Is Shimenawa’s Reminiscence the Best Choice for Melt Ganyu Builds?

Ganyu’s Melt Potential with Shimenawa’s Reminiscence: An In-depth Look

Ganyu is the half-qilin adeptus, chief secretary at the Yuehai Pavilion. In Genshin Impact, she is a force of nature. If raw damage was a competition, Ganyu would be disqualified for being too effective. She can make the battlefield a blizzard of pain with Melt reactions. To maximize Melt damage, consider the artifact set Shimenawa’s Reminiscence. Is this the best path for Melt Ganyu? Let’s find out.

Shimenawa’s Reminiscence: A Risky Gamble?

Shimenawa’s Reminiscence is like a spicy dish. It seems naughty but tempting. The 2-piece bonus gives a simple +18% ATK. This bonus is always good for our damage queen. The 4-piece bonus makes things interesting and a bit complicated.

If you have 15 or more Energy when using your Elemental Skill, you sacrifice 15 Energy for a hefty 50% increase in Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack DMG over 10 seconds. That’s a leap from a basic arrow to mini-rockets. Sounds great for Melt Ganyu, right? Hold your horses, though.

The catch lies in the tiny details. You need to use your Elemental Skill and forfeit 15 Energy to gain that buff. For some characters, this is no big deal. For Ganyu, who wants to spam Charged Attacks, this is a tactical call.

The Energy Conundrum: Is ER% Your New Best Friend?

Melt Ganyu builds usually focus on max damage while ignoring Energy Recharge (ER). Many Ganyu mains laugh at “Burst? What Burst?” But Shimenawa’s Reminiscence complicates this. Since you sacrifice Energy for the buff, you might need some ER to consistently trigger the 4-piece set bonus.

Imagine it like driving a sports car that gulps gas quickly. Extra ER is like a spare fuel can—not glamorous but essential for long trips, like in Spiral Abyss.

Before you stack ER on every artifact piece, remember: moderation is important. Do not turn Ganyu into an Energy battery. Just enough ER will allow you to activate Shimenawa without hurting your damage output. Finding that balance can be enjoyable or frustrating, depending on artifact luck.

Elemental Skill Dilemma: Loss or Tactic?

Now, let’s discuss the Cryo blossom in the field: using Ganyu’s Elemental Skill, Trail of the Qilin, to trigger Shimenawa’s 4-piece effect. Some argue that using her Skill means losing DPS. Those seconds could charge up Frostflake Arrows, right?

Yes and no. While cast time can divert from Charged Attack DPS, Ganyu’s Skill has value. It taunts enemies, groups them for AoE Frostflake Arrow bloom, and offers brief invulnerability—handy with hostile foes interrupting your aim. It acts as a repositioning tool that also grants a large damage buff.

Perfect rotations are a myth in battle. You may dodge or reposition instead of standing still. Ganyu’s Skill can fit into gameplay without feeling like a major DPS hit, especially with Shimenawa’s 50% damage boost.

Ultimately, how you view her Skill depends on playstyle and battles. Dismissing Shimenawa for “Skill usage” alone may overlook its value, especially when it provides a significant damage boost.

Artifact Set Showdown: Wanderer’s Troupe vs. Shimenawa’s Reminiscence

Let’s compare Shimenawa’s Reminiscence with the Melt Ganyu artifact set champion: Wanderer’s Troupe. For a long time, Wanderer’s Troupe has ruled as the top choice for assistance.

The 2-piece bonus grants a useful +80 Elemental Mastery (EM). EM boosts Melt reaction damage directly. The 4-piece bonus increases Charged Attack DMG by 35%. For Charged Attack-focused damage, that’s like adding sprinkles over ice cream.

Wanderer’s Troupe directly buffs Melt reactions via EM and increases Charged Attack damage. It’s straightforward and reliably potent. Why contemplate Shimenawa then?

The reason? Shimenawa can potentially offer higher damage, but requires more management. The 50% buff from Shimenawa is notably higher than Wanderer’s 35% Charged Attack DMG boost. If you can trigger and maintain Shimenawa often, you’ll see significant damage increases, especially against single targets.

However, Wanderer’s Troupe is more consistent and easier to use. You need not worry about Energy management, Skill timing, or rotation complexity. It’s a comfortable and efficient option—think of it as a reliable sedan.

The “best” set depends on your priorities. If you seek ultimate damage while managing rotations, Shimenawa can be rewarding. For consistent damage with less hassle, Wanderer’s Troupe is still fantastic.

Let’s face the truth: artifact RNG is unpredictable. Sometimes, the best set is the one with superior substats. If you hold an amazing Wanderer’s Troupe set and a mediocre Shimenawa set, stick with Wanderer’s Troupe. Substats usually outweigh bonuses for maximizing damage.

The Hybrid Approach: 2-piece Crimson Witch + 2-piece Shimenawa/Gladiator’s Finale

Undecided? Torn between the heat of Melt or consistent ATK power? There exists a balanced option: the 2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames with 2-piece Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (or Gladiator’s Finale).

