Alright, let’s discuss Genshin Impact. You’re exploring Teyvat, likely lost in Liyue. You have characters on your mind. You might ponder artifacts. If you have taste, you consider Kaedehara Kazuha. Is there an artifact set we’re overlooking? Something… *instructive*?
Is the Instructor Set Good for Kazuha? Let’s Get Schooled
The pressing question: Is the Instructor set a hidden treasure for Kazuha? In short, no. Not at all. Though the set has its niche, putting it on Kazuha is unwise. It’s like using a hilichurl’s club for brain surgery. Possible? Yes. Recommended? No.
Kazuha shines with Elemental Mastery and team damage boosts. The Instructor set offers decent Elemental Mastery. However, it is a 4-star set. Thus, its stats lag behind 5-star sets. You limit your potential right from the start. Imagine bringing a butter knife to a sword fight; you’re armed but will struggle.
Can a 4-Piece Instructor Set Stack? Spoiler Alert: No
Now, let’s address stacking. Can you, in a strange effort to create an Elemental Mastery singularity, equip several characters with the 4-piece Instructor set? Unfortunately, no. Genshin Impact’s design prevents such acts. Multiple characters wearing the set won’t stack Elemental Mastery. It’s a one-time deal. Like free samples at a shop; you can take one but cannot keep asking.
What Does a 4-Piece Instructor Set Actually Do? The Nitty-Gritty
If the set isn’t for Kazuha, what is it good for? Let’s analyze what it really does. The 2-piece bonus gifts +80 Elemental Mastery. That’s decent. The 4-piece bonus boosts Elemental Mastery by 120 after triggering an Elemental Reaction for 8 seconds. This seems great, especially for reaction-heavy teams. It can be strong in early-game situations. The set focuses primarily on supporting and buffing elemental reactions but is not for damage-dealing characters. Think of it as training wheels; useful initially but quickly outgrown.
Instructor’s Pocket Watch: A Timepiece with a Story
Let’s appreciate the flavor text of the Instructor’s Pocket Watch.
Kazuha: The Anemo All-Star – A Deep Dive
Now, let’s refocus on Kaedehara Kazuha. This wandering samurai is not just a pretty face. He is a formidable support and a decent sub-DPS. He simplifies your Genshin adventures. Wondering if you should pull for him? The answer is almost always yes. Even with many Anemo characters, Kazuha stands out due to his crowd control and utility.
Viridescent Venerer: Kazuha’s Artifact Soulmate
For Kazuha, there is one clear answer: 4-piece Viridescent Venerer (VV). Seriously, stop seeking alternatives. VV is practically tailored for Kazuha. The 2-piece bonus gives a 15% Anemo DMG Bonus. Nice. The 4-piece bonus increases Swirl DMG by 60%. It also decreases opponents’ Elemental RES by 40% for 10 seconds. This is massive. This set transforms Kazuha into a swirling debuff machine. He reduces enemy resistance and boosts team damage while remaining stylish. No real substitutes exist for Viridescent Venerer to maximize Kazuha’s capabilities.
Best Characters to Pair with Kazuha: The Dream Team Lineup
Kazuha is versatile and fits diverse team compositions. He’s like that friend getting along with everyone. Some characters synergize perfectly with him. Here are the best pairs for our Anemo samurai:
- Childe: Hydro application? Check. AoE damage? Check. Childe and Kazuha are a reaction dream team. Kazuha can Swirl Hydro, buff Childe’s damage, and group enemies for Childe’s Riptide strategies.
- Hu Tao: Vaporize, Vaporize, Vaporize! Hu Tao needs Vaporize reactions, and Kazuha is her ideal partner. He Swirls Pyro, cuts Pyro resistance, and creates explosive damage.
- Ayato: Another Hydro DPS who needs Kazuha’s support. Ayato’s rapid Hydro application pairs well with Kazuha’s Swirl abilities.
- Ganyu: Melt or Freeze Ganyu, Kazuha enhances both. For Melt teams, he Swirls Pyro and lowers Pyro resistance. For Freeze teams, he Swirls Cryo and groups enemies for Ganyu’s AoE Cryo.
- Ayaka: Like Ganyu, Ayaka benefits from Kazuha in Freeze teams. His crowd control keeps enemies close and amplifies her damage.
- Shenhe: While Shenhe specializes in Cryo teams, she creates a powerful duo with Kazuha. Shenhe boosts Cryo damage while Kazuha reduces enemy Cryo resistance.
