Cracking the Code: Is the National Team Still the King in Genshin Impact?
You’re playing Genshin Impact, and you hear about the “National Team.” Is it a squad for elite players? Or is it something you can make too? In a world of changing metas and new characters, is the National Team still worth it? Let’s break it down.
National Team: The OG Powerhouse
First, what is the National Team? Think of it as the classic formula for success in Genshin Impact. The classic four-person team is Xingqiu, Xiangling, Chongyun, and Bennett. This lineup was made to work well together. Oddly, they were not intended as a “team.” Check out Game Rant for more on the origins.
So, is this OG National Team still strong? Yes. Don’t let anyone say otherwise. Genshin’s meta shifts quickly, but the power of this team stays strong. It remains reliable, consistent, and it delivers high damage.
But Wait, There’s a Twist: Enter Raiden Shogun
As Genshin grew, so did its character list. Then came Raiden Shogun, electrifying things. Enter the Raiden National Team. This version swaps Chongyun for Raiden Shogun. Now, you have a team that generates energy non-stop. The composition? Raiden Shogun, Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling. Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling are the stable backbone. Raiden amps everything up.
Is Raiden National good? It’s more than good. It’s still meta, especially for how accessible it is. This team is famously F2P-friendly. Why? Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling are 4-stars on banners often. Raiden Shogun is a 5-star but common enough to get. She’s worth every Primogem.
Is Raiden National still meta? In the ever-changing Spiral Abyss, teams rise and fall. But Raiden National is like a trusty sword. It keeps performing well, patch after patch. It may not always be the top damage team in every Abyss rotation (hello, power creep!), but it’s reliable and ready for content.
Yelan: The Xingqiu Sidegrade?
Now, let’s explore substitutions. Xingqiu is key in both team versions. But what if you want to use him elsewhere? Or maybe you don’t have him yet? No worry, as Yelan exists. Yelan acts as the premium Xingqiu. She mimics him closely with her off-field Hydro application and damage. Swap Yelan into Raiden National for a slightly different but still powerful team. This shows how adaptable the National Team can be.
EM on Raiden? Hold Your Horses.
Quick note: Raiden and Elemental Mastery (EM). Some players say to stack EM on Raiden. That’s true… if she’s for a Hyperbloom team. In National Team? Not really. In Raiden National, Raiden’s main role is an on-field damage dealer. She discharges Electro damage and recharges team energy with her Burst. While some EM helps for reaction damage, stick to her primary DPS stats: Attack, Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Energy Recharge. Don’t prioritize EM artifacts unless experimenting with niche builds.
Who’s the Real DPS Here? It’s Complicated.
Let’s analyze roles. Who is the Main DPS in the National Team? In the OG National Team with Chongyun, you might find it surprising that it’s often Bennett. Yes, our beloved unlucky adventurer turned super buffer/healer can deal quite a punch when he’s built for damage. Xiangling and Xingqiu provide off-field damage, while Bennett can work with Cryo infusion from Chongyun.
In Raiden National, things blur a little. Raiden Shogun serves as a major on-field damage source during her Burst, but Xiangling also dishes out huge Pyro damage off-field with Bennett’s buffs. It’s less about a single “Main DPS” and more about a coordinated attack from many sources. Think of it as a damage orchestra rather than just one solo act.
Hypercarry vs. National: Apples and Oranges?
What’s the difference between Hypercarry teams and National Teams? A Hypercarry team focuses on buffing one character to unleash huge damage. Picture characters like Neuvillette where the team is built to maximize his damage output.
National Teams focus on balanced damage and synergy. They rely on creating reactions and buffs where each character adds to overall damage output. It’s teamwork, where each part is greater than the whole. Like Teyvat itself, each region and character brings unique strengths.
Strongest Team in Genshin? The Eternal Question.
The question looms: What is the strongest team in Genshin Impact? It’s not that simple! The “strongest” team depends on the content faced, character investments, and current meta trends. Teams with characters like Neuvillette gain popularity. Recent data shows Neuvillette-Kazuha-Zhongli-Furina teams topping charts with over 40% usage! This makes them a serious contender for “most used” and “high-damage” titles.
But does that mean National Teams are outdated? No way. They stand strong against top-tier teams, offering an accessible and F2P-friendly route through high-level content. Raiden National especially remains solid for balancing damage and energy generation.
National Team: Synergy and Accessibility for the Win
The beauty of National Team variations lies in their synergy. These characters fit together seamlessly. Bennett buffs everyone’s attack while healing them. Xiangling brings consistent off-field Pyro damage (thanks to Bennett), while Xingqiu (or Yelan) applies Hydro for Vaporize reactions and more off-field damage. Raiden (or Chongyun in OG) adds unique aspects like Electro damage or Cryo infusion.
The accessibility factor is essential too. Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling are 4-star characters, easier to get than 5-stars like Raiden Shogun. But she is often found on banners and a wise investment for any account. Building a National Team or Raiden National is a practical goal for both new and experienced players.
Xiangling: Main DPS or Support? Yes.
A word on Xiangling’s role. Is she a Main DPS or Support? The answer is pleasingly vague: she can be both. In many compositions, including National Teams, Xiangling acts as an off-field damage dealer. She supports the team while providing damage without being front and center. However, with proper support, she can also shine as a Main DPS, unleashing her strong Pyro powers.
So, is the National Team still relevant in Genshin Impact? Yes, without a doubt. Its design and character synergy keep these compositions lasting for ages. Whether you prefer the OG version or the Raiden variant, the National Team remains strong for conquering
Teyvat’s challenges. Now get out there and conquer the Spiral Abyss!