The 2-piece Crimson Witch grants a +15% Pyro DMG Bonus to enhance Melt damage directly. Add a 2-piece set like Shimenawa’s for +18% ATK and you achieve a balanced setup enhancing both Melt reactions and overall damage.

This hybrid method works well in various team setups. It may not provide optimal peak damage like a perfectly executed set but delivers strong, consistent damage without needing complex gameplay or rotations.

It’s similar to using a versatile Swiss Army knife—good for various tasks despite not being perfect for every single job.

Ganyu’s Core Stats: ATK, Crit, and Elemental Mastery

Let’s focus on core stats for Ganyu’s build. Knowing how she scales and which stats to prioritize is vital to unlock her full Melt potential.

ATK Scaling: The Foundation

Ganyu scales primarily with ATK. Her Charged Attacks, Elemental Burst, and Skill all scale directly with ATK stat. ATK acts as fuel for her damage engine. The more ATK, the harder she hits—it’s straightforward.

Focus on ATK% for the Sands artifact slot. Aim for substats on all pieces involving ATK%, alongside other key stats.

crucial damage stats.

Crit Rate/Crit DMG Ratio: The 1:2 Rule Still Reigns Supreme

Should you focus on Crit Rate or Crit DMG? For Melt Ganyu, the goal is a balanced ratio. Aim for 1:2. For each Crit Rate point, target two Crit DMG points.

Why? Critical hits maximize damage output. Crit Rate affects hit frequency; Crit DMG affects hit strength. High Crit DMG and low Crit Rate can lead to strong hits, but infrequent ones. High Crit Rate and low Crit DMG means more hits that deal less damage.

Ganyu’s Ascension stat is Crit DMG%, which encourages a Crit DMG focus. Her A1 Passive talent, Undivided Heart, gives a nice +20% Crit Rate after using her first Frostflake Arrow. This passive reduces the Crit Rate needed for artifacts.

For Melt Ganyu, aim for about 50-60% Crit Rate (after activating her A1 passive). Then, stack Crit DMG for the 1:2 ratio. Use a Crit Rate circlet if you lack Crit Rate. Use a Crit DMG circlet if Crit DMG needs a boost.

Remember, these are suggestions, not fixed rules. Use a Genshin Optimizer tool to optimize your build and determine the best stat distribution for your situation.

Elemental Mastery: Fueling the Melt Reaction

Let’s discuss Elemental Mastery (EM) further. For Melt Ganyu, especially in Melt setups, EM is important. Melt reactions amplify your damage, and EM boosts that amplification.

Aim for a decent amount of EM on Melt Ganyu. While EM isn’t as vital as ATK or Crit, it significantly amplifies Melt reactions. Substats on artifacts, especially Sands, Goblet, and Circlet, can offer valuable EM. Some weapons and team buffs can also enhance EM.

Weaponry Arsenal: From Amos’ Bow to F2P Options

Weapon selection is vital for Ganyu’s build. Some may say “just use Amos’ Bow,” but not everyone accesses five-star weapons. Let’s explore options for Melt Ganyu, from premium to accessible F2P choices.

Amos’ Bow: The Signature Symphony of Charged Shots

Amos’ Bow is Ganyu’s best weapon. It’s perfect for her Charged Attack style. Its passive enhances Normal and Charged Attack DMG based on arrow flight time. For Ganyu’s long-range Charged Shots, this passive is essential, leading to a notable damage boost.

If you have Amos’ Bow or plan to pull for it, it’s an investment that boosts Melt Ganyu’s damage. It’s the standard weapon that unlocks her full potential.

Five-Star Alternatives: Aqua Simulacra, Thundering Pulse, and More

While Amos’ Bow is top-tier, other five-star bows work well on Melt Ganyu. Aqua Simulacra has a strong Crit DMG substat and unconditional damage bonus, making it effective in close-to-mid-range combat. Thundering Pulse was designed for Normal Attack characters but suits Melt compositions, especially with Normal Attacks between Charged Shots. Other bows like Skyward Harp and Polar Star provide solid stats and passives to enhance Ganyu’s damage.

Five-star bows usually offer significant stat advantages over four-star ones but are harder to obtain.

F2P Champions: Prototype Crescent and Hamayumi

For F2P players or those avoiding weapon banners, Prototype Crescent and Hamayumi are excellent four-star options.

Prototype Crescent excels with Melt Ganyu, especially if you can trigger its passive. Hitting a Weak Spot boosts Movement SPD and ATK, aiding Ganyu’s performance. While hitting Weak Spots can be tough in chaotic fights, it’s doable against bosses and larger foes.

Hamayumi provides consistent damage boosts. Its passive raises Normal and Charged Attack DMG, increasing further at full Energy. While Melt Ganyu doesn’t prioritize Energy Recharge, keeping full Energy is manageable in Melt rotations, ensuring consistent boosts are practical.

Between the two, Prototype Crescent offers higher damage potential if you hit Weak Spots consistently while Hamayumi is easier to maintain. Both are excellent F2P choices for all content.

