Genshin Impact: Top DPS Characters for Each Element - Strategies and Usage Guide

Genshin Impact: Top DPS Characters for Each Element - Strategies and Usage Guide

Genshin Impact constantly evolves, with each new update reshaping the power dynamics among its characters. The influx of new 4 - star and 5 - star characters has made the DPS roster more crowded than ever. This leaves players puzzled about which characters to target and how to use them most effectively according to their playstyles.

Each element, from Pyro to Hydro, offers a unique set of viable DPS options, making it challenging to compare them. The introduction of the Sumeru update (version 3.0) and the Dendro element, along with new reactions, has further complicated this task. However, by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each character, players can find the perfect DPS partner to conquer even the toughest end - game content, like the Spiral Abyss.

Updated on January 18th, 2024, by Elara Leclair: With the expansion of Genshin Impact into new regions such as Fontaine, a new batch of characters has been introduced, both for DPS and support roles. As a result, the meta has shifted, benefiting many new characters. Some older characters have also found new ways to be effective, reaching a similar DPS level as their counterparts from the same element. Considering this, here's what players can expect from the best DPS characters in Genshin Impact. Keep in mind that the meta and DPS tier list may change over time as the game continues to develop.

Best Pyro DPS - Hu Tao or Yoimiya

Hu Tao

-Best Strategy: After activating her Elemental Skill, use charged attacks. Use her Elemental Burst when her HP is low, especially in a Vaporize - focused team.

- Details: Pyro is renowned as one of the most powerful DPS elements in Genshin Impact, thanks to its diverse character pool, Pyro resonance, and potent Elemental Reactions like Vaporize and Melt. Among the Pyro DPS options (including Lyney, Diluc, and Klee), Hu Tao has long been regarded as the top Pyro DPS and potentially the overall best DPS. Her Burst damage is one of the highest single - instance damage outputs in the game. To maximize her Burst, pair her with characters like Mona and Sucrose, and equip her with a 4 - piece Crimson Witch of Flames and a Pyro - damage goblet artifact set. Use her Burst when her HP is below 30% for additional damage and subsequent healing. But her playstyle isn't just about the Burst; her Elemental Skill, which infuses her weapon with Pyro, enables extremely strong Charged Attacks. Pairing her with Xingqiu can trigger multiple Vaporize instances during the skill's duration. Her first constellation removes stamina consumption, and her signature weapon, Staff of Homa, is highly desirable.

Yoimiya

- Best Strategy: Use her Elemental Skill to infuse normal attacks, especially in Overloaded - focused teams.

- Details: Initially, Yoimiya didn't seem as useful as Hu Tao. But with the introduction of new support units, her DPS potential has soared, especially in ways that Hu Tao doesn't benefit from. The recent release of Chevreuse, a support for the Overloaded damage niche, has been a boon for Yoimiya. While Yoimiya doesn't shine in Vaporize teams due to her fast - paced attack application, she excels in Overloaded. To maximize her potential, focus on her Elemental Skill and Normal Attacks. Her Elemental Skill infuses normal attacks with Pyro, eliminating the need for charged attacks for Pyro application. Her Elemental Burst can often be overlooked as it's mainly additional damage. Depending on the artifact set, high energy might be more beneficial for her damage. Also, be cautious of her low DEF modifiers; having a shielder or healer in the team is advisable.

Best Cryo DPS - Wriothesley or Ganyu

Wriothesley

- Best Strategy: Rotate between Normal and Charged attacks for combos. Use your Elemental Skill and Burst whenever they're available. He's versatile in many team compositions.

- Details: While Ayaka and Ganyu are top - tier Cryo DPS, Wriothesley has emerged as a strong alternative. Wriothesley is more versatile and easier to build than Ayaka, making him a great choice for the best Cryo character. His playstyle might seem complex at first, but it's straightforward once you get used to it. Without constellations, the ideal approach is three normal attacks followed by a charged attack. Use his skill and elemental burst in every rotation when swapping characters. He has self - healing capabilities, but a healer is still recommended, especially considering his HP gain/drain mechanic, which is crucial for benefiting from his preferred artifact set, Marechaussee Hunter. He also has a long field uptime, so pairing him with support characters having long off - field duration support skills is advisable. He can fit into Reverse Melt, Perma Freeze, or even Hyperbloom (as an off - field driver, though less recommended compared to others) team compositions.

