Genshin Impact Raiden Shogun Build Guide (2026): Best F2P & Whale Setups (Engulfing vs. The Catch)
If you want the best results for Raiden in 2026, you should pick Engulfing Lightning for top-tier damage or The Catch for a strong free-to-play setup. Weapon choice changes Raiden’s power a lot. For example, The Catch helps free-to-play players shine, while other polearms like Wavebreaker's Fin or Staff of Homa also stand out for different reasons. This Raiden Shogun Build Guide helps you match your build to your own resources and playstyle. Try what feels right for you and watch your Raiden dominate the field! (And maybe pick up her figure from Bahomu to celebrate!)
Raiden Shogun Build Guide: Overview
Role & Strengths
Raiden Shogun can do many things for your team. She is useful in lots of different roles. This makes her a favorite for many players. Here at Bahomu, we agree. Here is a table that shows what she can do:
|
Role |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Main DPS |
Main damage dealer for your team. |
|
Buffer |
Makes your team’s attacks stronger. |
|
Battery |
Gives energy to other characters. |
|
Electro Enabler |
Helps trigger Electro reactions. |
|
Sub-DPS |
Deals extra damage in some teams. |
She is a great value for your team. Raiden Shogun is special among Electro characters for a few reasons:
-
She gives your team lots of energy. This means you can use bursts more often.
-
Her Elemental Burst does a lot of damage. She can be a strong Hypercarry.
-
If you unlock more constellations, she can ignore lots of enemy defense. This lets her do even more damage.
-
She can trigger many Elemental Reactions. This is good for teams that want big damage.
Playstyle Basics
You want Raiden Shogun to be her best, right? The Raiden Shogun Build Guide starts with easy tips. Here are some ways to play her well:
-
Use Elemental Mastery to make Swirl reactions stronger.
-
Try putting Sucrose or Xiangling on your team. They help you make more reactions.
-
Put Pyro on enemies before using Raiden’s Electro attacks. This lets you trigger Overload for more damage.
-
Let Sucrose pull enemies together and spread Pyro. Then use Raiden’s skills to keep reactions going.
If you use these tips, Raiden Shogun will do well in almost any team. The Raiden Shogun Build Guide will help you make her even better.
Whale Build: Engulfing Lightning
Weapon Choice
If you want Raiden Shogun to do the most damage, pick Engulfing Lightning. This polearm makes her Energy Recharge higher and gives her more attack. Her Elemental Burst will hit much harder with this weapon. Engulfing Lightning also helps her use her burst more often. If you have this weapon, it is the best choice for a whale build.
Best Artifacts
To make Raiden Shogun strong, you need good artifacts. Most top players use the 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate set. This set gives her more Energy Recharge and makes her burst stronger. Some players use 4-piece Gilded Dreams or Flower of Paradise Lost for special teams. Here is a table with the best sets:
|
Artifact Set |
Main Stat Options |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Emblem of Severed Fate (4pc) |
Energy Recharge, ATK% |
Burst DPS, battery |
|
Gilded Dreams (4pc) |
Elemental Mastery |
Hyperbloom teams |
|
Flower of Paradise Lost (4pc) |
Electro DMG, Crit Rate |
Reaction damage |
Tip: Use Emblem of Severed Fate for most teams. It gives Raiden Shogun the best burst damage.
Stat Priorities
Pick stats that make Raiden Shogun’s burst better. Put Energy Recharge on the timepiece. Try to get about 200% Energy Recharge. Use Electro DMG for the goblet and Crit DMG or Crit Rate for the circlet. If you play in Hyperbloom teams, Elemental Mastery is helpful. Here is a list to help you:
-
Energy Recharge (Timepiece)
-
Electro DMG (Goblet)
-
Crit Rate or Crit DMG (Circlet)
-
Elemental Mastery for reaction teams
|
Main Stat |
Sub Stat |
Artifact Set |
|---|---|---|
|
Energy Recharge |
Elemental Mastery |
4pc Emblem of Severed Fate |
|
Elemental Mastery |
Elemental Mastery |
4pc Gilded Dreams |
|
Electro DMG/ATK% |
Crit Rate/DMG |
4pc Flower of Paradise Lost |
Talent Order
To get the most damage, level up her talents in this order:
|
Priority Level |
Talent Type |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Elemental Burst |
|
2 |
Elemental Skill |
|
3 |
Normal Attack |
Start with Elemental Burst first. Next, level up her Elemental Skill. Level up her Normal Attack last. This order helps you use your resources well. The Bahomu team approves!
If you follow these tips, Raiden Shogun will do more damage fast. Try these builds and see her help your team win!
