Unleashing the Tides: A Deep Dive into the Heart of Depth Artifact Set and Childe in Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is alive with elemental reactions and vast landscapes. Artifacts are key. Most players spend hours in domains for that ideal piece to enhance their characters. Today, we explore the Heart of Depth artifact set with Childe, also known as Tartaglia or Ajax.
Heart of Depth: More Than Just Pretty Sea Shells
First, the basics. The Heart of Depth, known as “Ocean Conqueror,” is a Hydro artifact set. You can collect it in both 4-star and 5-star versions from the Peak of Vindagnyr domain. This snowy domain tests your perseverance. Fun times await.
It’s more than battling Cryo Regisvines. The lore weaves intriguing stories. It appears in the “Tales From the Waves” series and hints in the Serpent Spine weapon description. While seeking those Crit DMG pieces, you’re also uncovering Teyvat’s narrative tapestry. Quite the multitasking effort.
Childe and Heart of Depth: A Match Made in Snezhnaya?
Now to Childe. This Fatui Harbinger juggles dual roles: salesman and powerful Hydro user. Many players likely have a 4-piece Heart of Depth set ready for him.
Why does Heart of Depth suit Childe? It gives a Hydro DMG bonus. The 2-piece effect grants a Hydro DMG Bonus of +15%. It boosts your Normal and Charged Attack DMG by 30% for 15 seconds after using an Elemental Skill. Childe’s stance change aligns well with this buff.
In the artifact hierarchy, Heart of Depth ranks high for Childe. Alongside Nymph’s Dream, it’s celebrated as one of his best options. We’ll compare Nymph’s Dream soon, just hold on to your narwhals.
Neuvillette and Mualani: Heart of Depth’s Extended Family
Childe isn’t alone in wearing the Heart of Depth set. Neuvillette, Fontaine’s Chief Justice, thrives with powerful Charged Attacks. The 4-piece effect fits his combat strategy perfectly.
Consider Mualani too. If this refers to a Hydro character known for Normal Attacks, then yes, Heart of Depth works well here. Mualani’s “Sharky hits” benefit from this set bonus. If lacking Obsidian Codex or other Hydro sets, consider a 2-piece Heart of Depth combined with 2-piece HP% sets. Variety is key in Genshin life.
Nymph’s Dream vs. Heart of Depth for Childe: The Artifact Arena
The pressing question remains: Nymph’s Dream or Heart of Depth for Childe? This debate stirs up Genshin theorycrafters. A well-rolled 4-piece Heart of Depth remains a popular choice, but Nymph’s Dream now competes.
A 4-piece Nymph’s Dream set often surpasses Heart of Depth in various combat scenarios. It offers a noticeable boost to Childe’s DPS. Consider it an upgrade from a good sports car to a faster model.
Nymph’s Dream boasts Hydro DMG Bonus and ATK from Normal Attacks, Charged Attacks, Elemental Skills, and Elemental Bursts hitting foes. It’s great for Childe’s quick Hydro application in melee form. If min-maxing, lean towards Nymph’s Dream. If Heart of Depth is outstanding already, it’s acceptable to keep it. Artifact farming is not a sprint or a reason to stress over resin.
Childe (Tartaglia): The Eleventh Harbinger, Your Hydro DPS Darling
Now, let’s focus on our favorite Harbinger. Childe, Tartaglia, Ajax – whatever name you prefer, he’s a captivating character. We explored artifacts, so let’s build him into the Hydro force he is.
Childe’s Arsenal: Artifact Sets and Weaponry
The best artifact sets for Childe remain Heart of Depth and Nymph’s Dream. Both offer 2-piece Hydro DMG bonuses. The 4-piece bonuses boost his playstyle with worthwhile benefits from stance-swapping.
Next: weapons. “What is Childe’s best weapon?” you ask. Buckle up! Here are his top bows:
- Polar Star: Childe’s best-in-slot weapon. It enhances Elemental Skill and Burst DMG, with ATK boosts from Normal Attacks, Charged Attacks, Skills, and Bursts. Polar Star is the pinnacle for Childe’s performance.
- Aqua Simulacra: This bow boasts 88.2% Crit DMG bonus at max level. For Childe, lacking Crit stats on ascension, Aqua Simulacra is essential for hitting those Crit ratios. It may waste HP boost, but its Crit DMG makes it a stellar choice, especially in “Childe International” teams.
- Thundering Pulse: Often rivals Polar Star in damage. Thundering Pulse offers a high Crit DMG substat and bonus Normal Attack DMG. While Polar Star usually wins in versatility, Thundering Pulse shines in Normal Attack-focused styles with melee stance.
- Hunter’s Path: This bow enhances Charged Attack DMG and grants Elemental Mastery. While Childe doesn’t focus on Charged Attacks, it can still aid in Vaporize teams. It’s a solid option, though not optimal compared to the best three.
- Skyward Harp: A classic bow with Crit Rate and Crit DMG substats alongside a general DMG boost. It’s a solid weapon for any DPS bow user, including Childe.
- The First Great Magic: This bow enhances Charged Attack DMG and Movement Speed. Less fitting for Childe’s style but offers decent stats for Charged Attack-heavy builds.