Ganyu

- Best Strategy: Use charged attacks for Melt or Burning + Melt team setups.

- Details: Ganyu is as capable as Ayaka in dealing massive damage and has been a fan - favorite since her release. While she's great in Freeze compositions, she truly shines in Melt setups due to her slower - charged attacks, which give more time to apply Pyro with Xiangling. To maximize her potential, equip her with a full set of Wanderer's Troupe and pair her with Xiangling and Bennett. Additionally, the Burning Reaction can now offer a consistent Pyro infusion, allowing for more Melt reactions. Consider using Nahida and Xiangling in the team for this purpose.

Best Electro DPS - Raiden Shogun

- Best Strategy: Activate other team members' Elemental Bursts first, then use her Burst and attack quickly. She can be an excellent Hypercarry in many situations.

- Details: Initially, Electro wasn't a popular choice for DPS or enabling Elemental reactions. But the Inazuma update brought strong Electro characters like Yae Miko, Raiden Shogun, and Kujou Sara. The Sumeru update further enhanced Electro's potential with reactions like Aggravate and Hyperbloom. While choosing the best Electro DPS can be tough (with Keqing and Cyno also being strong candidates), Raiden Shogun stands out for her versatility. She often functions as a sub - DPS or Burst DPS. Her Elemental Skill enables reactions like Hyperbloom even when she's off - field. Her popularity in Overloaded team compositions has increased, especially with the addition of Chevreuse. To maximize her damage, invest in the 4 - pc Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set, her constellations, and her signature weapon, Engulfing Lightning. Activate other team members' Bursts first to build up her Chakra Desiderata and increase her Elemental Burst damage. Having characters with high Burst energy costs in the team can help stack this up. With a character like Nahida in the team, the Hyperbloom reaction can be effectively activated while focusing on Burst gameplay. During her Burst cooldown, she can attack for additional Electro damage and energy regeneration.

Best Hydro DPS - Tartaglia or Neuvillette

Tartaglia

- Best Strategy: Use normal attacks after activating his Elemental Skill. Use his Elemental Burst when it's off - cooldown.

- **Details**: In the early days of Genshin Impact, Hydro wasn't a popular DPS option, except for Tartaglia. Most Hydro characters were support - oriented. Tartaglia's playstyle is centered around maximizing Vaporize damage. Pair him with Xiangling (for Pyro application) and Kazuha (with Pyro - infused Elemental Burst). Equip him with a 4 - piece Heart of Depth and a Hydro - damage goblet. His melee sword attacks in Hydro stance deal more damage than his bow attacks. He can also be used in Hyperbloom - focused team compositions, paired with Kuki Shinobu, Nahida, and Xingqiu.

Neuvillette

- Best Strategy: Use his Skill or Elemental Burst to generate orbs. Absorb these orbs to instantly charge a special charged attack.

- Details: Neuvillette offers a different playstyle and is a formidable Hydro DPS option. His playstyle focuses on the HP drain/gain mechanic and charged attacks from a distance, providing significant AoE damage. Pay attention to the water orbs he summons with his Elemental Skill or Burst. Three orbs are needed to instantly charge his Charged Attack. The remaining orbs stay on the field, allowing for multiple charged attacks in succession. Pair him with characters having long off - field durations (like Yae Miko). He's susceptible to interruption, so Zhongli can be a great addition to the team. Use crowd - control characters or aim carefully to hit multiple enemies within the water pulse's range.

Best Dendro DPS - Alhaitham

- Best Strategy: For a Dendro Infusion Spread team, use Chisel - Light Mirrors one - at - a - time for a longer duration. For Burst - DPS, stack these mirrors all at once.

- Details: As Dendro characters are relatively new, the options for Dendro DPS are limited. Alhaitham overshadowed Tighnari after his release in version 3.4. Dendro DPS characters have good artifact options like Deepwood Memories and Gilded Dreams, and the Spread reaction can enhance their strength when paired with an Electro support. Alhaitham's combo rotation can be complex due to the various ways to use Chisel - Mirror Lights. You can start with his Burst for three free mirrors, then use normal attacks to trigger mirror damage and Dendro reactions. Save the charged attack for when the mirrors expire to maximize Dendro infusion duration. Or start with a Charged attack, followed by Skill, then Burst with normal attacks in - between. You can also adopt a burst - oriented playstyle by quickly generating Chisel - Mirror Lights. Use his Elemental Skill for Dendro infusion and two mirrors, then charged attacks for the third. Follow up with Dendro infusion attacks before the mirror stacks run out, and then activate the Elemental Burst for massive damage. After his Burst, it takes 10s to get infusion back.

