Understand Ballad of the Fjords
Useful when…
- Use when the party has at least three different Elemental Types and the wielder can benefit from Elemental Mastery.
- Consider it when CRIT Rate and the conditional Elemental Mastery both suit the wielder's damage needs.
What does the passive require?
At refinement 1, the weapon grants 120 Elemental Mastery while the party has at least three different Elemental Types. Refinements increase that amount to 150, 180, 210, and 240 at ranks 2 through 5. The condition is based on distinct Elemental Types in the party; the passive does not state a requirement to trigger a particular reaction.
When is it useful?
Its CRIT Rate secondary stat is a general offensive stat, while the passive is useful only if the party composition meets the type threshold. It is a sensible candidate for a polearm wielder who benefits from Elemental Mastery and can be used in a qualifying party. If the team has fewer than three distinct Elemental Types, evaluate it as a CRIT Rate polearm without counting on the passive.
How should it be improved?
Ascension takes the weapon through stage 6; the supplied examples show Mora and weapon materials at stages 0→1, 3→4, and 5→6. Refinement consumes one R1 copy per step plus Mora, and raises the passive's Elemental Mastery. Ascension and refinement are separate investments: prioritize leveling the weapon for its base stats, and weigh refinement copies against the value of retaining another copy. The examples list costs, not a complete total-cost schedule.
How does it compare with other polearms?
The Catch has Energy Recharge and a direct Elemental Burst damage and CRIT Rate bonus, making its listed effect more specifically burst-focused. Beginner's Protector has no secondary stat or listed passive, while Black Tassel has HP and a damage bonus against slimes. These are different stat and condition profiles, not automatic replacements; choose by the wielder's needs and whether Fjords' party threshold is met.
Limitations and tradeoffs
- The Elemental Mastery passive depends on having at least three distinct Elemental Types in the party.
- Refinement requires duplicate copies and only raises the passive's listed Elemental Mastery.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting three party members as sufficient without checking that they represent three different Elemental Types.
- Assuming the Elemental Mastery bonus is active in a party that does not meet the type threshold.