Tier List for Genshin Impact – Great

For our Genshin Impact Tier List, we’re ranking all the playable characters from the hit game!

This is a major update. We added new characters, a section for character elements, elemental reactions, a section for characters under each element, game updates (2.1 and 2.2), and FAQs.

Genshin Impact is the hit game from veteran game developer, miHoYo. Released in September of 2020, the game now has millions of unique players across different platforms. As of today, you can get the game for free on any iOS or Android device. It’s also available on popular gaming consoles, such as PC and PS4. Sometime this year, Genshin Impact will also become available for PS5. Plus, there have been talks about porting it to the Nintendo Switch.

One reason for Genshin Impact’s rapidly growing popularity is its massive open world. Players enter the world of Teyvat, which houses seven nations. Each one has its own distinct cultures and traditions, making for rich lore and an immersive gaming experience. But another reason why players love the game is its cast of colourful characters. In this Genshin Impact Tier List, we’re listing all the playable characters in the game from best to worst.

Read on to see which of the characters are the best picks.

 

GENSHIN IMPACT TIER LIST

The Genshin Impact team is constantly growing its roster of characters. Currently, there are 34 different options, with more on the way. So, while players wait for new Genshin Impact characters, it’s a good idea to invest in the best picks in the current pool.

Our Genshin Impact Tier List categorizes each of the available characters in one of five tiers: S, A, B, C, or D. It also cites their weapon type and element. S-Tier characters are the best in the game, so you should invest in them the second you acquire them. As for characters in A-, B-, and C-Tier, they’re still useful for your team, but have their setbacks. Lastly, characters in D-Tier are the least optimized. Either their skills are more detrimental than useful or their stats are allocated poorly. Regardless, you shouldn’t invest in these characters, if you can help it.

S-TIER

Bow
Ganyu (Cryo)
Venti (Anemo)

Catalyst
Klee (Pyro)
Mona (Hydro)

Claymore
Diluc (Pyro)
Eula (Cryo)

Polearm
Hu Tao (Pyro)
Zhongli (Geo)
RAIDEN SHOGUN (ELECTRO)

Sword
AYAKA (CRYO)
Bennett (Pyro)
Xingqiu (Hydro)

A-TIER

Bow
SARA (ELECTRO)
ALOY (CRYO)
Diona (Cryo)
Tartaglia (Hydro)

Catalyst
Sucrose (Anemo)

Claymore
Beidou (Electro)
Razor (Electro)

Polearm
Rosaria (Cryo)
Xiao (Anemo)

Sword
Albedo (Geo)
Jean (Anemo)
Kazuha (Anemo)
Qiqi (Cryo)

B-TIER

Bow
YOIMIYA (PYRO)

Catalyst
Yanfei (Pyro)

Claymore
—

Polearm
Xiangling (Pyro)

Sword
Keqing (Electro)

C-TIER

Bow
Fischl (Electro)

Catalyst
KOKOMI (HYDRO)
Lisa (Electro)
Ningguang (Geo)

Claymore
Chongyun (Cryo)
Noelle (Geo)

Polearm
—

Sword
Kaeya (Cryo)

D-TIER

Bow
Amber (Pyro)

Catalyst
Barbara (Hydro)

Claymore
Xinyan (Pyro)

Polearm
—

Sword
Traveler

 

Now that you already know what characters to use and avoid, it’s time to learn all about our S-tier characters’ weapons and strategies for you to maximize them for each battle.

GENSHIN IMPACT TIER LIST: S- TIER STRATEGIES

Now that you can confidently take on the game with our Genshin Impact Tier List, here are some S-Tier strategies for you to expand on!

