Chen Qianyu splash art

Chen Qianyu Weapons & Gear Progression

Comprehensive progression guide from level 1 to 80+

Updated: 2/22/2026 | BiS + F2P Options | P0 Viable
5★ Sub-DPS Physical Sword

The 'lubricant' for Physical team rotations. Chen Qianyu provides smooth rotation flow with high Ultimate multipliers and reliable Lift application. His Combo Skill triggers on Vulnerable enemies, making him a perfect fit for Physical teams that generate Vulnerability stacks. Despite being secondary to Da Pan/Pogranichnik in pure scaling, his ease of use and F2P value make him an excellent choice for any Physical team composition.

Build Focus

ATK%, Physical DMG, Agility. Focus on maximizing Ultimate damage and maintaining smooth rotation flow. Prioritize Stagger Efficiency to enable faster Crush windows and maintain consistent DPS uptime.

Skill Priority

Battle Skill > Ultimate > Combo Skill > Normal Attack

Playstyle

Use Battle Skill to apply Lift. Build SP with Normal Attacks. Use Ultimate for high-multiplier 7-sequence damage. Combo Skill triggers automatically on Vulnerable enemies. Focus on ATK% and Agility to maximize damage. Coordinate with Physical teammates for optimal Crush window setups. Chen provides smooth rotation flow and consistent sub-DPS damage.

Quick Reference Summary

Early Game

Use Basic/Miner gear with any 3-4★ Sword. Wave Tide from crates. P0 viable.

Mid Game

AIC Light 3pc + Sundering Steel 5★ or Wave Tide maxed.

Late Game

Swordmancer 3pc (T2) + Rapid Ascent 6★ or Sundering Steel maxed.

Endgame

Swordmancer 3pc (T3) + Rapid Ascent 6★.

Max Level

BiS: Swordmancer 3pc + Rapid Ascent maxed. F2P: Swordmancer T2 3pc + off-piece + Sundering Steel.

Early Game 1-20

Authority Unlocks
  • Basic gear unlocked at level 10
  • Focus on story progression and learning Lift mechanics

Weapons

BiS Wave Tide 4★ Sword
Base ATK
341
Substat
Intellect
Effect
When the wielder casts a combo skill, the wielder gains ATK +33.6% for 20s. Effects of the same name cannot stack.
Source: Exploration (Crates)
Why: Best 4-star Sword available early. Combo Skill ATK buff synergizes with Chen's Vulnerable-triggered Combo Skill.
F2P Jiminy 12 3★ Sword
Base ATK
283
Effect
None
Source: Operator Recruitment
Why: Starter Sword for early exploration. Replace with Wave Tide or Sundering Steel as soon as possible.

Gear Sets

Best in Slot Basic Gear Pack (Any 3 pieces) 0 Gray Lv.10
Why this set?

Placeholder gear to unlock slots. Don't invest resources - upgrade to Miner α quickly.

Source: Available by default once you unlock Gear Assembly

Stat Priorities

Main Stats
ATK%Agility
Sub Stats
ATK%Physical DMGCritical Rate

Crafting Focus

  • Operator EXP to reach level 20
  • Basic combat materials
Skip These
  • Gear crafting (Tier 0 sets aren't worth materials)
  • Essence farming
Next Milestone: Reach level 20 for first breakthrough and AIC set access

Mid Game 20-40

Authority Unlocks
  • Authority 20+ unlocks mid-tier Protocol Spaces
  • AIC gear sets become available

Weapons

BiS Sundering Steel 5★ Sword
Base ATK
411
Substat
Agility
Effect
ATK +14.0% When the wielder deals a Physical Status, ATK +21.0% for 20s. Max stacks of the same name: 2. Duration of each stack is counted separately. Effect only triggers once every 0.1s.
Source: Arsenal Exchange
Why: Excellent 5-star Physical Sword. ATK buffs on Physical Status synergize with Chen's Lift application.
Investment: Good mid-game option that carries into late game
Cost: Moderate - Arsenal Exchange availability
F2P Wave Tide 4★ Sword
Base ATK
341
Substat
Intellect
Upgrade
Max level until 5-star ready
Effect
When the wielder casts a combo skill, the wielder gains ATK +33.6% for 20s. Effects of the same name cannot stack.
Source: Exploration (Crates)
Why: Combo Skill ATK buff synergizes with Chen's Vulnerable-triggered Combo Skill. Upgrade to max level if Sundering Steel isn't available.
Note: Use until you can pull Sundering Steel or Aspirant
Step Up Aspirant 5★ Sword
Base ATK
411
Substat
Agility
Effect
Ultimate DMG Dealt 44.8% After the wielder applies Lifted, during the next ultimate cast within 30s, the wielder gains Physical DMG Dealt +33.6%. Max stacks for effects of the same name: 3. Duration of each stack is counted separately. Effect only triggers once every 0.5s.
Why: Excellent 5-star Sword for Chen. Lifted synergy with his Battle Skill enables Ultimate Physical DMG buffs.
Note: Strong alternative if Sundering Steel unavailable - synergizes with Chen's Lift application

Gear Sets

Best in Slot AIC Light (3pc) Tier 1 Green Lv.28
HP +500
When the wearer defeats an enemy, ATK +20 for 5s.
Why this set?

