What is the best way to use elemental reactions in open-world combat in Genshin Impact?

Using elemental reactions effectively in open-world combat in Genshin Impact is crucial for maximizing damage output and controlling the battlefield. Elemental reactions occur when two or more elements interact, creating powerful effects that can significantly enhance your combat efficiency. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to master these mechanics.

First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of elemental reactions. There are seven elements in Genshin Impact: Pyro, Hydro, Electro, Cryo, Anemo, Geo, and Dendro. Each element interacts with others in unique ways. For example, Pyro and Hydro create Vaporize, which amplifies damage, while Electro and Cryo create Superconduct, which reduces physical resistance. Understanding these interactions is key to building a strong team and strategy.

To start, you need to build a team with complementary elements. A common and effective team composition includes a main DPS, a sub-DPS, and support characters. For example, a team with Diluc (Pyro), Xingqiu (Hydro), Fischl (Electro), and Bennett (Pyro) can create multiple reactions. Diluc can trigger Vaporize with XingqiuÔÇÖs Hydro application, while FischlÔÇÖs Electro can trigger Overload with DilucÔÇÖs Pyro. Bennett provides healing and attack buffs, making the team versatile and powerful.

Next, focus on the order of applying elements. The order matters because some reactions are stronger depending on which element is applied first. For example, Vaporize deals more damage when Hydro is applied first, followed by Pyro. This is known as a forward Vaporize reaction. Conversely, applying Pyro first and then Hydro results in a reverse Vaporize, which deals less damage. Understanding these nuances can significantly boost your damage output.

In combat, start by applying an element that sets up the reaction. For instance, use XingqiuÔÇÖs Elemental Skill or Burst to apply Hydro to enemies. Then, switch to Diluc and use his Pyro attacks to trigger Vaporize. This sequence ensures you get the maximum damage multiplier from the reaction. Similarly, you can use FischlÔÇÖs Oz to apply Electro, then switch to Diluc to trigger Overload, dealing AoE Pyro damage.

Timing is also crucial. Some reactions have cooldowns or internal cooldowns (ICDs) that limit how often they can occur. For example, Overload has a cooldown of about 1 second, so spamming Pyro and Electro attacks wonÔÇÖt trigger multiple Overload reactions in quick succession. Instead, space out your attacks to maximize the number of reactions you can trigger.

Another important tip is to manage your energy and cooldowns. Use characters with abilities that generate energy particles to keep your teamÔÇÖs Elemental Bursts ready. For example, BennettÔÇÖs Elemental Skill generates energy particles quickly, allowing you to use his Burst more frequently. This ensures you can consistently apply elements and trigger reactions.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting elemental mastery (EM) and not understanding reaction priorities. EM increases the damage of elemental reactions, so characters who trigger reactions frequently should have high EM. For example, Sucrose, an Anemo character, benefits greatly from EM because her Swirl reactions scale with it. Additionally, some reactions have higher priority than others. For instance, Melt and Vaporize are generally more powerful than Overload or Electro-Charged, so prioritize these reactions when possible.

Advanced techniques include using Anemo characters to spread elements with Swirl. For example, Sucrose can use her Elemental Skill or Burst to spread Hydro or Pyro to multiple enemies, setting up multiple reactions at once. This is particularly effective in open-world combat where you often face groups of enemies.

Artifact and weapon choices also play a significant role. For characters who trigger reactions, prioritize artifacts that boost EM, such as the WandererÔÇÖs Troupe set. Weapons like the Sacrificial Sword for Xingqiu can help reduce cooldowns and increase Hydro application. For main DPS characters, focus on artifacts that boost their primary damage stat, such as Crimson Witch of Flames for Diluc.

In specific scenarios, such as fighting a Cryo Regisvine, you can use Pyro characters to trigger Melt reactions for massive damage. Similarly, against Electro enemies, using Cryo characters to trigger Superconduct can reduce their physical resistance, making them easier to defeat.

In conclusion, mastering elemental reactions in Genshin Impact involves understanding the mechanics, building a synergistic team, and optimizing your strategy. By focusing on the order of element application, managing cooldowns, and choosing the right artifacts and weapons, you can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in the open world.