Keqing: Is She Still Electric in Genshin Impact? A Deep Dive
Curious about Keqing? She’s the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. A 5-star Electro sword user. The main question now is, is she good? Let’s explore the facts and find out.
Keqing’s Report Card: Overall Viability
Genshin launched with weak Electro reactions. Keqing suffered because of this. Even now, she struggles to rank among the best 5-stars. But don’t dismiss her. Moving around the battlefield and slicing through enemies with her Elemental Skill is pure joy. Fun counts as meta.
Is Keqing a Top-Tier 5-Star?
No, she’s not in the top tier. “Good” and “top-tier” aren’t the same. She performs well, especially with Aggravate reactions. But don’t expect her to overpower your account. Think of her as a sports car. Agile, stylish, and she completes tasks with style.
Worth the Investment? Building Keqing in 2024 and Beyond
Is she worth building? YES. Reddit agrees. She excells in both overworld and Abyss. She shines in exploring Teyvat. Her Elemental Skill is your personal fast travel. Her low-cost Burst allows frequent Electro slashes.
Keqing in 2025: Still Relevant?
In 2025, Keqing will not become obsolete. Her skills – mobility, Electro application, and Aggravate damage – will keep her in the game. You can 36-star the Spiral Abyss with her. If you enjoy her style, build her. Fun is always a solid investment.
Is Keqing the Undisputed Best?
Wait. “Best” is subjective. It depends on your goals. With Dendro and Aggravate reactions, Keqing gained power. She’s a strong contender now. In the right hands and team, she shines bright.
The Elusive Keqing: Rarity and Availability
Let’s discuss pulling for her. Is it easy to get Keqing? Not really. She’s part of the standard banner pool, meaning she can appear anytime. But she lacks rate-up banners like limited 5-stars. Your chances of pulling her are slim. Statistically, there are about 75,600 Keqings out there. Owning one is prestigious.
Keqing’s Arsenal: Strengths and Combat Roles
Keqing is not just stylish. She’s a versatile fighter with tricks.
DPS Dynamo or Sub-DPS Sparkplug?
DPS or support? Keqing previously faced criticism for low damage. But times have changed. She’s now a force as a primary DPS. Great in Quickswap teams that rush abilities. She can also slice through enemies as an on-field damage dealer.
Quickswap Queen
Quickswap teams are where Keqing shines, especially in Aggravate builds. Leveling her to 90 boosts her damage significantly in these teams. Prioritize talents for Quickswap as follows: Burst > Skill > Normals. No need to max her Normal Attack for this playstyle.
Flexibility is Her Middle Name (Probably Not Canonically)
What’s Keqing best at? Flexibility. She can be a DPS, a Driver, or shift roles based on team needs. Want fast damage bursts? Choose Keqing. Prefer sustained damage leading an attack? Keqing fits that too.
The “Why Keqing?” Factor: Popularity and Pizzazz
Why is she popular? Beyond combat ability, she’s just cool. Her design is sleek and teleporting is satisfying. She’s an independent character. Plus, who doesn’t love teleportation?
Team Tactics: Keqing’s Performance in Compositions
A character’s real power shows in a team. Let’s see where Keqing electrifies.
Aggravate Aggression: Keqing’s Best Friend
Aggravate teams are Keqing’s strengths. For high damage, pair her with Dendro. Leveling to 90 is crucial for Aggravate reactions. Consider Dendro Traveler or Nahida, Fischl or Yae Miko for Electro support, plus an Anemo support like Kazuha or Sucrose. Keqing + Aggravate equals high damage.
Dendro Duo: Keqing and the Green Revolution
How effective is Keqing with Dendro? Extremely good. Dendro reactions act as a major buff for her. A team like Keqing, Fischl, Dendro MC, and Kazuha/Sucrose is not just viable; it’s powerful. Her attack speed triggers Aggravate quickly.
Keqing vs. The Competition: Character Comparisons
In Genshin, everyone wonders: who is better?
Keqing vs. Diluc: Old Guard Showdown
Is Diluc better than Keqing? Direct comparison is tricky. Diluc offers consistent Pyro damage, especially with Xianyun for plunges. Keqing brings speed, quicker attacks, and Aggravate advantage. They shine in different areas and teams.
Keqing vs. Cyno vs. Raiden: Electro Supremacy?
Is Keqing better than Cyno? Is Raiden stronger than Cyno? It’s not a clear answer. Each has unique strengths. Keqing excels at Aggravate, Raiden operates as a DPS or Hyperbloom trigger, while Cyno thrives in Quickbloom setups. Playstyle matters.
