Genshin Impact 5.0: Updated Character Rankings (October 2024)
This post covers the best characters in Genshin Impact for Version 5.0 as of September 2024. It ranks 5-Star and 4-Star characters based on their performance in Main DPS, Sub-DPS, and Support roles.
The list focuses on C0 ratings and frequently updates to reflect the latest changes. Stay tuned for the most recent adjustments in character rankings!
Trending Manuals
- Reroll Recommendations
- Top Character Rankings
- Best Team Setups
Noteworthy Character Updates
Here are some critical updates from the latest patch:
Kinich (C0) – New Entry:
Kinich ranks high as a mobile DPS, excelling in teams focused on Burning or Burgeon reactions. Though his damage is excellent, he needs specific elements to be effective, which limits team flexibility. His best performance lies in one-shotting enemies using his Scalespiker Cannon, which works well in single-target situations. The character is safer during combat thanks to his mobility and distance from foes, but mastering him requires time and precise use of his Nightsoul points. Improper execution can result in fewer cannon shots than recommended.
Mualani (C0) – New Entry:
Mualani specializes in frontloaded damage, making her one of the top single-target DPS options in the game. She delivers massive damage through her Sharky’s Bite skill, particularly when paired with the Vaporize reaction. Her AoE damage is decent, but her strength lies in properly timed setups. Due to the lack of better Pyro Application options, she often finds herself in teams relying on Xiangling or Dendro characters to enable optimal Burning-Vaporize combinations.
Kachina (C6) – New Entry:
While Kachina’s raw damage is below average, she stands out by utilizing the Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City artifact set. This set provides significant support to herself and her allies. She can be an alternative pick to characters like Chiori or Albedo when you don’t have them available for their teams.
Clorinde (C0) – Tier Adjustment:
Clorinde sees a rise in DPS ranking due to her sustained damage, especially in Dendro or Overloaded teams. This update enhances her status as a reliable choice for Electro-focused compositions.
Hu Tao (C1) – Tier Adjustment:
Hu Tao has dropped in the rankings as a Main DPS. Her role as a Pyro carry is currently overshadowed by Arlecchino, who is more versatile and less demanding in terms of investment.
Dehya (C0) – Tier Adjustment:
Dehya has moved up in the Support rankings as more characters, like Mualani and Arlecchino, benefit from her sustain and Pyro Application. She now serves as a solid pick for various teams, including Vaporize and Overloaded setups.
Character Rankings (as of September 20, 2024)
Highest Ranked Characters
Here’s a look at the top-rated characters divided by their role:
Main DPS (SS Tier):
Neuvillette, Arlecchino, Alhaitham
Sub-DPS (SS Tier):
Nahida, Furina, Xingqiu, Yelan, Xiangling, Kazuha, Raiden
Support (SS Tier):
Furina, Kazuha, Bennett, Nahida, Zhongli, Baizhu, Kokomi
Strong Contenders (S Tier)
Main DPS (S Tier):
Mualani, Kinich, Hu Tao, Navia, Lyney, Raiden, Gaming, Wriothesley, Ayaka, Clorinde
Sub-DPS (S Tier):
Nilou, Fischl, Yae Miko, Shinobu, Emilie, Navia
Support (S Tier):
Raiden, Mona, Xianyun, Shenhe, Jean, Chevreuse, Sucrose, Faruzan
Solid Picks (A Tier)
Main DPS (A Tier):
Tartaglia, Xiao, Diluc, Ayato, Tighnari, Wanderer, Ganyu
Sub-DPS (A Tier):
Chiori, Venti, Ganyu, Mona, Beidou, Collei, Rosaria, Sucrose
Support (A Tier):
Gorou, Venti, Diona, Yun Jin, Sara, Yaoyao, Charlotte, Shinobu
Mid-Tier Choices (B Tier)
Main DPS (B Tier):
Yoimiya, Itto, Cyno, Keqing, Noelle, Eula, Sethos
Sub-DPS (B Tier):
Albedo, Ayato, Kokomi, Thoma, Traveler (Dendro), Lynette, Zhongli, Kachina
Support (B Tier):
Kirara, Mika, Sigewinne, Layla, Sayu, Thoma, Dehya
Lower Tier (C Tier)
Main DPS (C Tier):
Yanfei, Heizou, Klee, Kaveh, Kokomi, Freminet, Ningguang
Sub-DPS (C Tier):
Kaeya, Dehya, Lisa, Chongyun, Sayu
Support (C Tier):
Qiqi, Barbara, Traveler (Electro), Rosaria, Candace, Dori
Bottom Tier (D Tier)
Main DPS (D Tier):
Razor, Dehya, Xinyan, Aloy
Sub-DPS (D Tier):
Xinyan, Traveler (Geo), Amber, Traveler (Anemo), Traveler (Hydro)
Support (D Tier):
Noelle, Chongyun, Lisa, Xinyan
Additional Information
If you want more insight into the C0 or C6 constellation rankings and tier explanations, check the detailed breakdowns below the ranking tables.
