What is the difference between Melt and Reverse Melt in Genshin Impact?

Melt and Reverse Melt are two elemental reactions in Genshin Impact that involve the interaction between Pyro and Cryo elements. Both reactions amplify damage, but the order in which the elements are applied determines the type of reaction and the damage multiplier. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for optimizing damage output in combat.

Melt occurs when Pyro is applied to a target already affected by Cryo. This reaction deals 2x damage based on the character's Elemental Mastery and the triggering attack's damage. For example, if you use a Cryo ability like Kaeya's Frostgnaw to apply Cryo to an enemy, and then follow up with a Pyro attack like Diluc's Searing Onslaught, the Melt reaction will trigger, dealing double damage. This is the standard Melt reaction and is highly effective for Pyro DPS characters.

Reverse Melt, on the other hand, happens when Cryo is applied to a target already affected by Pyro. This reaction deals 1.5x damage based on the character's Elemental Mastery and the triggering attack's damage. For instance, if you use Xiangling's Guoba Attack to apply Pyro to an enemy, and then follow up with Chongyun's Spirit Blade: Chonghua's Layered Frost, the Reverse Melt reaction will trigger, dealing 1.5 times the damage. While the multiplier is lower than standard Melt, Reverse Melt can still be powerful, especially for Cryo DPS characters.

To maximize the effectiveness of Melt and Reverse Melt, it's important to consider the order of elemental application. For standard Melt, ensure that Cryo is applied first, followed by Pyro. For Reverse Melt, apply Pyro first, followed by Cryo. This sequence is critical because the reaction depends on the order of elemental application.

Team composition plays a significant role in optimizing these reactions. For a standard Melt team, consider using a Cryo applicator like Kaeya or Rosaria, paired with a strong Pyro DPS like Diluc or Hu Tao. Adding an Anemo support like Sucrose or Kazuha can further enhance damage by reducing enemy resistance and increasing Elemental Mastery. For a Reverse Melt team, a Pyro applicator like Xiangling or Bennett works well with a Cryo DPS like Ganyu or Ayaka. An Anemo support can also be beneficial in this setup.

Artifact selection is another key factor. For Pyro DPS characters in a Melt team, the Crimson Witch of Flames set is ideal, as it boosts Pyro damage and increases the damage of Melt reactions. For Cryo DPS characters in a Reverse Melt team, the Blizzard Strayer set is a good choice, as it increases Cryo damage and critical rate against frozen or Cryo-affected enemies. Additionally, focusing on Elemental Mastery substats can further enhance the damage of both Melt and Reverse Melt reactions.

Weapon choices should complement the character's role and the desired reaction. For Pyro DPS characters, weapons like the Wolf's Gravestone or the Staff of Homa provide high attack and critical damage, enhancing their overall damage output. For Cryo DPS characters, weapons like the Amos' Bow or the Mistsplitter Reforged are excellent choices, offering high base attack and critical rate.

Common mistakes to avoid include applying the wrong element first, which can result in a less effective reaction. For example, applying Pyro before Cryo in a standard Melt setup will trigger Reverse Melt instead, resulting in lower damage. Another mistake is neglecting Elemental Mastery, which directly affects the damage multiplier of elemental reactions. Ensuring that your characters have sufficient Elemental Mastery is crucial for maximizing damage.

Advanced techniques involve timing and energy management. For instance, using Bennett's Elemental Burst to apply Pyro and then quickly switching to a Cryo DPS like Ganyu to trigger Reverse Melt can create a powerful damage spike. Similarly, using Sucrose's Elemental Skill to group enemies and apply Swirl before triggering Melt can increase overall damage output.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, understanding enemy weaknesses and resistances is vital. Some enemies may have higher resistance to Pyro or Cryo, so adjusting your team composition and strategy accordingly can make a significant difference. For example, against Cryo-resistant enemies, focusing on standard Melt reactions with a Pyro DPS may be more effective.

In conclusion, mastering Melt and Reverse Melt reactions in Genshin Impact involves understanding the mechanics, optimizing team composition, selecting the right artifacts and weapons, and avoiding common mistakes. By carefully planning elemental application and leveraging character synergies, you can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness and tackle even the most challenging content.