How do I counter the Rifthound Nail Outlines in Genshin Impact?

Rifthound Nail Outlines are a mechanic introduced in Genshin Impact with the Rifthound enemies, which are wolf-like creatures that deal Corrosion damage over time. These Nail Outlines are a key part of their attack patterns and can be challenging to deal with if not handled properly. To counter Rifthound Nail Outlines effectively, you need to understand their mechanics, prepare your team accordingly, and execute the right strategies during combat.

First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of Rifthound Nail Outlines. When Rifthounds attack, they leave behind glowing outlines on the ground that resemble nails. These outlines persist for a short duration before exploding, dealing significant damage and applying Corrosion to your characters. Corrosion is a status effect that causes your entire team to lose HP over time, regardless of shields or active character swaps. This makes it crucial to avoid the Nail Outlines or mitigate their effects.

To counter Rifthound Nail Outlines, the primary strategy is to avoid standing in the marked areas. When you see the glowing outlines appear, quickly move your character out of the affected zone. Dodging is essential here, as staying in the area will result in damage and Corrosion. Characters with high mobility or dash abilities, such as Keqing or Mona, can be particularly useful for evading these attacks. Additionally, using characters with crowd control abilities, like Venti or Kazuha, can help keep the Rifthounds at a distance, reducing the frequency of Nail Outlines.

Another important aspect is healing. Since Corrosion affects your entire team, having a reliable healer is crucial. Characters like Barbara, Qiqi, or Kokomi can provide consistent healing to counteract the HP loss. Bennett is also an excellent choice, as his burst not only heals but also provides an attack boost, making him a versatile support. If you donÔÇÖt have a dedicated healer, consider using food or NRE (Portable Waypoint) to restore health during combat.

Team composition plays a significant role in countering Rifthounds. A balanced team with a strong DPS, a healer, and crowd control characters is ideal. For example, a team with Hu Tao as the main DPS, Zhongli for shielding, Venti for crowd control, and Bennett for healing and buffs can handle Rifthounds effectively. Alternatively, a freeze team with Ayaka, Xingqiu, Diona, and Kazuha can immobilize the Rifthounds, preventing them from creating Nail Outlines in the first place.

Artifact and weapon choices also matter. For DPS characters, focus on artifacts that boost their elemental damage and critical stats, such as Crimson Witch of Flames for Pyro characters or Blizzard Strayer for Cryo characters. Healers should prioritize artifacts that enhance healing effectiveness, like Maiden Beloved or Ocean-Hued Clam. Weapons with energy recharge or healing bonuses, such as Favonius Sword or Prototype Amber, are great for support characters.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting healing or underestimating the Corrosion effect. Some players focus solely on dealing damage and forget to heal, leading to their entire team being wiped out by Corrosion. Another mistake is not paying attention to the Nail Outlines, resulting in unnecessary damage. Always stay alert and ready to dodge.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your teamÔÇÖs energy regeneration and burst rotations. For example, using characters with high energy recharge or weapons like Sacrificial Bow can ensure that your crowd control and healing abilities are always available. Timing your bursts to coincide with the RifthoundsÔÇÖ attacks can also maximize damage and minimize their ability to create Nail Outlines.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, where Rifthounds are common, preparation is key. Make sure your team is fully healed and equipped with the right artifacts and weapons before starting. Use food buffs and potions to enhance your teamÔÇÖs performance. During combat, focus on eliminating the Rifthounds quickly to reduce the number of Nail Outlines they can create.

In summary, countering Rifthound Nail Outlines requires a combination of evasion, healing, and strategic team composition. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your team, and executing the right strategies, you can effectively handle these challenging enemies and minimize the impact of Corrosion.