Keqing vs. Qiqi: Healing vs. Hurting
Is Keqing superior to Qiqi? It’s like comparing apples to oranges. Qiqi focuses on healing while Keqing causes damage. In situations needing constant healing, like Sheer Cold, Qiqi shines. Keqing handles damage output better.
Keqing vs. Tighnari: Single Target vs. AoE
Which is better, Keqing or Tighnari? Tighnari often outshines in single-target bouts. However, Keqing’s AoE burst and Electro-charged potential excel when facing multiple targets. Different strengths fit different battles.
Xiao vs. Wanderer: Anemo Aerialists
Is Xiao better than Wanderer? It relies on playstyle preference. Xiao delivers plunge attacks, while Wanderer relies on charged attacks and hovers. Both need Faruzan support at C6. Choose based on your preferred attack style.
Building the Jade Chamber’s Yuheng: Investment Guide
Ready to build Keqing? Let’s dive into her investment details.
Level 90 or Not? The Leveling Dilemma
Should you aim for level 90? For Aggravate teams, yes! The damage boost from level 80 to 90 is crucial for reactions. Other builds also benefit but focus on Aggravate for top priority.
Talent Tango: Prioritization
For Quickswap builds, prioritize Burst > Skill > Normals. Level her Elemental Burst and Skill first to enhance damage output. Normals matter less in Quickswap setups, but if using her as a sustained DPS, they still need eventual leveling.
Weaponry Wonders: Keqing’s Best Blades
What is Keqing’s optimal weapon? Mistsplitter Reforged is seen as her Best in Slot. It offers Crit DMG and Elemental DMG Bonus, with easy-to-maintain stacks. Wolf Fang and Black Sword are solid choices too for Crit Rate builds. For free-to-play options, Lion’s…
Roar and the Amenoma Kageuchi both excel.
Artifact Affairs: Gearing Up Keqing
What are best artifacts for Keqing? 4-piece Thundering Fury is prime for Aggravate and Electro builds. It boosts Electro damage and reaction damage. Skill cooldowns decrease, giving more chances to attack. Combining 2-piece Thundering Fury and Gladiator’s Finale or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence is a good option. For main stats, target ATK% Sands, Electro DMG Bonus Goblet, and Crit Rate or Crit DMG Circlet. Prioritize Crit Rate for better balance.
Wolf Fang vs. Black Sword: Crit Rate Crusaders
Which to use: Wolf Fang or Black Sword? Both swords enhance Crit Rate. Wolf Fang raises damage via passive stacks. Black Sword heals on Crits, aiding survivability. If you have good Crit Rate from artifacts, Wolf Fang may win in output. Yet, if sustaining health is key, Black Sword is effective for tough challenges.
F2P Feats: Keqing on a Budget
Can you build Keqing affordably? Yes!
F2P Friendliness: Keqing on a Dime
Is Keqing accessible for F2P players? Yes! Mistsplitter Reforged is top weapon, but many F2P options exist. Lion’s Roar, Blackcliff Longsword (available via Paimon’s Bargains), and craftable weapons like Amenoma Kageuchi work well on her. Thundering Fury is easy to farm. Strong builds are possible without real-money spending.
F2P Powerhouses: Keqing in Good Company
Who else is a great F2P character in Genshin Impact? Keqing is not free but matrixes well with top F2P characters. Xiangling excels, Bennett gives support, and Fischl plus Dendro Traveler fit in Aggravate setups. The game allows you to clear all content, including the Abyss (though Floors 11-12 can be tough), with solid F2P compositions.
Lore and Legacy: Getting to Know Keqing
Beyond gameplay, Keqing possesses a rich narrative.
Name Game: What’s in a Name?
Keqing’s name in Genshin Impact is 刻晴 (Kèqíng). She serves as the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. This translates to “The Jade Balance” or “Alioth,” signifying her governance role and focus on effectiveness.
Job Description: More Than Just a Pretty Face
What does she do? As Yuheng, she’s responsible for land and construction in Liyue. Keqing’s not merely a hard worker; she’s a “bored perfectionist,” aiming to prove herself. She prefers human effort over reliance on divine forces for Liyue’s progress.
Age Enigma: How Old is the Yuheng?
How old is Keqing? Her exact age is unclear, but she’s in late teens or early twenties. Her high-ranking role in the Liyue Qixing reflects her youth, ambition, and energy.
Vision Vendetta: Why the Vision Hate?
Why does she dislike her Vision? Initially, Keqing regarded it as a curse from the gods. It devalued her achievements, making them seem divine rather than earned. She felt it challenged her belief in human potential. While her views softened over time, skepticism regarding divine aid remains integral to her personality.
