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

Rifthound Nail Plates are a unique mechanic introduced in Genshin Impact that players encounter when fighting Rifthounds, particularly the larger variants like the Rifthound Whelps and Rifthounds. These Nail Plates are essentially weak points that appear on the Rifthounds during combat, and targeting them effectively can significantly reduce the difficulty of the fight. Understanding how to deal with Rifthound Nail Plates involves a combination of combat mechanics, elemental reactions, and strategic team composition.

First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of Rifthound Nail Plates. When a Rifthound is hit with a specific type of damage, usually elemental damage, it will reveal its Nail Plates. These plates are glowing weak points that take increased damage when struck. The key to dealing with Rifthound Nail Plates is to trigger their appearance and then focus your attacks on them. This requires precise timing and understanding of elemental reactions. For example, using a Pyro attack on a Rifthound might trigger the appearance of its Nail Plates, and then you can switch to a character with high single-target damage to focus on the plates.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how you can effectively deal with Rifthound Nail Plates. First, engage the Rifthound with a character who can apply elemental damage consistently. Characters like Xiangling, Fischl, or Xingqiu are excellent for this purpose because their abilities can apply Pyro, Electro, or Hydro damage over time. Once the Nail Plates are revealed, switch to a character with high burst damage, such as Hu Tao, Ganyu, or Eula, to target the plates. ItÔÇÖs important to aim carefully, as the plates are small and can be difficult to hit, especially if the Rifthound is moving around. Using characters with area-of-effect (AoE) abilities can also help, as they can hit multiple plates at once if the Rifthound is positioned correctly.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when dealing with Rifthound Nail Plates. First, be aware of the RifthoundÔÇÖs movement patterns. Rifthounds are highly mobile and can teleport or dash around the battlefield, making it challenging to hit their Nail Plates. Using crowd control abilities or characters with high mobility can help you keep up with the RifthoundÔÇÖs movements. Additionally, pay attention to the elemental reactions youÔÇÖre triggering. Some reactions, like Overload or Superconduct, can cause the Rifthound to stagger, giving you a brief window to focus on the Nail Plates.

Common mistakes to avoid include focusing too much on dealing damage without triggering the Nail Plates first. Without the plates, your damage output will be significantly lower, and the fight will take much longer. Another mistake is not paying attention to the RifthoundÔÇÖs elemental resistance. Rifthounds have varying resistances depending on their type, so make sure to use elements they are weak against. For example, Electro Rifthounds are weak to Cryo, while Geo Rifthounds are weak to Hydro.

Advanced techniques and optimizations involve using specific team compositions and artifacts to maximize your damage output. For example, pairing a character like Bennett with Xiangling can create a powerful Pyro resonance, increasing your overall damage. Additionally, using artifacts that boost elemental mastery or critical damage can help you deal more damage to the Nail Plates. Weapons that increase elemental damage or have high critical rate are also recommended, such as the Staff of Homa for Hu Tao or the AmosÔÇÖ Bow for Ganyu.

Team composition suggestions for dealing with Rifthound Nail Plates include a mix of elemental applicators and high-damage dealers. For example, a team of Xiangling, Bennett, Xingqiu, and Hu Tao can create powerful elemental reactions while also dealing high burst damage. Alternatively, a team of Fischl, Beidou, Sucrose, and Eula can focus on Electro-Charged reactions and physical damage. The key is to have a balance of characters who can apply elements consistently and those who can deal high damage to the Nail Plates.

Artifact and weapon recommendations depend on the characters youÔÇÖre using. For elemental applicators like Xiangling or Fischl, artifacts that boost elemental mastery and energy recharge, such as the Crimson Witch of Flames or Thundering Fury sets, are ideal. For high-damage dealers like Hu Tao or Ganyu, artifacts that increase critical rate and critical damage, such as the ShimenawaÔÇÖs Reminiscence or WandererÔÇÖs Troupe sets, are recommended. Weapons like the Staff of Homa, AmosÔÇÖ Bow, or the Skyward Harp can significantly boost your damage output.

In specific scenarios, such as fighting multiple Rifthounds at once, itÔÇÖs important to prioritize which Rifthound to focus on first. Typically, you should target the Rifthound that is closest to you or the one that is causing the most trouble, such as a Rifthound that is applying Corrosion to your team. Using AoE abilities can help you deal with multiple Rifthounds at once, but make sure to still focus on the Nail Plates to maximize your damage.

In conclusion, dealing with Rifthound Nail Plates in Genshin Impact requires a combination of understanding the mechanics, using the right team composition, and optimizing your artifacts and weapons. By following the strategies outlined above, you can effectively deal with Rifthounds and make your battles much easier. Remember to pay attention to elemental reactions, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to maximize your damage output. With the right approach, youÔÇÖll be able to handle Rifthound Nail Plates with ease.