- Blackcliff Warbow: A 4-star weapon from Starglitter Exchange. It has a Crit DMG substat and an ATK boost after defeating foes. A great F2P option for clearing weaker enemies.
- The Stringless: Another excellent 4-star weapon, particularly for Elemental Burst-focused builds. Its bonus enhances Childe’s burst potential. Great for high burst damage numbers.
Essentially for pure DPS, Polar Star and Aqua Simulacra are top choices.
are top choices. Thundering Pulse follows closely. Skyward Harp delivers solid performance. 4-star alternatives like Blackcliff Warbow and The Stringless provide accessible power for players with fewer 5-star weapon options or Primogems.
Team Synergy: Composing Childe’s Crew
A DPS character relies on their team. Childe excels in setups that boost Hydro damage and enable strong reactions. His strongest team is a Vaporize team, featuring Xiangling (XL) and Bennett. This trio makes up the core of the “Childe International” team.
Let’s look at the support members:
- Xiangling (XL): The queen of Pyro, her off-field damage is exceptional. Pyronado, alongside Childe’s Hydro, triggers powerful Vaporize reactions.
- Bennett: The Pyro Archon’s gift to Genshin Impact. He is arguably the best support. He provides ATK buffs, healing, cleansing, and Pyro resonance. He’s essential for many teams, especially Childe’s Vape team.
- Kazuha/Citlali (maybe Yelan or a typo for “Venti”): The Anemo role typically goes to either Kazuha or Yelan (or possibly Venti). Kazuha groups enemies well and provides Elemental DMG buffs, especially at C0. Yelan (if Citlali is intended to refer to her) adds off-field Hydro damage and buffs, enhancing her effectiveness at higher constellations. At C2, Yelan can improve damage and survivability through Hydro application and Freeze potential but lacks Kazuha’s grouping skills.
The classic “Childe International” team of Childe, Xiangling, Bennett, and Kazuha (or Yelan) is a formidable group ready to face various challenges. Their synergy showcases their exceptional damage potential and teamwork.
Stat Priorities: Building a Critically Acclaimed Childe
For Childe’s artifacts, prioritize the usual DPS trifecta: Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and ATK%. Hydro DMG Bonus is vital. You can easily achieve it with a 2-piece set and Goblet main stat. Energy Recharge (ER) is necessary for Burst uptime, but he doesn’t require excessive amounts.
- Crit DMG: Childe does not gain Crit Rate or Crit DMG from ascension. Weapons and artifacts with Crit substats are crucial. Aqua Simulacra offers a significant Crit DMG boost, making it especially valuable. Aim for a Crit Ratio of about 1:2 (Crit Rate to Crit DMG) for consistent damage. Strive for a Crit Rate of 60-70% with as much Crit DMG as possible.
- ER (Energy Recharge): Childe’s Burst is a key damage source, so having it available frequently matters. However, he doesn’t require high ER. Aim for 120% to 130% ER, especially in optimized teams with energy funneling. If your artifact substats are excellent elsewhere, you might manage with his base 100% ER by relying on team energy generation.
Focus on Crit Rate/DMG circlet and Hydro DMG Bonus goblet. ATK% sands are generally preferable, but if your team has high ATK buffs (like Bennett teams), Elemental Mastery sands may also be useful to maximize Vaporize damage.
Childe and Lumine: A Ship of… Sorts?
Exploring Childe’s non-combat relationships brings us to his unique connection with the Traveler (Lumine). Genshin’s lore has layers. Childe and Lumine’s dynamic holds subtext.
There’s an element of “ship tease”. In the Genshin manga, their interactions suggest romantic intentions more overtly. Within the game, Childe shows signs of interest in Lumine. His “be careful and don’t die” dialogue indicates more than mere friendliness.
This romance angle further develops with Lumine being a star-traveling entity and Childe a mortal from Teyvat. It incorporates classic forbidden love themes. Childe refers to Lumine as “ojou-chan,” a term sometimes implying endearment or politeness toward young ladies. Interestingly, he isn’t the first Genshin character to use this term, suggesting common courtesy in Teyvat.
Strengths and Flaws: The Two Sides of Tartaglia
Childe possesses notable strengths alongside some weaknesses.
- Versatility: His versatility stands out as a significant strength. He isn’t locked into specific team compositions like other DPS characters. While best in Vaporize teams, he fits well in Electro-Charged, Freeze, or even Bloom teams to some degree. Compared to characters like Xiao, who require particular supports, Childe adapts comfortably in various setups.
- Hydro and Electro Resistance (as a Boss): Ironically, one weakness lies in his boss fight. As “Childe,” he has strong Hydro and Electro resistance. It’s unwise to use Hydro or Electro DPS characters against him. Focus on Pyro, Cryo, Anemo, Geo, or Dendro to whittle down his health effectively. Include shielders and healers to withstand his attacks.
Childe’s versatility makes him a key asset in any Genshin roster. His adaptability ensures he stays relevant across updates and meta changes.
