How do I build a strong shield support Thoma in Genshin Impact?
Building a strong shield support Thoma in Genshin Impact requires a deep understanding of his mechanics, team synergies, and the right combination of artifacts and weapons. Thoma is a 4-star Pyro polearm user who excels at providing consistent shielding and Pyro application, making him a valuable support character in teams that benefit from shields and elemental reactions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build him effectively.
ThomaÔÇÖs shield is generated through his Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, and his Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi. His Elemental Skill creates a shield that scales with his Max HP, while his Elemental Burst provides a continuous shield that refreshes every second when normal attacks are performed. This makes HP the most important stat for Thoma, as it directly increases the strength of his shields. Additionally, his Elemental Burst requires 80 energy, so Energy Recharge is another crucial stat to ensure his Burst is available as often as possible.
To maximize ThomaÔÇÖs shield support capabilities, focus on building him with artifacts that prioritize HP and Energy Recharge. The best artifact set for Thoma is the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith. This set increases his HP by 20% and provides a team-wide ATK boost when his Elemental Skill hits an opponent, making it ideal for a support role. Alternatively, you can use a 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith and a 2-piece Emblem of Severed Fate for a balance of HP and Energy Recharge. For main stats, aim for HP% on the Sands, HP% or Pyro DMG Bonus on the Goblet, and HP% or Healing Bonus on the Circlet. Substats should prioritize HP%, Energy Recharge, and flat HP.
For weapons, Thoma benefits from polearms that provide Energy Recharge or HP. The best 4-star option is the Favonius Lance, which generates energy particles when you land a critical hit, helping to keep his Burst up consistently. Another good option is the Prototype Starglitter, which also provides Energy Recharge. If you have access to 5-star weapons, the Engulfing Lightning is an excellent choice due to its high Energy Recharge and ATK boost based on Energy Recharge. However, 5-star weapons are not necessary for Thoma to perform well as a shield support.
In terms of team composition, Thoma works best in teams that benefit from his shields and Pyro application. One popular team is a Vaporize team with characters like Tartaglia (Childe) and Xingqiu. ThomaÔÇÖs shields protect the team while his Pyro application enables consistent Vaporize reactions. Another strong team is a Mono-Pyro team with characters like Bennett, Xiangling, and Kazuha. In this setup, Thoma provides shields and additional Pyro application, while Bennett and Xiangling deal massive Pyro damage. Thoma can also be used in Overload teams with characters like Raiden Shogun or Fischl, where his Pyro application triggers Overload reactions.
When playing Thoma, itÔÇÖs important to manage his Energy Recharge effectively. Since his Burst costs 80 energy, youÔÇÖll need to ensure he has enough Energy Recharge to use it consistently. This can be achieved through artifacts, weapons, and team composition. For example, pairing Thoma with Bennett, who generates Pyro particles, can help recharge ThomaÔÇÖs Burst faster. Additionally, using ThomaÔÇÖs Elemental Skill before his Burst can help generate energy particles to fund his Burst.
One common mistake when building Thoma is neglecting his Energy Recharge in favor of stacking HP. While HP is important for his shields, having insufficient Energy Recharge can leave him unable to use his Burst consistently, reducing his overall effectiveness. Another mistake is using Thoma in teams where his Pyro application interferes with desired elemental reactions. For example, in a Melt team with Ganyu, ThomaÔÇÖs Pyro application can disrupt the Melt reaction, making him less effective in this role.
Advanced techniques for Thoma include timing his Elemental Skill and Burst to maximize shield uptime. Since his Burst refreshes his shield every second when normal attacks are performed, you can use his Elemental Skill to create an initial shield, then immediately use his Burst to extend the shieldÔÇÖs duration. This ensures your team has continuous protection. Additionally, ThomaÔÇÖs C4 constellation, which reduces his Elemental Burst cooldown by 3 seconds, can significantly improve his shield uptime and energy management.
