What are the new environmental hazards introduced in the latest Genshin Impact update?

In the latest Genshin Impact update, several new environmental hazards have been introduced, adding layers of complexity to exploration and combat. These hazards are designed to challenge players and require careful planning to navigate effectively. Below is a detailed explanation of these hazards, along with strategies, tips, and team compositions to help you overcome them.

One of the most notable new environmental hazards is the "Corrosive Water" found in certain areas of the new region. This water gradually drains your characters' health over time if they remain in contact with it. The mechanic works similarly to the Sheer Cold effect in Dragonspine, but instead of freezing, it causes continuous damage. To mitigate this, you can use characters with healing abilities or shields to protect your team. For example, characters like Barbara, Qiqi, or Kokomi can provide consistent healing, while Zhongli or Diona can offer shields to reduce the damage taken.

Another new hazard is the "Electrified Fog," which appears in specific zones. This fog applies the Electro status to your characters, making them more susceptible to Electro-based reactions. If you are hit by an Electro attack while affected by the fog, the damage is significantly increased. To counter this, you can use characters with cleansing abilities, such as Bennett or Jean, to remove the Electro status. Additionally, using characters with high Electro resistance or artifacts that boost Electro resistance can help reduce the impact of this hazard.

The "Burning Grass" hazard is another addition, where certain areas of grass will ignite and cause continuous Pyro damage to your characters if they stand in it. This hazard is particularly dangerous in combat, as it can quickly deplete your health. To avoid this, you can use Hydro or Cryo abilities to extinguish the flames. Characters like Xingqiu, Mona, or Ayaka can be very effective in these situations. Additionally, using characters with high Pyro resistance or artifacts that boost Pyro resistance can help mitigate the damage.

When dealing with these environmental hazards, it is crucial to plan your team composition carefully. A balanced team with a mix of damage dealers, healers, and shield providers is essential. For example, a team consisting of Zhongli (shield), Bennett (healer and buffer), Ayaka (DPS), and Xingqiu (sub-DPS and Hydro applicator) can handle most of these hazards effectively. Zhongli's shield will protect the team from continuous damage, Bennett can provide healing and attack buffs, Ayaka can deal high Cryo damage, and Xingqiu can apply Hydro to extinguish flames or cleanse Electro status.

Artifact and weapon choices also play a significant role in surviving these hazards. For characters like Zhongli or Diona, using artifacts that increase shield strength, such as the Tenacity of the Millelith set, can be beneficial. For healers like Bennett or Qiqi, the Maiden Beloved set can enhance their healing capabilities. Weapons that provide additional healing or shield strength, such as the Prototype Amber for catalysts or the Black Tassel for polearms, can also be useful.

In terms of advanced techniques, mastering the timing of your abilities is crucial. For example, using Bennett's burst at the right moment can provide both healing and an attack boost, allowing your DPS characters to deal more damage while staying safe. Similarly, using Zhongli's shield before entering hazardous areas can prevent your team from taking unnecessary damage.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to bring a healer or shield provider, as these roles are essential for surviving the continuous damage from environmental hazards. Additionally, failing to pay attention to the environment and standing in hazardous areas for too long can quickly lead to your team's demise. Always be aware of your surroundings and use your abilities strategically to mitigate damage.

In specific scenarios, such as fighting enemies in Corrosive Water, it is important to prioritize taking out ranged enemies first, as they can attack you from a distance while you are dealing with the water's effects. Using characters with long-range abilities, such as Ganyu or Yoimiya, can help you eliminate these threats quickly.

Overall, the new environmental hazards in Genshin Impact add a layer of challenge that requires careful planning and strategic use of your team's abilities. By understanding the mechanics, choosing the right team composition, and equipping appropriate artifacts and weapons, you can effectively navigate these hazards and continue to explore the new regions with confidence.