What are the best artifact sets for a main DPS Diluc in Genshin Impact?

Diluc is one of the most powerful Pyro DPS characters in Genshin Impact, and building him correctly is essential to maximize his damage output. The best artifact sets for a main DPS Diluc are the Crimson Witch of Flames and Gladiator's Finale. These sets synergize well with his Pyro-based abilities and enhance his overall damage potential. Let's break down the mechanics, strategies, and considerations for building Diluc effectively.

The Crimson Witch of Flames set is the most optimal choice for Diluc because it boosts Pyro damage and increases the damage of elemental reactions. The two-piece set bonus grants a 15% Pyro damage bonus, while the four-piece set increases Overloaded and Burning damage by 40% and Vaporize and Melt damage by 15%. Additionally, using an Elemental Skill increases the two-piece set bonus by 50% for 10 seconds, stacking up to three times. This set is perfect for Diluc, as his Elemental Skill, Searing Onslaught, can trigger the four-piece effect multiple times, amplifying his Pyro damage significantly.

The Gladiator's Finale set is another strong option, especially if you don't have a full Crimson Witch set. The two-piece set increases attack by 18%, and the four-piece set boosts normal attack damage by 35% for characters who use swords, claymores, or polearms. While this set doesn't enhance Pyro damage directly, it provides a consistent damage boost to Diluc's normal attacks, which are a significant part of his DPS rotation.

When farming artifacts for Diluc, prioritize the following main stats: Pyro damage bonus on the goblet, critical rate or critical damage on the circlet, and attack percentage on the sands. For substats, focus on critical rate, critical damage, attack percentage, and elemental mastery. Elemental mastery is particularly important for Diluc because it enhances the damage of his elemental reactions, such as Vaporize and Melt, which are key to his damage output.

A common mistake players make is neglecting elemental mastery in favor of pure attack stats. While attack is important, elemental mastery can significantly increase Diluc's damage when paired with Hydro or Cryo supports for Vaporize and Melt reactions. Another mistake is using the wrong artifact sets, such as Lavawalker, which is less effective for Diluc compared to Crimson Witch or Gladiator's Finale.

For advanced optimizations, consider pairing Diluc with characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions. Xingqiu is an excellent support for Diluc because his Elemental Burst applies Hydro to enemies, enabling consistent Vaporize reactions. Bennett is another great teammate, as his Elemental Burst provides healing, attack buffs, and Pyro resonance, which increases the team's attack by 25%. Sucrose or Kazuha can also be used to increase elemental mastery and crowd control, further boosting Diluc's reaction damage.

In terms of weapons, the Wolf's Gravestone is Diluc's best-in-slot weapon, providing a massive attack boost and an additional attack buff for the team. If you don't have Wolf's Gravestone, the Serpent Spine from the Battle Pass is a strong alternative, offering critical rate and a damage bonus that increases with time in combat. The Prototype Archaic is a good free-to-play option, providing attack percentage and a chance to deal additional damage on hit.

For team composition, a classic setup includes Diluc, Xingqiu, Bennett, and a flex slot. The flex slot can be filled with a character like Sucrose for crowd control and elemental mastery buffs, or Zhongli for shielding and resistance shred. This team maximizes Diluc's damage through Pyro resonance, Vaporize reactions, and attack buffs.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, Diluc's ability to deal consistent Pyro damage makes him a strong choice for floors with Cryo or Hydro enemies. Pairing him with Xingqiu and Bennett ensures that he can trigger Vaporize reactions frequently, dealing massive damage to enemies. Additionally, using Sucrose or Kazuha to group enemies and apply elemental resistance shred can further enhance Diluc's effectiveness in AoE situations.

In conclusion, building Diluc as a main DPS requires careful attention to artifact sets, stats, and team composition. Prioritize the Crimson Witch of Flames set for its Pyro damage and reaction bonuses, and focus on critical rate, critical damage, and elemental mastery for substats. Pair Diluc with supports like Xingqiu and Bennett to maximize his damage through elemental reactions and attack buffs. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting elemental mastery or using suboptimal artifact sets, and consider advanced optimizations like crowd control and resistance shred for even greater effectiveness. With the right build and team, Diluc can dominate in both exploration and challenging content like the Spiral Abyss.