The Best DPS Characters In Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact blends a beautiful anime style with deep gameplay. While it’s fun, it also requires a lot of time, especially if you want to get stronger quickly. The fastest way to do this is by using characters that deal a lot of damage, or DPS characters.

Having strong DPS characters in your party makes your team much more powerful and cuts down on the time you spend grinding. This article lists the best DPS characters in Genshin Impact, as confirmed by the game’s developers. Let’s find out who they are!

#1: Noelle

Element: Geo
Weapon: Claymore

Often pigeonholed as merely a healer, Noelle has much more to offer, particularly in a main DPS role. Her Elemental Burst, “Sweeping Time,” transforms her Normal Attacks into wide-reaching Geo strikes, seamlessly integrating high damage output with her usual support tasks. This ability allows her to sustain continuous combat effectiveness, rather than waiting on skill cooldowns.

Noelle’s inherent high Defense, which bolsters both her survivability and her offensive capabilities through her skillset, is a significant asset. Enhancing her Elemental Skill not only improves her healing output—providing a consistent health recovery to all party members during combat—but also boosts her overall DPS potential.

While she’s commonly deployed as a Support, optimizing Noelle for DPS can significantly enhance her dual role, making her a versatile asset in any team composition. This strategic shift can provide a reliable backup to your primary damage dealer, adding depth and resilience to your lineup.

#2: Shikanoin Heizou

Element: Anemo
Weapon: Catalyst

Introduced during Kazuha’s banner rerun, Shikanoin Heizou quickly distinguished himself as more than just a side character. His role as a Catalyst wielder allows him to consistently apply Anemo damage, making him a pivotal asset in combat for initiating powerful Swirl reactions.

Heizou’s toolkit is particularly effective for reducing enemy resistance when equipped with the Viridescent Venerer artifact set, which enhances Swirl’s impact. His Elemental Skill and Burst offer substantial burst damage, perfect for teams that capitalize on elemental reactions. Properly integrated with characters that complement his ability to manipulate Anemo, Heizou becomes a formidable DPS character capable of maintaining high damage output throughout battles.

#3: Diluc

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Claymore

Diluc remains a quintessential choice for straightforward DPS in Genshin Impact. Known for his ability to deal explosive Pyro damage, Diluc excels in both crowd control and single-target confrontations. His attacks not only stack significant damage rapidly but also have a dramatic effect, making him highly effective against groups and formidable bosses alike.

With each Elemental Burst, Diluc summons a fiery phoenix that surges forward, dealing continuous damage before culminating in a spectacular explosion. His Elemental Skill, uniquely, can be activated three times in succession, providing a rhythmic and powerful combo potential. However, players must manage his Burst carefully as it tends to push enemies away, which could be counterproductive for his melee-focused attacks. As the game has evolved, several Claymores have been introduced that further enhance his destructive capabilities, ensuring his place as a top-tier DPS character.

#4: Kaeya

Element: Cryo
Weapon: Sword

Kaeya, renowned for his agility and prowess in battle, stands out with his remarkably short cooldowns, which allow him to sustain combat effectiveness with ease. His proficiency in delivering powerful normal attacks minimizes energy consumption while maximizing damage output. Kaeya is notably one of the few characters in Genshin Impact who can quickly ramp up his Elemental Skill damage, enhancing his offensive capabilities significantly.

However, one of the limitations of Kaeya’s kit is the limited area of effect of his Elemental Skill, necessitating quick maneuvering and strategic positioning to maximize impact. While obtaining his Constellations may pose a challenge, thus rendering his full potential less accessible, his base abilities remain robust. Properly supported by the right Artifacts, Kaeya can serve as a formidable DPS, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players looking to streamline their team’s combat efficiency.

#5: Xiangling

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Polearm

Initially underestimated at Genshin Impact’s launch, Xiangling has ascended as a premier off-field DPS, renowned for her sweeping Pyronado that devastates opponents, particularly effective in a Vaporize composition. Her ability to synergize with various polearms released over time enhances her versatility, allowing her to adapt to different builds centered around Energy Recharge, Elemental Mastery, ATK Percent, Crit Rate, and Crit DMG.

Xiangling’s Pyronado, when optimized with Elemental Mastery, unleashes significant damage, making her an asset in any team looking to maximize DPS. Accessible as a free character upon completing certain Spiral Abyss floors, she offers an invaluable resource for new players and veterans alike, providing robust damage potential without the need for premium characters.

