Heretic's Molten Blade GUIDE
Understand Heretic's Molten Blade
Useful when…
- Using an Elemental Skill to activate its temporary ATK effect.
- Fitting a mobile, on-field sword wielder who can benefit from ATK during the 14-second window.
What activates Gleam of First Light?
After the wielder uses an Elemental Skill, Gleam of First Light lasts 14 seconds and tracks distance traveled. Each second, ATK Bonus ranges from 18% to 36% at refinement 1, based on distance traveled during the previous second; at refinement 5 the range is 36% to 72%. It can be triggered once every 14 seconds and ends if the wielder leaves the field.
When does it fit?
Its CRIT Rate secondary stat supports damage builds, while the passive rewards movement after Skill use. Because the bonus is recalculated from travel during the previous second, a stationary interval may provide less ATK than movement. It is most relevant when the wielder can remain on-field through the effect and make use of its ATK bonus.
Refinement investment
Refinement raises both ends of the movement-based ATK range, from 18%–36% at rank 1 to 36%–72% at rank 5. It does not change the 14-second duration, once-per-14-second trigger, or removal on leaving the field. Ascension raises the weapon through six stages; refinement consumes a duplicate copy.
How do other sword passives differ?
Absolution’s damage effect requires increases to Bond of Life value. Amenoma Kageuchi converts accumulated Skill seeds into Energy after a Burst. Aquila Favonia grants ATK and reacts to the wielder taking damage. Those effects do not use Heretic’s Molten Blade’s Skill activation, movement tracking, and on-field condition.
Limitations and tradeoffs
- The ATK bonus depends on distance traveled during the previous second, so it varies with movement.
- Leaving the field removes the effect; its trigger is limited to once every 14 seconds.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting a fixed ATK bonus regardless of movement during the preceding second.
- Switching the wielder off-field and expecting Gleam of First Light to persist.
Effects and reference details
Refinement effects
R1 After the equipping character uses their Elemental Skill, they gain "Gleam of First Light." While active, Gleam of First Light tracks their distance traveled. Each second, the equipping character gains an ATK Bonus ranging from 18% to 36% based on the distance traveled during the previous second. Gleam of First Light lasts 14s, can be triggered once every 14s, and is removed when the equipping character leaves the field.
R2 After the equipping character uses their Elemental Skill, they gain "Gleam of First Light." While active, Gleam of First Light tracks their distance traveled. Each second, the equipping character gains an ATK Bonus ranging from 22.5% to 45% based on the distance traveled during the previous second. Gleam of First Light lasts 14s, can be triggered once every 14s, and is removed when the equipping character leaves the field.
R3 After the equipping character uses their Elemental Skill, they gain "Gleam of First Light." While active, Gleam of First Light tracks their distance traveled. Each second, the equipping character gains an ATK Bonus ranging from 27% to 54% based on the distance traveled during the previous second. Gleam of First Light lasts 14s, can be triggered once every 14s, and is removed when the equipping character leaves the field.
R4 After the equipping character uses their Elemental Skill, they gain "Gleam of First Light." While active, Gleam of First Light tracks their distance traveled. Each second, the equipping character gains an ATK Bonus ranging from 31.5% to 63% based on the distance traveled during the previous second. Gleam of First Light lasts 14s, can be triggered once every 14s, and is removed when the equipping character leaves the field.
R5 After the equipping character uses their Elemental Skill, they gain "Gleam of First Light." While active, Gleam of First Light tracks their distance traveled. Each second, the equipping character gains an ATK Bonus ranging from 36% to 72% based on the distance traveled during the previous second. Gleam of First Light lasts 14s, can be triggered once every 14s, and is removed when the equipping character leaves the field.