Rex Lapis Relations: Skeptic Turned Respectful
Does Keqing dislike Rex Lapis? She was once a skeptic of Rex Lapis and his divine guidance role. After his retirement, she gained respect for him. She realized how committed Rex Lapis was to Liyue’s governance and now appreciates his efforts while still promoting human independence.
Pronunciation Puzzles: Say it Right!
How do you say Keqing? It’s “Kuh-ching,” not “Koo-ching.” In Chinese pinyin, “e” sounds closer to “uh,” while “Ke” uses a hard “k.” Thus, “Kuh-ching” provides the best phonetic match.
Signature Style: The Elusive Starseeker
Keqing’s signature weapon? It’s the “Starseeker,” a 4-star sword rumored to be a 2.1 event item but never released. This adds mystery to her lore, as no signature weapon is readily available in-game.
Diluc Deconstructed: A Pyro Powerhouse for Comparison
Diluc often compares with Keqing, so let’s examine the Darknight Hero quickly.
Diluc’s 5-Star Status: Still Shining?
Is Diluc effective as a 5-star character? With Xianyun, his plunging attack damage potential is exceptional. He boasts one of the highest plunging damage multipliers. Without Xianyun, he can feel less impressive when matched against newer DPS characters like Gaming. He delivers strong damage but isn’t as reaction-centric as other Pyro DPS.
Canonical Clout: Lore-Accurate Strength
Is Diluc strong in lore? Definitely. During his time with the Knights of Favonius, he was their best. He was a candidate for Grandmaster too. His power is evident in lore, showcasing formidable skills against Abyss Order foes as the Darknight Hero.
Diluc vs. Zhongli: Shielding Savior
Diluc versus Zhongli? Different roles define them. Zhongli excels at providing shields for characters. For Diluc, Zhongli proves an outstanding ally. His shield ensures Diluc maintains consistent damage output without disruption. If you require shielding for Diluc, Zhongli is the optimal partner.
Mondstadt Might: Top of the Heap?
Is Diluc the strongest fighter in Mondstadt? He’s certainly among the best. He’s recognized as one of the strongest figures, even stalemating Kaeya during a furious clash. His combat skills mark him as a prominent threat in Mondstadt.
Diluc: Bad 5-Star? Debunking Myths
Diluc isn’t a bad 5-star unit. He’s among the most sought-after standard banner DPS characters alongside Keqing and Tighnari. His raw power and dependable Claymore damage establish him as a formidable DPS option, despite not being reaction-heavy.
Diluc’s Admirer: Unrequited Affection
Who likes Diluc? Donna from Flora Shop in Mondstadt has a significant crush on him. She spends time dreaming about him, showcasing her unreturned infatuation.
Diluc or Jean? Pulling Priorities
Which to prioritize: Diluc or Jean? That depends on your roster’s needs. Jean delivers excellent healing and Anemo support alongside Furina. Yet with Xianyun, Diluc turns into a powerful plunging beast. With Xianyun, he emerges as a top DPS choice compared to Jean’s supportive nature.
Snezhnaya Ban: Diluc’s International Incident
Why is Diluc banned from Snezhnaya? It’s suggested he took measures against the Fatui in Snezhnaya, potentially avenging his father. His actions led to a nationwide ban, cementing his narrative conflict with the Fatui.
Wine Wealth: The Dawn Winery Fortune
How does Diluc amass wealth? Dawn Winery serves as Mondstadt’s largest wine producer, fueling his riches. His consistent wine sales solidify him as Mondstadt’s wealthiest person. Ironically, despite his empire, Diluc refrains from alcohol.
Ragnvindr Rhymes: Pronouncing the Name
How to say Diluc’s last name? “Ragnvindr” can be pronounced as “Raen-Vinder.” Its roots trace back to German origins, reflecting Mondstadt’s European inspiration.
Signature Claymore: Wolf’s Gravestone
Diluc’s iconic weapon? Wolf’s Gravestone serves as his signature Claymore. It complements his kit perfectly, granting ATK% and an ATK boost to allies, enhancing his damage potential.
Hu Tao vs. Diluc: Pyro DPS Duel
Is Hu Tao stronger than Diluc? In general, yes, Hu Tao deals greater damage, particularly against single-target foes. Yet, Diluc remains capable in the Abyss and serves as a viable DPS character even if slower than Hu Tao at clearing.
Thoma or Diluc: Pyro Role Reversal
Who’s preferable? Thoma or Diluc? They serve different purposes; Diluc is a top-tier 5-star DPS while Thoma stands as a 4-star support/shielder. They fulfill distinct roles in team dynamics.
