What is the best way to counter the Rifthounds in Genshin Impact?
Rifthounds in Genshin Impact are unique enemies that can be challenging due to their mechanics and the Corrosion effect they inflict. To effectively counter them, you need to understand their behavior, the Corrosion mechanic, and how to build a team that can handle their attacks while dealing consistent damage. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to counter Rifthounds.
Rifthounds are wolf-like creatures that come in two variants: Rifthound Whelps and Rifthounds. They are immune to crowd control effects like freeze or stun, making them harder to pin down. Their most dangerous ability is Corrosion, which inflicts damage over time to your entire team, bypassing shields. This means even if you have a strong shield character like Zhongli, your team will still take damage over time. Corrosion can stack, so if multiple Rifthounds attack you, the damage can quickly become overwhelming.
To counter Rifthounds, the first step is to bring a healer. Characters like Bennett, Jean, Kokomi, or Barbara are essential because they can heal your team and mitigate the Corrosion damage. Bennett is particularly useful because he not only heals but also provides an attack boost, making him a versatile choice. Kokomi and Barbara are Hydro healers who can also trigger elemental reactions, while Jean offers both healing and crowd control with her abilities.
Next, focus on dealing consistent damage. Rifthounds are highly mobile, so characters with area-of-effect (AoE) abilities or those who can deal damage over time are ideal. Characters like Ganyu, Ayaka, or Hu Tao can deal significant damage, but you need to ensure they are supported by a healer. GanyuÔÇÖs charged shots and AyakaÔÇÖs burst can hit multiple Rifthounds at once, while Hu TaoÔÇÖs high single-target damage can quickly take down individual Rifthounds.
Elemental reactions are also crucial. Rifthounds have elemental affinities, with some being Electro-aligned and others Geo-aligned. Using characters that can trigger reactions like Superconduct, Overloaded, or Crystallize can help you deal more damage. For example, pairing an Electro character like Raiden Shogun with a Cryo character like Ayaka can trigger Superconduct, reducing the RifthoundsÔÇÖ physical resistance and making them easier to defeat.
When fighting Rifthounds, positioning is key. They often teleport or dash around the battlefield, so try to keep them grouped together. Characters with crowd control abilities, like Venti or Kazuha, can help by pulling them into one spot, making it easier to hit multiple Rifthounds with AoE attacks. However, remember that Rifthounds are immune to crowd control, so these abilities wonÔÇÖt stop them from moving, but they can still help group them for easier targeting.
One common mistake is relying too heavily on shields. While shields can protect you from direct damage, they wonÔÇÖt stop Corrosion. This means you need to prioritize healing over shielding. Another mistake is not paying attention to the RifthoundsÔÇÖ teleportation patterns. They often teleport behind you, so always be ready to adjust your position and avoid getting surrounded.
For advanced techniques, consider using characters with off-field abilities. Characters like Fischl, Xiangling, or Albedo can deal damage even when theyÔÇÖre not on the field, allowing you to focus on healing and positioning. FischlÔÇÖs Oz can provide consistent Electro damage, while XianglingÔÇÖs Pyronado can deal AoE Pyro damage. AlbedoÔÇÖs Solar Isotope can also deal Geo damage over time, making him a good choice for sustained damage.
Team composition is crucial when fighting Rifthounds. A balanced team might include a healer like Bennett, a main DPS like Ayaka, a sub-DPS like Fischl, and a support character like Kazuha. This setup ensures you have healing, consistent damage, and crowd control. Alternatively, you could use a team focused on elemental reactions, such as a Vaporize team with Hu Tao and Xingqiu, supported by a healer like Kokomi and a sub-DPS like Xiangling.
Artifact and weapon choices should focus on maximizing damage and survivability. For healers, artifacts like Maiden Beloved or Ocean-Hued Clam can increase healing effectiveness. For DPS characters, sets like Blizzard Strayer for Cryo characters or Crimson Witch of Flames for Pyro characters can boost their damage. Weapons should complement your charactersÔÇÖ roles, such as using a high-damage weapon like the Mistsplitter Reforged for Ayaka or a healing-focused weapon like the Prototype Amber for Kokomi.
In specific scenarios, such as fighting Rifthounds in the Spiral Abyss, you may need to adjust your strategy. The Abyss often has multiple waves of Rifthounds, so having a team that can sustain long fights is essential. Make sure your healer has enough energy to use their burst frequently, and consider using energy recharge artifacts or weapons to keep your teamÔÇÖs abilities ready.
In summary, countering Rifthounds requires a combination of healing, consistent damage, and strategic positioning. Bring a reliable healer, use characters with AoE or off-field abilities, and focus on elemental reactions to maximize your damage output. Avoid relying solely on shields, and always be ready to adjust your position to avoid getting overwhelmed. With the right team composition and strategy, you can effectively counter Rifthounds and minimize the impact of their Corrosion effect.
