Genshin Impact’s massive roster of playable characters continues to grow with each update. With Version 5.5 now live, players have over 90 unique characters to choose from when building their dream teams. But which ones are truly worth investing in? Let’s break down the current state of Genshin Impact’s meta and highlight the standout performers across different roles and elements.
SS-Tier: The Cream of the Crop
These characters are the absolute best-in-class, capable of carrying teams through even the toughest content with ease.
Arlecchino
This 5-star Pyro polearm user has quickly risen to the top of the DPS charts since her release. Arlecchino’s unique “Bond of Life” mechanic allows her to deal massive damage at the cost of her own HP. She excels in Melt and Vaporize teams, with her Normal Attack-focused playstyle making her relatively straightforward to use effectively.
Key Strengths:
- Extremely high single-target and AoE damage potential
- Synergizes well with popular supports like Bennett and Xingqiu
- Relatively easy to build and play optimally
Mavuika
The Pyro Archon herself, Mavuika brings incredible flexibility to any team as both a Main DPS and Support. Her kit revolves around empowering allies’ attacks and providing consistent Pyro application. What truly sets her apart is her ability to recharge her Elemental Burst without relying on Energy particles, giving her unparalleled uptime on her powerful abilities.
Key Strengths:
- Versatile role as both Main DPS and Support
- Unique Burst recharge mechanic
- Provides team-wide buffs and Pyro application
Furina
The Hydro Archon has revolutionized team-building since her debut. Furina’s kit allows her to seamlessly swap between healing and offensive support roles. Her ability to provide massive damage buffs based on the team’s current HP creates interesting risk-reward gameplay. She synergizes exceptionally well with characters who thrive at low HP like Hu Tao.
Key Strengths:
- Unparalleled versatility as both healer and buffer
- Creates unique team-building opportunities
- Scales exceptionally well with investment
Nahida
The Dendro Archon remains a cornerstone of any reaction-based team. Nahida’s off-field Dendro application is unmatched, allowing for consistent triggering of powerful reactions like Bloom and Aggravate. Her Elemental Skill also provides valuable utility for exploration and gathering materials.
Key Strengths:
- Best-in-class off-field Dendro application
- Enables powerful reaction-based teams
- Useful overworld utility
Kazuha
Despite being an older unit, Kazuha’s ability to boost Elemental DMG and provide crowd control keeps him firmly in the meta. His Elemental Mastery sharing passive makes him an invaluable asset in almost any team composition.
Key Strengths:
- Provides both crowd control and elemental damage buffs
- Fits into nearly any team comp
- Strong exploration capabilities
S-Tier: Excellent Performers
While not quite as game-changing as SS-tier units, these characters are still top-tier picks that can easily clear all content when built properly.
Alhaitham
This 5-star Dendro sword user has carved out a niche as a powerful on-field DPS that doesn’t rely on reactions to deal massive damage. Alhaitham’s kit revolves around managing his Projection stacks to unleash devastating combo attacks.
Key Strengths:
- Strong standalone DPS without needing specific team comps
- Unique and engaging playstyle
- Scales well with investment
Hu Tao
The original Pyro powerhouse, Hu Tao remains one of the strongest single-target DPS characters in the game. Her ability to deal massive damage while at low HP synergizes perfectly with characters like Furina.
Key Strengths:
- Extremely high single-target damage
- Synergizes well with newer support units
- Rewards skilled play and animation canceling
Yelan
Yelan’s off-field Hydro application and damage make her an invaluable asset in many team comps. Her ability to buff the active character’s damage over time allows her to fit into both reaction-based and mono-element teams with ease.
Key Strengths:
- Top-tier off-field Hydro application and damage
- Provides valuable damage buffs
- Useful overworld mobility
Raiden Shogun
The Electro Archon excels as both a Main DPS and Support unit. Her ability to recharge the entire team’s Energy while dealing massive damage during her Burst window makes her a flexible pick for many team compositions.
Key Strengths:
- Powerful burst damage dealer
- Provides Energy recharge for the entire team
- Can function as both Main DPS and Support
A-Tier: Solid Choices
These characters may not be the absolute best in their roles, but they’re still strong picks that can easily clear all content when properly invested.
Wriothesley
This 5-star Cryo catalyst user brings a unique playstyle to the table with his stance-changing mechanic. Wriothesley excels in Freeze and Melt teams, providing both consistent Cryo application and burst damage potential.
Key Strengths:
- Unique and engaging playstyle
- Strong in both Freeze and Melt comps
- Scales well with investment
Neuvillette
Another standout Hydro unit, Neuvillette’s strength lies in his ability to deal massive AoE damage without relying on reactions. His Charged Attack-focused playstyle rewards proper positioning and resource management.
Key Strengths:
- Extremely high AoE damage potential
- Functions well in mono-Hydro teams
- Unique playstyle centered around Charged Attacks
Xiao
While power creep has somewhat diminished his standing, Xiao remains a solid Anemo DPS option. His ability to deal consistent AoE damage during his Burst window makes him a strong pick for clearing groups of enemies quickly.
Key Strengths:
- Strong AoE damage dealer
- Unique plunging attack playstyle
- Benefits greatly from dedicated supports
Building Effective Teams
When constructing your Genshin Impact teams, consider the following tips:
- Balance roles: Aim for a mix of Main DPS, Sub-DPS, and Support characters.
- Elemental synergy: Look for characters whose elements work well together for powerful reactions.
- Energy management: Ensure your team can generate enough Energy to use Bursts consistently.
- Flexibility: Having characters that can fill multiple roles allows for more adaptable teams.
Remember, while tier lists can be a helpful starting point, the most important factor is finding characters you enjoy playing. Experiment with different combinations to find the team that best suits your playstyle.
With Genshin Impact’s constant stream of new characters and balance changes, the meta is always evolving. Keep an eye out for future updates that may shake up these rankings!