- Raiden Shogun: Overload teams with Raiden and Kazuha work well. Kazuha can Swirl Electro, enhance Electro damage, and provide much-needed crowd control.
- Bennett: The dynamic duo of Genshin support. Bennett offers healing and an ATK boost, while Kazuha gives elemental damage boosts and shreds resistance. Their combination is a staple in many teams.
This is just a glimpse of possibilities. Kazuha’s versatility allows him to fit into many more teams. Experiment to discover what fits your playstyle.
Xiphos’ Moonlight: A 4-Star Weapon That Shines
While 5-star weapons tempt players, Kazuha excels with strong 4-star options. Leading these is Xiphos’ Moonlight. This sword suits support Kazuha perfectly. Its secondary stat is Elemental Mastery, which he needs. The passive is impressive: Every 10 seconds, the character gains 0.036% Energy Recharge for each point of Elemental Mastery for 12 seconds. Nearby party members gain 30% of this bonus Energy Recharge. At Refinement Rank 1, Xiphos’ Moonlight boosts Kazuha’s Elemental Mastery and supports his Energy Recharge and teammates’ as well. It’s a triple benefit. Check Xiphos’ Moonlight on the Genshin Impact Wiki for more.
Ascension and Talent Materials: The Grind is Real
To ascend Kazuha and max out his talents, prepare to farm. For ascension, you need specific
Need Marionette Cores from the Maguu Kenki boss. Also need Anemo Gemstones. They also drop from Maguu Kenki, Anemo Hypostasis, and Stormterror. Farming Maguu Kenki is efficient. You can gather gems and the boss-specific material together. Kazuha needs Teachings, Guides, Philosophies of Diligence, Treasure Hoarder, Silver Raven, and Golden Raven Insignias. Gilded Scales come from Azhdaha weekly boss. Leveling his talents is an investment. You will need: x3 Crown of Insight, x9 Teachings of Diligence, x18 Treasure Hoarder Insignias, x18 Gilded Scales, x63 Guide to Diligence, x66 Silver Raven Insignias, x93 Golden Raven Insignias, and x114 Philosophies to Diligence.
Is Kazuha Worth It? Absolutely Yes
Is Kazuha worth your Primogems? Definitely yes. He is easy to use. He buffs nearly every character in the game. Kazuha provides significant utility. If you need crowd control or elemental damage boost, he delivers. He’s a top-tier support and remains relevant in almost every meta shift. Even with other Anemo units like Venti or Sucrose, Kazuha offers support that complements them. Pulling for Kazuha is rarely a mistake.
Elemental Recharge Needs: Balancing Energy
Kazuha’s Elemental Burst is vital for support and sub-DPS. Energy Recharge (ER) is crucial. The amount of ER varies by team composition and playstyle. If Kazuha is the only Anemo character (Solo Anemo), using Tap and Hold Skills, aim for around 190-200% ER. If you’re spamming Tap Skills, you might need 205-215% ER. In Double Anemo teams with Venti or Sucrose, Kazuha’s ER needs drop to around 105-110% ER. In Triple Anemo teams generating energy, aim for 145-155% ER with a mix of skills. Use a Favonius Sword to reduce ER needs.
Kazuha vs. Sucrose: Who’s Better?
Kazuha versus Sucrose is a classic debate. Both are strong Anemo supports for buffing elemental damage and crowd control. Sucrose technically edges ahead in sharing Elemental Mastery due to her passives and weapon choices. However, Kazuha offers more than just EM sharing. His personal damage is higher overall. His crowd control is more reliable. Kazuha’s resistance shred is often more impactful than Sucrose’s EM buff in many teams. Sucrose is accessible because she is a 4-star character. She has craftable weapons like Iron Sting for EM boosts. Iron Sting has a high ATK base but lower EM than others. Kazuha generally has better utility and performance. However, personal preference and team synergy often determine the choice.
Kazuha’s Dislike of Raiden Shogun: A Clash
Kazuha has a notable dislike for Raiden Shogun and her followers. This stems from his belief in freedom and the pursuit of one’s dreams. He opposes Raiden Shogun’s Vision Hunt Decree. He views it as suppression of aspirations. This ideological conflict deepens Kazuha’s character, adding narrative depth to his actions and motivations. He embodies a rebellious spirit beneath his calm exterior.