Kill-based ATK buff provides consistent stat boost. Works well for Chen's sub-DPS role.

Recommended: AIC Light Armor (Armor) + AIC Tactical Gloves (Gloves) + AIC Light Plate (Armor)
Available Pieces: AIC Light Plate, AIC Light Armor, AIC Tactical Gloves
Source: Authority Level rewards, Gear Assembly with Amethyst Component
Budget Miner β / Miner γ (3 pieces of Miner gear)

Use if you don't have Amethyst Components yet. Higher stats than Miners α.

Use Miner γ (Blue) at level 36 if available

Stat Priorities

Main Stats
ATK%AgilityPhysical DMG
Sub Stats
ATK%Physical DMGCritical RateCritical DMG

Crafting Focus

  • Amethyst Components for AIC gear
  • Weapon EXP for 5-star upgrades
  • Save for Rapid Ascent materials
Skip These
  • Tier 2 gear (wait until level 40)
  • 6-star weapon materials
Next Milestone: Reach level 40 for second breakthrough and access to Tier 2 Purple sets

Late Game 40-60

Authority Unlocks
  • Authority 40+ unlocks advanced content
  • Tier 2 Purple gear sets available

Weapons

BiS Rapid Ascent 6★ Sword
Base ATK
495
Substat
Main Attribute
Refinement
Aim for Refinement Level 1+
Effect
Battle skills and ultimates gain Physical DMG Dealt +42.0% Against Staggered enemies, battle skills and ultimates also gain DMG Dealt +98.0%.
Source: Arsenal Exchange (Curated Weapon Supply)
Why: Chen's BiS weapon. Massive Physical DMG buffs on skills/ultimates, with huge bonus against Staggered enemies.
Investment: Priority #1 for Chen Qianyu mains. Carries through endgame.
Cost: High - Requires Curated Weapon Supply selection or Arsenal Exchange
F2P Sundering Steel 5★ Sword
Base ATK
411
Substat
Agility
Effect
ATK +14.0% When the wielder deals a Physical Status, ATK +21.0% for 20s. Max stacks of the same name: 2. Duration of each stack is counted separately. Effect only triggers once every 0.1s.
Source: Arsenal Exchange
Why: Maxed 5-star continues to perform well. ATK buffs on Physical Status synergize with Chen's Lift.
Note: Use until you can pull Rapid Ascent

Gear Sets

Best in Slot Swordmancer (3pc) Tier 2 Purple Lv.50
Stagger Efficiency Bonus +20%
After the wearer applies a Physical Status, the wearer also performs 1 hit that deals 250% ATK of Physical DMG and [10 Stagger]. Effect trigger cooldown: 15s.
Why this set?

Physical-focused set with Stagger Efficiency. Chen's Lift counts as Physical Status, triggering the bonus hit.

Recommended: Swordmancer Heavy Armor (Armor) + Swordmancer TAC Gauntlets (Gloves - Physical DMG) + Swordmancer Flint (Kit - Agility)
Available Pieces: Swordmancer Heavy Armor, Swordmancer TAC Gauntlets, Swordmancer TAC Fists, Swordmancer Flint
Source: Authority Level rewards, Gear Assembly with Cryston Component + Valley Stock Bill
Alternative Aburrey's Legacy (3pc) Tier 2
Skill DMG +24%
When the wearer casts a battle skill, combo skill, or ultimate, gain ATK +5% for 15s. The buff from each of the three skill types is unique and does not stack with itself.

Versatile all-skill damage set. Up to +15% ATK from using all 3 skill types.

Note: Use if you want more general skill damage over Stagger focus

Budget Redeemer (3pc)

Simple conditional ATK buff. Easy to maintain on Guard class.

Use if struggling with other set drops

Stat Priorities

Main Stats
ATK%AgilityPhysical DMG
Sub Stats
Critical RateCritical DMGATK%Physical DMGStagger Efficiency

Crafting Focus

  • Cryston Components for Tier 2 gear
  • Valley Stock Bills for crafting
  • Curated Weapon Supply tickets for Rapid Ascent
  • Essence farming for substat optimization
Priority Order

Swordmancer 3pc first, then Rapid Ascent, then essence optimization

Next Milestone: Reach Authority 50 for Wuling access and Tier 3 Gold gear. Get Rapid Ascent if possible.