Energy Needs: Diluc’s Recharge Requirements
Does Diluc need Energy Recharge? No. His ER needs are low. Burst Energy Cost is 40 and field time is high. He doesn’t struggle with energy. Proper team rotations and good supports help him.
Beyond Keqing and Diluc: Other Character Considerations
Let’s quickly compare some notable Genshin characters.
Free 5-Star Frenzy: Who to Pick?
Who is the best free 5-star? If you get one, choices include Jean, Tighnari, Diluc, Keqing, Mona, Dehya, and Qiqi. Jean shines, especially with Furina. Tighnari is a strong Dendro DPS. Diluc and Keqing are solid DPS. Mona offers Hydro support. Dehya and Qiqi are less impactful, but have niche uses.
Adeptus Apex: Strongest of the Adepti?
Who is the strongest Adeptus? Xiao often ranks as one of the strongest. His 2000 years of Yaksha experience shows his power. He survived, maintaining sanity among the Yakshas.
Canonical Colossus: Lore-Strongest Character?
Strongest Genshin character in lore? Zhongli, the Geo Archon, is considered the strongest. He faked his death to relinquish Archon duties, as no one could defeat him.
DPS Domination: #1 Damage Dealer?
Who is the number one DPS? Alhaitham is cited as a top DPS. His Dendro infusion and AoE burst are powerful, drawing comparisons to Keqing.
Freebie Champion: Strongest Free Character?
Strongest free character? Xiangling is the queen of free characters. Her off-field Pyro application and damage make her invaluable in teams.
Must-Pull Marvels: Essential Characters?
Which character is must pull? Ganyu is top-tier Cryo DPS. Her Cryo application and damage in Freeze teams make her highly sought after.
Twin Choices: Aether or Lumine?
Which twin to choose? Aether or Lumine? It’s down to preference. Lore favors Aether in marketing, but both twins work identically in gameplay. Choose based on aesthetics.
Free 5-Star Future?
Will there be a free 5-star? Rumors suggest a free 5-star character in update 5.0 for Natlan. Other changes may include custom artifacts and removing the 50/50 on banners. Watch for official news!
Genshin’s Generosity: F2P Friendliness Examined
Is Genshin truly F2P friendly?
F2P Frustrations? Addressing Concerns
Why isn’t Genshin F2P friendly? All content can be cleared with free characters. But Abyss Floors 11-12 can challenge F2P players. The game allows no spending for completion, but teams need to be optimized for endgame content and may require more time investment.
Odds and Ends: Miscellaneous Questions
Quick answers to some other questions.
Artifact Aces: Keqing’s Best Sets Revisited
Which artifact is good for Keqing? The 4-piece Thundering Fury is biS for Aggravate and Electro builds. Two-piece Thundering Fury and ATK% sets are good alternatives.
Easy-Build DPS: Low-Investment Damage Dealers?
Easiest DPS to build? Kaeya is an easy choice as a free character. His materials are farmable, and common artifacts work well.
Weapon Wonders: Strongest in Teyvat?
Strongest weapon? Primordial Jade Cutter, Elegy for the End, Serpent Spine, Dragon’s Bane, and Royal Grimoire often rank among the best, based on character and team.
Permanent Keqing?
Is Keqing permanent? Yes, she is in the standard banner pool. Unlike some event-exclusive characters, she doesn’t have a permanent playable version from collaborations.
Healing Keqing? Fact or Fiction?
Can Keqing heal? Yes. At C6 constellation, she heals for 60% of her ATK on critical hits with a cooldown of 5 seconds. However, she is not primarily a healer.
Banner History: Keqing’s Rate-Ups
Has Keqing ever had a banner? Yes, she has had rate-up banners. MiHoYo has occasionally given standard characters rate-up banners on lore themed events like Lantern Rite.
Genshin’s Hierarchy: Who’s #1?
Who is number 1 in Genshin? In Fatui Harbingers’ context, Il Capitano ranks first. For overall character strength and impact, it’s subjective and varies by criteria.
Tighnari or Mona? Dendro DPS vs. Hydro Support
Tighnari or Mona better? Mona excels as Hydro support but faces stiff competition. Tighnari is a strong Dendro DPS with less direct competition in that role. Both are valuable but serve different purposes.
So there you have it. Keqing remains electric and fun, now genuinely powerful thanks to Dendro. Whether seasoned or new to Genshin, Keqing is a character worth your time. Now, I have teleporting and sword-slashing to do.