Best Anemo DPS - Xiao or Wanderer

Xiao

- Best Strategy: Use plunge attacks when his Elemental Burst is activated.

- Details: Anemo has been mainly seen as a support - focused element, with Xiao being the only real DPS option for a long time until the release of Heizou and Wanderer. Anemo's Swirl reaction isn't very strong for DPS. Xiao specializes in high - plunge damage. His Elemental Burst drains HP, so a consistent healer is necessary. His Burst is his main DPS source, allowing him to jump and plunge for massive damage. Equip him with a 4 - piece Vermillion Hereafter or, if not available, a 2 - piece ATK +18% set and 2 - piece Viridescent Venerer. For team composition, having Faruzan (with her sixth constellation unlocked), a battery character, and a healer like Jean is recommended. Zhongli can also be a flexible addition.

Wanderer

- Best Strategy: Use his Elemental Skill to enter the hovering state and perform normal and charged attacks. Use his Elemental Burst when not in the hovering state.

- Details: Wanderer plays differently from Xiao. In the Windfavored (hovering) state, his Normal and Charged Attacks deal more Anemo Damage with an increased AoE radius. Charged attacks can be used indefinitely until the hovering state ends. If his Elemental Skill contacts Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro, it can absorb two elements and grant buffs. Having Faruzan in the team is highly recommended. The 4 - piece Desert Pavillion artifact set is ideal for him. Be aware that his Burst should only be used when not in the hovering state as it ends the hovering state.

Best Geo DPS - Arataki Itto and Navia

Itto

- Best Strategy: Use his Elemental Skill and normal attacks to generate stacks. Consume these stacks with charged attacks. Use his Elemental Burst whenever possible.

- Details: Geo, often considered a defensive element, has strong DPS characters. It's particularly effective in mono - element team compositions. When using Itto, focus on collecting Superlative Superstrength stacks with Normal Attacks or his Elemental Skill. Charged Attacks can then deal increased damage without consuming stamina, and he gains increased resistance to interruption. He can have up to 5 stacks, and using the final stack triggers a powerful finisher. His Elemental Burst infuses his attacks with Geo, gives an ATK bonus based on his DEF, and increases ATK speed. Use his Elemental Skill during the Burst for maximum damage. The most common team composition for Itto is a Mono Geo team with Itto, Albedo, Gorou, and Zhongli.

Navia

- Best Strategy: Trigger as many Cyrstallize reactions as possible. Use Navia's Elemental skill for more damage, especially when all 6 stacks are obtained.

- Details: Navia, a new addition in the Fontaine patch (version 4.3), is a formidable Geo DPS. Unlike Itto, who benefits from Mono - Geo teams and DEF scaling, Navia scales with ATK and doesn't work well with Gorou or mono - Geo teams. Her kit emphasizes Crystallize reactions. She needs to collect Crystallize shards to stack her Elemental Skill's damage. Use her Elemental Burst, infused normal attacks (after using her Elemental Skill), or aim at the shards before attacking the enemy. Characters like Furina, Bennett, and Albedo work well with her for consistent Elemental application and stat buffs.

Best Physical DPS - Eula

- Best Strategy: Use her Elemental Burst, then immediately follow with a mix of normal attacks and her Elemental Skill.

- Details: Physical Damage in Genshin Impact is a potent option. Physical damage can be increased with weapons and artifacts that have physical damage bonuses and by raising the character's attack stat. It can be further enhanced with the Superconduct reaction. Eula, a Cryo user, can easily activate Superconduct with an off - field Electro user like Kuki Shinobu, Yae Miko, or Fischl. Her Elemental Burst is crucial. Dealing damage with her Normal Attack, Elemental Skill, and Burst charges her Lightfall Sword, which explodes at the end of its duration. Her Burst also increases her Physical DMG. To maximize her Burst damage, use her Elemental Skill (tap), then the Burst. After that, perform 4 normal attacks, another Elemental Skill (hold), and 4 more normal attacks within the 7 - second window.