What are the new character passives added in the latest Genshin Impact update?

In the latest Genshin Impact update, several new character passives have been introduced, enhancing the gameplay experience and offering new strategies for players to explore. These passives are tied to newly released characters or updated existing ones, and they often provide unique benefits that can significantly impact team compositions and combat effectiveness. Understanding these passives is crucial for optimizing your gameplay and making the most of the new content.

One of the new passives introduced in the update is for the character Xianyun, a 5-star Anemo catalyst user. Her passive ability, "Cloud-Transcending," increases the plunge attack damage of all party members by a certain percentage based on her Elemental Mastery. This passive synergizes well with characters who rely on plunge attacks, such as Xiao or Diluc, making Xianyun a valuable addition to teams focused on high-damage plunge attacks. To maximize the effectiveness of this passive, it is recommended to build Xianyun with a focus on Elemental Mastery, using artifacts like the Viridescent Venerer set, which enhances Anemo damage and reduces enemy resistance to the element.

Another notable passive is for the character Gaming, a 4-star Pyro polearm user. His passive, "Blazing Beast," increases the damage of his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst when he is below a certain health threshold. This passive encourages a high-risk, high-reward playstyle, where maintaining low health can lead to significant damage output. To make the most of this passive, it is important to manage Gaming's health carefully, using healers like Bennett or Kokomi to keep him just above the threshold where his passive activates. Artifacts like the Crimson Witch of Flames set, which boosts Pyro damage, are ideal for Gaming, and weapons like the Dragon's Bane or Staff of Homa can further enhance his damage potential.

For team compositions, pairing Xianyun with characters like Xiao, Diluc, or even Kazuha can create a powerful plunge attack-focused team. Xianyun's passive boosts the plunge attack damage of all party members, making her an excellent support character. Additionally, her Anemo abilities can trigger Swirl reactions, further increasing the team's overall damage output. For Gaming, a team composition that includes a strong healer and characters who can provide shields, like Zhongli or Diona, can help maintain his health at the optimal level for his passive to activate. Pairing Gaming with characters who can trigger Vaporize or Melt reactions, such as Xingqiu or Ganyu, can also significantly increase his damage output.

When it comes to artifact farming, focusing on the right sets and substats is crucial. For Xianyun, the Viridescent Venerer set is a must, as it enhances her Anemo damage and reduces enemy resistance. Prioritize substats like Elemental Mastery, Energy Recharge, and Attack Percentage to maximize her support capabilities. For Gaming, the Crimson Witch of Flames set is ideal, with substats focusing on Critical Rate, Critical Damage, and Attack Percentage to boost his damage output. Weapons like the Dragon's Bane or Staff of Homa are excellent choices for Gaming, while Xianyun benefits from weapons like the Skyward Atlas or the Widsith, which enhance her Elemental Mastery and overall damage.

In terms of combat mechanics, understanding how to trigger elemental reactions is key. Xianyun's Anemo abilities can trigger Swirl reactions, which spread elemental effects and increase damage. Pairing her with characters who can apply elements like Pyro, Hydro, or Electro can create powerful reaction chains. For Gaming, triggering Vaporize or Melt reactions with his Pyro abilities can significantly increase his damage output. Using characters like Xingqiu or Ganyu to apply Hydro or Cryo before using Gaming's abilities can lead to devastating damage.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the importance of Elemental Mastery for Xianyun, as her passive relies heavily on this stat. For Gaming, failing to manage his health properly can result in missed opportunities to activate his passive. Additionally, not optimizing team compositions to take full advantage of these passives can limit their effectiveness. Advanced techniques include timing Xianyun's abilities to maximize Swirl reactions and using Gaming's abilities strategically to trigger powerful elemental reactions.

In conclusion, the new character passives introduced in the latest Genshin Impact update offer exciting new strategies and team compositions. By understanding the mechanics, optimizing artifacts and weapons, and carefully managing combat, players can make the most of these passives and enhance their gameplay experience. Whether you're building a plunge attack-focused team with Xianyun or a high-risk, high-reward team with Gaming, these passives provide new opportunities for creativity and optimization in Genshin Impact.