How do I maximize Thoma's shield strength in Genshin Impact?

To maximize Thoma's shield strength in Genshin Impact, you need to focus on several key aspects of his character build, including his talents, artifacts, weapons, and team composition. Thoma is a Pyro character who excels as a shielder and support, making his shield a crucial part of his kit. His shield scales with his maximum HP, so building him with HP in mind is essential. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of ThomaÔÇÖs shield. ThomaÔÇÖs Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, creates a shield that scales off his maximum HP. His Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi, also provides a shield that refreshes periodically and deals Pyro damage. Both shields stack, meaning you can have multiple layers of protection. The strength of these shields depends on ThomaÔÇÖs HP, so increasing his HP is the primary way to maximize their durability.

To start, prioritize leveling up ThomaÔÇÖs talents. Focus on his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst, as these are the sources of his shields. His Normal Attack talent is less important unless you plan to use him as a main DPS, which is not recommended due to his low damage output. Leveling his talents to at least level 8 or higher will significantly increase his shield strength.

Next, choose the right artifacts. 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. For main stats, prioritize HP% on the Sands, Goblet, and Circlet. Sub-stats should also focus on HP%, Energy Recharge, and some Elemental Mastery if you want to enhance his Pyro reactions. Energy Recharge is important because it ensures Thoma can use his Elemental Burst frequently, which is key to maintaining his shield uptime.

For weapons, the best option for Thoma is the Staff of Homa, which provides a significant HP boost and increases his shield strength. If you donÔÇÖt have this weapon, consider using the Black Tassel, a 3-star weapon that also boosts HP. Other good options include the Favonius Lance, which helps with Energy Recharge, or the Prototype Starglitter, which provides Energy Recharge and increases his Elemental Burst damage.

When building Thoma, avoid common mistakes such as focusing on ATK or Crit stats. These do not contribute to his shield strength and are generally wasted on him. Instead, double down on HP and Energy Recharge to ensure his shields are strong and his Burst is always ready. Another mistake is neglecting his Energy Recharge, which can lead to downtime on his shields and reduced effectiveness in combat.

Advanced techniques for optimizing ThomaÔÇÖs shield include timing his Elemental Skill and Burst to maximize shield uptime. Use his Elemental Skill first to create an initial shield, then follow up with his Elemental Burst to refresh and stack the shield. This ensures you always have a shield active, even during cooldowns. Additionally, pairing Thoma with characters who can generate energy particles, such as Bennett or Xiangling, can help maintain his Burst uptime.

Team composition is also important for maximizing ThomaÔÇÖs effectiveness. He works well in teams that benefit from Pyro resonance, which increases ATK by 25%. Pair him with another Pyro character like Bennett, who can also heal and boost ATK. Thoma also synergizes well with Hydro characters like Tartaglia or Ayato, as his Pyro application can trigger Vaporize reactions. In a team with a Hydro DPS, ThomaÔÇÖs shields and Pyro application can significantly enhance overall damage output.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, ThomaÔÇÖs shields can be invaluable for protecting your team from heavy damage. For example, in floors with high enemy aggression, ThomaÔÇÖs shields can provide consistent protection, allowing your DPS characters to focus on dealing damage without interruption. His shields are also useful in domains with environmental hazards, such as the Crimson Witch of Flames domain, where Pyro resistance is beneficial.

In summary, to maximize ThomaÔÇÖs shield strength, focus on increasing his HP through artifacts and weapons, prioritize his Elemental Skill and Burst talents, and ensure he has sufficient Energy Recharge. Avoid common mistakes like building ATK or Crit stats, and instead, double down on HP and Energy Recharge. Use advanced techniques like timing his skills for maximum shield uptime, and pair him with characters who can benefit from his Pyro application and shield support. By following these strategies, you can make Thoma an invaluable shield support in your team.