GANYU (CRYO)

Ganyu has been chosen by the community as one of the best main DPS for Bow type. The artifact set that best fits her is the Wanderers Troupe artifact set which gives you 2 DMG buffs: Elemental Mastery and 35% Charged attack DMG which includes the calculation of crits. The stat priority should be ATK%, Energy Recharge, Cryo DMG bonus and substats you should focus on are Elemental Mastery and CRIT DMG. With the recent big update, you could use a new artifact set: the Shimenawa’s Reminiscence that adds 18% ATK (2 pc) and 50% DMG bonus when you use her E first before attacking (4 pc).

Suggested talents to power up are mainly Trail of the Qilin, Celestial Shower, and Normal Attack: Liutian Archery.

Weapons:

Amos Bow (5*) – Increases Elemental Mastery by 80 and charged attack DMG by 35%.

Skyward Harp (5*)- For the CRIT Rate of 4.8% and increases Crit DMG by 20%.

Prototype Crescent (4*)- For the bonus ATK% by 15% and increased SPD movement by 10% and ATK by 36% for 10s.

Viridescent Hunt (4*)- CRIT Rate stat for 6% and normal and aimed shots attacks have a 50% chance of creating a cyclone which will continuously attract enemies dealing 40% of ATK DMG every 0.5s for 4s.

VENTI (ANEMO)

Venti is considered a support and artifact sets that could work with him are Noblesse Oblige and Viridescent Venerer. Substats that work best for him are Energy Recharge, Anemo DMG bonus, Elemental Mastery and CRIT DMG. The Noblesse Oblige set gives him Elemental Burst DMG by 20% and Viridescent Venerer has the Anemo DMG Bonus by 15% and Swirl DMG by 60%. Talents to be focused on are Skyward Sonet, Wind’s Grand Ode and Normal Attack: Divine Marksmanship.

Weapons:

Elegy for the End (5*)- For the Energy Recharge 12% bonus and increased Elemental Mastery by 60 while gaining sigils when dealing with Elemental skill or burst damage.

Skyward Harp (5*)- For the CRIT Rate 4.8% and CRIT DMG by 20%.

Windblume Ode (4*)- For the Elemental Mastery +36 and increased ATK by 16% for 6s.

The Stringless (4*)- For the Elemental Mastery +36 and increases Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG by 24%.

KLEE (PYRO)

With Klee’s recent rerun and event, we have a new guide for her build. She works best as a main DPS and the artifact you want for her is the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set with the Pyro DMG bonus +15% and increases overloaded and burning DMG by 40%. It also increases the Vaporize and Melt DMG by 15%. The stats priority should be ATK%, Elemental Mastery and Pyro DMG bonus with the substats of CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG. The talents that you want to focus on are Sparks ‘n’ Splash and Jumpy Dumpty.

Weapons:

Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds (5*)- For the CRIT Rate 7.2% and increases movement SPD by 10%.When in battle you gain an 8% Elemental DMG bonus every 4s.

Skyward Atlas (5*)- For the ATK bonus stat and increased Elemental DMG bonus by 12%.

Dodoco Tales (4*)- For the ATK 12% and increased charged attack DMG by 16% for 6s and by far this is the best 4* catalyst you could get because you can get it at refinement 5 during the Midsummer Island Adventure event which makes it passive really strong.

Solar Pearl (4*)- For the CRIT Rate bonus stat and normal attacks hits increased Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG by 20% for 6s.

MONA (HYDRO)

She provides an elemental decoy for crowd control and a unique fighting movement style that allows high-speed actions. A sub DPS that should have stats prioritized ATK%, Elemental Mastery, Hydro DMG bonus with substats with CRIT DMG and CRIT Rate. The artifact set you wanna use on her are Wanderer’s Troupe 2 pc and Heart of Depth 2 pc. Talent focuses are Mirror Reflection of Doom, Stellaris Phantasm and Normal attack: Ripple of Fate.

Weapons:

Skyward Atlas (5*)- For the 7.2% ATK bonus effect and 12% Elemental DMG bonus.

The Widsith (4*)- For the 12% CRIT DMG bonus effect and there will be a random theme song for 10s. Recitative: 60% ATK increase, Aria: 48% all Elemental DMG increase and 240 Elemental Mastery.

