Although you could certainly build Albedo as your main DPS party member, his reliance on defense suggests that he's better used as a swap-in for another heavy-hitting character. His best teammates are other Geo Characters, making him a go-to support for Arataki Itto.

Diluc

Element: Pyro

Weapon: Claymore

Recommended Build: Main DPS

When Genshin Impact first arrived, Diluc was considered a top tier character. His DPS ceiling has since been matched and exceeded by other characters, such as Hu Tao, though. Still Diluc remains a fan favorite with some. With the right supports, he has the ability to tear through enemy shields and interrupt enemy attacks, quickly turning the tide of any battle.

Eula

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Claymore

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Eula burst onto the Genshin Impact scene in a flurry of dance movements and ice shards, backflipping over her enemies and wielding her claymore as if it's a light sword. While her Element is Cryo, she specializes in dealing Physical damage. The Captain of the Knights of Favonius is more than capable of holding down the frontline all by herself, and she does so stylishly.

Ganyu

Image via Genshin Impact YouTube channel

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Main or Sub DPS

The wonderful thing about Ganyu is how versatile she is, allowing you to customize her build into the role you deem best. Typically, she is used as Main DPS. Ganyu mains can buff her stats and turn her into a self-sufficient attack machine, while others might use her to deal secondary damage and freeze opponents so another character can dish out uninterrupted blows. Whichever style you choose, you can't go wrong with Ganyu on your team.

Related: Genshin Impact: All Upcoming Characters

Hu Tao

Element: Pyro

Weapon: Polearm

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Polearm wielders, who rely on speed and quick successive attacks, are naturally great fighters. Paired with Hu Tao's powerful abilities, this combination translates to a formidable presence in combat. Hu Tao's kit reflects her position as the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—she lives on the edge of death. For those that like this playstyle, when paired with the right supports, Hu Tao will clear most any content in the game.

Jean

Element: Anemo

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Sub DPS or Support

With her Anemo abilities, Jean is great at moving enemies around and can even send them flying off high surfaces like cliffs. In addition to crowd control, Jean's Elemental Burst provides major healing to your party while damaging nearby foes. She may not be the star of the battlefield, but Jean will offer you all kinds of tactical advantages to make conquering your enemies that much easier.

Kazuha

Element: Anemo

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Kazuha amplifies the Elemental Mastery of your other party members, and his Anemo abilities spread the effects of elemental attacks further across the field. When his Elemental Skill is activated, Kazuha even gains a special bonus to his Plunging Attack. Overall, Kazuha is a great team player and a boon to just about any team comp you can come up with in Genshin Impact.

Keqing

Element: Electro

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Keqing is the perfect character for players who enjoy speed. She is able to dominate the battlefield with lightning-fast movements thanks to her Elemental Skill, which teleports her to any direction you choose. With the Aggravate Elemental Reaction and the right supports, her damage numbers can be boosted, but she will need significant investment to match the damage done by other characters. That said, you may pick her up unintentionally trying to obtain other characters. If you do, and you enjoy her quick strikes, she can be a fun DPS to build a team around in the overworld.

Klee

Element: Pyro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Main or Sub DPS

While Klee is able to deal lots of damage at once, her chain attacks leave her vulnerable to enemy interruptions (unless you keep jumping around). Due to her clunky playstyle, and the fact that she must be pulled from a limited banner, it may be a wise decision to skip her banners if you value power. However, if you want the cutest daughter of a mysterious Hexenzirkel member on your team anyway, go for it.

Related: Genshin Impact Baizhu kit – All Skills, Constellations, Passives & more!

Mona

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Mona works best in cooperation with other party members, since her Elemental Burst heightens the amount of damage you can deal through elemental reactions. The astrologer carries unique traits like the ability to dive and sprint faster, as well as an Elemental Skill that sends out a decoy which attacks nearby enemies with Hydro.

Qiqi

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Support

Qiqi's healing abilities are immense, but, unfortunately, that's about the only thing she does. Both her Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst feature heavy healing along with some Cyro damage, so you can protect your party all while setting up new elemental reactions. Frankly though, the amount of healing Qiqi does is almost unnecessary. There are much better healers you could use that also deal damage, like Jean or Kokomi.

Tartaglia

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Bow (primary)

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Much of Childe Tartaglia's appeal is his unique ability to switch between ranged and melee attacks. Unlike Mona, whose Hydro skills are better suited for creating elemental reactions, Tartaglia is able to wipe out enemy mobs himself through his combat versatility and unique abilities like Riptide.

