How do I optimize Candace's hydro application and support in Genshin Impact?

Candace is a Hydro support character in Genshin Impact who excels at providing Hydro application, buffing normal attacks, and offering defensive utility with her shield. To optimize her Hydro application and support capabilities, you need to focus on her mechanics, team synergies, artifact choices, and weapon selection. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you maximize her potential.

CandaceÔÇÖs Hydro application primarily comes from her Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst. Her Elemental Skill, Sacred Rite: HeronÔÇÖs Sanctum, has two variations: a tap version that deals Hydro damage and a hold version that creates a shield and deals AoE Hydro damage based on her max HP. Her Elemental Burst, Sacred Rite: WagtailÔÇÖs Tide, creates a Hydro infusion for melee characters and deals periodic Hydro damage while buffing normal attacks. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for optimizing her role.

To maximize CandaceÔÇÖs Hydro application, prioritize her Elemental Burst. It has a low energy cost and a short cooldown, making it easy to maintain uptime. Pair her with characters who benefit from Hydro application, such as Pyro DPS units for Vaporize reactions or Electro characters for Electro-Charged. Her Hydro infusion can also enable Freeze teams with Cryo characters. Focus on building her Energy Recharge to ensure her Burst is always available. Aim for at least 180-200% Energy Recharge, depending on your team composition.

For artifacts, the best set for Candace is the 4-piece Noblesse Oblige. This set increases her Elemental Burst damage and provides a team-wide attack buff, enhancing her support capabilities. Alternatively, you can use a 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate to boost her Energy Recharge and Burst damage. For main stats, prioritize HP% on the Sands, Hydro DMG% on the Goblet, and Crit Rate or Crit Damage on the Circlet. Sub-stats should focus on Energy Recharge, HP%, and Crit stats.

Weapon choice is also important. Favonius Lance is an excellent option for Candace, as it provides Energy Recharge and generates energy particles for the team. If you need more damage, consider the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear or the Staff of Homa. For free-to-play options, the Prototype Starglitter is a solid choice, offering Energy Recharge and a passive that boosts her Elemental Burst damage.

In terms of team composition, Candace works well in teams that rely on normal attacks and Hydro reactions. For example, pairing her with Yoimiya or Hu Tao can create powerful Vaporize reactions. In a Freeze team, she can support Ayaka or Ganyu by providing Hydro application. For Electro-Charged teams, pair her with Raiden Shogun or Fischl. Always ensure your team has a reliable battery or Energy Recharge sources to keep her Burst active.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting her Energy Recharge, which can lead to inconsistent Burst uptime. Another mistake is using her in teams that donÔÇÖt benefit from her Hydro infusion or normal attack buffs. For example, pairing her with characters like Xiao or Itto, who donÔÇÖt rely on normal attacks, reduces her effectiveness. Additionally, avoid building her as a main DPS, as her damage output is not competitive compared to dedicated DPS characters.

Advanced techniques involve timing her Elemental Skill to block incoming damage while applying Hydro. This can be particularly useful in Spiral Abyss or against tough enemies. You can also use her Burst to enable quick-swap teams, where multiple characters benefit from the Hydro infusion and attack buff. For example, in a team with Xiangling and Bennett, CandaceÔÇÖs Burst can enhance XianglingÔÇÖs Pyronado damage through Vaporize reactions.

In summary, optimizing CandaceÔÇÖs Hydro application and support requires focusing on her Elemental Burst, Energy Recharge, and team synergies. Use artifacts like Noblesse Oblige or Emblem of Severed Fate, and equip her with weapons like Favonius Lance or Prototype Starglitter. Pair her with characters who benefit from Hydro reactions and normal attack buffs, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting Energy Recharge or using her in unsuitable teams. By following these strategies, you can make Candace a valuable support character in your Genshin Impact roster.