DILUC (PYRO)

Diluc is another great main DPS for your team and using Crimson Witch of Flames you wanna get the CRIT DMG/Rate, ATK%, Pyro DMG bonus and Elemental Mastery. You can also use 2 pc Crimson Witch of Flames and 2 pc Gladiator’s Finale with any mentioned stats above. Talent focuses are Normal Attack: Tempered Sword, Searing Onslaught and Dawn.

Weapons:

Wolf’s Gravestone (5*)- For the 10.8% ATK bonus effect and increases ATK by 20% on hitting enemies with less than 30% HP can increase your party members 40% ATK for 12s.

Prototype Archaic (4*)- For the 6% ATK bonus and on hit, normal or charge attacks have a 50% chance to deal an additional 240% ATK DMG to enemies.

EULA (CRYO)

Eula’s recent banner proved how useful she is as a Physical DPS and giving her the Pale Flame artifact set fits her the best. Physical DMG is increased by 25% and hitting elemental skill to the enemy is increased by 9% for 7s. Additional stats priority are ATK%, CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG. Talent focuses are Normal Attack: Favonius Bladework – Edel, Glacial Illumination and Wellspring of War-Lust.

Weapons:

Song of Broken Spines (5*)- for the 49 Physical DMG bonus and it increases the wielder’s ATK. When using normal or charged attacks the character gains a Sigil of Whispers once every 0.3s.

Snow-Tombed Starsilver (4*)- For the 7.5% Physical DMG bonus and hitting an enemy with a normal or charged attack has a 60% chance of forming and dropping an Everfrost Icicle above them.

HU TAO (PYRO)

Hu Tao is one of our best DPS for polearm weapon type using the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set giving her Pyro DMG bonus 15% and increases overloaded and burning DMG by 40%. You can also use Crimson Witch of Flames 2 pc and Noblesse Oblige 2 pc with Elemental Burst DMG by 20%. With her unique skills, you should also prioritize giving her an artifact for HP and Energy Recharge but also not forgetting CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG. Talent focuses are Guide to Afterlife, Normal Attack: Secret Spear of Wangsheng and Spirit Soother. Now you ask, why is burst last? While her burst deals more DMG when she’s -50% HP, she also heals more depending on how many enemies she hits. It’s a double-edged sword because she needs to be -50% HP to trigger her 2nd passive that gives her 33% Pyro DMG bonus.

Weapons:

Staff of Homa (5*)- For 14.4% CRIT DMG and HP is increased by 20% additionally provides an ATK bonus based on 0.8% of the max HP.

Dragon’s Bane (4*)- For the Elemental Mastery bonus stat and increases DMG against enemies affected by Pyro or Hydro by 20%.

ZHONGLI (GEO)

He is the best Burst DPS you could use right now and certainly one of the top-tier list Geo characters. The best artifact set you could use is the Noblesse Oblige 2 pc and Archaic Petra that has the stats of Elemental Burst DMG 20% and gain Geo DMG bonus for 15%. You should also prioritize the stats ATK%, Energy Recharge, CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG with the substats of HP. You could also use the 4 pc Tenacity of Millelith that has 20% HP and when an elemental skill hits an enemy the ATK of the party members will be increased to 20% and their shield strength is also increased by 30% for 3s.

Talent focus should be on Dominus Lapidis, Planet Befall and Normal Attack: Rain of Stone.

Weapons:

Skyward Spine (5*)- For Energy Recharge bonus stat and increases CRIT rate by 8% and increases normal ATK SPD by 12%.

Prototype Starglitter (4*)- For Energy Recharge bonus stat and after using an elemental skill it increases the normal and charged attacks.

