Genshin Impact: How to Refine Free 4-Star Weapons to R5

To maximize account strength in Genshin Impact without pulling for signature 5-star gear, fully refine key 4-star weapons to Rank 5 (R5) for your main DPS character before upgrading your support roster. A fully refined 4-star weapon significantly boosts its passive effect, frequently delivering higher value than an unrefined (R1) 5-star option that lacks specific synergy with your team composition.

Main Sources for R5 4-Star Weapons

You can acquire and refine non-gacha 4-star gear primarily through time-limited events and Blacksmith forging.

Event-Exclusive Gear

Limited-time events provide unique 4-star weapons along with their specific refinement items inside the event shop. Because these upgrades do not require spending Wishes or billets, complete all event quests and clear the shop before the event timer expires. Once the event finishes, any unearned refinement materials for that weapon are locked permanently.

Blacksmith Craftables

When event gear is unavailable, forge weapons at the Blacksmith. Focus on blueprints offering broad stat scaling such as Energy Recharge, Elemental Mastery, or ATK%. Forging duplicate copies requires Northlander or Midlander Billets, ore, and Mora. Fight weekly bosses consistently to build a steady supply of billets.

Resource Management Rules

Refining 4-star weapons requires strict material discipline to avoid bottlenecks:

• Never use 4-star weapons as leveling fodder: Reserve duplicate 4-star weapons strictly for the "Refine" menu. Use Enhancement Ore to raise weapon level caps.
• Manage Mora and Ore reserves: Crafting multiple duplicates and upgrading weapons to higher tiers (R4 and R5) costs substantial Mora and mineral ore. Focus expenditure on active team members.
• Focus on one core DPS weapon first: Invest all available billets or event materials into reaching R5 on your primary damage dealer's weapon before dividing resources among sub-DPS or support units.

Roster Refinement Sequence

1. Identify Stat Requirements: Determine your primary character's core stat priority (such as Energy Recharge or Elemental Mastery).
2. Select the Weapon: Confirm whether an available event weapon or craftable blueprint features that primary stat and a team-beneficial passive.
3. Commit Materials to R5: Focus your event items or billets on that specific weapon until it hits Rank 5.
4. Transition to Support Roles: Gear your sub-DPS and support characters only after your main DPS weapon is fully refined.