Kazuha vs. Ayaka: Different Roles
Comparing Kazuha and Ayaka is like comparing apples to swords. They fill different roles in teams. Ayaka is mainly a damage dealer, a strong Cryo DPS capable of freezing foes. Kazuha focuses on buffing the team and debilitating enemies. Ayaka’s damage potential is undeniable. However, Kazuha’s versatility keeps him relevant across various metas. Damage dealers might fade with new characters, but supports like Kazuha retain value due to utility. Kazuha’s longer-term viability may be more secure than Ayaka’s as a support character.
Damage Scaling: Elemental Mastery and Attack
Kazuha’s damage relies on two stats: Elemental Mastery (EM) and Attack (ATK). Elemental Mastery is vital for his Swirl damage and elemental bonuses. High EM increases Swirl efficiency and provides stronger elemental damage buffs. Attack scales his direct damage abilities like his skills and bursts. Focus on EM as a pure support Kazuha. Stack EM on sands, goblet and circlet while prioritizing EM substats. For a sub-DPS build, consider balancing EM with some ATK and Crit stats. Even then, EM should remain the primary focus due to its team-wide impact.
Talent Priority: Leveling Up Wisely
For leveling Kazuha’s talents, prioritize his Elemental Burst first. His Burst underpins his support role and provides AoE Anemo damage and absorption. Next, level his Elemental Skill. His Skill assists with crowd control and energy generation but its damage adds less than his Burst. Last, level the Normal Attack talent, often left unused if you mainly use Kazuha as a support. The general priority is: Elemental Burst > Elemental Skill ≥ Normal Attack.
Best 5-Star Weapons: Top Choices
If you want 5-star weapons for Kazuha, consider Freedom Sworn. It is designed specifically for him. It grants high Elemental Mastery and buffs team-wide ATK after reaction triggers. It’s the ultimate support weapon for Kazuha. Primordial Jade Cutter is another great choice. While it doesn’t offer EM directly, its high base ATK and Crit Rate make it a strong sub-DPS choice. Mistsplitter Reforged works for Kazuha too, especially in a sub-DPS role. Its Crit DMG stat boosts personal damage. But Freedom Sworn and Primordial Jade Cutter are better choices overall due to their synergy.
Level 90 Recommendation: Worth It?
Is leveling Kazuha to 90 worth it? Yes, it often is important. Leveling characters to 90 greatly benefits those relying on transformative reactions like Swirl or Bloom. Reaction damage increases significantly with character level. Since Kazuha’s main role involves triggering Swirl reactions, reaching level 90 will noticeably boost his effectiveness.
Increasing Kazuha’s Swirl damage adds to his overall team damage output. The extra stats and reaction damage leveling from 80 to 90 make it worth the investment. To maximize Kazuha’s potential, consider leveling him to 90 if you’re serious.
Tap vs. Hold Skill: Press or Hold?
Kazuha’s Elemental Skill has Tap and Hold versions. The Tap version is faster and has a shorter cooldown. Use it for quick energy generation and Swirl triggers, especially in fast rotations. The Hold version has a longer cooldown, but it applies stronger Anemo and can reset cooldowns with Constellation 1 or weapons like Sacrificial Sword. It’s useful when swapping Kazuha for a longer duration. The Hold Skill offers better crowd control and Anemo application. The Tap version is preferred for speed and lower cooldown. The Hold version is situational, mainly for stronger Anemo applications or cooldown resets. Try both to see which fits your team.
Pulling for Kazuha vs. Raiden Shogun: A Tough Choice
Choosing between Kazuha and Raiden Shogun? It’s difficult. Both are powerful. Your choice depends on your team composition and main DPS characters. If Eula is your main DPS, pull for Raiden Shogun. They work well together, with Raiden providing Electro for Superconduct and energy recharge for Eula. For characters like Hu Tao, Childe, Ayaka, or Ganyu, Kazuha is often the better pick. He offers elemental damage buffs and crowd control, benefiting a range of DPS characters. Raiden excels in specific Electro teams, but Kazuha is more versatile. If you have several main DPS characters, Kazuha is usually safer. If Eula is primary, Raiden is a bigger priority.
C1 Worth: A Nice Boost, A Stepping Stone to C2
Is Kazuha’s C1 worth it? It boosts his Elemental Skill cooldown by 15% and resets its cooldown after using his Elemental Burst. This aids energy generation and enhances his personal damage output. However, Kazuha is strong at C0. C1 improves quality of life and acts as a step toward C2. C2 allows Kazuha to shine as a team buffer with a massive Elemental Mastery buff within his Burst’s AoE. If you’re contemplating Kazuha’s constellations, C1 is decent. But C2 is the key prize.