RAIDEN SHOGUN (ELECTRO)

It comes as no surprise that the newest Archon is also an S-Tier. Taking her place with Venti and Zhongli, Raiden Shogun works well as either a Support character or a Sub-DPS. To maximize her elemental damage, aim to equip her with the Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set, which increases Energy Recharge and Elemental Burst DMG. In terms of stat priority, aim for Energy Recharge%, ATK%, Electro DMG Bonus, CRIT DMG, and CRIT Rate. As for substats, aim for ATK%, CRIT DMG, CRIT Rate, and Energy Recharge.

The talents you should focus on are: Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu, Transcendence: Baleful Omen, and Normal Attack: Origin in that order.

Weapons:

Engulfing Lightning (5*) – Increases Attack power by 28% of Energy Recharge over base of 100% and grants Energy Recharge for 12s after using Burst.

Skyward Spine (5*) – Increases Normal Attack Speed by 12% and CRIT Rate by 8%. Also has a 50% of doing 40% of ATK DMG in a small AoE after every successful hit.

The Catch (4*) – Increases Elemental Burst CRIT Rate by 6% and Elemental Burst DMG by 16%.

Favonius Lance (4*) – Grants 60% chance for CRITs to generate Elemental Particles, which regenerate 6 Energy for the wielder.

AYAKA (CRYO)

Ayaka is another new character from Inazuma. Much like Ganyu and Eula, she’s an excellent DPS character. Ayaka’s best artifact set is the Blizzard Strayer, which increases her base Cryo DMG by 15%. It also increases her CRIT Rate against enemies that are affected by Cryo by 20%, with a further bonus of 20% if they’re frozen. For stats, prioritize ATK%, Cryo DMG Bonus, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG. And when building her substats, try to get ATK%, CRIT DMG, and CRIT Rate.

To maximize Ayaka’s damage output, here’s the talent priority you should follow: Kamisato Art – Kabuki, Kamisato Art: Hyouka, and Kamisato Art: Soumetsu in that order.

Weapons:

Mistsplitter Reforged (5*) – Increases Elemental DMG Bonus by 12% with potential for stacking.

Primordial Jade Cutter (5*) – Increases HP by 20% and provides extra ATK power equivalent to 1.2% of wielder’s HP.

Blackcliff Longsword (4*) – Increases ATK by 12% every time an opponent is defeated. Lasts for 30s and can stack up to 3 times.

Favonius Sword (4*) – Grants 60% chance for CRITs to generate Elemental Particles, which regenerate 6 Energy for the wielder.

BENNETT (PYRO)

It is highly suggested to build Bennett as a main support and with simple stats mainly HP because his heal scales off his HP and Energy Recharge. Using Noblesse Oblige 4 pc is also a good set for him because it has Elemental Burst DMG for 20% and it increases all party members ATK by 20% for 12s. Talent focus should be Fantastic Voyage, Passion Overload and Normal Attack: Strike of Fortune.

Weapons:

Skyward Blade (5*)- For the Energy Recharge 12% bonus effect and CRIT Rate is increased by 4%. You also gain Skypiercing Might upon using an Elemental Burst.

Favonius Sword (4*)- For the Energy Recharge bonus stat and CRIT has a 60% chance of generating a small amount of Elemental Particles which will generate 6 Energy Recharge.

ZINGQUI (HYDRO)

He can be used as a Support but he is good as a Burst DPS. You should use the Heart of Depth 2 pc and Noblesse Oblige 2 pc but Noblesse Oblige 4 pc could also work. Should prioritize the stats ATK%, Energy Recharge and Hydro DMG bonus. Talents focus are Guhua Sword: Raincutter, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen and Normal attack: Guhua Style.

Weapons:

Skyward Blade (5*)- For the Energy Recharge 12% and CRIT rate is increased by 4%.

Sacrificial Sword (4*)- For the Energy Recharge 13.3% and after attacking an enemy with an elemental skill it has a 40% chance to end its own CD.

 

 

 

On the next page, you’ll learn all things about character elements in Genshin Impact.