Endgame 60-80

Authority Unlocks
  • Authority 50+ unlocks Wuling region
  • Tier 3 Gold gear sets available

Weapons

BiS Rapid Ascent 6★ Sword
Base ATK
495
Substat
Main Attribute
Refinement
Target Refinement Level 2-3
Effect
Battle skills and ultimates gain Physical DMG Dealt +42.0% Against Staggered enemies, battle skills and ultimates also gain DMG Dealt +98.0%.
Source: Arsenal Exchange (Curated Weapon Supply)
Why: Chen's absolute BiS weapon. Massive Physical DMG buffs on skills/ultimates with huge bonus against Staggered enemies.
Investment: Priority #1 for Chen Qianyu. Continue upgrading.
F2P Sundering Steel 5★ Sword
Base ATK
411
Substat
Agility
Effect
ATK +14.0% When the wielder deals a Physical Status, ATK +21.0% for 20s. Max stacks of the same name: 2. Duration of each stack is counted separately. Effect only triggers once every 0.1s.
Source: Arsenal Exchange
Why: Maxed 5-star remains viable. ATK buffs on Physical Status synergize with Chen's Lift. Only ~20-25% behind 6-star options.
Note: Comfortable F2P option through endgame
Premium Eminent Repute 6★ Sword
Base ATK
490
Substat
Main Attribute
Refinement
Refinement Level 1+
Effect
ATK +28.0% After the wielder consumes Vulnerable stack(s), ATK +(14.0% + 7.0% x Stacks Consumed) while other operators in the team gain half of this buff for 20s. Effects of the same name cannot stack.
Why: Strong alternative 6-star with ATK buffs on Vulnerable consumption. Team-wide ATK buff benefits Physical teams.
Note: Use if Rapid Ascent unavailable - synergizes with Physical team Vulnerability stacks

Gear Sets

Best in Slot Swordmancer (3pc) Tier 3 Gold Lv.70
Stagger Efficiency Bonus +20%
After the wearer applies a Physical Status, the wearer also performs 1 hit that deals 250% ATK of Physical DMG and [10 Stagger]. Effect trigger cooldown: 15s.
Why this set?

Chen's BiS gear set. Stagger Efficiency and Physical Status trigger synergize with his Lift application.

Optimization Logic

Target Agility pieces (Armor, Flint) to scale ATK.

Recommended: Swordmancer Heavy Armor (Armor - Agility) + Swordmancer TAC Gauntlets (Gloves - Physical DMG) + Swordmancer Flint (Kit - Agility)
Available Pieces: Swordmancer Heavy Armor, Swordmancer TAC Gauntlets, Swordmancer TAC Fists, Swordmancer Flint
Source: Gear Template Crate in Wuling, Gear Assembly with Xiranite Component + Wuling Stock Bill
Alternative Æthertech (3pc) Tier 3
ATK +8%
When the wearer applies Vulnerability, Physical DMG +8% for 15s. This effect can reach 4 stacks. If the target already has 4 stack(s) of Vulnerability, the wearer gains an additional Physical DMG +16% for 10s.

Vulnerability-stacking set for Physical teams. Ramps to +48% Physical DMG at max stacks.

Note: Use for maximum Physical damage in dedicated Physical teams

Stat Priorities

Main Stats
ATK%AgilityPhysical DMG
Sub Stats
Critical RateCritical DMGATK%Physical DMGStagger Efficiency

Crafting Focus

  • Xiranite Components for Tier 3 gear
  • Wuling Stock Bills
  • Gear Template Crates
  • Essence farming for perfect substats
Priority Order

Swordmancer 3pc first, then Rapid Ascent maxed, then essence optimization

Next Milestone: Reach Authority 60 for max level. Complete Swordmancer set and get Rapid Ascent maxed.

Max Level 80+

Authority Unlocks
  • Authority 60 (Max) - All content unlocked

Full optimization complete. Focus on min-maxing sub-DPS stats and perfecting Physical team rotations.

Weapons

BiS Rapid Ascent 6★ Sword
Base ATK
495
Substat
Main Attribute
Refinement
Target Max Refinement
Effect
Battle skills and ultimates gain Physical DMG Dealt +42.0% Against Staggered enemies, battle skills and ultimates also gain DMG Dealt +98.0%.
Source: Arsenal Exchange (Curated Weapon Supply)
Why: Absolute BiS for Chen Qianyu. Massive Physical DMG buffs on skills/ultimates with huge bonus against Staggered enemies.
Investment: Final stop. Max refinement for optimal damage.
F2P Max Sundering Steel 5★ Sword
Effect
ATK +14.0% When the wielder deals a Physical Status, ATK +21.0% for 20s. Max stacks of the same name: 2. Duration of each stack is counted separately. Effect only triggers once every 0.1s.
Why: Strong F2P endgame weapon. ATK buffs on Physical Status synergize with Chen's Lift application.
Note: Excellent alternative. Only ~20-25% behind Rapid Ascent.

