What is the best way to deal with the Pyro Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard in Genshin Impact?

The Pyro Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard is one of the more challenging enemies in Genshin Impact, especially in the Spiral Abyss, due to its high mobility, strong attacks, and the ability to summon a Pyro shield that makes it highly resistant to damage. To effectively deal with this enemy, you need to understand its mechanics, use the right team composition, and employ specific strategies to break its shield and maximize damage output.

First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of the Pyro Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard. This enemy has two main phases: the normal phase and the shielded phase. In the normal phase, it uses melee attacks and can summon tornadoes that deal AoE Pyro damage. Once its health drops below a certain threshold, it will activate a Pyro shield, which significantly reduces the damage it takes from all sources except Hydro. The shield also regenerates over time, so you need to break it quickly to prevent the fight from dragging on. Additionally, the Anemoboxer is highly mobile, making it difficult to land consistent hits unless you can control its movements.

To counter the Pyro Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard, you need a team that can apply Hydro consistently to break its shield. Characters like Xingqiu, Mona, Barbara, or Kokomi are excellent choices for this role. Xingqiu is particularly effective because his Elemental Skill and Burst apply Hydro rapidly, allowing you to break the shield quickly. MonaÔÇÖs Elemental Skill also provides consistent Hydro application, while Barbara and Kokomi can heal the team while applying Hydro with their Elemental Skills and Normal Attacks.

Once the shield is down, you can focus on dealing damage. Characters with high single-target damage output, such as Hu Tao, Ganyu, or Ayaka, are ideal for this phase. Hu TaoÔÇÖs charged attacks and Elemental Burst can deal massive Pyro damage, but be cautious of the AnemoboxerÔÇÖs Pyro resistance when its shield is up. Ganyu and Ayaka, on the other hand, can deal Cryo damage, which is effective against the AnemoboxerÔÇÖs normal phase. Pairing these characters with a Hydro support ensures that you can break the shield and deal damage efficiently.

In terms of team composition, a balanced team with a Hydro applicator, a main DPS, a sub-DPS, and a healer or shielder is recommended. For example, a team consisting of Xingqiu (Hydro support), Hu Tao (main DPS), Zhongli (shielder), and Bennett (healer and buffer) can handle the Anemoboxer effectively. ZhongliÔÇÖs shield provides protection against the AnemoboxerÔÇÖs attacks, while BennettÔÇÖs Elemental Burst boosts attack and heals the team. Alternatively, you can use a freeze team with Ayaka, Mona, Diona, and Kazuha. This team can freeze the Anemoboxer, making it easier to land hits and break its shield.

Artifact and weapon choices are also crucial for optimizing your teamÔÇÖs performance. For Hydro characters like Xingqiu or Mona, the Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set is ideal, as it boosts Energy Recharge and Elemental Burst damage. Weapons like Sacrificial Sword or Favonius Sword are great for Xingqiu, as they help regenerate energy for his Burst. For main DPS characters like Hu Tao or Ayaka, the Crimson Witch of Flames or Blizzard Strayer sets are recommended, respectively. Hu Tao benefits from weapons like Staff of Homa or DragonÔÇÖs Bane, while Ayaka performs well with Mistsplitter Reforged or Amenoma Kageuchi.

When fighting the Pyro Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard, timing and positioning are key. Avoid standing too close to the Anemoboxer when it summons tornadoes, as they deal significant damage over time. Instead, keep your distance and use ranged attacks or abilities to chip away at its health. Once the shield is up, focus on applying Hydro as quickly as possible. Use your Hydro characterÔÇÖs Elemental Skill and Burst in quick succession to break the shield before it regenerates. If youÔÇÖre using a freeze team, try to freeze the Anemoboxer before it activates its shield to prevent it from moving around too much.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to bring a Hydro character, which makes it nearly impossible to break the shield, and failing to dodge the AnemoboxerÔÇÖs attacks, which can quickly deplete your teamÔÇÖs health. Additionally, avoid using Pyro characters to attack the Anemoboxer when its shield is up, as it will resist most of the damage. Instead, focus on breaking the shield first, then switch to your main DPS to deal damage.

Advanced techniques include using crowd control abilities to limit the AnemoboxerÔÇÖs mobility. Characters like Venti or Kazuha can group enemies together and keep the Anemoboxer in place, making it easier to land hits. Additionally, timing your Elemental Bursts to coincide with the AnemoboxerÔÇÖs shield phase can help you break the shield faster. For example, using XingqiuÔÇÖs Burst followed by Hu TaoÔÇÖs Burst can deal massive damage while breaking the shield.

In summary, dealing with the Pyro Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard requires a well-balanced team with strong Hydro application, high single-target damage, and good survivability. Focus on breaking its shield quickly, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to optimize your damage output. With the right strategy and team composition, you can defeat the Anemoboxer efficiently and progress through the Spiral Abyss.