In summary, building a strong shield support Thoma involves prioritizing HP and Energy Recharge through artifacts and weapons, using the right team compositions to maximize his utility, and managing his energy effectively. By focusing on these aspects, you can create a Thoma that provides consistent shielding and Pyro application, making him a valuable asset to your team.
ThomaÔÇÖs shield is generated through his Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, and his Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi. His Elemental Skill creates a shield that scales with his Max HP, while his Elemental Burst provides a continuous shield that refreshes every second when normal attacks are performed. This makes HP the most important stat for Thoma, as it directly increases the strength of his shields. Additionally, his Elemental Burst requires 80 energy, so Energy Recharge is another crucial stat to ensure his Burst is available as often as possible.
To maximize ThomaÔÇÖs shield support capabilities, focus on building him with artifacts that prioritize HP and Energy Recharge. The best artifact set for Thoma is the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith. This set increases his HP by 20% and provides a team-wide ATK boost when his Elemental Skill hits an opponent, making it ideal for a support role. Alternatively, you can use a 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith and a 2-piece Emblem of Severed Fate for a balance of HP and Energy Recharge. For main stats, aim for HP% on the Sands, HP% or Pyro DMG Bonus on the Goblet, and HP% or Healing Bonus on the Circlet. Substats should prioritize HP%, Energy Recharge, and flat HP.
For weapons, Thoma benefits from polearms that provide Energy Recharge or HP. The best 4-star option is the Favonius Lance, which generates energy particles when you land a critical hit, helping to keep his Burst up consistently. Another good option is the Prototype Starglitter, which also provides Energy Recharge. If you have access to 5-star weapons, the Engulfing Lightning is an excellent choice due to its high Energy Recharge and ATK boost based on Energy Recharge. However, 5-star weapons are not necessary for Thoma to perform well as a shield support.
In terms of team composition, Thoma works best in teams that benefit from his shields and Pyro application. One popular team is a Vaporize team with characters like Tartaglia (Childe) and Xingqiu. ThomaÔÇÖs shields protect the team while his Pyro application enables consistent Vaporize reactions. Another strong team is a Mono-Pyro team with characters like Bennett, Xiangling, and Kazuha. In this setup, Thoma provides shields and additional Pyro application, while Bennett and Xiangling deal massive Pyro damage. Thoma can also be used in Overload teams with characters like Raiden Shogun or Fischl, where his Pyro application triggers Overload reactions.
When playing Thoma, itÔÇÖs important to manage his Energy Recharge effectively. Since his Burst costs 80 energy, youÔÇÖll need to ensure he has enough Energy Recharge to use it consistently. This can be achieved through artifacts, weapons, and team composition. For example, pairing Thoma with Bennett, who generates Pyro particles, can help recharge ThomaÔÇÖs Burst faster. Additionally, using ThomaÔÇÖs Elemental Skill before his Burst can help generate energy particles to fund his Burst.
One common mistake when building Thoma is neglecting his Energy Recharge in favor of stacking HP. While HP is important for his shields, having insufficient Energy Recharge can leave him unable to use his Burst consistently, reducing his overall effectiveness. Another mistake is using Thoma in teams where his Pyro application interferes with desired elemental reactions. For example, in a Melt team with Ganyu, ThomaÔÇÖs Pyro application can disrupt the Melt reaction, making him less effective in this role.
Advanced techniques for Thoma include timing his Elemental Skill and Burst to maximize shield uptime. Since his Burst refreshes his shield every second when normal attacks are performed, you can use his Elemental Skill to create an initial shield, then immediately use his Burst to extend the shieldÔÇÖs duration. This ensures your team has continuous protection. Additionally, ThomaÔÇÖs C4 constellation, which reduces his Elemental Burst cooldown by 3 seconds, can significantly improve his shield uptime and energy management.
In summary, building a strong shield support Thoma involves prioritizing HP and Energy Recharge through artifacts and weapons, using the right team compositions to maximize his utility, and managing his energy effectively. By focusing on these aspects, you can create a Thoma that provides consistent shielding and Pyro application, making him a valuable asset to your team.