How do I counter the Rifthound Hearts in Genshin Impact?
Rifthound Hearts are a unique mechanic introduced in Genshin Impact, primarily associated with Rifthounds and Rifthound Whelps. These enemies are found in areas like Tsurumi Island and the Chasm. Rifthound Hearts are a special debuff that these enemies apply to your characters during combat. When a character is hit by certain attacks from Rifthounds, they will accumulate Corrosion stacks, which drain their HP over time, even if they are shielded. This makes Rifthounds particularly challenging, as traditional shielding strategies are less effective against them. To counter Rifthound Hearts effectively, you need to understand the mechanics, employ specific strategies, and optimize your team composition and gear.
First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of Rifthound Hearts. When a Rifthound or Rifthound Whelp attacks, they can apply Corrosion to your characters. This debuff causes your active character to lose HP over time, and it can also spread to other characters in your party. The Corrosion effect bypasses shields, meaning even characters with strong shields like Zhongli or Diona will still take damage. The debuff lasts for a certain duration and can stack, increasing the damage over time. To remove Corrosion, you need to heal your characters. This makes healers essential when facing Rifthounds.
To counter Rifthound Hearts, the first step is to bring a reliable healer into your team. Characters like Barbara, Jean, Bennett, or Kokomi are excellent choices. Bennett is particularly useful because he not only heals but also provides an attack buff, making him a versatile support. Kokomi is another strong option, as her healing is consistent and she can also apply Hydro for elemental reactions. If you donÔÇÖt have a dedicated healer, characters with self-healing abilities, such as Hu Tao or Xiao, can also work, but they may struggle to keep the entire team alive.
Next, focus on avoiding the attacks that cause Corrosion. Rifthounds have telegraphed attacks, so learning their patterns is crucial. For example, Rifthounds often leap into the air before diving down to attack. Dodging these attacks can prevent Corrosion from being applied in the first place. Using characters with high mobility, like Keqing or Ayaka, can help you evade these attacks more easily. Additionally, using crowd control abilities, such as VentiÔÇÖs Elemental Burst or SucroseÔÇÖs abilities, can keep the Rifthounds immobilized, reducing the chances of them hitting your team.
Another important strategy is to use elemental reactions to your advantage. Rifthounds are weak to certain elements, and triggering reactions like Overload, Superconduct, or Vaporize can deal significant damage. For example, pairing a Pyro character like Bennett or Xiangling with an Electro character like Fischl or Raiden Shogun can create Overload reactions, which deal AoE damage and stagger the Rifthounds. Similarly, using Cryo and Electro together for Superconduct can reduce the RifthoundsÔÇÖ physical resistance, making them easier to take down.
When building your team, consider characters with strong AoE abilities. Rifthounds often appear in groups, so having characters who can deal damage to multiple enemies at once is beneficial. Characters like Ganyu, Kazuha, or Albedo are excellent for this purpose. Kazuha, in particular, can group enemies together and increase elemental damage, making him a valuable addition to any team facing Rifthounds.
Artifact and weapon choices also play a significant role in countering Rifthound Hearts. For healers, artifacts that boost healing effectiveness, such as the Maiden Beloved set, are ideal. For DPS characters, focus on increasing their damage output with sets like Crimson Witch of Flames for Pyro characters or Blizzard Strayer for Cryo characters. Weapons that provide energy recharge or healing bonuses, such as the Favonius Sword or the Prototype Amber, can also be useful.
Common mistakes to avoid include relying too heavily on shields and neglecting healing. Since Corrosion bypasses shields, having a healer is non-negotiable. Another mistake is not paying attention to enemy attack patterns, which can lead to unnecessary Corrosion stacks. Finally, avoid using single-target DPS characters exclusively, as Rifthounds often come in groups, and AoE damage is more effective.
Advanced techniques include using characters with off-field healing abilities, such as Qiqi or Sayu, to maintain consistent healing while your main DPS focuses on dealing damage. Additionally, timing your bursts to coincide with the RifthoundsÔÇÖ attacks can maximize your damage output while minimizing the time they have to apply Corrosion.
