How do I build a freeze team with Ayaka in Genshin Impact?

Building a freeze team with Ayaka in Genshin Impact is a highly effective strategy for both overworld exploration and challenging content like the Spiral Abyss. Ayaka, as a Cryo DPS, excels in freeze compositions due to her ability to consistently apply Cryo and deal massive damage with her Elemental Burst. The freeze reaction occurs when Cryo and Hydro elements interact, immobilizing enemies and making them easier to hit. This setup not only increases Ayaka's damage output but also provides crowd control, making it easier to manage groups of enemies.

To build a freeze team with Ayaka, you need to focus on three main components: Ayaka as the main DPS, a Hydro applicator to enable freeze, and support characters to enhance Ayaka's damage and provide utility. The fourth slot can be flexible, often filled by another Cryo character for resonance or an Anemo character for crowd control and resistance shredding.

First, let's discuss Ayaka's role and mechanics. Ayaka's Elemental Skill, Kamisato Art: Hyouka, deals AoE Cryo damage and generates energy particles, which are crucial for maintaining her Elemental Burst uptime. Her Elemental Burst, Kamisato Art: Soumetsu, is a powerful ability that deals continuous Cryo damage in a large area. To maximize her damage, you should prioritize her Elemental Burst and Normal Attack talents. Her Charged Attacks are also significant, as they deal high damage and can hit multiple enemies.

For team composition, a typical freeze team with Ayaka includes Ayaka, a Hydro applicator like Mona or Kokomi, a Cryo support like Diona or Rosaria, and an Anemo support like Kazuha or Venti. Mona is a popular choice for her Hydro application and damage amplification with her Elemental Burst. Kokomi provides consistent Hydro application and healing, making her a great option for survivability. Diona offers healing, shielding, and Cryo resonance, which increases critical rate against frozen enemies. Rosaria can provide additional Cryo application and critical rate buffs. Anemo supports like Kazuha or Venti can group enemies, reduce their resistance to Cryo, and provide crowd control.

Artifact selection is crucial for optimizing Ayaka's performance. The best artifact set for Ayaka in a freeze team is the Blizzard Strayer set, which increases Cryo damage and provides a significant critical rate boost against frozen enemies. Aim for a Cryo Damage Goblet, ATK% Sands, and a Crit Damage Circlet. Since the Blizzard Strayer set already provides a lot of critical rate, you can focus on stacking Crit Damage and ATK% substats.

For weapons, Ayaka benefits greatly from 5-star swords like Mistsplitter Reforged or Primordial Jade Cutter, which provide high Crit Damage and ATK% bonuses. If you don't have these, 4-star options like the Blackcliff Longsword or the Amenoma Kageuchi are excellent alternatives. The Blackcliff Longsword offers Crit Damage, while the Amenoma Kageuchi provides energy regeneration, helping Ayaka maintain her Elemental Burst uptime.

In combat, the strategy is to apply Hydro to enemies first, then use Ayaka's abilities to freeze them. Start with your Hydro applicator's skill or burst to wet enemies, then switch to Ayaka to freeze them with her Cryo attacks. Use your Anemo support to group enemies and reduce their resistance to Cryo, then unleash Ayaka's Elemental Burst for maximum damage. Make sure to manage your energy effectively, as Ayaka's burst is energy-hungry. Using a Cryo battery like Diona or Rosaria can help with energy regeneration.

Common mistakes to avoid include not maintaining proper energy management, leading to downtime in Ayaka's burst. Also, ensure that your Hydro applicator is consistently applying Hydro to keep enemies frozen. Overlapping abilities that don't synergize well can also reduce overall damage output, so timing your skills and bursts correctly is essential.

Advanced techniques include using Ayaka's dash, Kamisato Art: Senho, to apply Cryo and reposition quickly. This can be useful for dodging attacks and setting up freeze reactions. Additionally, mastering the timing of your rotations to maximize damage during buff windows, such as Mona's Omen or Kazuha's Elemental DMG bonus, can significantly increase your team's effectiveness.

In summary, building a freeze team with Ayaka involves careful team composition, artifact optimization, and strategic combat execution. By focusing on Cryo and Hydro synergy, energy management, and maximizing Ayaka's damage potential, you can create a powerful and efficient freeze team that excels in various game content.