Traveler

Element: Anemo, Geo, Electro, or Dendro

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Whether equipped with Anemo, Geo, Electro, or Dendro, the Traveler is the least impressive member of Genshin Impact's 5-star character cast—which is only fair, since Traveler is also the only 5-star character we're automatically given. The Dendro Traveler was a decent Sub DPS character when few Dendro characters were present in the game, but unfortunately they've already been largely outclassed.

Venti

Element: Anemo

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Venti offers lots of mobility with his Elemental Skill, which creates an air current you can ride. His Elemental Burst, is his bread and butter, however. It's perfect for crowd control and providing Elemental resistance shred when combined with the Viridescent Venerer artifcat set. Just make sure the enemies you are fighting can be whipped into his vortex.

Xiao

Element: Anemo

Weapon: Polearm

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Xiao is an excellent close-range fighter, able to deal lots of damage with his polearm and speed. Like with Hu Tao, however, you'll need to keep an eye on Xiao's health since his Elemental Burst drains HP in order to raise his ATK output. Having a healer or shielder on hand is always a good idea when employing Xiao as your primary DPS character.

Zhongli

Element: Geo

Weapon: Polearm

Recommended Build: Support or Sub DPS

Zhongli is truly Rex Lapis, a king of shields. He can be built with HP in mind, providing your team with a shield that almost can not fail. It can even shred the elemental resistance of your enemies. He can also be built to boost his Elemental Burst damage, making his meteoroid one of the funniest bombs to drop.

Aloy

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Aloy was the first, and so far only, crossover character to come to Genshin Impact. She was given to players for free around the first anniversary of the game, Playstation Players first. Though listed as a five-star character, she needs significant investment to produce five-star numbers. Largely, her character is only used by older plyers for grins and giggles.

Kamisato Ayaka

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Ayaka remains a darling in teams built around the Freeze reaction. Realistically she can deal top tier damage on any team built around a Cryo reaction. She has an alternative sprint similar to Mona's, giving her additional versatility outside of the battlefield, as well.

Yoimiya

Element: Pyro

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Main DPS

When faced with a single target, like bosses, Yoimiya shines. Unfortunately, Yomiya's kit lacks AoE damage, limiting her ability to deal with mobs of enemies. Some players just love her sunny personality though, and fight with her anyway.

Raiden Shogun

Element: Electro

Weapon: Polearm

Recommended Build: Main or Sub DPS

While she was initially feared to be weak on release, Raiden Shogun has proven to be a five-star character that can go the distance on current teams. She provides Energy Regeneration boosts team wide, and can deal significant Electro damage when built well. This is boosted even further by high damage dealing elemental reactions like the Aggravate Reaction.

Related: What is The Boar Princess about in Genshin Impact?

Kokomi

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Support

While initially she wasn't well received, Kokomi has become a darling of players that want to keep the team alive, no matter what. She comes in particularly handy when helping friends in co-op content.

Arataki Itto

Element: Geo

Weapon: Claymore

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Arataki Itto is for those that love to slap things silly. He'll dela a ton of damge, just be aware that he almost requires a full team of Geo members—ideally, Albedo, Zhongli, and Gorou. No elemental reactions for this numero uno.

Kamisato Ayato

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Main or Sub DPS

Ayato is for those who like to slash in style. He makes a great teammate for Vape and Freeze comps, doing the most damage with the rain slashes from his Elemental Skill.

Yae Miko

Element: Electro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

This "Big Fischl" is just that, or maybe Fischl is a "Little Yae", now. She's most useful for dealing off-field Electro damage via the Turrets she leaves behind with her Elemental Skill, and she makes for a great Spread or Aggravate teammate.

Shenhe

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Polearm

Recommended Build: Support or Sub DPS

Shenhe is one of the most niche five-star characters to date. She largely serves to support the damage of other Cryo DPS characters such as Ayaka or Ganyu. After first appearing during Lantern Rite, she took some time to come back around, so if you really want this character, you may want to snag her.

Yelan

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

If Yae Miko is "Big Fischl", then Yelan is defeniently "Big Xingqiu". She can both apply large amounts of the Hydro element off-field as well as do significant damage. She even comes with the added boost of zipping around Teyvat with her Elemental Skill.

