In the ever-evolving world of Teyvat, certain weapons carve out a legacy that endures long after their initial release. The Light of Foliar Incision, a 5-star sword that first gleamed onto the scene in the 3.4 update, remains a coveted prize for discerning Travelers in 2026. Crafted as the signature weapon for the Dendro Scribe, Alhaitham, this blade is far more than a simple character accessory. It is a masterpiece of offensive design, a scalpel of pure damage potential that can elevate any sword-wielding warrior who understands its unique mechanics. While its name evokes images of precise botanical cuts, its performance in battle is anything but delicate—it's a storm of critical strikes waiting to be unleashed.

🗡️ What Is The Light of Foliar Incision?

At its core, the Light of Foliar Incision is a statistical powerhouse built for one purpose: maximizing critical hit damage. Its base attributes lay a formidable foundation:

• Base ATK: 44 (at Level 1)

• Secondary Stat: A massive 19.2% CRIT DMG (at Level 1).

• Passive Skill - "Whitemoon Bristle": This is where the weapon truly sings. It provides a 4% CRIT Rate boost and, more importantly, triggers the "Foliar Incision" effect. When a Normal Attack deals Elemental DMG, this effect grants a DMG bonus to Normal Attacks and Elemental Skills equal to 120% of the wielder's Elemental Mastery. This powerful buff lasts for 12 seconds or 28 instances of damage, with a 12-second cooldown.

This design philosophy makes the weapon ideal for Main DPS characters whose damage rotation heavily features Normal Attacks and Elemental Skills. Think of it not as a blunt hammer, but as a symphony conductor, meticulously orchestrating every CRIT stat and Elemental Mastery point into a crescendo of damage. For characters who dance on the battlefield with swift, elemental-infused strikes, this sword is their perfect partner.

🌟 How To Obtain & Ascend The Blade

Acquiring this legendary sword requires both resources and a bit of strategic planning, as its availability follows the rhythm of Hoyoverse's banner schedule.

Obtaining the Weapon:

The Light of Foliar Incision is an Event-Exclusive weapon. This means it is only available on rotating Limited-Time Weapon Event Wish Banners. As of 2026, it has seen several reruns alongside Alhaitham's character banner. To seriously chase it, you must engage with the Epitomized Path system.

1. On the weapon banner, select the Light of Foliar Incision as your chosen path.

2. The pity system works similarly to character banners. You have a 75% chance to get one of the featured 5-star weapons at around 80 wishes.

3. If you lose the 75/50 and get the other featured weapon, your next 5-star weapon pull is guaranteed to be your chosen path weapon.

Ascension Materials:

Once the sword is in your hands, powering it up to Level 90 requires a dedicated farming journey across Sumeru. The materials are a testament to its origins.

Ascension Phase	Required Materials
20 → 40	5x Copper Talisman, 5x Desiccated Shell, 3x Faded Red Satin
40 → 50	5x Iron Talisman, 8x Desiccated Shell, 12x Faded Red Satin
50 → 60	9x Iron Talisman, 9x Sturdy Shell, 9x Trimmed Red Silk
60 → 70	5x Silver Talisman, 18x Sturdy Shell, 14x Trimmed Red Silk
70 → 80	9x Silver Talisman, 14x Marked Shell, 9x Rich Red Brocade
80 → 90	6x Golden Talisman, 27x Marked Shell, 18x Rich Red Brocade

Farming Locations:

• Talismans of the Forest Dew: Farmed from the Tower of Abject Pride Domain in Sumeru (available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays).

• Shells: Dropped by Consecrated Beasts (Flying Serpents, Red Vultures, Scorpions) found in the Sumeru deserts.

• Satin/Silk/Brocade: Common drops from all Eremite enemies scattered throughout Sumeru.

⚔️ Who Wields It Best? Recommended Characters for 2026

While Alhaitham and his sword are intertwined like a double helix of optimal damage, the blade's versatility allows it to shine in the hands of others. Its value is like a master key that can unlock hidden potential in characters who share its affinity for Elemental Mastery and agile combat styles. When evaluating a candidate, ask: Does their damage come from quick, elemental Normal Attacks and Skills? Do they benefit from building Elemental Mastery?

Here are the top contenders who can make exceptional use of this weapon:

🔥 Top-Tier Synergy (The Best Fit)

• Alhaitham (5★ Dendro): The intended wielder. His entire kit, which revolves around Chisel-Light Mirrors triggered by Normal Attacks and Skills, perfectly exploits every aspect of the sword's passive. It is undeniably his BiS (Best-in-Slot).

• Kamisato Ayato (5★ Hydro): Ayato's sustained Hydro damage from his Skill-infused Normal Attacks (Shunsuiken) synergizes beautifully. Building EM for Hyperbloom or Electro-Charged teams further amplifies the sword's passive bonus.

💫 Strong Alternatives (Great Performance)

• Keqing (5★ Electro): In Aggravate teams, Keqing's rapid, Electro-infused Normal Attacks and Skill usage make her a fantastic user. The CRIT stats and EM-scaling bonus significantly boost her Quicken reaction damage.

• Kazuha (5★ Anemo): While primarily a support, a DPS or hybrid Kazuha build can utilize this sword to devastating effect. His Skill does tremendous damage, and building EM is his standard practice, making the passive bonus highly effective.

❄️ Viable Options (Solid Choice)

• Kuki Shinobu (4★ Electro): Specifically for an on-field, Hyperbloom-triggering Shinobu build. She can drive reactions with her Normal Attacks while the sword's stats boost her personal damage.

• Kaeya (4★ Cryo): In a Melt team composition where Kaeya acts as the on-field enabler, the sword's CRIT DMG and EM scaling can enhance his melt reactions.

⚠️ Important Consideration: For some characters listed, like Kazuha, there may be more supportive weapons that benefit the entire team (e.g., Favonius Sword, Xiphos' Moonlight). The Light of Foliar Incision is a selfish DPS weapon—it magnifies the wielder's personal damage spectacularly but offers no team utility. Choose it when you want that character to be the star of the show.

🎯 Final Verdict

Three years after its debut, the Light of Foliar Incision remains a top-tier weapon for specific playstyles. It is not a universal solution, but rather a specialized tool for the discerning warrior. If your combat philosophy leans towards aggressive, reaction-driven, on-field DPS characters who weave Elemental Mastery into their arsenal, this sword is a timeless investment. Its gleam is not just cosmetic; it's the reflected light of calculated, critical destruction.