How do I optimize Chongyun's cryo infusion in Genshin Impact?

Optimizing Chongyun's cryo infusion in Genshin Impact involves understanding his unique mechanics, building him effectively, and pairing him with the right team to maximize his potential. Chongyun is a cryo claymore user whose elemental skill, "Spirit Blade: Chonghua's Layered Frost," creates a field that infuses normal and charged attacks with cryo damage for melee characters within its area. This cryo infusion is the core of his kit and can be optimized for both main DPS and support roles.

First, let's break down the mechanics of Chongyun's cryo infusion. When Chongyun uses his elemental skill, he creates a frost field that lasts for 10 seconds. Any melee character standing within this field will have their normal and charged attacks converted to cryo damage. This infusion does not override other elemental infusions like Bennett's C6 or Raiden Shogun's burst, but it can synergize with other elemental reactions. The cryo infusion is particularly powerful because it allows characters to trigger reactions like melt, freeze, and superconduct more consistently.

To optimize Chongyun's cryo infusion, start by focusing on his talent levels. Prioritize upgrading his elemental skill, as this directly affects the damage of the cryo infusion. His burst, "Spirit Blade: Cloud-Parting Star," is also important for dealing AoE cryo damage, so leveling it up is beneficial. His normal attack talent is less critical unless you plan to use him as a main DPS.

Next, consider artifact sets and main stats. For a support role, the 4-piece Noblesse Oblige set is ideal, as it boosts his burst damage and provides a team-wide attack buff. For a main DPS role, the 4-piece Blizzard Strayer set is recommended, as it increases cryo damage and critical rate against frozen or cryo-affected enemies. Main stats to focus on include cryo damage bonus on the goblet, attack percentage or energy recharge on the sands, and critical rate or damage on the circlet. Substats should prioritize critical rate, critical damage, attack percentage, and energy recharge.

Weapon selection is also crucial. For a support role, the Sacrificial Greatsword is excellent, as it allows Chongyun to use his elemental skill more frequently. For a main DPS role, the Wolf's Gravestone or Serpent Spine are strong choices, providing high attack and critical rate bonuses. The Prototype Archaic is a good free-to-play option for both roles.

Team composition is key to maximizing Chongyun's cryo infusion. Pair him with characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions. For example, pairing Chongyun with Xiangling allows for consistent melt reactions, as Xiangling's pyro abilities can trigger melt on cryo-infused attacks. Xingqiu is another great teammate, as his hydro application enables freeze reactions, which can be further enhanced by Chongyun's cryo infusion. Bennett is an excellent support, providing healing and an attack buff, while also enabling melt reactions. For a superconduct-focused team, pair Chongyun with an electro character like Fischl or Raiden Shogun to reduce physical resistance and boost physical damage dealers like Eula or Razor.

When using Chongyun, avoid common mistakes such as placing his frost field in areas where enemies can easily move out of range. Position the field strategically to ensure melee characters can stay within it for the full duration. Also, be mindful of elemental reactions. For example, using pyro abilities before cryo infusion can waste potential melt reactions, as melt deals more damage when triggered by pyro on cryo.

Advanced techniques include timing Chongyun's burst to coincide with other characters' abilities for maximum damage. For example, using Chongyun's burst right after Bennett's burst can trigger multiple melt reactions. Additionally, using Chongyun's cryo infusion to set up freeze reactions can provide crowd control, making it easier to deal with groups of enemies.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, Chongyun's cryo infusion can be particularly effective against enemies with high physical resistance or those weak to cryo. For example, against the Cryo Hypostasis, Chongyun's cryo infusion can help break its shield quickly when paired with a pyro character like Xiangling.

In summary, optimizing Chongyun's cryo infusion involves focusing on his elemental skill, choosing the right artifacts and weapons, and building a team that can take advantage of his cryo infusion for powerful elemental reactions. By understanding his mechanics and synergizing with the right teammates, Chongyun can be a valuable asset in both support and main DPS roles.