Energy Recharge Needs: Less is (Usually) More in Melt Comps

Melt Ganyu’s Energy Recharge (ER) is usually low in traditional Melt setups. Why? Because she focuses on Charged Attacks and doesn’t heavily rely on her Elemental Burst for damage. Her Burst, Celestial Shower, is strong but not central to her Melt damage.

Generally, you don’t need to build ER on Ganyu. Focus on damage stats like ATK%, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and Elemental Mastery. However, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence builds might need some ER to activate the 4-piece set bonus comfortably.

If you struggle to activate Shimenawa’s bonus or want to use Ganyu’s Burst more often, consider adding ER substats or using an ER Sands as needed. However, prioritize damage stats over ER for Ganyu’s Melt build.

Melt Ganyu Playstyle: Dancing with Fire

Melt Ganyu’s playstyle involves applying Pyro consistently to trigger Melt reactions with her Charged Attacks. This leads to high damage.

Team Composition: The Pyro Orchestra

A well-structured Melt Ganyu team functions like an orchestra. Each member possesses a role that contributes to an overall fireworks display of destruction. The core components include:

• Pyro Applicator: This character applies Pyro. Xiangling, with her Pyronado, efficiently applies Pyro off-field. Bennett‘s Burst offers Pyro application along with ATK buffs and healing.
• Buffer/Support: These characters improve Ganyu’s damage and survivability. Bennett serves as both Pyro applicator and an ATK buffer and healer. Zhongli provides shields and resistance shred for safety. Kazuha and Venti group enemies while enhancing Elemental DMG Bonus.
• Shielder/Healer (Optional but Recommended): Melt Ganyu deals high damage yet has low HP and DEF; this makes her vulnerable during Charged Shots. A shielder like Zhongli, or a healer like Bennett, can enhance her comfort and survivability.

Common team compositions include:

• Ganyu, Xiangling, Bennett, Zhongli: A classic team that provides Pyro application and safety while enhancing Ganyu’s power.
• Ganyu, Xiangling, Bennett, Sucrose/Kazuha: A more offensive team using Anemo characters to group foes and intensify Ganyu’s damage.
• Ganyu, Nahida, Bennett, Xiangling: Incorporates Dendro and Burning reactions for further Pyro application and boosted damage.

Melt vs. Freeze Ganyu: Different Playstyles, Different Strengths

Ganyu excels in both Melt and Freeze team compositions. However, it isn’t about which is superior; it is about their distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Freeze Ganyu teams shine in crowd control and consistent damage. They are comfortable and forgiving as enemies freeze, making Charged Shots easier. Yet, Freeze teams face challenges against unfreezable foes.

Enemies take less damage from Melt teams than from Ganyu’s team.

Melt Ganyu teams can deal very high damage. They defeat bosses and targets quickly. Yet, they require skill to play. You must manage Pyro application and Ganyu’s positioning well. Melt Ganyu is at risk of interruptions since she must stand still to aim. Melt Ganyu rewards skilled players, while Freeze Ganyu is more stable and consistent.

General Ganyu Insights: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Constellations

To finish our review, let’s look at Ganyu’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Fragile Cryo Queen

Strengths:

• High Charged Attack Damage: Ganyu’s Frostflake Arrow hits hard, especially in Melt teams.
• AoE Cryo Application: Her Charged Shot bloom and Elemental Burst provide great AoE Cryo application, effective against groups.
• Flexible Team Options: Ganyu works well in both Melt and Freeze teams.
• Long Range: As a bow user, Ganyu can deal damage from a safe distance.

Weaknesses:

• Low HP and DEF: Ganyu is fragile and can easily take damage.
• Vulnerable to Disruption: Interruptions during Charged Shots reduce her DPS sharply.
• Melt Teams Need Precise Play: Timing and Pyro application are crucial for Melt reactions.

Talent Focus: Boost Charged Attacks

For Melt Ganyu, follow this talent priority:

1. Normal Attack: Max this talent. It boosts your Charged Attack damage.
2. Elemental Skill: Level this next for higher taunt duration and slight damage.
3. Elemental Burst: Level last. This skill is useful but not the main damage in Melt setups, so prioritize Charged Attack.

Constellation Value: C0 is Excellent

Ganyu shines even at C0. Her constellations add some utility but are not mandatory for her full power.

• C1: Small increase in Cryo DMG Bonus and Energy regen from Charged Shots. Not groundbreaking.
• C2: Adds an extra charge to her Elemental Skill. Useful but not crucial.
• C4: Enemies in her Burst AoE take increased damage while she deals more damage. Decent buff, but not essential.
• C6: After using her Elemental Skill, her next Frostflake Arrow is instantly cast. This changes her gameplay significantly, allowing for more aggression.

C0 Ganyu serves most players well. Her constellations grant minor improvements but aren’t essential to enjoy her substantial damage capacity.

In summary, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence on Melt Ganyu offers high damage for focused players ready to optimize rotations and manage Energy. Wanderer’s Troupe is stable and consistent for those who prefer easier play. Ultimately, the “best” set depends on your substats and personal playstyle. Experiment, enjoy, and see those Melt numbers climb!