How do I maximize Nilou's Hydro and Dendro reactions in Genshin Impact?

To maximize Nilou's Hydro and Dendro reactions in Genshin Impact, you need to understand the mechanics of Bloom reactions and how Nilou's unique abilities enhance them. Nilou is a Hydro character whose kit is specifically designed to amplify Bloom reactions, which occur when Hydro and Dendro elements interact. Bloom creates Dendro Cores that explode after a short delay, dealing AoE Dendro damage. Nilou's passive talents and abilities modify these cores to deal even more damage, making her a key character in Dendro-focused teams.

First, let's break down the mechanics. Bloom reactions are triggered when Hydro meets Dendro, creating Dendro Cores. These cores explode after a few seconds, dealing Dendro damage to nearby enemies. Nilou's passive talent, "Court of Dancing Petals," enhances this reaction by transforming Dendro Cores into Bountiful Cores when her team consists only of Hydro and Dendro characters. Bountiful Cores explode faster and deal significantly more damage than regular Dendro Cores. Additionally, Nilou's Elemental Skill, "Dance of Haftkarsvar," has two modes: one that deals Hydro damage in an AoE and another that infuses her Normal Attacks with Hydro. Both modes are useful for triggering Bloom reactions, but the AoE mode is particularly effective for applying Hydro to multiple enemies at once.

To maximize Nilou's potential, follow these strategies. First, build a team that includes only Hydro and Dendro characters to activate her passive talent. A strong team composition might include Nilou, Kokomi or Barbara for healing and additional Hydro application, Nahida for consistent Dendro application, and Collei or Dendro Traveler for extra Dendro support. This setup ensures that you can consistently trigger Bloom reactions while keeping your team healthy.

Next, focus on Nilou's Elemental Skill and Burst. Use her Elemental Skill in AoE mode to apply Hydro to multiple enemies, then switch to your Dendro characters to trigger Bloom. Her Elemental Burst, "Dance of Abzendegi: Distant Dreams, Listening Spring," deals massive Hydro damage and creates a field that continuously applies Hydro, making it easier to trigger Bloom reactions over time. Timing is crucial; use her Burst when enemies are grouped together to maximize the number of Dendro Cores created.

Artifact and weapon choices are also important. For artifacts, prioritize the Flower of Paradise Lost set, which increases Bloom reaction damage. Alternatively, the Gilded Dreams set can boost Elemental Mastery, further enhancing Bloom damage. Main stats to focus on include HP (to increase Nilou's damage scaling), Elemental Mastery, and Energy Recharge. For weapons, the Key of Khaj-Nisut is her best-in-slot weapon, as it increases HP and provides a significant Elemental Mastery boost. If you don't have this weapon, the Iron Sting or Favonius Sword are good alternatives.

Common mistakes to avoid include using characters of other elements in your team, which will disable Nilou's passive talent. Also, avoid neglecting Elemental Mastery, as it directly impacts Bloom damage. Additionally, be mindful of enemy positioning; Bloom reactions deal AoE damage, so grouping enemies together will maximize their effectiveness.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing team rotations and energy management. Start with Nilou's Elemental Skill to apply Hydro, then switch to your Dendro characters to trigger Bloom. Use Nilou's Burst when enemies are grouped, and follow up with more Dendro application to create as many Dendro Cores as possible. Energy Recharge is important to ensure Nilou can use her Burst frequently, so consider using an Energy Recharge weapon or artifact substats if needed.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, Nilou's Bloom-focused team can excel against groups of enemies. For example, in a floor with multiple waves of enemies, use Nilou's AoE Hydro application to quickly create Dendro Cores, then let them explode to clear the waves efficiently. Against single-target bosses, focus on consistent Hydro and Dendro application to maximize Bloom damage over time.

In summary, to maximize Nilou's Hydro and Dendro reactions, build a team of only Hydro and Dendro characters, focus on her Elemental Skill and Burst for consistent Hydro application, and prioritize artifacts and weapons that enhance HP and Elemental Mastery. Avoid common mistakes like using characters of other elements or neglecting Elemental Mastery, and use advanced techniques like optimized team rotations and energy management. With the right setup, Nilou can become a powerhouse in Bloom-focused teams, dealing massive AoE Dendro damage and dominating the battlefield.