What is the best way to use Anemo characters for crowd control in Genshin Impact?

Anemo characters in Genshin Impact are highly effective for crowd control due to their ability to manipulate enemy positioning and trigger powerful elemental reactions. The key mechanic behind Anemo's crowd control is the Swirl reaction, which occurs when Anemo interacts with other elements like Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo. Swirl spreads the applied element to nearby enemies, dealing additional damage and enabling further elemental reactions. This makes Anemo characters invaluable for grouping enemies and setting up combos.

To maximize crowd control with Anemo characters, start by understanding their abilities. Characters like Venti, Kazuha, Sucrose, and Jean have skills that pull enemies together or knock them back. Venti's Elemental Burst, for example, creates a massive vortex that sucks in enemies and continuously applies Swirl. Kazuha's Elemental Skill pulls enemies toward him and can be followed up with a plunge attack for AoE damage. Sucrose's abilities also group enemies and boost Elemental Mastery for stronger reactions. Jean's Elemental Skill can launch enemies into the air, disrupting their attacks.

A step-by-step strategy for crowd control begins with applying an element to enemies. Use a character like Xiangling, Fischl, or Mona to apply Pyro, Electro, or Hydro. Then, switch to your Anemo character and use their skill or burst to trigger Swirl. This will spread the element to nearby enemies, setting them up for additional reactions. For example, if you apply Pyro with Xiangling and then use Venti's burst, the Swirl reaction will spread Pyro to all enemies in the vortex, allowing your team to trigger Overload or Vaporize reactions.

Important tips include timing your abilities correctly. Anemo bursts like Venti's or Kazuha's have a limited duration, so make sure your team is ready to follow up with damage. Positioning is also crucial. Place your Anemo character in the center of a group of enemies to maximize the area of effect. Additionally, consider the elemental resistance of enemies. Some enemies, like slimes, are immune to their own element, so avoid using that element in your setup.

Common mistakes to avoid include using Anemo abilities without applying an element first. Swirl requires an existing element to trigger, so always apply an element before using Anemo skills. Another mistake is neglecting Elemental Mastery. Anemo characters benefit greatly from high Elemental Mastery, as it increases Swirl damage and reaction effectiveness. Avoid building them solely for Attack or Critical stats unless their kit specifically favors those stats.

Advanced techniques involve combining multiple Anemo characters or using them in specific team compositions. For example, pairing Venti with Sucrose can create a chain reaction of Swirl effects, continuously grouping and damaging enemies. Another technique is using Anemo characters to enable elemental absorption. Venti's burst can absorb elements like Pyro or Hydro, adding extra damage and utility to the ability.

Team composition suggestions include pairing Anemo characters with strong elemental applicators. A team with Venti, Xiangling, Xingqiu, and Bennett can create powerful reactions like Vaporize and Overload while maintaining crowd control. Kazuha works well with characters like Childe or Raiden Shogun, as his abilities enhance elemental damage and group enemies for AoE attacks. Sucrose is excellent in teams focused on Elemental Mastery, such as a team with Fischl, Beidou, and Barbara for Electro-Charged reactions.

Artifact and weapon recommendations depend on the Anemo character. Venti benefits from the Viridescent Venerer set, which increases Anemo damage and reduces enemy resistance to the Swirled element. Kazuha also uses Viridescent Venerer but can focus on Elemental Mastery for stronger reactions. Sucrose should prioritize Elemental Mastery artifacts and weapons like Sacrificial Fragments or Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers. Jean can use a hybrid build with Viridescent Venerer and Gladiator's Finale for both damage and healing.

Specific examples include using Venti in the Spiral Abyss to group enemies and trigger Swirl reactions with Pyro or Electro. In open-world exploration, Kazuha can be used to gather scattered enemies and deal AoE damage with his plunge attacks. Sucrose is particularly effective in domains with multiple enemies, where her Elemental Mastery buffs can amplify team damage.

In summary, Anemo characters excel at crowd control through Swirl reactions and enemy grouping. By applying elements first, timing abilities correctly, and building for Elemental Mastery, you can maximize their effectiveness. Pair them with strong elemental applicators and use artifacts like Viridescent Venerer to enhance their utility. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Elemental Mastery or using Anemo abilities without an element. With the right team composition and strategy, Anemo characters can dominate the battlefield and enable powerful elemental reactions.