What is the best way to deal with the Rifthound Toenails in Genshin Impact?

Rifthound Toenails are a unique material dropped by Rifthounds, which are wolf-like enemies introduced in Genshin Impact. These enemies are found in areas like Tsurumi Island and the Chasm. Rifthounds are known for their ability to inflict the Corrosion status, which drains the health of your entire team over time, regardless of shields. To effectively deal with Rifthounds and farm their Toenails, you need to understand their mechanics, prepare the right team, and optimize your combat strategy.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of Rifthounds. Rifthounds come in two elemental variants: Electro and Geo. Electro Rifthounds are weak to Pyro and Cryo, while Geo Rifthounds are weak to Geo and other elements that can break their shields. When Rifthounds take damage, they enter a "Rift State," where they become more aggressive and gain increased resistance to damage. During this state, they also summon smaller Rifthound Whelps, which can complicate the fight. To counter this, you need to focus on dealing consistent damage and managing the smaller enemies.

To effectively farm Rifthound Toenails, follow these step-by-step strategies. First, ensure your team is well-prepared with characters that can deal high elemental damage. Pyro and Cryo characters are particularly effective against Electro Rifthounds, while Geo characters or those with strong physical damage can handle Geo Rifthounds. Start the fight by focusing on one Rifthound at a time. Use elemental skills and bursts to quickly reduce their health and force them into the Rift State. Once they enter this state, prioritize eliminating the smaller Rifthound Whelps to prevent them from overwhelming your team. After dealing with the Whelps, return your focus to the main Rifthound and finish it off.

Important tips and considerations include managing your teamÔÇÖs health. Since Rifthounds inflict Corrosion, itÔÇÖs crucial to have a healer in your team. Characters like Bennett, Jean, or Kokomi can provide consistent healing and cleanse the Corrosion effect. Additionally, avoid relying solely on shields, as Corrosion bypasses them. Instead, focus on dodging attacks and maintaining distance when necessary. Another tip is to use crowd control abilities to manage the smaller Rifthound Whelps. Characters like Venti or Sucrose can group them together, making it easier to eliminate them quickly.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Corrosion effect. Many players rely on shields and neglect healing, which can lead to their team being wiped out. Another mistake is spreading damage too thin by attacking multiple Rifthounds at once. Focus on one enemy at a time to reduce their numbers quickly. Additionally, avoid using characters with long cooldowns or energy issues, as Rifthounds require consistent damage output.

For advanced techniques, consider using elemental reactions to maximize damage. For example, pairing a Pyro character like Hu Tao or Diluc with a Hydro character like Xingqiu can trigger Vaporize reactions, dealing massive damage. Similarly, using a Cryo character like Ayaka with an Electro character like Fischl can trigger Superconduct, reducing the RifthoundsÔÇÖ physical resistance. Another advanced technique is to use characters with high burst damage to quickly eliminate Rifthounds before they can summon Whelps. Characters like Raiden Shogun or Eula excel in this regard.

Team composition suggestions include a balanced mix of damage dealers, healers, and support characters. For example, a team of Hu Tao, Xingqiu, Bennett, and Zhongli can provide high damage output, healing, and shielding. Alternatively, a team of Ayaka, Diona, Fischl, and Sucrose can focus on Cryo and Electro reactions while providing crowd control and healing.

Artifact and weapon recommendations depend on your chosen characters. For damage dealers, prioritize artifacts that boost their elemental damage and critical stats. For example, Hu Tao benefits from the Crimson Witch of Flames set, while Ayaka excels with the Blizzard Strayer set. For healers, focus on artifacts that increase healing effectiveness and energy recharge. Bennett can use the Noblesse Oblige set, while Kokomi benefits from the Ocean-Hued Clam set. Weapons should complement your charactersÔÇÖ roles. For example, Hu Tao can use the Staff of Homa, while Ayaka can use the Mistsplitter Reforged.

In specific scenarios, such as fighting multiple Rifthounds in the Spiral Abyss, itÔÇÖs crucial to manage your teamÔÇÖs energy and cooldowns. Use bursts strategically to clear waves of enemies and maintain control of the battlefield. In open-world exploration, focus on isolating Rifthounds and dealing with them one at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.

By following these strategies and tips, you can effectively deal with Rifthounds and farm their Toenails. Remember to adapt your approach based on your teamÔÇÖs strengths and the specific challenges posed by Rifthounds. With the right preparation and execution, you can overcome these enemies and gather the materials you need.