How do I optimize Heizou's damage and crowd control in Genshin Impact?

To optimize Heizou's damage and crowd control in Genshin Impact, you need to focus on his unique mechanics, artifact sets, weapon choices, and team compositions. Heizou is a 4-star Anemo catalyst user who excels as a main DPS or sub-DPS, leveraging his high burst damage and crowd control capabilities. His kit revolves around his Elemental Skill, which deals massive damage based on his Elemental Mastery and Attack, and his Elemental Burst, which pulls enemies together and deals AoE Anemo damage. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to maximizing his potential.

First, letÔÇÖs break down HeizouÔÇÖs mechanics. His Elemental Skill, Heartstopper Strike, has two charge levels. The first level deals moderate damage, while the fully charged version deals significantly more damage and generates a Decree stack, which increases his damage output. His Elemental Burst, Windmuster Kick, pulls enemies together and deals AoE Anemo damage, making it excellent for crowd control. HeizouÔÇÖs passive talent, Penetrative Reasoning, increases his Normal Attack damage based on his Elemental Mastery, making it a key stat to focus on. Additionally, his Ascension 4 talent, Pre-Existing Guilt, grants him a Decree stack when he triggers Swirl reactions, further boosting his damage.

To optimize HeizouÔÇÖs damage, prioritize building his Attack, Elemental Mastery, and Critical Rate/Damage. Start by leveling up his talents, focusing on his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst first, as these are his primary sources of damage. His Normal Attack can be leveled up later if you plan to use him as a main DPS. For artifacts, the Viridescent Venerer set is the best choice for Heizou. This set increases Anemo damage and reduces enemy resistance to the element Swirled, making it ideal for maximizing his damage output. Aim for main stats like Attack Sands, Anemo Damage Goblet, and Critical Rate/Damage Circlet. Sub-stats should prioritize Critical Rate, Critical Damage, Elemental Mastery, and Attack.

For weapons, Heizou benefits from catalysts that boost his Attack, Critical Rate, or Elemental Mastery. The Widsith is an excellent choice for its high Critical Damage and random buffs, which can significantly increase his damage output. Other good options include Solar Pearl for its Critical Rate boost and passive that enhances Normal Attacks and Elemental Skills, or Sacrificial Fragments for its Elemental Mastery and chance to reset his Elemental Skill cooldown. If you have a 5-star catalyst, Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds or Skyward Atlas are also strong choices.

Team composition is crucial for HeizouÔÇÖs performance. Since he relies on Swirl reactions, pairing him with characters who can apply elements consistently is key. A strong team could include Heizou, Xingqiu, Fischl, and Bennett. Xingqiu provides Hydro application for consistent Vaporize reactions, Fischl adds Electro for Overloaded and Electro-Charged reactions, and Bennett offers healing and an Attack boost. Another effective team is Heizou, Xiangling, Kaeya, and Sucrose. Xiangling and Kaeya provide Pyro and Cryo application for Melt and Vaporize reactions, while Sucrose can group enemies and boost Elemental Mastery.

When playing Heizou, focus on triggering Swirl reactions as often as possible to maximize his damage and Decree stacks. Use his Elemental Skill after applying an element to enemies to ensure Swirl reactions. His Elemental Burst should be used to group enemies and deal AoE damage, especially in crowded situations. Avoid using his Elemental Skill without an element applied, as this will reduce his damage output. Additionally, donÔÇÖt neglect his Normal Attacks, as they can deal significant damage when boosted by his passive talent.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Elemental Mastery, which is crucial for Swirl damage, and not utilizing his Decree stacks effectively. Always aim to have at least one Decree stack before using his Elemental Skill for maximum damage. Another mistake is not pairing him with characters who can apply elements consistently, as this limits his Swirl potential.

Advanced techniques include using HeizouÔÇÖs Elemental Skill immediately after his Elemental Burst to maximize damage during the crowd control window. Additionally, you can use his Normal Attacks to trigger Swirl reactions while waiting for his Elemental Skill cooldown. This keeps his damage output consistent and ensures heÔÇÖs always contributing to the team.

In summary, optimizing HeizouÔÇÖs damage and crowd control involves focusing on his Elemental Mastery, Attack, and Critical stats, using the Viridescent Venerer artifact set, and equipping him with a high-damage catalyst. Pair him with characters who can apply elements consistently to maximize Swirl reactions, and use his abilities strategically to trigger Decree stacks and deal massive damage. By following these strategies, you can make Heizou a powerful and versatile addition to your team.