Gear Sets

Best in Slot Swordmancer 3pc + Off-piece (3pc + 1 off-piece) Tier 3 Gold
Stagger Efficiency Bonus +20%
After the wearer applies a Physical Status, the wearer also performs 1 hit that deals 250% ATK of Physical DMG and [10 Stagger]. Effect trigger cooldown: 15s.
Why this set?

BiS for Chen Qianyu. Stagger Efficiency and Physical Status trigger synergize with his Lift application.

Complete Build
armor: Swordmancer Heavy Armor (Agility secondary)
gloves: Swordmancer TAC Gauntlets (Physical DMG secondary)
kit1: Swordmancer Flint (Agility/Physical DMG secondary)
kit2: Swordmancer TAC Fists (Ultimate DMG secondary) - Off-piece
Optimization Goals
Target Substats: Agility, ATK%, Physical DMG, Critical Rate, Critical DMG
Target Values:
50+ Agility100%+ ATK60%+ Physical DMGHigh Critical Rate/DMG
Source: Wuling Gear Template Crates
Alternative Aethertech 3pc + Swordmancer Off-piece (3pc + 1 off-piece) Tier 3
Wearer's ATK +8%
After the wearer applies Vulnerability, the wearer gains Physical DMG +8% for 15s. This effect can reach 4 stacks. If the target already has 4 stack(s) of Vulnerability, the wearer gains an additional Physical DMG +16% for 10s.

Alternative BiS for maximum Physical damage. Aethertech ramps to +48% Physical DMG at max Vulnerability stacks.

Note: Use in dedicated Physical teams with stack generators like Pogranichnik.

F2P Option Swordmancer 3pc (Tier 2) + Off-piece (3pc Tier 2 Swordmancer + 1pc Tier 3 off-piece)
Stagger Efficiency Bonus +20%
After the wearer applies a Physical Status, the wearer also performs 1 hit that deals 250% ATK of Physical DMG and [10 Stagger]. Effect trigger cooldown: 15s.

F2P-friendly max level setup. Tier 2 Swordmancer provides core functionality. Mix with one Tier 3 piece when available.

Tip: Best F2P option for max level. Upgrade to full Tier 3 Swordmancer 3pc when RNG permits.

Complete Build
armor: Swordmancer Heavy Armor (Tier 2 - Agility secondary)
gloves: Swordmancer TAC Gauntlets (Tier 2 - Physical DMG secondary)
kit1: Swordmancer Flint (Tier 2 - Agility/Physical DMG secondary)
kit2: Swordmancer TAC Fists (Tier 3 - Ultimate DMG secondary) - Off-piece
Upgrade Path: Farm Tier 3 Swordmancer pieces gradually. Prioritize Gauntlets (Physical DMG) and Flint (Agility) first.

Final Build Optimization

Rotation

Battle Skill (Ascending Strike) → Build SP with Normal Attacks → Ultimate (Blade Gale) for 7-sequence damage → Combo Skill (Soar to the Stars) triggers on Vulnerable enemies → Repeat

Timing

Apply Lift with Battle Skill. Use Ultimate when enemies are grouped. Combo Skill triggers automatically when enemies become Vulnerable.

Team Compositions
Optimal

Da Pan (Crush DPS) + Pogranichnik (Breach/SP battery) + Lifeng (sub-DPS/utility) + Chen Qianyu (sub-DPS/rotation)

Alternative

Endministrator (Physical DPS) + Chen Qianyu (sub-DPS/Lift) + Estella (debuff/Lift) + Ardelia (support/heal)

Min-Max Tips
1.

Battle Skill (Ascending Strike) applies Lift - use it to set up combo opportunities

2.

Combo Skill (Soar to the Stars) triggers automatically on Vulnerable enemies - coordinate with teammates who apply Vulnerability

3.

Ultimate (Blade Gale) has 7 sequences - each deals Physical DMG with the final slash dealing extra damage

4.

Slashing Edge talent grants ATK buffs on skill hits - maintain stacks by using skills frequently

5.

Momentum Breaker talent deals bonus Stagger on interrupt - use against charging enemies

6.

Resource friendly: Chen doesn't consume Vulnerability stacks - perfect for team rotation flow

7.

His Combo Skill has a dash that passes through enemies - use for positioning and mobility

8.

Coordinate with Physical teammates - apply Lift first, then let them apply Vulnerability for Crush windows

9.

P0 Viable: Chen's core utility (Lift application, smooth rotation) works without promotions

10.

High F2P Value: As a 5-star, easier to obtain and ascend than 6-star alternatives

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