Character Ranking Guidelines and Key Insights
Criteria for Rankings
When analyzing and testing characters, we focus on their effectiveness in team compositions rather than viewing them as standalone units. Characters are evaluated based on their performance as core members in their optimal team setups. Below is a summary explaining each tier:
SS Tier:
These characters shine as the most vital members of their ideal team compositions with minimal investment. They also tend to stay relevant for a long time.
- Primary DPS: Characters in this category have exceptional damage output and can stay viable for long periods due to their universal playstyle. They can integrate into various top-tier teams and don’t rely on specific support characters to perform well.
- Secondary DPS: These characters excel at applying elements and often serve as key players in top teams, offering significant damage along with their elemental abilities.
- Support: These characters provide powerful buffs, heals, or crowd control abilities, often crucial for enhancing the overall strength of a team.
S Tier:
These characters reach their highest potential with a recommended level of investment and can easily handle any challenge in the game.
- Primary DPS: These characters can rival the SS Tier at recommended levels, but only with the right tools and setup.
- Secondary DPS: They provide excellent damage or elemental application and are often crucial in specific team compositions. However, there may be more effective alternatives for particular roles.
- Support: They offer strong buffs or healing within their niche but may not be as effective in teams outside of their intended composition.
A Tier:
These characters can be powerful with maximum investment in their equipment, artifacts, and teammates but may require more effort to match higher-tier characters.
- Primary DPS: Needs full investment across the team to reach the level of the top-tier characters.
- Secondary DPS: Provides solid elemental application or damage but excels only within specialized team compositions.
- Support: Offers useful buffs or healing but lacks the flexibility of higher-tier support characters.
B Tier:
These characters perform well in specific team setups but need more broad versatility.
- Primary DPS: They may require full investment but still need to catch up to the top tier due to limitations in their abilities.
- Secondary DPS: Their damage and elemental abilities are decent but optional for most team compositions.
- Support: These characters do a good job but are less commonly used in top-tier teams than higher-ranked options.
C Tier:
These characters can fulfill their roles but have lower numbers or restrictive cooldowns that limit their overall performance.
- Primary DPS: Their damage output is lower than that of higher-tier characters, but they can still perform well on the right team.
- Secondary DPS: Provides some elemental application and damage but is hindered by poor scaling or slow abilities.
- Support: They offer buffs or healing but are often replaced by more effective alternatives.
D Tier:
These characters have limited usefulness in combat and should ideally be replaced by better options.
- Primary DPS: Their damage output is too low to be effective against more formidable enemies.
- Secondary DPS: They are highly niche and offer little value compared to higher-tier characters.
- Support: While they may offer some utility, there are better and more accessible characters for these roles.
Detailed Role Breakdown
- Primary Damage Dealer:
- The primary source of damage in the team. It stays on the field for extended periods and is central to elemental reactions.
- Secondary Damage Dealer:
- It provides off-field damage and helps apply elements. Often crucial for enabling elemental reactions and offers utility alongside their damage.
