiplicative damage scaling when stacked with the claymore’s 16% DMG bonus and CRIT amplification.

💭 Future Implications

With plunge mechanics now democratized across weapon classes through Fruitful Hook and Xianyun’s support capabilities, could HoYoverse be steering combat toward verticality as the new meta frontier? The update challenges players to reconsider character roles—will traditionally overlooked units like Razor or Sayu discover plunge-centric renaissances when wielding this claymore? As elemental mastery sands shift beneath Teyvat’s landscapes, one certainty remains: the ground is no longer the limit for creative team building. What unexpected character synergies might emerge when plunge attacks become universal rather than exceptional?