Rifthounds are wolf-like creatures that come in two variants: Rifthound Whelps and Rifthounds. They are immune to crowd control effects like freeze or stun, making them harder to pin down. Their most dangerous ability is Corrosion, which inflicts damage over time to your entire team, bypassing shields. This means even if you have a strong shield character like Zhongli, your team will still take damage over time. Corrosion can stack, so if multiple Rifthounds attack you, the damage can quickly become overwhelming.
To counter Rifthounds, the first step is to bring a healer. Characters like Bennett, Jean, Kokomi, or Barbara are essential because they can heal your team and mitigate the Corrosion damage. Bennett is particularly useful because he not only heals but also provides an attack boost, making him a versatile choice. Kokomi and Barbara are Hydro healers who can also trigger elemental reactions, while Jean offers both healing and crowd control with her abilities.
Next, focus on dealing consistent damage. Rifthounds are highly mobile, so characters with area-of-effect (AoE) abilities or those who can deal damage over time are ideal. Characters like Ganyu, Ayaka, or Hu Tao can deal significant damage, but you need to ensure they are supported by a healer. GanyuÔÇÖs charged shots and AyakaÔÇÖs burst can hit multiple Rifthounds at once, while Hu TaoÔÇÖs high single-target damage can quickly take down individual Rifthounds.
Elemental reactions are also crucial. Rifthounds have elemental affinities, with some being Electro-aligned and others Geo-aligned. Using characters that can trigger reactions like Superconduct, Overloaded, or Crystallize can help you deal more damage. For example, pairing an Electro character like Raiden Shogun with a Cryo character like Ayaka can trigger Superconduct, reducing the RifthoundsÔÇÖ physical resistance and making them easier to defeat.
When fighting Rifthounds, positioning is key. They often teleport or dash around the battlefield, so try to keep them grouped together. Characters with crowd control abilities, like Venti or Kazuha, can help by pulling them into one spot, making it easier to hit multiple Rifthounds with AoE attacks. However, remember that Rifthounds are immune to crowd control, so these abilities wonÔÇÖt stop them from moving, but they can still help group them for easier targeting.
One common mistake is relying too heavily on shields. While shields can protect you from direct damage, they wonÔÇÖt stop Corrosion. This means you need to prioritize healing over shielding. Another mistake is not paying attention to the RifthoundsÔÇÖ teleportation patterns. They often teleport behind you, so always be ready to adjust your position and avoid getting surrounded.
For advanced techniques, consider using characters with off-field abilities. Characters like Fischl, Xiangling, or Albedo can deal damage even when theyÔÇÖre not on the field, allowing you to focus on healing and positioning. FischlÔÇÖs Oz can provide consistent Electro damage, while XianglingÔÇÖs Pyronado can deal AoE Pyro damage. AlbedoÔÇÖs Solar Isotope can also deal Geo damage over time, making him a good choice for sustained damage.
Team composition is crucial when fighting Rifthounds. A balanced team might include a healer like Bennett, a main DPS like Ayaka, a sub-DPS like Fischl, and a support character like Kazuha. This setup ensures you have healing, consistent damage, and crowd control. Alternatively, you could use a team focused on elemental reactions, such as a Vaporize team with Hu Tao and Xingqiu, supported by a healer like Kokomi and a sub-DPS like Xiangling.
Artifact and weapon choices should focus on maximizing damage and survivability. For healers, artifacts like Maiden Beloved or Ocean-Hued Clam can increase healing effectiveness. For DPS characters, sets like Blizzard Strayer for Cryo characters or Crimson Witch of Flames for Pyro characters can boost their damage. Weapons should complement your charactersÔÇÖ roles, such as using a high-damage weapon like the Mistsplitter Reforged for Ayaka or a healing-focused weapon like the Prototype Amber for Kokomi.
In specific scenarios, such as fighting Rifthounds in the Spiral Abyss, you may need to adjust your strategy. The Abyss often has multiple waves of Rifthounds, so having a team that can sustain long fights is essential. Make sure your healer has enough energy to use their burst frequently, and consider using energy recharge artifacts or weapons to keep your teamÔÇÖs abilities ready.
In summary, countering Rifthounds requires a combination of healing, consistent damage, and strategic positioning. Bring a reliable healer, use characters with AoE or off-field abilities, and focus on elemental reactions to maximize your damage output. Avoid relying solely on shields, and always be ready to adjust your position to avoid getting overwhelmed. With the right team composition and strategy, you can effectively counter Rifthounds and minimize the impact of their Corrosion effect.