How do I maximize Cyno's damage in Genshin Impact?

To maximize Cyno's damage in Genshin Impact, you need to focus on several key aspects, including his talents, artifacts, weapons, team composition, and combat mechanics. Cyno is a 5-star Electro polearm user who excels as a main DPS, particularly in teams that can trigger powerful Electro reactions like Aggravate. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you optimize his performance.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about CynoÔÇÖs mechanics. CynoÔÇÖs Elemental Skill, "Secret Rite: Chasmic Soulfarer," deals Electro damage and generates energy particles. His Elemental Burst, "Sacred Rite: WolfÔÇÖs Swiftness," transforms him into the Pactsworn Pathclearer state, enhancing his Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks with Electro damage. During this state, his Elemental Skill also changes to "Pactsworn Pathclearer," dealing additional damage and extending the duration of his Burst. CynoÔÇÖs damage output heavily relies on his Burst, so maintaining high energy recharge and uptime is crucial.

To maximize CynoÔÇÖs damage, prioritize upgrading his Elemental Burst and Elemental Skill. His Normal Attack talent is less important since most of his damage comes from his Burst state. Focus on leveling his Burst first, followed by his Skill, and then his Normal Attack if you have extra resources.

For artifacts, the best set for Cyno is the 4-piece Thundering Fury. This set increases Electro damage and reduces the cooldown of his Elemental Skill, allowing him to use it more frequently during his Burst. Alternatively, you can use a 4-piece Gilded Dreams set, which boosts Elemental Mastery and Attack, making it a strong option for Aggravate teams. For main stats, aim for an Electro Damage Bonus Goblet, a Crit Rate or Crit Damage Circlet, and an Energy Recharge or Elemental Mastery Sands, depending on your team and weapon. Substats should prioritize Crit Rate, Crit Damage, Elemental Mastery, and Energy Recharge.

When it comes to weapons, CynoÔÇÖs best-in-slot is his signature weapon, the Staff of the Scarlet Sands. This weapon increases his Crit Rate and scales his damage based on his Elemental Mastery, making it perfect for Aggravate teams. Other strong options include the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear for its high Crit Rate and Attack bonuses, and the Deathmatch for its Crit Rate and Attack increase. For free-to-play options, the White Tassel is a solid choice, providing Crit Rate and Normal Attack damage, which benefits his Burst state.

Team composition is vital for maximizing CynoÔÇÖs damage. In Aggravate teams, pair Cyno with a Dendro character like Nahida or Dendro Traveler to trigger the Aggravate reaction, which scales with Elemental Mastery and Crit stats. A second Electro character like Fischl or Kuki Shinobu can provide energy particles and additional Electro application. For the fourth slot, consider an Anemo character like Kazuha or Sucrose to shred Electro resistance and boost Elemental Mastery. Alternatively, you can use a shielder like Zhongli or a healer like Bennett for survivability.

In combat, always use CynoÔÇÖs Elemental Skill before activating his Burst to maximize energy generation. During his Burst state, alternate between Normal Attacks and his enhanced Skill to maintain high damage output. Be mindful of his energy needs; if youÔÇÖre struggling to keep his Burst up, consider using an Energy Recharge Sands or pairing him with a battery like Fischl.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Elemental Mastery in Aggravate teams, as it significantly boosts CynoÔÇÖs damage. Also, avoid using Cyno in teams without a Dendro character, as his damage potential drops without Aggravate reactions. Additionally, donÔÇÖt overlook his energy needs; failing to maintain his Burst uptime will drastically reduce his effectiveness.

Advanced techniques include timing his Skill usage to maximize damage during his Burst and managing his energy to ensure his Burst is always ready. In Aggravate teams, focus on stacking Elemental Mastery and Crit stats to maximize reaction damage. Use Anemo characters to group enemies and shred Electro resistance, further boosting CynoÔÇÖs damage.

In summary, to maximize CynoÔÇÖs damage, focus on his Elemental Burst and Skill, equip him with the Thundering Fury or Gilded Dreams artifact set, and use weapons like the Staff of the Scarlet Sands or Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. Build a team around Aggravate reactions with Dendro and Electro characters, and manage his energy to maintain Burst uptime. By following these strategies, you can unleash CynoÔÇÖs full potential as a powerful Electro DPS in Genshin Impact.