- Support:
- Buffs, heals, shields, or crowd control. Often used off-field, providing essential utilities like elemental application without directly focusing on damage output.
Rankings Based on Constellations
The rankings in this list consider the character’s ideal constellation level for their role. Characters are assessed based on their performance within the current meta, which can affect their ranking.
Examples:
- Xingqiu performs optimally at Constellation 6 (C6); hence, his ranking is based on this power level.
- Hu Tao and Wriothesley open new possibilities at Constellation 1 (C1), influencing how their ranking is considered.
Adjustments to Character Rankings
Changes to the tier list are made with careful consideration. Here are four scenarios when character rankings may shift:
- New Character Release – Initial Placement:
When a new character is introduced, they receive a preliminary ranking, which is subject to change as their complete kit is tested. Early rankings should be viewed as temporary until finalized. - Character Banner Ends – Final Ranking:
The character’s final ranking is usually decided a week before the banner ends. Although marked as final, future releases or changes in the meta may cause a reevaluation. - Meta Changes:
Significant shifts in the game, such as introducing new mechanics or powerful support characters, can influence tier placements. A prime example was the Dendro element shaking up the game, leading to notable rank shifts for characters like Keqing, Thoma, and Shinobu. - Corrections:
Feedback from the community is taken into account when revising the rankings. If sufficient evidence is provided, adjustments can be made.
This revised approach ensures that the tier list is updated accurately to reflect the evolving Genshin Impact meta.
Latest Updates for Genshin Impact Tier List
Recent Adjustments in the Tier List
Here is a summary of the latest Genshin Impact tier list updates, reflecting changes to character rankings and additions over the past months.
- September 20:
- Corrected Mika’s C6 position in the C6 Tier List.
- September 17:
- Introduced Kinich to the list.
- Elevated Chevreuse to the S tier in the Support C0 rankings.
- August 28:
- Added Mualani and Kachina.
- Lowered Hu Tao’s position to S tier in both Main DPS and C6 lists.
- I promoted Clorinde to the S tier on the Main DPS list.
- Moved Dehya from C to B tier in the Support category.
- August 13:
- Updated all icons to include character names for easier access.
- Changed Jean’s optimal constellation from C4 to C0.
- August 6:
- Added Emilie to the Sub-DPS category.
- June 27:
- Sigewinne’s rank was raised from C to B on the overall Tier List.
- Increased Sigewinne C6 ranking from B to A in the C6 list.
- June 25:
- Included Sigewinne in the Support list.
- Decreased Dehya’s ranking from C2 to C0 in the Support category.
- June 5:
- Added Clorinde and Sethos to the Main DPS Tier List.
- Lowered Albedo to the B tier on the Sub-DPS list.
- May 8:
- Moved Arlecchino ahead of Hu Tao in the Main DPS list.
- I dropped Yoimiya from the A to B tier in the Main DPS.
- Increased Thoma’s rank from C to B in Support.
- Reduced Xingqiu and Xiangling from SS to S tier in Sub-DPS C0.
- April 24:
- Introduced Arlecchino to the list.
- Reduced Neuvillette and Xiao’s constellation rank to C0.
- Adjusted rankings for Raiden, Navia, Lyney, Ayato, Tartaglia, and more in the Main-DPS tier.
- Rosaria, Beidou, and others from the Main-DPS category were removed to emphasize their alternative roles.
Major Character Shifts
Emilie (C0) – S Tier Sub-DPS
- Emilie excels as a Sub-DPS for Burning team compositions. Her damage sees a huge spike when enemies are under the Burning effect. She can also support non-Burning teams like Bloom or Quicken, but her DPS drops significantly without a Burning enemy.
- She has the unique advantage of acting as a Pyro applicator. When paired with a Pyro teammate, she can maintain the Burning reaction using her Dendro skill, making her a strong pick for Melt or mono-Pyro teams.
