Genshin Impact: Ranking the Hydro Characters

Genshin Impact boasts a diverse roster of characters across seven different elements. As we delve into Fontaine, the region of the Hydro archon, it’s a perfect time to assess the history and performance of Hydro characters in Genshin Impact after three years of the game’s existence. Hydro is highly regarded in the community as one of the strongest elements, and with good reason. It enables some of the most formidable elemental reactions in the game, such as Hyperbloom, Vaporize, and Electro-Charged. Moreover, it’s challenging to find a Hydro character that disappoints. Let’s take a closer look at the entire roster of Hydro characters in Genshin Impact, ranked from worst to best.

Hydro Traveler

While the Hydro Traveler doesn’t possess the same notoriety as the main character, it can still be considered subpar. Its Elemental Burst is disappointingly weak, with a large water projectile that often misses the mark. Additionally, the Elemental Skill deals minimal damage. Its only real niche is as a Neuvillette support, where it can take advantage of the water orbs dropped by the Hydro Traveler. It is also one of the few characters capable of dealing Pneuma-aligned damage.

Candace

Candace is a versatile character but falls short in terms of Hydro application and defensive utility compared to more accessible options like Barbara and Xingqiu. Moreover, building Candace can be challenging due to its high Energy Recharge requirement, making it difficult to include in your team. Only true Candace fans should invest in this character.

Barbara

Barbara is a free-to-play character obtained by all players. Her placement low on this list does not indicate a lack of usefulness, as Barbara shines in healing and decent Hydro application. However, she doesn’t offer much beyond healing, and her Hydro application is not as consistent or safe as Sangonomiya Kokomi’s. Barbara is still a solid choice for teams that require a reliable healer.

Mona

Mona’s prominence has waned in recent times. While she was once a staple in Freeze teams due to her nuking potential and Hydro application, Mona now struggles to compete with other Hydro characters who offer more consistent damage output and Hydro application. Her nuking capabilities remain strong, but setting up her attacks can be cumbersome compared to other teams that deal equal or greater damage with less effort. The decline in Freeze teams’ relevance further diminishes Mona’s value, as HoYoverse introduces more boss enemies immune to being Frozen or resistant to crowd control altogether.

Nilou

Nilou is a potent character capable of dealing incredible damage with her buffed Bloom cores. However, she is limited in terms of team building, as she synergizes exclusively with other Dendro and Hydro characters. Other Hydro characters offer more flexibility in team compositions, whereas Nilou’s effectiveness is confined to a specific niche. Under the right circumstances, Nilou exceeds expectations, but investing in other Hydro characters with more versatility might prove more valuable.

Kamisato Ayato

Kamisato Ayato is a formidable and enjoyable Hydro DPS character known for its adaptability. Ayato thrives in various teams, such as an International Vaporize team with an Anemo swirl character and a Xiangling + Bennett combo. Additionally, Ayato excels in Hyperbloom teams with Dendro supports and Electro-Charged teams due to its exceptional Hydro application. It can even perform well in mono-Hydro teams thanks to its substantial personal damage.

Sangonomiya Kokomi

Sangonomiya Kokomi is a formidable Hydro healer on par with Zhongli in terms of team safety. Her healing capabilities are incredibly potent, ensuring your team’s survivability. Moreover, her Hydro application with the assistance of her jellyfish is exceptional, allowing her to fit seamlessly into numerous teams, such as Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Freeze teams. However, Kokomi’s damage output is relatively low, making her more of a “luxury” unit for those who require her exceptional healing numbers.

Childe

Childe was one of the initial characters introduced in the game, and it continues to thrive in the current meta. Thanks to its Elemental Skill, which turns all basic attacks into Hydro attacks, Childe boasts exceptional Hydro application. Combined with its high personal damage, Childe’s versatility is unmatched across various team compositions. Moreover, Childe is one of the most reliable characters available, as its build is free-to-play friendly, it consistently performs, and its damage output is impressive.

Neuvillette

Despite being a recent addition, Neuvillette is quickly establishing itself as one of the game’s strongest characters. With its potent Charged Attack, Neuvillette can deal incredible damage. Furthermore, it is self-sufficient, boasting multiple healing and survivability options. Neuvillette is also free-to-play friendly, with one of its competitive weapons being craftable. The character’s versatility shines through in various team compositions, making it an all-around exceptional choice.

Xingqiu & Yelan

Xingqiu & Yelan share the same ranking, as their roles are nearly identical. Both possess an Elemental Burst that enables the active character to launch additional Hydro attacks. This delivers valuable off-field Hydro application that is essential for numerous team compositions. Yelan leans more toward offensive utility, while Xingqiu offers defensive capabilities. However, both characters provide immense value to teams and are often paired together to maximize their Hydro application.

Genshin Impact is downloadable on PC, mobile, and console platforms. To obtain the game, visit the official website and begin your adventure. For more Genshin Impact guides and features, explore our guides and features hub.