Is Ayaka Still Queen of Cryo DPS in Genshin Impact? Let’s Dive In!
Are you curious if Kamisato Ayaka is still a top-tier DPS? You are in the right place. We will discuss her damage potential, her role in the meta, and if she is worth pulling for. Spoiler alert: she is still amazing.
Ayaka: The Cryo DPS Powerhouse
Let’s get to the point. Is Ayaka among the best DPS characters in Genshin? Yes, absolutely. She is a 5-star Cryo sword user known for her on-field damage. For a long time, she has been the queen of Cryo DPS, and she still hits hard.
Why is she so strong? Here are several reasons:
- Premier Cryo DPS: She set the standard for Cryo DPS, being *the* choice for a long time.
- Damage Potential & Versatility: Ayaka shows high damage potential. She fits well in various teams.
- Easy to Play: Ayaka is straightforward. You don’t need a PhD in mechanics to use her kit.
- Energy Generation: She’s great at generating energy, allowing consistent use of her Elemental Burst.
- Team Synergy: Ayaka works well with many characters, making team building easy.
- Burst DPS Focus: Most of her damage comes from her Elemental Burst, allowing smooth team rotations.
- Elemental Burst Power: Her Burst is one of the strongest in the game. It deals massive damage and can quickly eliminate enemies.
Ayaka is a powerful DPS, easy to use and effective in Freeze teams. If you need a reliable damage dealer, she is a great option.
Ayaka vs. The Competition: DPS Duel!
Ayaka is strong, but how does she compare to other DPS in Genshin? Let’s look at some comparisons:
Ayaka vs. Xiao: Plunge vs. Burst
Who wins in a damage showdown? Ayaka or Xiao? Both are great main DPS characters. Xiao is viable with the right team. He has a slight edge, but his damage depends more on positioning than Ayaka’s. In a good team setup, Ayaka pulls ahead significantly. Her synergy is stronger.
Ayaka vs. Ganyu: Freeze Queen Face-Off
Is Ayaka better than Ganyu? It depends on the needed role. In Freeze teams, Ayaka is usually the main DPS, while Ganyu plays sub-DPS or support. An Ayaka-Ganyu team is strong but costly for dealing with groups of enemies (AoE). Ayaka has higher damage ceiling, though ideal play can bring out more damage.
Ayaka vs. Eula: Elemental Reactions and Cryo Application
Ayaka versus Eula? In some ways, yes. Ayaka’s elemental reactions are better, and her Cryo application is more reliable. Eula focuses on buffing physical damage, while Ayaka’s Cryo excels at enabling reactions like Freeze.
Ayaka vs. Ayato: Sibling Rivalry
Who is stronger? Ayato or Ayaka? In raw DPS terms, Ayaka usually wins. Ayato often acts as a sub-DPS or support. Ayaka is made to deal primary damage, with better talents too. For exploring, Ayaka’s sprint helps traverse easily.
Should you pull for Ayaka or Ayato? If you need main DPS, go for Ayaka. If you want a versatile sub-DPS, choose Ayato.
Ayaka vs. Alhaitham: Dendro Enters the Fray
Who is #1 DPS? Many think Alhaitham tops the charts. He shares traits with Keqing and can hit numerous times with his AoE Burst. Although Ayaka is a Cryo queen, Alhaitham’s Dendro reactions make him strong in the current meta.
Ayaka vs. Raiden: Nuke vs. Consistent Damage
Should you pull for Raiden or Ayaka? It relies on your team and playstyle. If you main Eula, Raiden is essential with great synergy. Raiden Shogun delivers massive burst damage while Ayaka focuses on consistent Cryo damage.
Ayaka vs. Other Cryo Characters: Best of the Bunch?
Is Ayaka the best Cryo character? For a long time, she was the premier choice. Comparing her to Shenhe shows they serve different roles: Ayaka as DPS and Shenhe as an off-field buffer. While other Cryo characters exist, Ayaka remains top for pure Cryo DPS.
Ayaka vs. Kazuha: Support vs. DPS
Kazuha or Ayaka? They have very different roles. Kazuha supports while Ayaka deals damage. However, Kazuha might remain meta-relevant longer, as supports tend to stay useful amid meta shifts. He boosts elemental damage and groups foes together.
Ayaka vs. Diluc: Old Guard vs. New Blood
Why compare Ayaka to Diluc? Some may wonder about older DPS characters. Diluc once topped charts, but Xiao far surpasses him now as a Plunging Attack DPS. Despite being powerful, Diluc struggles against newer units focused on reactions.
Team Compositions and Synergy: Ayaka’s Best Buddies
Ayaka’s damage reflects her team’s setup! Freeze teams optimize her Cryo application and boost her damage. Who are Ayaka’s best teammates?
- Hydro Enablers (for Freeze):
- Mona: Great Hydro source for consistent Freeze.
- Xingqiu: Top 4-star support for Hydro application and damage reduction.
- Barbara: Decent 4-star option for Hydro and healing.
- Yelan: Similar to Xingqiu, offers strong Hydro DMG via her Burst.
- Sangonomiya Kokomi: Excellent Hydro application for Freeze teams.
- Kamisato Ayato: Her brother provides Hydro but often performs better elsewhere as sub-DPS.
- Cryo Support/Resonance:
- Shenhe: A top Cryo support, boosting Ayaka’s Cryo damage.
- Diona: Provides shield, healing, and Cryo resonance, a solid defensive support.