- One drawback is her limited AoE on her Elemental Skill, which focuses more on single targets. This can make using her effectively in fights with multiple enemies challenging.
- While Burning is not a common reaction, Emilie’s potential could rise when more Pyro-related characters are introduced. Her current damage and utility are good but not essential.
Key Characters Introduced in Version 5.0
Genshin Impact’s Version 5.0 launched on August 28, 2024, featuring several notable characters:
- Kinich (5★): A Dendro character wielding a Claymore.
- Mualani (5★): A Hydro Catalyst user.
- Raiden Shogun (5★): The Electro Archon with a Polearm.
- Kazuha (5★): An Anemo Sword user.
- Kachina (4★): A Geo Polearm wielder.
These characters add more diversity and depth to existing team compositions, providing players with various new exploration strategies.
SS Rank Main DPS Characters
- Neuvillette
- Weapon: Tome of the Eternal Flow
- Artifact: Marechaussee Hunter (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- High and consistent Charged Attack damage.
- Self-sufficient; can solo with minimal team support.
- C1 constellation removes significant weaknesses.
- Arlecchino
- Weapon: Crimson Moon’s Semblance
- Artifact: Fragment of Harmonic Whimsy (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- High Pyro damage in various team compositions.
- Broad AoE Normal Attacks and High Damage Potential.
- High-risk, high-reward playstyle.
- Alhaitham
- Weapon: Light of Foliar Incision
- Artifact: Gilded Dreams (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Top-tier Dendro application for reactions like Hyperbloom.
- Strong AoE and low investment for high rewards.
S Rank Main DPS Characters
- Mualani
- Weapon: Surf’s Up
- Artifact: Obsidian Codex (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Balanced single-target and AoE damage.
- High mobility and exploration abilities.
- Kinich
- Weapon: Fang of the Mountain King
- Artifact: Obsidian Codex (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Excels in Burning/Burgeon teams.
- Mobile playstyle with a grappling hook.
- Hu Tao
- Weapon: Staff of Homa
- Artifact: Crimson Witch of Flames (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Deals high Pyro damage with Elemental Skill and Charged Attacks.
- High single-target damage with HP management.
- Navia
- Weapon: Verdict
- Artifact: Nighttime Whispers in the Echoing Woods (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- High Elemental Skill damage with flexible team options.
- Consequential burst damage in short windows.
- Raiden Shogun
- Weapon: Engulfing Lightning
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Devastating Burst damage with DEF ignore at C2.
- Synergizes well with various teams, making her a versatile carry.
A Rank Main DPS Characters
- Tartaglia (Childe)
- Weapon: Polar Star
- Artifact: Nymph’s Dream (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Hydro application with Riptide, excelling against multiple enemies.
- Top-tier Vaporize driver.
- Xiao
- Weapon: Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
- Artifact: Vermillion Hereafter (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- High DPS potential with Elemental Burst.
- Requires healing and offensive support for maximum potential.
- Diluc
- Weapon: Beacon of the Reed Sea
- Artifact: Crimson Witch of Flames (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Combines Normal Attacks and Elemental Skills for high-damage combos.
- Low-cost Burst for consistent output.
B Rank Main DPS Characters
- Yoimiya
- Weapon: Thundering Pulse
- Artifact: Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Pyro-infused Normal Attacks with high scaling.
- Requires interruption resistance and attack speed support.
- Itto
- Weapon: Redhorn Stonethresher
- Artifact: Husk of Opulent Dreams (4-piece)
- Strengths:
- Powerful Charged Attacks and Elemental Skill, especially during Burst.
- High energy needs and team investment are required.
D Rank Main DPS Characters
- Razor
- Weapon: Song of Broken Pines
- Artifact: Pale Flame (4-piece)
- Razor’s Elemental Burst allows him to mix Electro and Physical damage, enabling consistent Superconduct reactions.
- Dehya
- Weapon: Beacon of the Reed Sea
- Artifact: Vourukasha’s Glow (4-piece)
- Dehya struggles to deal with significant damage without multiple buffs and requires a high-energy recharge to maintain her burst.
