What is the best elemental reaction for dealing massive damage in Genshin Impact?

The best elemental reaction for dealing massive damage in Genshin Impact is Vaporize. Vaporize occurs when Hydro meets Pyro or vice versa, amplifying the damage of the triggering attack. There are two types of Vaporize reactions: Hydro-triggered Vaporize (Pyro applied first, then Hydro) and Pyro-triggered Vaporize (Hydro applied first, then Pyro). Pyro-triggered Vaporize deals 1.5x damage, while Hydro-triggered Vaporize deals 2x damage. This makes Hydro-triggered Vaporize the most powerful reaction for dealing massive damage.

To achieve this, you need to understand the mechanics of elemental application and gauge theory. Each character's elemental skill or burst applies a certain amount of elemental gauge units (GU) to enemies. For example, Xingqiu's Rain Swords apply 1U of Hydro, while Bennett's Elemental Burst applies 2U of Pyro. The order in which elements are applied matters because the second element triggers the reaction. To maximize damage, you want Hydro to be the triggering element, so Pyro should be applied first, followed by Hydro.

A common strategy is to use a Pyro character like Bennett or Xiangling to apply Pyro to enemies, then switch to a Hydro character like Xingqiu or Mona to trigger Vaporize with their Hydro attacks. For example, Bennett can use his Elemental Burst to apply Pyro, then Xingqiu can use his Elemental Burst to trigger Vaporize with his Rain Swords. This setup ensures that Hydro is the triggering element, resulting in a 2x damage multiplier.

Team composition is crucial for maximizing Vaporize damage. A typical team might include a Pyro DPS like Hu Tao or Diluc, a Hydro enabler like Xingqiu or Mona, a support character like Bennett for healing and attack buffs, and a flex slot for crowd control or additional damage. For example, a team with Hu Tao, Xingqiu, Bennett, and Sucrose can deal massive Vaporize damage. Hu Tao applies Pyro with her charged attacks, Xingqiu triggers Vaporize with his Rain Swords, Bennett provides healing and attack buffs, and Sucrose can group enemies and increase Elemental Mastery for stronger reactions.

Artifacts and weapons also play a significant role in optimizing Vaporize damage. For Hydro characters like Xingqiu or Mona, the 4-piece Heart of Depth set is ideal, as it increases Hydro damage and normal/charged attack damage after using an Elemental Skill. For Pyro characters like Hu Tao or Diluc, the 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames set is best, as it increases Pyro damage and boosts Vaporize damage. Weapons like the Staff of Homa for Hu Tao or the Mistsplitter Reforged for Xingqiu can further enhance damage output.

Elemental Mastery is a key stat for maximizing Vaporize damage, as it increases the damage of elemental reactions. Characters like Sucrose or Kazuha can provide Elemental Mastery buffs to the team, making reactions even stronger. For example, Sucrose's passive talent increases the Elemental Mastery of all party members based on her own Elemental Mastery, while Kazuha's Elemental Burst can swirl elements and increase Elemental Mastery for the team.

Common mistakes to avoid include applying the wrong element first or not managing energy properly. For example, if you apply Hydro first and then Pyro, you will trigger a 1.5x Vaporize instead of a 2x Vaporize, resulting in lower damage. Additionally, failing to recharge energy for characters like Xingqiu or Bennett can disrupt your rotation and reduce overall damage output.

Advanced techniques include timing your attacks to maximize Vaporize triggers and using crowd control to group enemies for AoE damage. For example, using Sucrose's Elemental Skill to group enemies before triggering Vaporize with Xingqiu's Rain Swords can result in massive AoE damage. Another technique is to use Mona's Elemental Burst to apply Hydro and create a damage amplification field, then switch to a Pyro character to trigger Vaporize for even more damage.

In summary, Vaporize is the best elemental reaction for dealing massive damage in Genshin Impact. To achieve this, apply Pyro first, then trigger Vaporize with Hydro for a 2x damage multiplier. Use a team with strong Pyro and Hydro characters, optimize artifacts and weapons, and focus on Elemental Mastery to maximize damage. Avoid common mistakes like applying the wrong element first or mismanaging energy, and use advanced techniques like crowd control and timing to optimize your damage output. With the right setup and strategy, Vaporize can be a game-changing reaction for dealing massive damage in Genshin Impact.