How do I use Thoma's shield for consistent protection in Genshin Impact?

Thoma is a 4-star Pyro character in Genshin Impact who specializes in providing consistent shield support to your team. His shield, generated through his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst, is one of the most reliable in the game when used correctly. To maximize Thoma's shield uptime and effectiveness, you need to understand his mechanics, build him properly, and integrate him into a team that complements his abilities.

Thoma's shield is primarily generated through his Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, and his Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi. His Elemental Skill creates a shield that scales off his Max HP, and it also deals Pyro damage to nearby enemies. His Elemental Burst, on the other hand, creates a Fiery Collapse effect that deals Pyro damage and generates a new shield every second when your active character performs Normal Attacks. This means that Thoma's shield can be refreshed frequently, making it highly durable in prolonged battles.

To use Thoma's shield effectively, you need to focus on his Energy Recharge and HP stats. Energy Recharge ensures that his Elemental Burst is available as often as possible, while HP increases the strength of his shield. A good starting point is to aim for at least 180-200% Energy Recharge and around 30,000 HP. This balance allows Thoma to maintain consistent shield uptime while also providing decent protection.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to use ThomaÔÇÖs shield effectively in combat. First, use his Elemental Skill to create an initial shield. This shield will absorb damage and protect your active character. Next, use his Elemental Burst to activate the Fiery Collapse effect. Once this is active, switch to your main DPS character and start performing Normal Attacks. Each Normal Attack will trigger a new shield, refreshing the duration and stacking its strength. This cycle ensures that your team is constantly protected.

One important tip is to manage ThomaÔÇÖs Energy Recharge carefully. Since his Elemental Burst is crucial for maintaining shield uptime, you need to ensure he has enough energy to use it frequently. Pairing him with another Pyro character, such as Bennett or Xiangling, can help generate Pyro particles and reduce his energy needs. Additionally, using weapons like Favonius Lance or The Catch can further boost his Energy Recharge.

A common mistake players make is neglecting ThomaÔÇÖs Energy Recharge in favor of stacking HP. While HP is important for shield strength, insufficient Energy Recharge can leave you without his Elemental Burst when you need it most. Another mistake is not using Normal Attacks frequently enough to refresh the shield during his Elemental Burst. Make sure your DPS character is actively attacking to keep the shield active.

For advanced techniques, consider using Thoma in teams that benefit from Pyro application. For example, pairing him with Hydro characters like Tartaglia or Ayato can trigger Vaporize reactions, increasing overall damage output. ThomaÔÇÖs shield also works well in teams that rely on Normal Attacks, such as Yoimiya or Hu Tao teams, as his shield refresh mechanic synergizes perfectly with their playstyles.

In terms of team composition, Thoma fits well in teams that need a durable shield and consistent Pyro application. A popular team is Thoma, Tartaglia, Bennett, and Kazuha. In this setup, Thoma provides shielding and Pyro application, Tartaglia deals Hydro damage, Bennett offers healing and attack buffs, and Kazuha enhances elemental damage through Swirl reactions. This team excels in both survivability and damage output.

For artifacts, the best set for Thoma is the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith. This set increases his HP and provides an attack buff to the team when his Elemental Skill hits enemies. Alternatively, you can use a 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith and 2-piece Emblem of Severed Fate for a balance of HP and Energy Recharge. Main stats to prioritize are HP% on the Sands, HP% or Pyro Damage Bonus on the Goblet, and HP% or Energy Recharge on the Circlet. Substats should focus on HP%, Energy Recharge, and flat HP.

For weapons, Favonius Lance is an excellent choice for its Energy Recharge substat and energy particle generation. The Catch is another great option, offering Energy Recharge and boosting his Elemental Burst damage. If you have a 5-star weapon, Staff of Homa is ideal for its HP scaling and damage boost.

In specific scenarios, such as the Spiral Abyss, ThomaÔÇÖs shield can be a lifesaver against heavy-hitting enemies. For example, in Floor 12, where enemies deal massive damage, ThomaÔÇÖs shield can protect your DPS characters while allowing them to deal consistent damage. His Pyro application can also help break Cryo shields quickly, making him a versatile choice for various challenges.

In summary, ThomaÔÇÖs shield is a powerful tool for consistent protection in Genshin Impact. By focusing on his Energy Recharge and HP, managing his Elemental Skill and Burst effectively, and integrating him into a synergistic team, you can maximize his shielding capabilities. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Energy Recharge, and consider advanced techniques like pairing him with Hydro DPS characters for Vaporize reactions. With the right artifacts, weapons, and team composition, Thoma can become an invaluable asset in both exploration and challenging combat scenarios.