How do I optimize Heizou's DPS build in Genshin Impact?

To optimize Heizou's DPS build in Genshin Impact, you need to focus on maximizing his Anemo damage, critical rate, and critical damage while ensuring he has enough energy recharge to use his Elemental Burst consistently. Heizou is a 4-star Anemo catalyst user who excels as a main DPS or sub-DPS, relying on his Elemental Skill and Burst to deal significant damage. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to building him effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss his mechanics. HeizouÔÇÖs Elemental Skill, Heartstopper Strike, deals Anemo damage and gains stacks of Declension, which increase its damage based on how many stacks you accumulate. His Elemental Burst, Windmuster Kick, deals AoE Anemo damage and can trigger a secondary explosion if it hits enemies affected by Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro. His passive talents also enhance his damage output, such as increasing his Elemental Skill damage after using his Normal Attacks. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for optimizing his build.

For artifacts, the best set for Heizou is the 4-piece Viridescent Venerer. This set increases Anemo damage by 15% and reduces enemy resistance to the element infused in the Swirl reaction by 40% for 10 seconds. This makes Heizou not only a strong DPS but also a valuable support for teams relying on elemental reactions. If you donÔÇÖt have a full Viridescent Venerer set, you can use a 2-piece Viridescent Venerer combined with a 2-piece GladiatorÔÇÖs Finale or ShimenawaÔÇÖs Reminiscence for an 18% attack bonus. For main stats, prioritize Anemo Damage Bonus on the Goblet, Critical Rate or Critical Damage on the Circlet, and Attack Percentage on the Sands. Sub-stats should focus on Critical Rate, Critical Damage, Attack Percentage, and Energy Recharge.

For weapons, the best options for Heizou are 5-star catalysts like Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds or Skyward Atlas, which provide critical rate, elemental damage, and attack bonuses. If you donÔÇÖt have 5-star weapons, consider 4-star options like The Widsith, which offers critical damage and a random buff, or Solar Pearl, which boosts critical rate and enhances Normal Attack and Elemental Skill damage. For free-to-play players, the Mappa Mare is a solid choice, as it increases Elemental Mastery and provides an elemental damage bonus after triggering reactions.

In terms of team composition, Heizou works well in teams that can trigger Swirl reactions frequently. Pair him with characters like Xingqiu, Fischl, or Xiangling, who can apply Hydro, Electro, or Pyro consistently. This allows Heizou to trigger Swirl and deal additional damage. For example, a team with Heizou, Xingqiu, Fischl, and Bennett can create powerful elemental reactions while providing healing and attack buffs. Another strong team is Heizou, Xiangling, Bennett, and Sucrose, which focuses on Pyro Swirl and Overloaded reactions.

When playing Heizou, prioritize using his Elemental Skill after building up Declension stacks for maximum damage. Use his Elemental Burst to deal AoE damage and trigger secondary explosions. His Normal Attacks can also be useful for building stacks and triggering reactions. Avoid using his Elemental Skill without stacks, as it significantly reduces its damage potential. Additionally, make sure to position yourself well to hit multiple enemies with his Burst.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting his energy recharge, which can leave you unable to use his Burst frequently. Aim for at least 130-140% energy recharge to maintain consistent uptime. Another mistake is focusing too much on Elemental Mastery at the expense of critical stats. While Elemental Mastery is useful for Swirl damage, HeizouÔÇÖs primary damage comes from his Skill and Burst, which scale better with attack and critical stats.

Advanced techniques include using HeizouÔÇÖs Normal Attacks to build Declension stacks quickly and timing his Elemental Skill to hit multiple enemies. You can also use his Burst to group enemies together, making it easier to trigger Swirl reactions. In Spiral Abyss, Heizou can be a strong choice for floors with multiple enemies, as his AoE damage and crowd control can clear waves efficiently.

In summary, optimizing HeizouÔÇÖs DPS build involves focusing on Anemo damage, critical stats, and energy recharge. Use the Viridescent Venerer artifact set, prioritize critical rate and damage on sub-stats, and choose weapons that enhance his damage output. Pair him with characters that can trigger Swirl reactions, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting energy recharge or over-prioritizing Elemental Mastery. With the right build and team, Heizou can be a powerful and versatile DPS character in Genshin Impact.