Lore Deep Dive: Unmasking Ajax, Tartaglia, Childe
Childe’s background is as complex as his fighting style. He has layers beneath his charming yet occasionally ruthless exterior.
- Multiple Names: Ajax, Tartaglia, Childe: His real name is Ajax. The Fatui codename is Tartaglia. Childe serves as an alias, translating roughly to “young nobleman.” Each name serves different contexts depending on who addresses him.
- Age: Canonically, Childe is 21 years old, quite young for a Fatui Harbinger indicating his swift rise through their ranks.
- Loyalty to the Tsaritsa: Although he is a Harbinger for the Fatui, Childe primarily honors the Tsaritsa. He admires her vision despite disagreeing with some Fatui methods. He sees her as “a gentle soul” who had to “harden herself,” showing a nuanced perspective on her motives and the organization’s goals. His loyalty involves personal devotion rather than blind allegiance to the Fatui.
- Fatui Harbinger Rank: Childe is the Eleventh of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers. Though considered the “last” and arguably the “weakest”, it remains a position of great power and influence. His combat abilities can match strong foes like the All-Devouring Narwhal for extended periods, highlighting the strength of Harbingers above him.
- Good or Bad Character: Is Childe “bad”? He is a major antagonist, aligning with the Fatui in Genshin’s narrative, often seen as villains. He employs morally ambiguous tactics and engages in violence. Yet he’s also playable, presenting a complex individual driven by loyalty, ambition, and familial protection. His moral ambiguity makes him a compelling character.
Should You Pull for Childe? The Traveler’s Dilemma
The recurring question is: “Should I pull for Childe?” The straightforward answer: Yes, you should summon Childe in Version 4.0 and later. You won’t regret it. Why? Because he’s incredibly powerful. Currently, he ranks as a top-tier DPS character in Genshin.
He’s formidable. He’s adaptable. He’s stylish. He possesses an amusing hat in his boss form. What more could you want? For a robust Hydro DPS character, Childe is a top pick.
Childe can guide you through tough content and enhance your team. He is a smart use of your Primogems.
Beating Childe: Strategy to Defeat Him (Boss Fight)
Childe as a boss is tough. New players may struggle. Here are team recommendations for beating the Eleventh Harbinger:
- DPS – NOT Hydro or Electro: Childe resists Hydro and Electro. Avoid using these elements for DPS. Use Pyro, Cryo, Anemo, Geo, or Dendro characters. Pyro DPS works well due to Vaporize reactions.
- Shielder or Healer: Childe hits hard. A shielder (like Zhongli, Diona, or Noelle) or a healer (like Bennett, Jean, or Barbara) helps a lot. A mix of both is best for an easier fight.
Team suggestions include: Pyro DPS (like Diluc, Hu Tao, Yoimiya) + Cryo Sub-DPS (like Ganyu, Rosaria, Kaeya) + Bennett + Zhongli. Adjust your team based on what you have. Focus on survivability and avoid Hydro and Electro DPS.
Artifacts: Beyond Heart of Depth – A Broader Look
Today, we focus on Heart of Depth. Let’s also look at other important artifact sets and ideas.
Top Artifact Sets in Genshin Impact
Genshin has many strong artifact sets aside from Heart of Depth and Nymph’s Dream. Here are some highlights:
- Gilded Dreams: Perfect for any DPS character that needs ATK and Elemental Mastery. Great for Dendro reaction teams like Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Aggravate. If a character triggers reactions, Gilded Dreams is often the best choice.
- Flower of Paradise Lost: Designed for Bloom reaction teams. It boosts Bloom damage for both on-field and off-field attackers. If you focus on Bloom compositions, choose Flower of Paradise Lost.
The Artifact Strongbox: Recycling for Riches
Tired of artifacts? The Artifact Strongbox helps. Found at any Crafting Bench, it lets you trade three 5-star artifacts for one random piece from a set. You can create Nymph’s Dream at the Strongbox! This method lets you farm targeted artifact sets without endless domain grinding. The results are still random, but it raises your chances of getting key pieces.
Is the Strongbox worth using? Yes. Studies show that it helps you get usable +20 artifacts much faster than domain farming alone. Without the Strongbox, the chance of getting a “good” +20 artifact is about 5%. Using it raises this rate to approximately 36.7% (with some error). This greatly improves artifact farming. Use unwanted 5-star artifacts to enhance your collection.
Understanding Crit Value: The Golden Metric
Lastly, let’s discuss Crit Value. This helps quickly assess an artifact’s quality based on Crit substats. Crit Value is calculated as: (2 x Crit Rate + Crit Damage). The ratio of 1:2 shows a balance between Crit Rate and Crit DMG. An artifact with a Crit Value of 40 or higher is excellent for Crit substat rolls. It’s an easy way to evaluate artifacts and decide which ones to upgrade. Happy artifact hunting!
Here’s the summary – a thorough look at the Heart of Depth set and its synergy with Childe. Plus, insights into artifacts and team building in Genshin Impact. Now, equip your Heart of Depth (or Nymph’s Dream), give Childe his best bow, create your ideal team, and conquer Teyvat with Vaporize reactions. And remember, if unsure, add Bennett. It’s usually effective.