GENSHIN IMPACT TIER LIST: ELEMENTS

In the world of Teyvat, there are seven powerful beings known as Archons. Each wields one Element, of which there are seven in total. Here they are:

• Anemo (wind)
• Geo (earth)
• Electro (lightning)
• Dendro (nature)
• Cryo (ice)
• Hydro (water)
• Pyro (fire)

GENSHIN IMPACT TIER LIST: CHARACTERS PER ELEMENT

Want another way to look at the character roster in our Genshin Impact Tier List? No worries, we’ve got you! Here are all the characters, categorized by Element. Take note that the Traveler isn’t anywhere on this list, because they have the ability to take on

Anemo

• Jean
• Kazuha
• Sayu
• Sucrose
• Venti
• Xiao

Cryo

• Aloy
• Ayaka
• Chongyun
• Diona
• Eula
• Ganyu
• Kaeya
• Qiqi
• Rosaria

Electro

• Beidou
• Fischl
• Keqing
• Lisa
• Raiden Shogun
• Razor
• Sara

Geo

• Albedo
• Ningguang
• Noelle
• Zhongli

Hydro

• Barbara
• Kokomi
• Mona
• Tartaglia
• Xingqiu

Pyro

• Amber
• Bennett
• Diluc
• Hu Tao
• Klee
• Xiangling
• Xinyan
• Yanfei
• Yoimiya

 

 

On the next page, we’ll discuss all things about Elemental Reactions, which you could use to pump up your damage to your opponents.

Genshin Impact Tier List: Elemental Reactions

 

To deal massive damage in Genshin Impact, you’re going to have to tap into Elemental Reactions. Put simply Elemental Reactions are the result of mixing two Elements together. Here’s a rundown of all the reactions and their effects.

Hydro + Pyro = Vaporize

Deals extra damage when inflicted.

Electro + Hydro = Electro-Charged

Deals extra Electro damage, bouncing among all Hydro-afflicted enemies nearby.

Electro + Cryo = Superconduct

Unleashes AoE Cryo damage and reduces the enemy’s Physical Defense by 50%.

Hydro + Cryo = Frozen

Freezes all enemies affected.

Cryo + Pyro = Melt

Deals extra damage when inflicted.

Electro + Pyro = Overloaded

Unleashes AoE Pyro damage.

Anemo + Any Element* = Swirl

*except Geo

Spreads the effect of the current Element, while also dealing extra damage.

Geo + Any Element** = Crystalize

**except Anemo

Drops a crystal that, when picked up, forms a shield around the player.

 

 

Now that you already know the different elements in the game and how to use them to your advantage, let’s learn more about the different types of weapons in Genshin Impact to know which match your gameplay.

GENSHIN IMPACT: WEAPON TYPES

Apart from knowing the top picks for our Genshin Impact Tier List, it’s important to note the specifics of their weapon types. This is because their assigned weapons dictate how they’ll move and deal damage in battle.

WHAT ARE THE WEAPON TYPES IN GENSHIN IMPACT?

Bow

Bow-wielding characters can fire between five and six arrows in quick succession. Their charged attack has the character instill the power of their element in an arrow. This allows for more powerful, but slower shots.

Catalyst

Catalyst-based characters utilize either ranged single-target or Area-of-Effect (AoE) attacks. Their normal attacks are usually single-target, while their charged attack deals AoE damage to a specific area. Also, it’s worth noting that both their normal and special attacks are infused with their element.

Claymore

Claymore-wielding characters use a large sword to attack their enemies, inflicting damage with four to five large, but slow swings. Their charged attack is a chain of attacks done in quick succession that ends in a powerful slash.

Polearm

Characters who fight with a polearm attack with five to six quick melee attacks. In the current meta, charged attacks vary greatly from character to character. Most charge at the enemy with their polearm. Other variations include an upward thrust or a hail of spears.

