As Genshin Impact continues to evolve in 2026, veteran players still find value in optimizing weapons from earlier versions. The Dialogues of the Desert Sages polearm, introduced back in Version 4.5, remains a specialized yet powerful option for specific character builds. This free-to-play 4-star weapon, once available exclusively during the Alchemical Ascension event, has carved out a unique niche in the ever-expanding arsenal of Teyvat's heroes.

The Specialized Nature of Desert Sages

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The Dialogues of the Desert Sages polearm was designed with a very specific purpose in mind. With its substantial HP sub-stat reaching 41.3% at level 90 and a unique weapon skill that restores 8 Energy when the wielder performs healing (triggerable once every 10 seconds even when off-field), this weapon clearly targets a particular subset of characters.

While many event weapons offer more versatile applications, Desert Sages excels in its specialized role. The polearm's design philosophy reflects HoYoverse's commitment to creating weapons that enable specific playstyles rather than simply boosting damage numbers.

Ideal Wielders: The Healing Specialists

The polearm's mechanics naturally limit its effectiveness to characters who can both wield polearms and provide healing capabilities. Over the years, this specialized category has grown slightly but remains relatively exclusive. The most synergistic pairings continue to be:

Yaoyao: The Dendro Sustainer

Yaoyao remains the most harmonious match for the Desert Sages polearm. Her Dendro application combined with healing capabilities creates perfect synergy with the weapon's energy restoration mechanic. This combination allows her to maintain better uptime on her Dendro application while simultaneously keeping the team's health topped off.

The HP scaling further enhances her healing output, making her an even more reliable support option in reaction-heavy team compositions that have become increasingly popular in the current meta.

Chevreuse: The Overload Specialist

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Though initially underestimated upon her release, Chevreuse has proven herself indispensable in Overloaded team compositions. The Desert Sages polearm enhances her supportive capabilities by addressing her energy needs while bolstering her healing potential.

For players focused on maximizing elemental reactions, particularly in the still-relevant Overload teams, Chevreuse wielding the Desert Sages polearm remains one of the most efficient combinations. The energy restoration mechanic helps maintain her burst uptime, which is crucial for consistent elemental application.

Mika: The Cryo Support

Though overshadowed by newer support options released in the years since Version 4.5, Mika still offers unique utility in certain team compositions. His healing capabilities, enhanced by the HP bonus from Desert Sages, make him a viable option for players seeking Cryo resonance teams with healing utility.

The energy restoration effect helps mitigate his historically problematic energy issues, allowing for more consistent application of his supportive capabilities.

Unconventional Applications: Zhongli's Shield Strength

While healing-focused characters extract the most value from Desert Sages, Zhongli remains an unconventional yet effective wielder. The massive HP sub-stat significantly enhances his shield strength, which continues to be one of the most valuable defensive tools in challenging content.

Though he cannot trigger the energy restoration effect through healing, Zhongli's shield utility often outweighs this limitation. For players prioritizing maximum shield durability over offensive capabilities, Desert Sages presents a compelling alternative to traditional options like Black Tassel.

Strategic Considerations in the Current Meta

The meta has evolved significantly since the polearm's introduction, but several factors keep the Desert Sages relevant:

  • Survival Challenges: Newer spiral abyss floors and event challenges often emphasize survival alongside DPS requirements

  • Energy Management: Energy mechanics remain crucial in optimizing team rotations

  • Specialized Roles: The trend toward highly specialized support characters aligns with the weapon's focused design

Players should consider these factors when deciding whether to invest resources in leveling this weapon in 2026's resource-competitive environment.

Comparative Analysis with Newer Alternatives


| Weapon              | HP Bonus | Energy Mechanic | Best For                    |
|---------------------|----------|-----------------|----------------------------|
| Desert Sages        | 41.3%    | Healing-based   | Polearm healers            |
| Rightful Reward     | 46.9%    | None            | Pure HP scaling            |
| Staff of the Scarlet Sands | None     | EM conversion    | DPS polearm users        |
| "Moonlit Whisper"   | 38.7%    | HP-based damage | Hybrid healers/sub-DPS    |

While newer weapons like the fictional "Moonlit Whisper" (representing newer options) offer compelling alternatives, Desert Sages maintains its unique position for pure healing support roles.

Maximizing Potential in Team Compositions

The true value of Desert Sages emerges when paired with energy-hungry teammates who benefit from consistent healing. Some particularly effective team compositions include:

  1. Reaction Accelerators: Pairing Yaoyao with Desert Sages alongside Electro and Hydro units for constant Hyperbloom reactions

  2. Overload Specialists: Chevreuse with Desert Sages supporting Pyro main DPS characters

  3. Shield and Heal: Zhongli with Desert Sages providing unbreakable protection alongside a dedicated healer

Conclusion: A Specialized Tool in an Expansive Arsenal

The Dialogues of the Desert Sages polearm exemplifies HoYoverse's approach to creating weapons with distinct identities rather than universal appeal. While not every player will find value in this specialized tool, those who align their playstyle with its strengths continue to benefit from its unique capabilities.

As Genshin Impact's roster expands with each update, the value of specialized weapons like Desert Sages fluctuates but never disappears entirely. For players who missed its original release, similar weapons have emerged, but none perfectly replicate its distinctive combination of HP scaling and healing-based energy restoration.

In the vast arsenal of weapons available in 2026, Desert Sages stands as a reminder that sometimes the most valuable tools are those designed for specific purposes rather than general application.