Weapon Worth: Elemental Mastery and Party Buffs Galore
Is pulling for Kazuha’s Freedom Sworn worth it? If you want maximum support potential, yes. Freedom Sworn provides high Elemental Mastery and party-wide ATK Bonus and Normal/Charged/Plunging Attack DMG Bonus. It’s an ultimate support weapon for buffing capabilities. However, Xiphos’ Moonlight offers great Elemental Mastery and energy recharge as a close 4-star alternative. Freedom Sworn is a luxury upgrade that slightly improves over 4-star options. If you have extra Primogems for Kazuha’s support, Freedom Sworn is excellent. On a budget? Xiphos’ Moonlight or Iron Sting are viable alternatives.
Kazuha’s Age: An Enigma Wrapped in Mystery
What is Kazuha’s age? His official age is “unknown” in Genshin Impact lore. However, fans speculate he’s in his late 20s or early 30s based on design. He has a mature, weathered appearance hinting he’s not exactly young. Age is just a number, especially for a wandering samurai with Anemo powers.
Crit Rate: Favonius Sword and the 30-40% Sweet Spot
If using a Favonius Sword on Kazuha, you might wonder about Crit Rate. Favonius weapons create energy particles on Crit hits. To trigger this passive reliably, some Crit Rate is needed but not excessive. Aim for about 30-40% Crit Rate for consistent Favonius activation without sacrificing too much Elemental Mastery. For different weapons not reliant on Crit Rate, ignore it and focus purely on Elemental Mastery. For Favonius builds, use a Crit Rate circlet to achieve that threshold while prioritizing EM on other artifact pieces.
Friendship with Heizou: Confirmed Bros
Kazuha’s social life includes being friends with Shikanoin Heizou, confirmed in a Genshin Impact livestream. Their shared Inazuman background and similar personalities support this connection. Future updates may feature more interactions between them. Perhaps they could form a band called “The Anemo Duo,” with Kazuha on the shakuhachi and Heizou on witty banter.
Artifacts: General Knowledge Bombs
Let’s expand artifact knowledge for any Genshin Impact player.
Noblesse Oblige: The Most Used Artifact Set
Noblesse Oblige is often referred to as Genshin Impact’s most used artifact set. Its 2-piece bonus grants a 20% Elemental Burst DMG Bonus. The 4-piece bonus is even better: Using an Elemental Burst increases all party members’ ATK by 20% for 12 seconds. This team-wide buff makes Noblesse Oblige essential support for many characters. It’s versatile and easy to farm from the Clear Pool and Mountain Cavern domain in Liyue. The Gamer’s article highlights Noblesse Oblige’s strength.
Artifacts to Throw Away: Be Ruthless
Artifact farming can be frustrating. How to know what artifacts to keep? Keep ones with at least 3-5 “correct” stat options based on your character’s build. “Correct” stats usually include Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, Energy Recharge, Elemental Mastery, and relevant elemental damage bonuses. If an artifact has only 1 or 2 good stats or flat HP and DEF substats, use it as fodder to improve better ones. Don’t become attached to mediocre artifacts. Manage your inventory wisely; time spent leveling poor artifacts adds up.
Emblem of Severed Fate: Inazuma’s Energy Recharge Powerhouse
Emblem of Severed Fate (EoSF) is an artifact set from the Momiji-Dyed Court domain in Inazuma. This set suits characters who depend on Elemental Bursts and require Energy Recharge. The 2-piece bonus grants a significant 20% Energy Recharge. The 4-piece bonus further increases Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of Energy Recharge, making a maximum bonus of 75%. This setup is ideal for characters like Raiden Shogun, Xiangling, and Yelan who need both Energy Recharge and increased Burst damage. If you need an energy-hungry burst DPS or support, EoSF is often the best choice.
Scroll Set Stacking: A Single Dose is Enough
In Genshin Impact, bonuses from the same artifact sets do not stack. Equipping two characters with 4-piece Thundering Fury won’t amplify effects; the game considers only the highest bonus applied. However, different artifact sets can stack effectively. For instance, the bonuses from Tenacity of the Millelith can combine with Noblesse Oblige’s bonuses for an optimal damage output.
2-Piece and 4-Piece Set: Elemental Skill DMG Focus
Some artifact sets boost Elemental Skill DMG without specifying “Scroll Set.” A general example might be: 2-Piece Bonus increases Elemental Skill DMG by 20%. The 4-Piece Bonus increases Elemental Skill DMG by 25%. When not active on the…