How do I maximize Hu Tao's damage output in Genshin Impact?

To maximize Hu Tao's damage output in Genshin Impact, you need to focus on her unique mechanics, team synergies, and proper artifact and weapon choices. Hu Tao is a Pyro DPS character who excels in dealing massive damage through her Elemental Skill, Guide to Afterlife, which converts her HP into an ATK boost. Her Elemental Burst, Spirit Soother, deals AoE Pyro damage and heals her based on the number of enemies hit. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to optimizing her performance.

First, understand Hu TaoÔÇÖs mechanics. Her Elemental Skill, Guide to Afterlife, consumes a portion of her HP to infuse her Normal and Charged Attacks with Pyro, significantly increasing her damage. The lower her HP, the higher her Pyro damage bonus, up to a certain threshold. This means managing her HP is crucial. You want her HP to be below 50% to maximize her damage, but not so low that she risks dying. Her Elemental Burst, Spirit Soother, deals damage based on her Max HP and heals her, making it a powerful tool for both damage and survivability.

For team composition, Hu Tao works best with characters who can provide shields, healing, and elemental reactions. Zhongli is an excellent choice for his strong shield, which protects Hu Tao while sheÔÇÖs at low HP. Xingqiu is another top pick because his Hydro application allows Hu Tao to trigger Vaporize reactions, which amplify her damage. Albedo or Sucrose can provide additional support with their abilities to increase Elemental Mastery, further boosting Vaporize damage. Bennett can be a double-edged sword; while his healing is strong, it can push Hu TaoÔÇÖs HP above 50%, reducing her damage bonus. If you use Bennett, be cautious with his healing.

Artifact selection is critical for Hu Tao. The Crimson Witch of Flames set is her best option, as it increases Pyro damage and enhances Vaporize and Melt reactions. A 4-piece set is ideal, but a 2-piece combination with WandererÔÇÖs Troupe or Tenacity of the Millelith can work if you lack a full set. Focus on substats like Crit Rate, Crit Damage, HP%, and Elemental Mastery. Hu TaoÔÇÖs damage scales with HP, so prioritize HP% on the Sands artifact. A Pyro Damage Bonus Goblet and a Crit Rate or Crit Damage Circlet are essential for maximizing her damage output.

For weapons, the Staff of Homa is Hu TaoÔÇÖs best-in-slot weapon, as it synergizes perfectly with her HP mechanics and provides Crit Damage. Other strong options include the DragonÔÇÖs Bane, which increases Elemental Mastery and is excellent for Vaporize teams, and the Deathmatch, which offers Crit Rate. If you donÔÇÖt have these, the White Tassel or Blackcliff Pole can be decent alternatives.

In combat, timing is key. Use Hu TaoÔÇÖs Elemental Skill immediately after her cooldown ends to maintain her Pyro infusion. Pair her Charged Attacks with XingqiuÔÇÖs Rain Swords to trigger Vaporize consistently. Use her Elemental Burst when her HP is low to deal massive damage and heal herself. Avoid using her Burst when her HP is too high, as it may push her above the 50% threshold, reducing her damage bonus.

Common mistakes include neglecting her HP management, using her Burst at the wrong time, and failing to pair her with a strong Hydro applicator like Xingqiu. Another mistake is over-investing in ATK% artifacts, as Hu TaoÔÇÖs damage scales more with HP and Elemental Mastery.

Advanced techniques include animation canceling her Charged Attacks by jumping or dashing immediately after the attack lands. This reduces downtime and increases her overall damage output. Additionally, positioning is important; try to group enemies together to maximize the AoE damage from her Charged Attacks and Burst.

In summary, to maximize Hu TaoÔÇÖs damage, focus on her HP management, pair her with strong supports like Xingqiu and Zhongli, equip her with the Crimson Witch of Flames set and a weapon like Staff of Homa, and master her combat techniques. With the right setup and strategy, Hu Tao can become one of the most powerful DPS characters in Genshin Impact.