F2P Build: The Catch
Weapon Choice
You want a strong Raiden Shogun without spending money? The Catch is your best friend. You can get this polearm for free by fishing. It boosts your Elemental Burst damage and gives you more Energy Recharge. This means Raiden’s big attack hits harder and comes back faster. Take a look at how The Catch compares to other free-to-play polearms:
|
Weapon |
Elemental Burst DMG Increase |
Energy Recharge |
Crit Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Catch |
16% |
45.9% |
6% |
|
Wavebreaker's Fin |
Up to 40% |
N/A |
N/A |
The Catch gives you a nice balance. You get more burst damage and lots of Energy Recharge. Wavebreaker's Fin can give more burst damage in some teams, but it does not help with Energy Recharge. For most players, The Catch feels easier to use and fits well in the Raiden Shogun Build Guide.
Best Artifacts
You want Raiden to shine? Use the 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate set. This set boosts Energy Recharge and makes her Elemental Burst even stronger. If you do not have a full set, try mixing two pieces of Emblem of Severed Fate with two pieces of Noblesse Oblige. This combo still gives you a good boost to burst damage.
Tip: Focus on getting good main stats first. You can farm for perfect substats later.
Stat Priorities
You want Raiden’s burst to hit hard and come back fast. Focus on these stats:
|
Stat Priority |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Energy Recharge (ER) |
Essential for maximizing Raiden's Elemental Burst damage. |
|
CRIT Rate: CRIT DMG |
Focus on a 1:2 ratio after achieving ER benchmarks. |
|
ATK% |
Valuable but less critical with Bennett's buff active. |
|
Elemental Mastery (EM) |
Moderate value for enhancing reaction-based damage. |
Start with Energy Recharge. Try to reach at least 200%. After that, build up Crit Rate and Crit DMG. Aim for a 1:2 ratio. ATK% is nice, but not as important if you use Bennett. Elemental Mastery helps if you play in reaction teams.
Talent Order
You want to level up Raiden’s talents in the right order. Start with her Elemental Burst. This is her main source of damage. Next, level up her Elemental Skill. Upgrade her Normal Attack last.
-
Elemental Burst
-
Elemental Skill
-
Normal Attack
This order helps you get the most out of your resources. You will see Raiden’s power grow fast!
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Weapon Comparison: Engulfing Lightning vs. The Catch
Performance Table
Let’s look at how Engulfing Lightning and The Catch stack up when you use them in a typical Raiden Shogun team. You want to see the numbers, right? Here’s a table that shows what you get with each weapon:
|
Weapon |
Energy Recharge |
Burst Damage Boost |
Crit Rate |
ATK Bonus |
Ease of Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engulfing Lightning |
Very High |
High |
None |
Up to 80% (from ER) |
Limited (5-star) |
|
The Catch |
High |
Moderate |
6% |
None |
Free (Fishing) |
-
Engulfing Lightning gives you a huge boost to Energy Recharge. You get more attack based on how much Energy Recharge you have. After you use Raiden’s Elemental Burst, you get even more Energy Recharge for 12 seconds. This means you can use her burst more often and hit harder.
-
The Catch gives you a nice boost to Energy Recharge and Crit Rate. It also increases your burst damage. You can get it for free, so you don’t need to spend money or primogems.
Pros & Cons
You want to know the good and bad sides of each weapon? Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide.
Engulfing Lightning
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Enhances Energy Recharge significantly |
Reliance on Energy Recharge may not suit all players |
|
Converts excess Energy Recharge into Attack |
Team composition may affect effectiveness |
|
Ideal for Burst uptime of characters like Raiden Shogun |
|
|
High Base Attack helps increase damage |
|
-
You get more attack and burst uptime. Your Raiden Shogun feels super strong.
-
You need to build lots of Energy Recharge for best results. Some teams might not work as well with this weapon.
The Catch
-
Free to get. You just need to fish.
-
Boosts burst damage and Crit Rate. You get more reliable crits.
-
Easy to use in most teams. You don’t need special stats or setups.
-
Lower base attack than 5-star weapons. You won’t hit as hard as whales.
Which to Choose?
So, which weapon should you pick for Raiden Shogun? Here’s how you can decide:
-
If you want the absolute best damage and you have Engulfing Lightning, go for it. This weapon makes Raiden Shogun shine in high-investment teams. You get more attack, more burst uptime, and bigger numbers. You need to build Energy Recharge and plan your team around her.
-
If you play free-to-play or you don’t want to spend, The Catch is perfect. You can get it without spending money. It works in almost every team. You still get strong burst damage and good Energy Recharge. You don’t need to worry about special artifact stats.
