Genshin Impact is one of the most successful free-to-play games in the world right now and it offers a complete RPG experience unlike any other. With beautiful environments, exciting gameplay, and memorable characters, it is everything you could want if you like the genre. 

The only catch is that the game implements a loot box-like gacha system which is the only way to unlock most characters. Also, only certain characters are available to unlock at any one time, so if you miss the chance to unlock someone you want, you may have to wait a while before you can try again.

 

If you're not too bothered by the gacha system though and are happy playing the game with whatever characters you randomly acquire, then you're gonna have a great time with Genshin Impact. It’s an excellent game with so much content available to explore, all for free.

 

 

Characters & Elements

 

Now, when it comes to Genshin Impact’s characters, each one is assigned an element that dictates the type of attacks they do. These elements are as follows:

• Anemo (Wind)
• Cryo (Ice)
• Dendro (Nature/Poison)
• Geo (Rock)
• Electro (Electric)
• Hydro (Water)
• Pyro (Fire)

With 42 playable characters in the game spread across 6 elements (there are no Dendro characters available yet), the question must be asked – which is the best character for each element? It’s a difficult question seeing as different characters excel in different ways, but we’ll do our best to answer it, starting with the Anemo characters.

 

Let’s begin.

 

Anemo

 

Anemo is a wind-like element, and there are currently 7 characters in Genshin Impact that can use Anemo attacks. Both Venti and Xiao are excellent choices here with different combat styles, so take your pick.

 

Venti is a bow user, meaning he excels at medium to long-range combat. If you’re good at aiming and like the idea of packing a punch from a distance, then he’s your guy. He even has abilities that launch enemies into the air, making them easy to pinpoint and shoot at.

Xiao on the other hand is a polearm user, meaning you’ll have to get up close and personal to damage your enemies. With a range of quick and powerful attacks at his disposal, Xiao is not one to be messed with.

 

Cryo

 

Cryo is the next element on our list and it gives characters the ability to attack enemies with ice, which often slows them down. 9 characters currently fit into this category, with Ganyu being the best DPS Cryo user and Qiqi being the best for support.

 

Ganyu is an incredibly strong bow user, especially if you take advantage of her charged attacks which can deal AOE damage at the highest charge level. Other good DPS choices are Eula, Ayaka, and the newly released Aloy, but they still fall short compared to Ganyu.

 

Now, she may not be the strongest character, but Qiqi is fantastic as a support character and is arguably one of the best in the game. Her abilities can heal allies while damaging enemies at the same time – how cool is that?

 

Geo

 

There are only 5 Geo characters currently available in Genshin Impact, and there’s a very clear choice when it comes to the number one spot: Zhongli. Since getting buffed in the 1.3 update, he is by far the best Geo character in the game and excels in both damage output and defence. His shielding abilities are unmatched, so if you’re looking to minimize the amount of damage your party members take, you’re absolutely going to want Zhongli on your team.

 

 

Electro

 

Electro is up next, and there are 8 characters currently in the game that use this element. Though it’s widely regarded as the weakest element in the game, Electro moves can really pack a punch if you know how to use them properly. Now, let’s talk about the best Electro character: Raiden Shogun.

 

Raiden Shogun is one of the newest characters to join the Genshin Impact roster, and what an addition she is. Her attacks are extremely powerful if you know how to use them right, and she can also provide great support to your other party members. Raiden Shogun is best used as a secondary DPS, so if you’re looking for a character to fill that spot in your team, she’s someone you should absolutely consider.

 

Hydro

 

5 characters in Genshin Impact use the Hydro element, and of those, Tartaglia (also known as Childe) is by far the strongest. He’s a polearm user who deals huge amounts of damage on his own, but when paired with a Pyro user, he’s an absolute beast because Hydro + Pyro chain reactions trigger Vaporize which deals double damage.

 

Now, Tartaglia may be the best Hydro DPS, but support characters are just as important, which is where Barbara comes in.

 

Barbara is essentially a dedicated healer, making her hugely useful. She may not be the best support character in the game, but her heals can be lifesaving and she can be obtained for free early on in the game, making her a favourite among many players.

 

Pyro

 

Last but not least, there are the Pyro characters, which account for 10 of the 42 characters currently in the game. With powerful fiery attacks, most of these characters are viable, though the best ones are Hu Tao and Klee. Diluc used to be regarded as the best Pyro character, but since the introduction of these two new faces, he’s lost his number one spot.

 

Now, for both Hu Tao and Klee, their charged attacks are their biggest assets. When used after their elemental skills, the charged attacks will absolutely destroy any enemies still standing. It’s worth also noting that Hu Tao is a polearm user while Klee is a catalyst user, so when deciding which one you’d prefer to use, consider the playstyle and which one you enjoy more.

 

 

Wrapping up

 

Not all of the characters listed above will be immediately available to roll for because of how the gacha system works in Genshin Impact with its limited-time banners, but if you save up your wishes for when they do become available, it'll be worth the wait. Good luck!