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 polearm user who excels as a shielder and support character, and his shield strength is primarily tied to his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to optimize his shield potential.
First, letÔÇÖs understand the mechanics of ThomaÔÇÖs shield. His Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, creates a shield that scales off his Max HP. This shield has a base absorption value and gains additional strength based on a percentage of ThomaÔÇÖs Max HP. His Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi, also generates a shield that refreshes periodically and scales with his Max HP. The key to maximizing his shield strength lies in increasing his Max HP and ensuring his talents are leveled up.
Step one is to prioritize leveling ThomaÔÇÖs talents. Focus on upgrading his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst, as these directly affect his shield strength. His Normal Attack talent is less important unless you plan to use him as a main DPS, which is not recommended for shield optimization. Aim to level his Elemental Skill and Burst to at least level 8 or higher, as each level increases the shieldÔÇÖs scaling.
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 boosts the shield strength of all party members 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 particularly important because it ensures Thoma can use his Elemental Burst frequently, which is crucial for maintaining his shield uptime.
For weapons, the best options are those that provide HP or Energy Recharge. The 5-star weapon Staff of Homa is ideal, as it increases HP and provides a damage bonus based on Max HP. However, if you donÔÇÖt have access to 5-star weapons, the 4-star Black Tassel is a great alternative. It provides a significant HP boost, which directly enhances ThomaÔÇÖs shield strength. Another good option is the Favonius Lance, which increases Energy Recharge and helps Thoma generate energy particles for his Burst.
Team composition is another critical factor. Thoma works well in teams that benefit from Pyro resonance, which increases the partyÔÇÖs attack by 25%. Pair him with another Pyro character like Bennett or Xiangling to activate this resonance. Thoma also synergizes well with characters who rely on shields for protection, such as Hu Tao or Yoimiya, as his shield can prevent interruptions during their attacks. Additionally, pairing Thoma with Hydro or Cryo characters like Xingqiu or Ayaka can create powerful elemental reactions like Vaporize or Melt, further enhancing team damage output.
When using Thoma in combat, timing is key. Activate his Elemental Skill to create an initial shield, then use his Elemental Burst to refresh and maintain the shield over time. Be mindful of his energy requirements, as his Burst costs 80 energy. To ensure consistent shield uptime, use Energy Recharge artifacts or weapons and pair him with characters who can generate energy particles, such as Raiden Shogun or Fischl.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting ThomaÔÇÖs Energy Recharge, which can lead to inconsistent shield uptime, and focusing too much on damage stats like Attack or Critical Rate, which do not benefit his shield strength. Additionally, avoid using artifact sets that do not enhance his HP or shield capabilities, such as GladiatorÔÇÖs Finale or Crimson Witch of Flames.
For advanced optimizations, consider refining ThomaÔÇÖs artifact sub-stats to maximize HP% and Energy Recharge. You can also experiment with hybrid builds that incorporate some Elemental Mastery to boost his Pyro reactions, though this should not come at the expense of his shield strength. In Spiral Abyss or challenging domains, positioning Thoma to absorb damage for your main DPS can significantly improve team survivability.
In summary, to maximize ThomaÔÇÖs shield strength, focus on increasing his Max HP through artifacts and weapons, level up his Elemental Skill and Burst, and ensure he has sufficient Energy Recharge. Pair him with characters that benefit from Pyro resonance and shield support, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting Energy Recharge or using suboptimal artifact sets. By following these strategies, you can build Thoma into a reliable shielder who enhances your teamÔÇÖs survivability and performance in combat.
First, letÔÇÖs understand the mechanics of ThomaÔÇÖs shield. His Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, creates a shield that scales off his Max HP. This shield has a base absorption value and gains additional strength based on a percentage of ThomaÔÇÖs Max HP. His Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi, also generates a shield that refreshes periodically and scales with his Max HP. The key to maximizing his shield strength lies in increasing his Max HP and ensuring his talents are leveled up.
Step one is to prioritize leveling ThomaÔÇÖs talents. Focus on upgrading his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst, as these directly affect his shield strength. His Normal Attack talent is less important unless you plan to use him as a main DPS, which is not recommended for shield optimization. Aim to level his Elemental Skill and Burst to at least level 8 or higher, as each level increases the shieldÔÇÖs scaling.
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 boosts the shield strength of all party members 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 particularly important because it ensures Thoma can use his Elemental Burst frequently, which is crucial for maintaining his shield uptime.
For weapons, the best options are those that provide HP or Energy Recharge. The 5-star weapon Staff of Homa is ideal, as it increases HP and provides a damage bonus based on Max HP. However, if you donÔÇÖt have access to 5-star weapons, the 4-star Black Tassel is a great alternative. It provides a significant HP boost, which directly enhances ThomaÔÇÖs shield strength. Another good option is the Favonius Lance, which increases Energy Recharge and helps Thoma generate energy particles for his Burst.
Team composition is another critical factor. Thoma works well in teams that benefit from Pyro resonance, which increases the partyÔÇÖs attack by 25%. Pair him with another Pyro character like Bennett or Xiangling to activate this resonance. Thoma also synergizes well with characters who rely on shields for protection, such as Hu Tao or Yoimiya, as his shield can prevent interruptions during their attacks. Additionally, pairing Thoma with Hydro or Cryo characters like Xingqiu or Ayaka can create powerful elemental reactions like Vaporize or Melt, further enhancing team damage output.
When using Thoma in combat, timing is key. Activate his Elemental Skill to create an initial shield, then use his Elemental Burst to refresh and maintain the shield over time. Be mindful of his energy requirements, as his Burst costs 80 energy. To ensure consistent shield uptime, use Energy Recharge artifacts or weapons and pair him with characters who can generate energy particles, such as Raiden Shogun or Fischl.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting ThomaÔÇÖs Energy Recharge, which can lead to inconsistent shield uptime, and focusing too much on damage stats like Attack or Critical Rate, which do not benefit his shield strength. Additionally, avoid using artifact sets that do not enhance his HP or shield capabilities, such as GladiatorÔÇÖs Finale or Crimson Witch of Flames.
For advanced optimizations, consider refining ThomaÔÇÖs artifact sub-stats to maximize HP% and Energy Recharge. You can also experiment with hybrid builds that incorporate some Elemental Mastery to boost his Pyro reactions, though this should not come at the expense of his shield strength. In Spiral Abyss or challenging domains, positioning Thoma to absorb damage for your main DPS can significantly improve team survivability.
In summary, to maximize ThomaÔÇÖs shield strength, focus on increasing his Max HP through artifacts and weapons, level up his Elemental Skill and Burst, and ensure he has sufficient Energy Recharge. Pair him with characters that benefit from Pyro resonance and shield support, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting Energy Recharge or using suboptimal artifact sets. By following these strategies, you can build Thoma into a reliable shielder who enhances your teamÔÇÖs survivability and performance in combat.