Tip: The Raiden Shogun Build Guide recommends you pick the weapon that fits your resources and playstyle. If you want easy access and solid performance, grab The Catch. If you want top-tier damage and you have the resources, Engulfing Lightning is the way to go.
You can always try both weapons and see which one feels better for your team. Your Raiden Shogun will do great with either choice!
Best Teams
Whale Build Teams
You want Raiden Shogun to lead your strongest team? Try these whale setups. You get big numbers and smooth rotations. Here are some top picks:
|
Team Members |
Role |
Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
|
Raiden Shogun |
Main DPS |
Burst damage and energy battery |
|
Bennett |
Healer/Buffer |
Boosts attack and heals |
|
Kazuha |
Support/Swirl |
Groups enemies and buffs Electro |
|
Yelan or Xingqiu |
Sub-DPS/Support |
Adds Hydro for Electro-Charged |
You can swap Yelan for Kokomi if you want more healing. Kazuha helps you group enemies and boost Raiden’s damage. Bennett gives you attack and keeps your team alive.
F2P Build Teams
You don’t need five-star characters to make Raiden shine. Here are some free-to-play teams that work great:
-
Raiden Shogun (Main DPS)
-
Xiangling (Sub-DPS, Pyro for reactions)
-
Xingqiu (Hydro support, easy to get)
-
Bennett (Healer and buffer)
Tip: If you don’t have Bennett, try Barbara for healing. You can use Sucrose instead of Kazuha for grouping and boosting Elemental Mastery.
These teams use characters you can get from events or the standard banner. You still get strong reactions and good healing.
Rotation Tips
You want your team to run smoothly? Follow these rotation tips:
-
Start with Bennett’s burst for attack boost.
-
Use Xiangling’s skill and burst to set up Pyro.
-
Switch to Xingqiu or Yelan for Hydro application.
-
Use Kazuha or Sucrose to group enemies and swirl elements.
-
Finish with Raiden Shogun’s Elemental Burst for huge damage.
Note: Always use Raiden’s burst last. This way, she gets all the buffs and triggers big reactions.
You can mix and match these teams. The Raiden Shogun Build Guide helps you find what works best for your playstyle. Try different setups and see which one feels right!
Ascension & Talent Materials
Ascension List
You want to take Raiden Shogun all the way to level 90? You’ll need to gather a bunch of materials. Here’s a quick look at everything you need:
|
Material |
Total Required |
|---|---|
|
Vajrada Amethyst Sliver |
1 |
|
Vajrada Amethyst Fragment |
9 |
|
Vajrada Amethyst Chunk |
9 |
|
Vajrada Amethyst Gemstone |
6 |
|
Old Handguard |
18 |
|
Kageuchi Handguard |
30 |
|
Famed Handguard |
36 |
|
Storm Beads |
46 |
|
Amakumo Fruit |
168 |
|
Mora |
420,000 |
You’ll find Vajrada Amethyst from Electro bosses. Handguards drop from Nobushi enemies. Storm Beads come from the Thunder Manifestation boss. Amakumo Fruit grows on Seirai Island, so get ready to explore!

Tip: Try to farm these materials a little each day. You won’t feel overwhelmed, and you’ll see steady progress.
Talent List
If you want Raiden’s skills to hit hard, you’ll need to level up her talents. Each talent needs its own set of materials. Here’s what you need to max out one talent to level 10:
|
Material |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Crown of Insight |
3 |
|
Teachings of Light |
9 |
|
Guide to Light |
63 |
|
Philosophies of Light |
114 |
|
Old Handguard |
18 |
|
Kageuchi Handguard |
66 |
|
Famed Handguard |
93 |
|
Molten Moment |
18 |
|
Mora |
4,957,500 |
You’ll need to collect books from the Violet Court domain. Molten Moment comes from the weekly La Signora boss. Crowns of Insight are rare, so save them for your favorite talents.

Note: You need these materials for each talent. If you want to max all three, triple the numbers!
Constellations Impact
C0 vs. C2+
You might wonder if Raiden Shogun needs constellations to shine. At C0, she already works well as a main DPS and battery. You can clear most content with her base kit. Many players use her at C0 and feel happy with her performance.
But things change when you unlock her second constellation, C2. This is where Raiden takes a huge leap in power. At C2, her attacks during her Elemental Burst ignore 60% of enemy defense. That means her damage jumps up a lot. You will see bigger numbers and faster clears. If you want to push Raiden to her limits, C2 is the sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what each early constellation does:
|
Constellation |
Effect |
|---|---|
|
C1: Ominous Inscription |
Increases Resolve generation, making her Elemental Burst ready more often. |
|
C2: Steelbreaker |
Attacks ignore 60% of enemy DEF during burst. Massive damage boost. |
|
C3: Shinkage Bygones |
Raises Elemental Burst level, making her main attack even stronger. |
Tip: If you only want one constellation, C2 gives you the most value for damage.