In summary, countering Rifthound Hearts requires a combination of healing, evasion, and strategic use of elemental reactions. Bring a reliable healer, learn the RifthoundsÔÇÖ attack patterns, and use AoE damage to handle groups effectively. Optimize your artifacts and weapons to enhance your teamÔÇÖs strengths, and avoid common pitfalls like over-relying on shields. With the right approach, you can overcome the challenge posed by Rifthounds and their Corrosion mechanic.
First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of Rifthound Hearts. When a Rifthound or Rifthound Whelp attacks, they can apply Corrosion to your characters. This debuff causes your active character to lose HP over time, and it can also spread to other characters in your party. The Corrosion effect bypasses shields, meaning even characters with strong shields like Zhongli or Diona will still take damage. The debuff lasts for a certain duration and can stack, increasing the damage over time. To remove Corrosion, you need to heal your characters. This makes healers essential when facing Rifthounds.
To counter Rifthound Hearts, the first step is to bring a reliable healer into your team. Characters like Barbara, Jean, Bennett, or Kokomi are excellent choices. Bennett is particularly useful because he not only heals but also provides an attack buff, making him a versatile support. Kokomi is another strong option, as her healing is consistent and she can also apply Hydro for elemental reactions. If you donÔÇÖt have a dedicated healer, characters with self-healing abilities, such as Hu Tao or Xiao, can also work, but they may struggle to keep the entire team alive.
Next, focus on avoiding the attacks that cause Corrosion. Rifthounds have telegraphed attacks, so learning their patterns is crucial. For example, Rifthounds often leap into the air before diving down to attack. Dodging these attacks can prevent Corrosion from being applied in the first place. Using characters with high mobility, like Keqing or Ayaka, can help you evade these attacks more easily. Additionally, using crowd control abilities, such as VentiÔÇÖs Elemental Burst or SucroseÔÇÖs abilities, can keep the Rifthounds immobilized, reducing the chances of them hitting your team.
Another important strategy is to use elemental reactions to your advantage. Rifthounds are weak to certain elements, and triggering reactions like Overload, Superconduct, or Vaporize can deal significant damage. For example, pairing a Pyro character like Bennett or Xiangling with an Electro character like Fischl or Raiden Shogun can create Overload reactions, which deal AoE damage and stagger the Rifthounds. Similarly, using Cryo and Electro together for Superconduct can reduce the RifthoundsÔÇÖ physical resistance, making them easier to take down.
When building your team, consider characters with strong AoE abilities. Rifthounds often appear in groups, so having characters who can deal damage to multiple enemies at once is beneficial. Characters like Ganyu, Kazuha, or Albedo are excellent for this purpose. Kazuha, in particular, can group enemies together and increase elemental damage, making him a valuable addition to any team facing Rifthounds.
Artifact and weapon choices also play a significant role in countering Rifthound Hearts. For healers, artifacts that boost healing effectiveness, such as the Maiden Beloved set, are ideal. For DPS characters, focus on increasing their damage output with sets like Crimson Witch of Flames for Pyro characters or Blizzard Strayer for Cryo characters. Weapons that provide energy recharge or healing bonuses, such as the Favonius Sword or the Prototype Amber, can also be useful.
Common mistakes to avoid include relying too heavily on shields and neglecting healing. Since Corrosion bypasses shields, having a healer is non-negotiable. Another mistake is not paying attention to enemy attack patterns, which can lead to unnecessary Corrosion stacks. Finally, avoid using single-target DPS characters exclusively, as Rifthounds often come in groups, and AoE damage is more effective.
Advanced techniques include using characters with off-field healing abilities, such as Qiqi or Sayu, to maintain consistent healing while your main DPS focuses on dealing damage. Additionally, timing your bursts to coincide with the RifthoundsÔÇÖ attacks can maximize your damage output while minimizing the time they have to apply Corrosion.
In summary, countering Rifthound Hearts requires a combination of healing, evasion, and strategic use of elemental reactions. Bring a reliable healer, learn the RifthoundsÔÇÖ attack patterns, and use AoE damage to handle groups effectively. Optimize your artifacts and weapons to enhance your teamÔÇÖs strengths, and avoid common pitfalls like over-relying on shields. With the right approach, you can overcome the challenge posed by Rifthounds and their Corrosion mechanic.