Skyward Blade

What happens after a Burst?

At R1, the weapon grants 4% CRIT Rate. Using an Elemental Burst activates Skypiercing Might for 12 seconds: Movement SPD and ATK SPD each rise by 10%, and Normal and Charged hits deal additional damage equal to 20% of ATK. Refinement raises the CRIT Rate bonus to 8% and the extra hit damage to 40% at R5; the two speed bonuses and duration do not change.

When does its damage effect fit?

The damage rider is tied specifically to Normal and Charged hits made during the Burst-triggered window. It is most useful when the wielder can spend that window making those attacks; a build whose contribution is mostly Skill or Burst damage will use less of this property. Energy Recharge supports the weapon's Burst-oriented role, but no specific character or energy threshold is implied by the weapon data.

What should be upgraded first?

Weapon ascension raises the weapon's level through six stages; refinement consumes a duplicate copy and improves selected passive values. Ascension is the direct investment in the weapon itself. Refinement increases only the CRIT Rate and added Normal/Charged hit damage shown here, so weigh duplicate copies against keeping another five-star sword rather than assuming refinement is necessary.

How does it compare with other swords?

Absolution has CRIT DMG as its secondary stat and increases damage when the wielder increases a Bond of Life, so that condition matters to its signature effect. Amenoma Kageuchi instead creates seeds from Elemental Skills and restores energy after a Burst consumes them. Aquila Favonia offers ATK and Physical DMG Bonus, with a healing and nearby-damage effect triggered by taking damage. These are different stat and trigger profiles, not automatic replacements.

Limitations and tradeoffs

• Its most distinctive damage bonus requires Normal or Charged hits inside a 12-second post-Burst window.
• Refinement needs additional copies and improves only specified passive values.