- Xinyan
- Weapon: Redhorn Stonethresher
- Artifact: Pale Flame (2-piece), Bloodstained Chivalry (2-piece)
- Xinyan’s Elemental Burst can deal with physical nuke damage, but her scaling between ATK and DEF is split, affecting her overall performance as a Main DPS.
- Aloy
- Weapon: Thundering Pulse
- Artifact: Blizzard Strayer (4-piece)
- Aloy’s kit allows her to increase her Normal Attack damage, but the lack of constellations heavily limits her.
SS Rank Sub-DPS Characters
- Nahida
- Weapon: A Thousand Floating Dreams
- Artifact: Deepwood Memories (4-piece)
- Nahida excels in Dendro-focused teams with her long-duration Elemental Skill, which applies Dendro consistently.
- Furina
- Weapon: Splendor of Tranquil Waters
- Artifact: Golden Troupe (4-piece)
- Furina provides consistent off-field Hydro application and high damage scaling, though other Hydro units like Xingqiu or Yelan might outpace her.
- Xingqiu
- Weapon: Sacrificial Sword
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece)
- Xingqiu’s Elemental Burst reduces damage for off-field hydro applications and enables reactions like Vaporize and Bloom.
- Yellen
- Weapon: Aqua Simulacra
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece)
- Yelan’s Elemental Burst sets up Hydro reactions while buffing the team, and her Elemental Skill offers energy generation and grouping of enemies.
- Xiangling
- Weapon: Engulfing Lightning
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece)
- Xiangling’s Elemental Burst snapshots buffs and deals consistent AoE Pyro damage, making her the best Pyro Sub-DPS in many scenarios.
- Kazuha
- Weapon: Freedom-Sworn
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer (4-piece)
- Kazuha’s Swirls enable multiple reactions in a large AoE, making him an excellent support for Elemental Reaction teams.
- Raiden Shogun
- Weapon: Dragon’s Bane
- Artifact: Flower of Paradise Lost (4-piece)
- Raiden’s Elemental Skill can easily trigger Hyperbloom and other reactions, making her a versatile Electro Sub-DPS.
S Rank Sub-DPS Characters
- Nilou
- Weapon: Key of Khaj-Nisut
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith (2-piece), Vourukasha’s Glow (2-piece)
- Nilou is highly specialized for Bloom reactions, which excel in AoE combat but limit her to Dendro + Hydro team comps.
- Fischl
- Weapon: Polar Star
- Artifact: Golden Troupe (4-piece)
- Fischl’s Oz provides constant Electro damage, and with constellations, Oz can remain on the field for an extended period.
- Yae Miko
- Weapon: Kagura’s Verity
- Artifact: Golden Troupe (4-piece)
- Yae Miko’s Elemental Skill provides excellent off-field Electro damage but requires setup, especially in Dendro teams.
- Kuki Shinobu
- Weapon: Freedom-Sworn
- Artifact: Gilded Dreams (4-piece)
- Shinobu excels in Hyperbloom teams, offering healing and mobile Electro applications and freeing up a slot for another DPS.
Best Support Characters in Genshin Impact
SS Rank Support Characters
- Furina
- Weapon: Splendor of Tranquil Waters
- Artifact: Golden Troupe x4
- Strengths: Universal buffs, HP drain mechanics, and a useful healing mode for exploration.
- Kazuha
- Weapon: Freedom-Sworn
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: Buffs elemental damage, excellent crowd control, and increases elemental mastery.
- Bennett
- Weapon: Skyward Blade
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: Heals and buffs ATK, can Pyro-infuse at C6, and has a high elemental recharge rate.
- Nahida
- Weapon: A Thousand Floating Dreams
- Artifact: Deepwood Memories x4
- Strengths: Provides elemental mastery buffs and reaction-based enhancements.
- Zhongli
- Weapon: Black Tassel
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith x4
- Strengths: Strong shields and elemental resistance shredding.
