How do I build a strong freeze team with Ayaka and Shenhe in Genshin Impact?

Building a strong freeze team with Ayaka and Shenhe in Genshin Impact involves understanding their mechanics, optimizing their builds, and creating a team that maximizes their synergy. Ayaka is a powerful Cryo DPS who excels in dealing consistent Cryo damage, while Shenhe is a Cryo support who enhances the damage of Cryo characters. Together, they can create a formidable freeze team that locks enemies in place while dealing massive damage.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of a freeze team. The freeze reaction occurs when Hydro and Cryo elements interact, immobilizing enemies and making them vulnerable to attacks. AyakaÔÇÖs Cryo application is fast and consistent, especially with her Elemental Burst, which deals multiple instances of Cryo damage. ShenheÔÇÖs role is to boost AyakaÔÇÖs Cryo damage through her Icy Quills, which add flat damage to Cryo attacks based on ShenheÔÇÖs attack stat. This synergy allows Ayaka to deal significantly more damage while enemies are frozen.

To build this team, start by selecting the right characters. Ayaka and Shenhe are the core, but youÔÇÖll also need a Hydro applicator to trigger the freeze reaction. Kokomi or Mona are excellent choices for this role, as they provide consistent Hydro application. Kokomi also offers healing, which can be useful for survivability. For the fourth slot, consider an Anemo character like Kazuha or Venti. These characters can group enemies together and reduce their Cryo resistance through the Viridescent Venerer artifact set, further boosting AyakaÔÇÖs damage.

Next, focus on artifact builds. For Ayaka, the Blizzard Strayer set is ideal. This set increases Cryo damage and provides a significant boost to critical rate against frozen enemies. Aim for a Cryo damage bonus goblet, attack or energy recharge sands, and a critical damage circlet. Shenhe should use the Noblesse Oblige set to boost the teamÔÇÖs attack after using her Elemental Burst. Prioritize attack stats on Shenhe, as her Icy Quills scale off her attack. For the Hydro applicator, the Tenacity of the Millelith set works well, increasing the teamÔÇÖs attack. The Anemo character should use the Viridescent Venerer set to reduce enemy resistance.

Weapon choices are also crucial. For Ayaka, the Mistsplitter Reforged is the best option, but the Amenoma Kageuchi is a strong free-to-play alternative. Shenhe benefits from weapons like the Calamity Queller or the Skyward Spine, which boost her attack and energy recharge. Kokomi can use the Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers to buff AyakaÔÇÖs attack, while Mona can use the Favonius Codex for energy regeneration. Kazuha or Venti should use weapons like the Freedom-Sworn or the Stringless to enhance their crowd control and damage.

In combat, the strategy is straightforward. Start by applying Hydro with your Hydro character, then use ShenheÔÇÖs Elemental Skill to apply Icy Quills. Switch to Ayaka and use her Elemental Skill and Burst to deal massive Cryo damage while enemies are frozen. Use the Anemo character to group enemies and reduce their resistance, then repeat the cycle. Timing is key, as you want to maximize the uptime of ShenheÔÇÖs Icy Quills and AyakaÔÇÖs Burst.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting energy recharge on Ayaka and Shenhe. Both characters rely on their Bursts for optimal performance, so ensure they have enough energy recharge to use them frequently. Another mistake is not grouping enemies properly with the Anemo character, which can lead to missed damage opportunities.

Advanced techniques include using AyakaÔÇÖs dash to apply Cryo before using her Burst, ensuring maximum damage output. Additionally, timing ShenheÔÇÖs Icy Quills with AyakaÔÇÖs Burst can significantly increase damage. For example, using ShenheÔÇÖs Elemental Skill right before AyakaÔÇÖs Burst ensures that all hits benefit from the Icy Quills.

In summary, a strong freeze team with Ayaka and Shenhe requires careful character selection, optimized artifact and weapon builds, and precise combat execution. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a team that dominates in both open-world exploration and challenging content like the Spiral Abyss.