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

Rifthounds are unique enemies in Genshin Impact that can be challenging due to their mechanics, particularly their Rifthound Nail Thickness mechanic. This mechanic involves the Rifthounds gaining a defensive buff when they are not affected by specific elements, making them harder to defeat. To counter this, you need to understand the mechanics, use the right strategies, and optimize your team and equipment.

The Rifthound Nail Thickness mechanic works by increasing the Rifthounds' resistance to damage when they are not affected by certain elements. Specifically, Rifthounds are weak to Geo and Anemo elements, and applying these elements can reduce their Nail Thickness, making them more vulnerable to damage. When their Nail Thickness is reduced, their resistance to all types of damage decreases, allowing your team to deal more damage effectively.

To counter the Rifthound Nail Thickness, you should focus on using characters that can apply Geo or Anemo elements consistently. Characters like Zhongli, Albedo, or Ningguang for Geo, and characters like Venti, Kazuha, or Sucrose for Anemo, are excellent choices. These characters can apply their respective elements frequently, reducing the Rifthounds' Nail Thickness and making them easier to defeat.

Step-by-step strategies to counter Rifthound Nail Thickness include first identifying the Rifthounds' elemental weaknesses. When you encounter Rifthounds, start by applying Geo or Anemo elements to them. Use characters with abilities that can consistently apply these elements, such as Zhongli's Stone Stele or Venti's Elemental Burst. Once the Nail Thickness is reduced, switch to your main DPS characters to deal significant damage. It's important to maintain the application of Geo or Anemo elements throughout the fight to keep the Rifthounds' resistance low.

Important tips and considerations include managing your team's energy and cooldowns. Since you need to apply Geo or Anemo elements frequently, ensure your characters have sufficient Energy Recharge to use their abilities often. Artifacts with Energy Recharge substats or weapons that boost Energy Recharge can be beneficial. Additionally, positioning is crucial; try to group Rifthounds together using crowd control abilities from Anemo characters to maximize the effectiveness of your attacks.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to apply Geo or Anemo elements consistently. If you focus solely on dealing damage without reducing the Nail Thickness, you will find the fight much harder and longer. Another mistake is not paying attention to the Rifthounds' movements and attacks, which can be unpredictable and deal significant damage if not dodged properly.

Advanced techniques and optimizations involve using team compositions that synergize well with Geo or Anemo elements. For example, pairing Zhongli with Albedo can create a strong Geo resonance, increasing shield strength and overall damage. Similarly, using Kazuha with a Hydro or Pyro DPS can create powerful elemental reactions while also reducing Nail Thickness. Optimizing your artifacts and weapons is also crucial; focus on building your Geo or Anemo characters with artifacts that enhance their elemental mastery and Energy Recharge.

Team composition suggestions include a balanced mix of Geo or Anemo support characters and strong DPS characters. For example, a team with Zhongli, Albedo, Hu Tao, and Xingqiu can be very effective. Zhongli and Albedo provide consistent Geo application and support, while Hu Tao and Xingqiu deal massive damage through Vaporize reactions. Another example is a team with Kazuha, Bennett, Diluc, and Fischl, where Kazuha reduces Nail Thickness and boosts elemental damage, while the other characters focus on dealing damage through reactions.

Artifact and weapon recommendations for Geo characters include the Archaic Petra set, which boosts Geo damage, and the Noblesse Oblige set for support characters to enhance team damage. Weapons like the Summit Shaper or the Primordial Jade Cutter are excellent for Geo DPS characters. For Anemo characters, the Viridescent Venerer set is ideal for increasing Swirl damage and reducing enemy resistance. Weapons like the Freedom-Sworn or the Sacrificial Sword can enhance their abilities and Energy Recharge.

Specific examples and scenarios include fighting Rifthounds in the Spiral Abyss, where time is critical. In such scenarios, quickly reducing Nail Thickness with Geo or Anemo abilities and then unleashing your DPS characters' full potential is essential. Another scenario is during world exploration, where you might encounter multiple Rifthounds at once. Using crowd control abilities from Anemo characters to group them together and then applying Geo elements can make the fight more manageable.

In conclusion, countering Rifthound Nail Thickness in Genshin Impact requires a strategic approach, focusing on applying Geo or Anemo elements consistently, optimizing your team composition, and using the right artifacts and weapons. By understanding the mechanics and following the strategies outlined, you can effectively reduce the Rifthounds' resistance and defeat them more efficiently.