What is the best way to use Layla's shield and Cryo application in Genshin Impact?

Layla is a Cryo character in Genshin Impact who excels at providing strong shields and consistent Cryo application. Her kit revolves around her Elemental Skill, which generates a shield and deals Cryo damage, and her Elemental Burst, which summons stars that deal Cryo damage over time. To maximize her effectiveness, you need to understand her mechanics, build her properly, and use her in the right team compositions.

First, letÔÇÖs break down LaylaÔÇÖs mechanics. Her Elemental Skill, Nights of Formal Focus, creates a shield that scales off her Max HP. The shield has two layers: the first absorbs damage, and the second generates Shooting Stars that deal Cryo damage to enemies. The shieldÔÇÖs strength and the damage of the Shooting Stars both benefit from LaylaÔÇÖs HP, making HP her primary stat to focus on. Her Elemental Burst, Dream of the Star-Stream Shaker, summons a celestial dome that continuously fires Starlight Slugs at enemies, dealing Cryo damage. This ability works well with her shield, as it provides consistent Cryo application and damage over time.

To use Layla effectively, start by activating her Elemental Skill to create the shield. This shield not only protects your active character but also generates Shooting Stars that deal Cryo damage. The shieldÔÇÖs duration is 12 seconds, and its cooldown is also 12 seconds, meaning you can maintain near-constant uptime if you time it correctly. After using her Elemental Skill, switch to your main DPS character to take advantage of the shield and the Cryo application. When her Elemental Burst is ready, activate it to summon the celestial dome, which will continue to apply Cryo and deal damage while you focus on your main DPS.

One important tip is to prioritize LaylaÔÇÖs HP when building her. Since her shield and damage scale off her Max HP, artifacts and weapons that increase her HP will make her more effective. Additionally, her shieldÔÇÖs strength is further enhanced by her passive talent, which increases the shieldÔÇÖs absorption based on the number of Shooting Stars generated. This means that the more Shooting Stars you generate, the stronger her shield becomes. To maximize this, try to keep Layla on the field for a few seconds after activating her Elemental Skill to generate as many Shooting Stars as possible before switching to your main DPS.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting LaylaÔÇÖs Energy Recharge. While her shield and Cryo application are her main strengths, her Elemental Burst is also an important part of her kit. If you donÔÇÖt have enough Energy Recharge, you may struggle to keep her Burst active consistently. To avoid this, consider using an Energy Recharge weapon or artifact substats to ensure she can use her Burst frequently.

For advanced techniques, consider using Layla in a Freeze or Superconduct team. In a Freeze team, her Cryo application can help keep enemies frozen when paired with a Hydro character like Xingqiu or Mona. This is particularly effective in Spiral Abyss or against enemies that are difficult to control. In a Superconduct team, her Cryo application can trigger Superconduct reactions with an Electro character like Fischl or Raiden Shogun, reducing the physical resistance of enemies and increasing the damage of physical DPS characters like Eula or Razor.

For team compositions, Layla works well with characters who benefit from her shield and Cryo application. A good team might include Layla, a Hydro character like Xingqiu, a main DPS like Ayaka or Ganyu, and a support character like Bennett or Kazuha. This setup allows for consistent Freeze reactions and strong damage output. Alternatively, you could use Layla in a Superconduct team with Eula, Fischl, and Bennett, where her Cryo application helps trigger Superconduct and her shield protects Eula during her Burst.

For artifacts, the best set for Layla is the Tenacity of the Millelith, which increases her HP and boosts her teamÔÇÖs attack when her Elemental Skill hits enemies. This set synergizes perfectly with her shield and Cryo application. For main stats, prioritize HP% on the Sands, Goblet, and Circlet. For substats, look for HP%, Energy Recharge, and Crit Rate or Crit Damage if you want to increase her damage output.

For weapons, the best options are those that increase her HP or Energy Recharge. The Key of Khaj-Nisut is an excellent choice if you have it, as it provides a significant HP boost and increases her teamÔÇÖs Elemental Mastery. If you donÔÇÖt have this weapon, consider using the Favonius Sword for its Energy Recharge and ability to generate Energy particles, or the Sacrificial Sword for its chance to reset her Elemental Skill cooldown.

In specific scenarios, LaylaÔÇÖs shield and Cryo application can be particularly useful. For example, in the Spiral Abyss, her shield can protect your team from heavy-hitting enemies, while her Cryo application can help control crowds with Freeze reactions. Against bosses, her consistent Cryo application can help trigger reactions like Melt or Superconduct, increasing your overall damage output.

In summary, to use Layla effectively, focus on building her HP, maintaining her shield uptime, and using her Cryo application to trigger elemental reactions. Avoid neglecting her Energy Recharge, and consider using her in Freeze or Superconduct teams for maximum effectiveness. With the right artifacts, weapons, and team composition, Layla can be a valuable asset to your team, providing both protection and consistent Cryo damage.