Sword

Sword-wielding characters attack with five quick swings. Their charged attack unleashes two rapid swings and AoE damage in the space in front of them.

 

 

On the next page, we’ll give you the answers to the commonly searched questions about Genshin Impact.

GENSHIN IMPACT: COMMONLY SEARCHED QUESTIONS

Is Genshin Impact free-to-play?

Yes. The game is free to download and enjoy. However, it has a working gacha system, where you spend money to get more rolls for characters. These are known as Wishes.

What platforms is Genshin Impact available to play on?

You can play Genshin Impact on PC, PlayStation 4, and mobile. There’s talk of releasing it to the Nintendo Switch, but as of yet, there’s no official date.

What type of game is Genshin Impact?

Genshin Impact is an Action Role-Playing Game that has multiplayer cooperative features. Note that while you can explore the world of Teyvat together with friends, most main quests bar cooperative play and must be undertaken alone.

Can Genshin Impact be played offline?

No. You need access to a stable internet connection in order to play and progress in the game.

Does Genshin Impact support cross-play?

Yes. This applies across all platforms. So, regardless of where you’re playing, you can jump into a cooperative session with your friends!

Genshin Impact Tier List: 2.1 Updates

CHARACTER BANNERS

Raiden Shogun Banner (Electro Archon, 5-Star)

• Sara
• Sucrose
• Xiangling

Kokomi Banner (Hydro Priestess, 5-Star)

• Rosario
• Beidou
• Xingqui

NEW BOSSES

• La Signora

La Signora is a Domain boss that players can defeat and collect rewards from once a week.

• Hydro Hypostasis

Another addition to the cube family!

• Thunder Manifestation

This boss is essentially an Electro Oceanid.

FISHING

In the new update, players can seek out a fisherman, who will give them a rod and encourage them to go fishing. After a brief tutorial, the player will now be able to fish in any highlighted areas in the water.

The game now has around 20 different fish breeds, some ornamental. And these can be caught then displayed in their Serenitea Pot. Alternatively, you can turn your catch into representatives of the Fishing Association in exchange for goodies. One of the rewards you can get is The Catch, a four-star polearm that boosts the user’s Energy Recharge, Elemental Burst Damage, and Elemental Burst Critical Rate.

Genshin Impact Tier List: 2.2 Updates

CHILDE BANNER RERUN

Childe, otherwise known as Tartaglia, is one of the most sought-after characters of Genshin Impact. Apart from being an amazing DPS character, he’s also well-loved for his appearances in the main questline. (Plus, the fangirls are crazy about him.)

Since his last appearance was way back in Version 1.1 of the game, everyone who missed him now has a chance to roll for the famed Harbinger again. Plus, his banner comes with a decent roster of 4-star characters. So even if you don’t pull Childe, you’re sure to get some pretty useful characters for your current team. Here’s who you might get:

• Ningguang
• Chongyun
• Yanfei

The Childe banner went live on October 12 for North American servers and October 13 for Asian servers. It should be up for at least 20 days, so get pulling! I held off pulling for Kokomi, so I have quite a few Primogems stocked up. I might use a few of them for Childe, but a part of me wants to wait for other 5-stars who haven’t gotten a rerun yet. (Still waiting for you to come home, Klee, you adorable arsonist.)

CONCLUSION

Genshin Impact offers players an immersive experience, with its rich lore and expansive open world. It benefits from its cute, anime art style, similar to games like Princess Connect! Re:Dive and Azur Lane. But what sets Genshin Impact apart from these titles is the fact that it allows players to explore its fantasy world fully. The combat is a huge part of the title, highlighting the need for planning and strategy. Hopefully, our Genshin Impact Tier List helped you, in this regard. But the game also allows for quiet moments, where players get lost in the scenery as they traverse the land of Teyvat. This is what makes Genshin Impact such an excellent game, suitable for gamers of all backgrounds.

To download the game and start exploring the fantastical world of Teyvat, head over to the game’s official website.