Value of Constellations
You might ask, “Are Raiden’s constellations worth it?” Let’s break it down:
-
C1 helps you charge her burst faster. You get to use her big attack more often.
-
C2 gives you a huge damage spike. Raiden becomes one of the hardest hitters in the game.
-
C3 boosts her burst level, so every hit packs more punch.
-
C4 gives your team extra attack after her burst.
-
C5 and C6 add more utility and team support.
If you play Raiden as your main DPS and love seeing big numbers, C2 is a game-changer. For most players, C0 is enough. You can still clear all content and enjoy her playstyle. If you want to invest more, C2 and C3 offer the biggest upgrades. The rest help your team but are not as important for damage.
Note: You don’t need constellations to enjoy Raiden. They just make her even more fun and powerful if you want to go further.
Maximizing Raiden’s Performance
Energy Management
You want Raiden Shogun to keep your team’s bursts flowing, right? Good energy management makes all the difference. The right artifact set helps Raiden recharge energy fast and boost her damage. Here’s a quick look at your best options:
|
Artifact Set |
Benefits |
|---|---|
|
Earring of Celestial Chorus (2-piece) + Emblem of Severed Fate (2-piece) |
Balances energy recharge, attack, and Electro damage. Great for main or sub-DPS. |
|
Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece) |
Big boost to energy recharge and burst damage. Most popular choice. |
|
Thundering Fury (4-piece) |
Increases Electro damage and helps with reaction teams. |
Pair Raiden with weapons like Engulfing Lightning or The Catch. These polearms give her more energy recharge and make her Elemental Burst hit harder. You can also try Blackcliff Pole for extra attack power if you want to experiment.
Tip: Teams like Raiden + Kazuha + Bennett + Fischl or Raiden + Zhongli + Xingqiu + Albedo help you keep energy flowing and reactions going.
Burst Timing
You want to see those big numbers, right? Burst timing is key. Raiden’s Elemental Burst has an 18-second cooldown. Her Elemental Skill lasts for 25 seconds. To get the most damage, use your team’s buffs and skills first. For example, start with Bennett’s ATK boost, then Xiangling’s Pyronado, and finally Raiden’s Burst. This order lets you stack buffs and trigger strong reactions. Try to keep your team’s rotation within 20-25 seconds. This way, you always have Raiden’s Burst ready and your team’s damage stays high.
Note: Always use Raiden’s Elemental Skill before her Burst. This boosts her damage and helps your team recharge faster.
Mistakes to Avoid
Want to avoid common slip-ups? Here are mistakes many players make and how you can dodge them:
-
Forgetting to pair Raiden with energy-hungry teammates.
-
Ignoring her Critical Rate—don’t let it fall too low.
-
Overlooking the power of her constellations.
-
Not using her Burst to restore team energy.
-
Focusing on her Normal Attack instead of Burst damage.
-
Using teammates whose skills only trigger on Normal Attacks.
-
Missing out on her synergy with Kujou Sara.
-
Stacking too much Energy Recharge—watch for diminishing returns.
-
Skipping her Elemental Skill before Burst.
-
Not managing her Resolve Stacks for max damage.
Tip: Keep these points in mind, and you’ll see Raiden Shogun reach her full potential!
You’ve seen the best choices for Raiden Shogun, whether you play free or spend big. Engulfing Lightning gives you top damage, while The Catch offers strong burst and easy access. Try different teams and builds from this Raiden Shogun Build Guide. Your resources and style matter most. Got a favorite setup or question? Drop it in the comments and join the conversation!
FAQ
What’s the best Energy Recharge for Raiden Shogun?
You want Raiden’s burst up often. Aim for at least 200% Energy Recharge. If you use Engulfing Lightning, you can go higher for more attack. Try to balance Energy Recharge with Crit stats for top damage.
Can I use Raiden Shogun without constellations?
Absolutely! Raiden works great at C0. You can clear all content with her base kit. Her constellations boost damage, but you don’t need them to enjoy her playstyle or help your team.
Which artifact set should I farm first?
Go for the 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate set. This set gives Raiden more Energy Recharge and burst damage. You can mix two Emblem pieces with two Noblesse Oblige if you don’t have a full set yet.
Does Raiden Shogun work in reaction teams?
Yes! Raiden fits well in teams that trigger reactions like Hyperbloom or Overload. Pair her with characters like Xiangling, Xingqiu, or Sucrose. You’ll see bigger numbers and more fun combos.




