What is the best way to use the Ayaka and Shenhe combo in Genshin Impact?

The Ayaka and Shenhe combo in Genshin Impact is one of the most powerful Cryo-focused team setups in the game. Ayaka, a Cryo DPS, excels in dealing massive damage with her Elemental Burst and charged attacks, while Shenhe, a Cryo support, enhances Cryo damage and provides buffs to the team. Together, they create a synergy that maximizes Cryo damage output, making them ideal for tackling high-level content like the Spiral Abyss or challenging bosses.

To understand the mechanics of this combo, itÔÇÖs important to break down how Ayaka and ShenheÔÇÖs abilities interact. AyakaÔÇÖs Elemental Skill, Kamisato Art: Hyouka, deals Cryo damage and generates energy particles, while her Elemental Burst, Kamisato Art: Soumetsu, unleashes a flurry of Cryo slashes that deal continuous damage. ShenheÔÇÖs Elemental Skill, Spring Spirit Summoning, has two modes: Press and Hold. The Press version deals Cryo damage and grants Icy Quills, which boost the Cryo damage of subsequent attacks. The Hold version deals AoE Cryo damage and provides a longer-lasting buff. ShenheÔÇÖs Elemental Burst, Divine MaidenÔÇÖs Deliverance, creates a field that reduces Cryo resistance and deals periodic Cryo damage.

To use this combo effectively, follow these steps. First, start with ShenheÔÇÖs Elemental Skill to apply Icy Quills, which will enhance AyakaÔÇÖs Cryo damage. Next, use ShenheÔÇÖs Elemental Burst to create a field that reduces enemy Cryo resistance. Then, switch to Ayaka and use her Elemental Skill to generate energy and deal initial Cryo damage. Finally, activate AyakaÔÇÖs Elemental Burst to unleash her powerful Cryo slashes, which will benefit from ShenheÔÇÖs Icy Quills and Cryo resistance reduction. This sequence ensures that AyakaÔÇÖs damage is maximized during her Burst window.

Important tips and considerations include managing energy recharge for both characters. AyakaÔÇÖs Burst has a high energy cost, so pairing her with a Cryo battery like Diona or Kaeya can help maintain energy flow. Shenhe also benefits from energy recharge, as her Burst is crucial for maintaining Cryo resistance reduction. Additionally, timing is key. Make sure ShenheÔÇÖs buffs are active before using AyakaÔÇÖs Burst to maximize damage output.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting ShenheÔÇÖs buffs or using AyakaÔÇÖs Burst without proper setup. Another mistake is not considering enemy resistances. While this combo excels against enemies weak to Cryo, it may struggle against Cryo-resistant foes, so having a secondary DPS or support character with a different element can be beneficial.

Advanced techniques include weaving in normal and charged attacks with Ayaka to trigger ShenheÔÇÖs Icy Quills more frequently. Additionally, using a Hydro character like Kokomi or Mona to apply the Frozen reaction can further enhance AyakaÔÇÖs damage by triggering the Blizzard Strayer artifact setÔÇÖs bonus.

For team composition, a popular setup includes Ayaka, Shenhe, a Hydro applicator like Kokomi or Mona, and an Anemo support like Kazuha or Venti. The Hydro character enables Freeze reactions, while the Anemo character provides crowd control and resistance shred through the Viridescent Venerer artifact set.

Artifact recommendations for Ayaka include the Blizzard Strayer set, which increases Cryo damage and provides a critical rate bonus against Frozen enemies. Shenhe benefits from the Noblesse Oblige set, which boosts her Burst damage and provides a team-wide attack buff. For weapons, AyakaÔÇÖs best options are Mistsplitter Reforged or Amenoma Kageuchi, while Shenhe can use the Calamity Queller or Favonius Lance.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, this combo shines against groups of enemies or bosses with high health pools. For example, against the Maguu Kenki boss, the Freeze reaction can lock it in place, allowing Ayaka to deal consistent damage with her Burst. Overall, the Ayaka and Shenhe combo is a highly effective strategy for Cryo-focused teams, offering both high damage and excellent synergy when used correctly.