Tighnari

Element: Dendro

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Main or Sub DPS

Tighnari was the first one of the first Dendro characters introduced to the game, and while he was fun to play with at first, he is already being outclassed by other Dendro damage dealers like Alhaitham. He is however on the Standard Banner now, so you might get him in a stroke of luck, or as a consolation prize.

Cyno

Element: Electro

Weapon: Polearm

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Even with newer elemental reactions taken into account, Cyno can do lackluster damage unless heavily invested in. That said, for those that love this character, his focus on dealing damage via his Elemental Burst can be a fun way to drive away mobs of hillichurls and slimes.

Related: Genshin Impact Kaveh kit – All Skills, Constellations, Passives & more!

Nilou

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Nilou has become a pillar of teams centered around the Bloom reactions. This is due to her unique ability to change normal Dendro Cores into Bountiful Cores which end battles quickly via AoE damage.

Nahida

Element: Dendro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Sub DPS

Nahida is the cutest Archon, but beyond that, she is a staple Dendro character. She enables and boosts any and all Dendro Elemental Reactions, which are currently quite powerful. You can put her on almost any teams with Hydro, Pyro, or Electro characters and watch their damage potential climb like vines.

Wanderer

Element: Anemo

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Main DPS

While Anemo characters tend to be supports, The Wanderer is a selfish Main DPS. He is best used with the four-star Anemo Character released with him, Faruzan. As a bonus, you'll have an opportunity to change his name during the story.

Alhaitham

Element: Dendro

Weapon: Sword

Recommended Build: Main DPS

While managing his mirror's can be tricky, Alhaitham is a solid Dendro Main DPS character that you can easily build a Spread team around. He's also a fan favorite for his sharp wit and sharp... eyes.

Dehya

Element: Pyro

Weapon: Claymore

Recommended Build: Support or Sub DPS

Dehya is truthfully very confusing at the moment. Her kit seems to focus around mitigating damage and putting that damage onto herself off-field. Most healers and shielders already provide enough cover, so her usefulness in Genshin Impact remains a bit of a mystery. If you love this fiery bodyguard, though, don't let us stop you from getting her.

Baizhu

Element: Dendro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Support

Baizhu resonates with his role as a doctor, taking his medical prowess to the battlefield. He's a reliable healer who doubles up as a decent shielder and can also provide minor off-field Dendro application. Despite his ability to apply Dendro, Baizhu's damage output is too low to be considered a sub-DPS, so I highly recommend sticking to his best-in-slot build as a support.

Lyney

Element: Pyro

Weapon: Bow

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Lyney is a DPS unit that primarily deals damage through Charged Attacks, akin to Ganyu and Tighnari. Apart from his Pyro Vision, he's also a Pneuma-aligned unit. And while he can deal high numbers, Lyney is highly reliant on a mono Pyro team to bring out his full potential.

Neuvillette

Element: Hydro

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Neuvillette is a DPS catalyst user who primarily relies on his Charged Attack to do most of his damage. Being a Hydro user, he's versatile and easy to slot in various Reaction teams, and offers a fun and novel playstyle that's enjoyable whether against bosses in the Abyss or during exploration.

Wriothesley

Element: Cryo

Weapon: Catalyst

Recommended Build: Main DPS

Wriothesley is a DPS catalyst user with a closed-ranged combat style, given that he uses his fists to fight (just like Shikanoin Heizou). He deals consistent Cryo Damage, making him a good fit for Cryo Reaction teams, such as Melt, Freeze, and Mono Cryo setups.

For more on Genshin Impact, we got you covered with Genshin Impact banner and codes to redeem for in-game freebies here on Pro Game Guides!

Pro Game Guides is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

We have upgraded our commenting platform! Existing comments will be imported over the next few weeks.

Author

Nicki Si

Nicki is a freelance writer with 5 years of writing experience. She's a fan of anything from HoYoverse, from Genshin Impact to Tears of Themis and Honkai: Star Rail. She also loves rhythm games like BanG Dream! and D4DJ.

Author

Michaela Schulte

Michaela Schulte is a Mom, gamer, and Contributing writer for Pro Game Guides. She was hooked on fantasy lands in childhood, during her first trip through Hyrule. She's also been to Pallet Town, Whiterun, and Novigrad. Currently traveling through Sumeru. Her travel partners include her husband, two boys, and their dog, Ellie.

Author

Sierra Windham

Hey there! I'm Sierra, and I'm probably crying over a fictional character while you're reading this. JRPGs and farming simulators like Rune Factory are my weaknesses. Tweet me at @windhamwriting with your favorite Persona game!