Intro:
It all started with me coming across a "guide" that suggested 2-Petra + 2-Bloodstained for Physical DPS Zhongli.
I've always thought Retracting Bolide is better for Physical DPS Zhongli, but well, I could be wrong.
I was also working on a Zhongli analysis, so it was easy to check the performance of 2-Petra + 2-Bloodstained on him.
The result was:
2-Petra + 2-Bloodstained performs 6.5% better than 4-Retracting Bolide.
Very close to build (3), with an increase of performance by 4.9%.
So, is 2-Petra + 2-Bloodstained better?
In my opinion, No. While the damage is indeed better by a very small number, 2-Petra + 2-Bloodstained will still have less shield than 4-Retracting Bolide, making Bolide a better choice.
Anyway, all these led me to thinking: Will Retracting Bolide be better for Ningguang, too?
So I searched online, found a few of those, you know, "articles" that's totally-not-copy-pasting-each-other.
And they mostly say the same thing: Noblesse is the best for Ningguang.
With Archaic Petra as the second best.
Retracting Bolide as the third best.
(Some says Petra is the best, and Noblesse is the second best)
I've also looked around the forum for people asking for Ningguang artifacts, and I found a new contender: Gladiator.
So from all these informations, I have decided to compare 3 builds:
(1) 2-Petra + 2-Gladiator
(2) 2-Petra + 2-Noblesse
(3) 4-Retracting Bolide
Assumptions:
The calculations below will follow the following assumptions:
1. Ningguang is lv90.
2. The enemy is a lv80 hilichurl.
3. The weapon considered will be Lv90 Solar Pearl.
4. Talent lv6, C0.
5. Shield is always up for (3) to proc.
6. The "total" damage calculation will be simulated in a 30-seconds field play, where she can do: 8 x normal attack, 8 x charged attack, 2 x skill, and 2 x burst
7. It'll also be assumed that all of the hits crit.
8. She will be using Atk%/Geo%/Crit Damage% with 30% atk and 60% Crit Damage in substat.
9. Jade Screen is present on every burst
P.S. The numbers for "Normal" attack is multiplied by 2 since she hits twice every basic attack.
The numbers on "Burst" is multiplied by 9. Cmiiw, but from what I've observed, she hits 6 times without Jade Screen, and 9 times with Jade Screen.
Results:
Now, put those numbers into simulation, and we have:
With the difference between build shown on this table:
Conclusion:
It appears that the best DPS artifact for Ningguang is (1).
With (2) being 0.7% higher than (3).
But do remember that build (3) has both the advantage of +35% Shield, and the disadvantage of needing shield to proc.
Personal Opinion:
It's quite sad to know that the people who wrote those online "articles" probably doesn't even play, or even care about the game. But I suppose it's a reminder for me that a lot people in the world aren't angels.
I have gotten full friendship with Lisa, so I'm planning to use Ningguang next. I most likely will build her with 4-Retracting Bolide, since I have Zhongli with her.
But if you don't have a shielder, I really would recommend (1) over (2).
You can still use (2) if you're using her as burst support, but I won't recommend it if you're using her as full-time DPS. This is because in some cases, like boss fights, burst takes longer to recharge, making it less reliable.
(3) may seem problematic with the shield hassle, but if the Geo resonance buff is released, I believe shield won't be a problem, since Ningguang with Geo resonance will be a true beast. Basically forcing me to always remember to have my shield up.
Not to mention Ningguang can easily provides shield herself.
Although, of course, in the end, it all comes to your available options. No need to pressure yourself to use the perfect set!
[emoji]
I hope this analysis gives you an insight of what is good for Ningguang. And may the RNG god bless you with your artifacts!
My other posts:
[Analysis] Zhongli's Buff
[Analysis] Zhongli VS Xiangling (DPS)
[Analysis] HP% VS Healing Bonus%
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