How do I use the new Dendro reactions effectively in Genshin Impact?

Dendro reactions in Genshin Impact introduce a new layer of complexity and strategy to combat, offering unique interactions with other elements. To use Dendro reactions effectively, it is essential to understand the mechanics, build the right team, and optimize your characters' artifacts and weapons. Here is a detailed guide to help you master Dendro reactions.

Dendro reactions primarily involve three key interactions: Bloom, Catalyze, and Burning. Bloom occurs when Dendro meets Hydro, creating Dendro Cores that explode after a short delay, dealing AoE Dendro damage. Catalyze happens when Dendro interacts with Electro, triggering Quicken, which enhances subsequent Electro or Dendro attacks. Burning is a reaction between Dendro and Pyro, causing continuous Pyro damage over time. Each reaction has its own nuances and can be optimized for different combat scenarios.

To effectively use Bloom, you need a team with strong Hydro and Dendro application. Characters like Nahida, Dendro Traveler, or Collei can apply Dendro consistently, while Hydro characters like Xingqiu, Yelan, or Kokomi can trigger Bloom. Once Dendro Cores are created, you can either let them explode naturally or use an Electro character to trigger Hyperbloom, which turns the cores into homing projectiles that deal increased damage. Alternatively, a Pyro character can trigger Burgeon, causing the cores to explode with even greater AoE damage. Managing the timing and positioning of these reactions is crucial to maximize their impact.

Catalyze is particularly effective for teams focused on Electro or Dendro damage. After triggering Quicken with Dendro and Electro, subsequent Electro attacks trigger Aggravate, increasing their damage, while Dendro attacks trigger Spread, boosting their damage as well. Characters like Keqing, Fischl, or Raiden Shogun work well in Catalyze teams, as they can consistently apply Electro. Pair them with a Dendro enabler like Nahida or Dendro Traveler to maintain the Quicken state. This reaction is ideal for single-target damage and can be further enhanced with high Elemental Mastery stats.

Burning is a more niche reaction but can be useful in certain situations. It deals continuous Pyro damage over time, making it effective against enemies with high health pools. However, Burning can also damage your characters if they are too close to the reaction, so positioning is key. Characters like Bennett or Xiangling can apply Pyro consistently, while Dendro characters like Nahida or Collei can maintain the reaction. Burning is less commonly used in high-level play but can be effective in specific scenarios, such as breaking shields or dealing with large groups of enemies.

When building a team for Dendro reactions, consider the synergy between characters and their ability to apply elements consistently. A balanced team might include a Dendro enabler, a Hydro or Electro applicator, and a support character for healing or shielding. For example, a team with Nahida, Xingqiu, Raiden Shogun, and Zhongli can effectively trigger both Bloom and Catalyze reactions while providing survivability and crowd control.

Artifact and weapon choices are crucial for optimizing Dendro reactions. Characters triggering reactions should prioritize Elemental Mastery, as it directly increases the damage of reactions like Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Burgeon. The Gilded Dreams or Deepwood Memories artifact sets are excellent choices for Dendro characters, while Thundering Fury or Emblem of Severed Fate can enhance Electro characters. Weapons like the Mappa Mare or Sacrificial Fragments are great for increasing Elemental Mastery, while weapons like the Staff of the Scarlet Sands or Skyward Harp can boost overall damage output.

Common mistakes to avoid include overloading your team with too many elements, which can dilute your ability to trigger specific reactions consistently. Additionally, neglecting Elemental Mastery on reaction-triggering characters can significantly reduce your damage output. It is also important to manage your energy and cooldowns effectively, as failing to do so can leave you unable to trigger reactions when needed.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your rotations to maintain consistent elemental application and reaction triggers. For example, using Nahida's Elemental Skill to mark enemies before switching to Xingqiu to trigger Bloom can ensure that Dendro Cores are created efficiently. Similarly, using Raiden Shogun's Elemental Burst during the Quicken state can maximize Aggravate damage.

In summary, mastering Dendro reactions requires a deep understanding of the mechanics, careful team composition, and optimized artifacts and weapons. By focusing on Elemental Mastery, maintaining consistent elemental application, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively leverage Dendro reactions to dominate in combat. Whether you are using Bloom for AoE damage, Catalyze for single-target burst, or Burning for sustained damage, Dendro reactions offer a versatile and powerful toolset for any Genshin Impact player.