- Anemo Crowd Control/Resistance Shred:
- Venti/Sucrose/Kazuha: Group enemies, shred Cryo resistance with Viridescent Venerer. Kazuha is often the best choice.
- Flex Spots:
- Furina: Key in the strongest DPS Ayaka team (Ayaka – Shenhe – Furina – [Anemo]). Furina boosts damage.
- Bennett: Healing and attack buff, useful in non-Freeze comps or for Melt reactions (less common for Ayaka).
The best DPS Ayaka team remains Ayaka – Shenhe – Furina – Anemo. Many variations also work well! Ayaka can play a sub-DPS role in some setups, but her main strength is as an on-field carry.
Build and Scaling: Enhancing Ayaka
How to build Ayaka for maximum damage? Let’s discuss stats, artifacts, and weapons.
Stat Priority
What are Ayaka’s scaling stats? ATK is her main scaling stat. To elevate her damage, focus on:
- ATK%: Boosts base attack, directly increasing damage.
- Crit DMG: Essential for increasing critical hit damage.
- Cryo Damage Bonus: Increases Cryo abilities’ damage.
- Crit Rate: Crucial for consistent crits. Aim for a good amount; with Blizzard Strayer set, you need not overdo it.
Crit Rate and Crit Damage are vital for any DPS character, including Ayaka.
Artifacts: Blizzard Strayer Dominates
Ayaka’s builds focus on maximizing ATK, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage via artifacts. The best artifact set is 4-piece Blizzard Strayer. It provides a major Crit Rate boost against Frozen (and Cryo-affected) enemies, perfect for her Freeze playstyle. Notably, Blizzard Strayer excels for both DPS and support Ayaka builds, prioritizing Cryo damage. Recommended Crit Rate is about 30-40% because of Blizzard Strayer’s substantial Crit Rate boost. However, if fighting bosses that cannot be frozen easily, consider increasing her Crit Rate slightly.
Does Ayaka need Crit Rate? Yes. Thanks to Blizzard Strayer, focus more on Crit Damage and ATK% in artifact substats.
Weapons: Choosing the Best Sword
What weapon suits Ayaka? The top choice is Mistsplitter Reforged, her signature sword. It has the highest base attack among swords. It boosts Crit DMG (44.1%) and Elemental DMG Bonus (12%). The best in slot. Other good options include:
- Mistsplitter Reforged (5-star): Best choice, without a doubt.
- Haran Geppaku Futsu (5-star): Another excellent 5-star option.
- Primordial Jade Cutter (5-star): Good stats with Crit Rate.
- Blackcliff Longsword (4-star): Crit DMG substat, obtainable from Paimon’s Bargains.
- Amenoma Kageuchi (Craftable 4-star): Free-to-play friendly with energy recharge benefits.
Constellations: Evaluating Value
Which constellation stands out? Ayaka is strong at C0. However, her C4, “Ebb and Flow,” is her best constellation. C4 reduces enemy DEF by 30% for 6 seconds when damaged by Frostflake Seki no To (her Elemental Skill). This DEF reduction is significant and benefits the entire team, offering a notable damage boost. C1 Xiao differs completely. Ayaka’s constellations generally provide good improvements.
Is Ayaka Worth Summoning in 4.3?
Should you pull for Ayaka? Absolutely! Summoning her in Genshin Impact 4.3 is highly advisable due to her strong DPS potential and team flexibility. Her kit is straightforward to grasp. She fits many team comps, excelling as a top-tier unit. Unlike sword users reliant on Physical DMG, Ayaka easily accesses Cryo DMG in combat.
Ayaka remains worthwhile despite a slight shift in her meta relevance with Dendro and other elements. She is still a powerful and dependable DPS character. Her popularity is based on her gameplay strength and significant promotional material. Even if she is not the top meta pick in every instance in version 4, Ayaka has incredible potential and could resurge in future updates.
Facts about Ayaka: More Than Gameplay
Ayaka is Genshin’s strongest character? Yes! Quite popular too! She is not just powerful; many adore her. Known for kindness, politeness, and elegance. Also dignified, wise, and strong. Is she hard to play? No. She is easy to learn, enhancing her appeal. Her max level? Level 90, as with all characters. Her strongest technique? Definitely her Elemental Burst, a major damage dealer, among the best in the game.
If you need materials for her, check an Ayaka Materials Guide – many available online! For Genshin history, Ayaka holds the longest banner record – over 240 days! She’s easy to build, play, and fits various teams – what’s not to love?
Other Genshin Impact Characters: Quick Insights
Just for fun, here’s a quick overview of character-related inquiries:
- Weakest 5-star DPS? Many believe Qiqi ranks as the weakest 5-star character overall.
- Easiest DPS to Build? Surprisingly, characters like Bennett, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Zhongli, Nilou, Chevreuse, Gorou, Kazuha, and Lynette are often identified as easier to build.
- Highest DMG in Genshin? The highest damage possible is 20,000,000, after version 5.4 increased the limit.
- Best Standard 5-Star DPS? Options include Diluc (raw power but weaker reactions), Keqing and Tighnari (Dendro reaction experts).
- Best Dendro DPS? Alhaitham is top tier, but Nahida is often the overall best Dendro character, serving as Sub-DPS, Buffer, and Dendro enabler.
- Best Anemo Character? Kaedehara Kazuha is viewed as the best Anemo character due to incredible crowd control and damage boosting.
Ayaka stands out as a great DPS option in Genshin Impact. Powerful, versatile, fun to play. For a top-tier Cryo damage dealer, Ayaka remains an excellent choice. Now, I have enemies to freeze!