- Baizhu
- Weapon: Jadefall’s Splendor
- Artifact: Deepwood Memories x4
- Strengths: Reliable healer with decent shielding and off-field Dendro application.
- Kokomi
- Weapon: Everlasting Moonglow
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith x4
- Strengths: Strong healing and hydro application are essential for Freeze and Bloom teams.
S Rank Support Characters
- Raiden
- Weapon: Engulfing Lightning
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate x4
- Strengths: Increases team burst damage and energy recharge.
- Mona
- Weapon: Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: Debuffs enemies and provides crowd control.
- Xianyun
- Weapon: Crane’s Echoing Call
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: Supports plunging attacks with healing and buffs.
- Shenhe
- Weapon: Calamity Queller
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: Buffs Cryo teams and reduces enemy resistance.
- Jean
- Weapon: Skyward Blade
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: It provides healing and crowd control; it has a strong AoE burst.
- Chevreuse
- Weapon: Black Tassel
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: Effective for Overloaded team comps with healing and buffs.
- Sucrose
- Weapon: Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: Strong crowd control and elemental mastery boosts.
- Faruzan
- Weapon: Elegy for the End
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: Buffs Anemo damage and decreases enemy resistance.
A Rank Support Characters
- Gorou
- Weapon: Elegy for the End
- Artifact: Husk of Opulent Dreams x2, Emblem of Severed Fate x2
- Strengths: Buffs Geo damage and provides healing and support.
- Venti
- Weapon: Elegy for the End
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: Consistent crowd control and elemental reaction coverage.
- Diona
- Weapon: Sacrificial Bow
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: Shields, healing, and off-field Cryo application.
- Yun Jin
- Weapon: Favonius Lance
- Artifact: Husk of Opulent Dreams x4
- Strengths: Buffs normal attack damage and provides speed buffs.
- Sara
- Weapon: Skyward Harp
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate x4
- Strengths: Increases ATK for team members and becomes an Electro buffer at C6.
- Yaoyao
- Weapon: Favonius Lance
- Artifact: Deepwood Memories x4
- Strengths: Applies Dendro and heals while off-field.
- Charlotte
- Weapon: Skyward Atlas
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: Panic healing in emergencies, with improving efficiency at constellations.
- Shinobu
- Weapon: Freedom-Sworn
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith x4
- Strengths: Healing with short cooldowns while active.
B Rank Support Characters
- Kirara
- Weapon: Key of Khaj-Nisut
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith x2, Vourukasha’s Glow x2
- Strengths: Effective shielding against Bloom Cores.
- Mika
- Weapon: Favonius Lance
- Artifact: Noblesse Oblige x4
- Strengths: ATK speed and burst healing but limited usability.
- Sigewinne
- Weapon: Silvershower Heartstrings
- Artifact: Song of Days Past x4
- Strengths: Comfortable overworld healing, but low uptime on buffs.
- Layla
- Weapon: Favonius Sword
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith x4
- Strengths: Strong shields and off-field damage but limited by shield-breaking.
- Sayu
- Weapon: Wolf’s Gravestone
- Artifact: Viridescent Venerer x4
- Strengths: Off-field healing with good HP recovery.
- Thoma
- Weapon: Favonius Lance
- Artifact: Emblem of Severed Fate x2, Tenacity of the Millelith x2
- Strengths: Pyro shields with support capabilities at C6.
- Dehya
- Weapon: Portable Power Saw
- Artifact: Tenacity of the Millelith x4
- Strengths: Strong damage mitigation and Pyro application.
C Rank Support Characters
- Qiqi
- Weapon: Skyward Blade
- Artifact: Ocean-Hued Clam x4
- Strengths: High healing capability, but slow energy recovery limits her effectiveness.
- Barbara
- Weapon: [Undisclosed]
- Artifact: [Undisclosed]
- Strengths: Reliable healing, but cooldowns hinder her overall utility.
This ranking should help players choose compelling support characters for their teams based on the gameplay style and character strengths!