What is the best way to counter the new Serpent's Heart enemies in Genshin Impact?

The Serpent's Heart enemies in Genshin Impact are a challenging addition to the game, requiring players to adapt their strategies to effectively counter them. These enemies are known for their high durability and unique mechanics, making them formidable opponents. To counter them effectively, you need to understand their mechanics, build a suitable team, and optimize your combat approach.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of the Serpent's Heart enemies. These foes have a unique shield mechanic that makes them highly resistant to damage until their shield is broken. The shield is elemental in nature, meaning it can only be effectively damaged by specific elements. For example, if the Serpent's Heart has a Pyro shield, you will need to use Hydro or Cryo attacks to break it efficiently. Additionally, these enemies have powerful area-of-effect attacks that can deal significant damage if not avoided. They also have a tendency to summon smaller minions, which can overwhelm you if not dealt with quickly.

To counter the Serpent's Heart, you need to follow a step-by-step strategy. First, identify the elemental shield of the enemy. This can be done by observing the color of the shield or the elemental aura surrounding the enemy. Once you know the shield's element, switch to a character that can apply the opposing element. For example, if the shield is Electro, use a Pyro or Cryo character to break it. Focus your attacks on the shield until it is completely broken. Once the shield is down, the enemy becomes vulnerable to all types of damage, allowing you to deal significant damage with your main DPS character.

During the fight, it is crucial to manage your stamina and dodge the enemy's powerful attacks. The Serpent's Heart has a few telegraphed moves, such as a ground slam or a charging attack, which can be avoided by dodging at the right moment. Keep an eye on your character's stamina bar to ensure you can dodge when necessary. Additionally, be aware of the smaller minions that the Serpent's Heart summons. These minions can distract you and deal chip damage, so it's important to clear them out quickly using area-of-effect abilities.

When building your team, consider characters that can apply the opposing element to the Serpent's Heart's shield. For example, if you are facing a Hydro shield, bring a Cryo or Electro character like Ganyu or Raiden Shogun. Your main DPS character should be someone who can deal high damage once the shield is broken, such as Hu Tao or Eula. A support character like Bennett or Zhongli can provide healing and shields, making the fight more manageable. Finally, a sub-DPS character like Xingqiu or Fischl can help with elemental reactions and additional damage.

Artifact and weapon choices are also important when countering the Serpent's Heart. For your main DPS character, focus on artifacts that increase their damage output, such as the Crimson Witch of Flames set for Pyro characters or the Pale Flame set for Physical DPS characters. Weapons should be chosen based on the character's role, with high base attack and useful passives. For example, the Staff of Homa is an excellent choice for Hu Tao, while the Skyward Harp works well for Ganyu. Support characters should have artifacts that enhance their utility, such as the Noblesse Oblige set for Bennett or the Tenacity of the Millelith set for Zhongli.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the smaller minions. While it may be tempting to focus solely on the Serpent's Heart, the minions can quickly overwhelm you if left unchecked. Use area-of-effect abilities to clear them out as soon as they appear. Another mistake is not managing your stamina properly. The Serpent's Heart's attacks can be devastating if you are caught without stamina to dodge. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid spamming attacks unnecessarily.

Advanced techniques include using elemental reactions to your advantage. For example, if you have a Hydro and Electro character in your team, you can trigger the Electro-Charged reaction, which deals continuous damage over time. This can be particularly effective against the Serpent's Heart's shield. Additionally, timing your bursts and abilities can maximize your damage output. For example, using Bennett's burst to buff your team's attack before unleashing your main DPS character's burst can result in significantly higher damage.

In summary, countering the Serpent's Heart requires a combination of understanding the enemy's mechanics, building a suitable team, and optimizing your combat approach. By focusing on breaking the elemental shield, managing your stamina, and clearing out minions, you can effectively take down these challenging foes. With the right team composition, artifacts, and weapons, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor and emerge victorious.