Arlecchino’s rerun is here, and Travelers face a critical question: Should you invest your hard-earned Primogems in her first constellation (C1) or her signature weapon Crimson Moon’s Semblance (R1)? Both upgrades significantly enhance The Knave’s already impressive Pyro DPS capabilities, but they serve different purposes. Let’s break down the numbers to help you make the smartest choice for your account.
Table of Contents
Arlecchino C1 vs R1: Comparison Table
| Aspect | C1 (Constellation 1) | R1 (Crimson Moon’s Semblance) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | 100% enhanced Normal Attack buff | High Base ATK (674) + 22.1% CRIT Rate |
| Secondary Benefit | Interruption resistance | 12-36% DMG Bonus from passive |
| Damage Increase | ~15-20% DPS boost | ~10-15% DPS boost (vs 4-star alternatives) |
| Comfort Factor | High (no shield needed) | Low (stats only) |
| Investment Risk | Low (guaranteed with pity) | High (weapon banner RNG) |
| F2P Friendly | Moderate | Low |
Constellation 1 (C1): The Power Play
What It Does:
- Doubles Masque of the Red Death enhancement (100% increase)
- Grants interruption resistance during Normal/Charged Attacks in enhanced state
- Eliminates shield dependency for comfortable rotations
Why C1 Dominates
Arlecchino’s C1 isn’t just a damage boost—it’s a complete gameplay upgrade. The 100% enhanced Normal Attack buff significantly amplifies her damage output when consuming Bond of Life, making her one of the strongest Pyro DPS units in Genshin Impact.
The interruption resistance is the hidden gem here. Without C1, aggressive enemies can stagger Arlecchino mid-combo, forcing you to run shielders like Zhongli. C1 eliminates this weakness, giving you team composition flexibility.
For more character optimization strategies, check our Genshin Impact constellation guides.
Crimson Moon’s Semblance (R1): The Style Statement
Level 90 Stats:
- Base ATK: 674 (excellent for 5-star polearm)
- CRIT Rate: 22.1% (strong substat)
Passive Effect:
- Generates 25% Max HP Bond of Life on Charged Attack hits (14s cooldown)
- 12% DMG Bonus with any Bond of Life
- 36% total DMG Bonus when Bond of Life ≥30% Max HP
The Weapon Banner Trap
Here’s the harsh reality: Crimson Moon’s Semblance shares the weapon banner with Zhongli’s Vortex Vanquisher—widely considered one of the worst limited 5-star polearms. The risk of losing your fate points to an inferior weapon makes this investment extremely risky.
Alternative Weapons:
- White Tassel (3-star) – surprisingly competitive F2P option
- Deathmatch (Battle Pass) – CRIT Rate statstick
- Staff of Homa – universal upgrade if you have it
The Verdict: C1 Wins for Most Players
| Player Type | Recommendation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Meta Chasers | ✅ Go C1 | Maximum damage increase + comfort |
| Fashion Enjoyers | ⚠️ R1 (risky) | Only if you love the scythe aesthetic |
| F2P/Low Spenders | ✅ Go C1 | Better value, guaranteed with pity |
| Weapon Collectors | ❌ Skip R1 | Vortex Vanquisher ruins value |
Raw Numbers Don’t Lie
C1 provides approximately 15-20% DPS increase over C0, while R1 offers around 10-15% improvement over optimal 4-star alternatives like Deathmatch. The constellation also adds quality-of-life improvements that weapons simply cannot provide.
For complete build optimization, visit our Arlecchino build guide.
Investment Priority Checklist
Before pulling, consider: ✅ Do you already have a good 4-star polearm? (If yes → prioritize C1)
✅ Do you run shielders in your teams? (If no → C1’s interruption resistance is crucial)
✅ Are you comfortable with weapon banner RNG? (If no → avoid R1)
✅ Is this your main DPS? (If yes → C1 provides better long-term value)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlecchino C0 with Crimson Moon’s Semblance R1 better than C1 with a 4-star weapon?
C1 with a strong 4-star weapon (like Deathmatch or White Tassel R5) outperforms C0 with her signature weapon. C1’s 100% enhancement buff and interruption resistance provide both higher damage ceiling and better gameplay comfort. The weapon’s CRIT Rate is valuable, but weapons like Deathmatch offer similar CRIT Rate with lower investment risk and no Vortex Vanquisher threat.
Can I skip both C1 and R1 and still have a strong Arlecchino?
Absolutely! Arlecchino at C0 with 4-star weapons like White Tassel R5, Deathmatch, or even The Catch is already one of Genshin Impact’s top Pyro DPS units. Her base kit is exceptionally strong, making constellations and signature weapons luxury upgrades rather than necessities. Save your Primogems for new characters unless you’re heavily invested in maximizing her specific performance. C0 Arlecchino easily clears all endgame content with proper artifacts and team composition.