#6: Tartaglia

Element: Hydro
Weapon: Bow

Tartaglia, also known as Childe, stands out in Genshin Impact as the first harbinger turned playable character. He boasts the record for the most character banner reruns, signaling his popularity and pivotal role within the game’s storyline. Accompanied by his signature weapon, the Polar Star, which was introduced during his first rerun, Tartaglia’s unique combat mechanics captivate players.

His Elemental Skill allows him to switch from bow to dual hydro blades, enabling a swift, melee assault that pairs well with his Riptide effect, making him a formidable Hydro applicator. Despite his impressive offensive capabilities, the lengthy cooldown on his skill has somewhat impacted his standing in the DPS hierarchy. However, his versatility and striking burst damage keep him as a top-tier choice for any team seeking potent Hydro-based attacks.

#7: Tighnari

Element: Dendro
Weapon: Bow

Tighnari, the inaugural five-star Dendro character in Genshin Impact, carved a niche for himself not only by his element but also by his availability on the Standard Banner, making him accessible at any time through regular wishes or as a consolation for losing a 50/50 on Limited Banners. Renowned for his swift and potent offensive capabilities, Tighnari enhances his combat prowess using his Elemental Skill.

This skill temporarily accelerates his aimed shot charging speed, allowing him to deliver rapid, dual-instance damage. Additionally, his Elemental Burst unleashes significant single-instance damage, particularly effective when paired with high Energy Recharge. Tighnari excels in teams designed around the Spread Reaction, where his skills can synergize to devastating effect.

#8: Kamisato Ayato

Element: Hydro
Weapon: Sword

Kamisato Ayato, a figure shrouded in anticipation, finally made his entrance into Genshin Impact to much fanfare. As one of the esteemed leaders of the Kamisato Clan and overseer of the Yashiro Commission, Ayato boasts a skill set that elegantly wields the Hydro element to his advantage. His abilities make him a standout for generating consistent Hydro-based attacks.

Upon activating his Elemental Skill, Ayato unleashes a continuous barrage of AoE Hydro damage. This ability not only saturates the battlefield but also pairs beautifully with the Vaporize reaction to double the damage output. His well-rounded kit complements Freeze compositions exceptionally, allowing him to thrive in both sustained engagements and rapid exploratory missions thanks to his brief cooldown periods.

#9: Keqing

Element: Electro
Weapon: Sword

Keqing, a versatile fighter accessible through the Standard Banner, wields her sword with unmatched precision in Genshin Impact. Her Elemental Skill launches a Stiletto that explodes on impact, dealing AoE damage. Players can opt to teleport to the Stiletto’s location, unleashing another wave of AoE damage and infusing her blade with Electro, enhancing her attacks briefly.

Although Keqing’s standing among the top DPS characters had waned, the introduction of the Aggravate reaction has revitalized her potential. Excelling when paired with potent Dendro characters to set up devastating reactions, Keqing thrives in scenarios filled with clusters of enemies, where her swift, electrified strikes can swiftly clear the field.

#10: Cyno

Element: Electro
Weapon: Polearm

Cyno capitalizes on Elemental Mastery, a trait that’s become a hallmark for characters hailing from Sumeru in Genshin Impact. His kit is designed to maximize the potential of Electro-based reactions such as Quicken, Aggravate, and Spread. Upon unleashing his Elemental Burst, Cyno performs a series of rapid Electro attacks, each strike echoing with the power of his mastery.

The efficacy of Cyno’s combat strategy hinges on the precise timing of his Elemental Skill during his Burst phase. Post-acquisition of his passive, Authority Over the Nine Bows, the damage he inflicts scales significantly with his Elemental Mastery, turning his Burst period into a devastating spectacle of Electro prowess.

#11: Yoimiya

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Bow

Yoimiya, known for her unique playstyle, initially received mixed reviews upon her release in Genshin Impact. Her Elemental Skill supercharges her arrows with Pyro, turning her into a formidable single-target DPS. In contrast, her Elemental Burst serves more of a supportive role, enhancing the party’s attacks rather than her own.

Despite early criticisms, Yoimiya has proven her worth, especially when equipped with the Shimenawa’s Reminiscence artifact set, which significantly boosts her damage output. Ideal for boss fights, Yoimiya shines in roles where high burst damage is crucial. Additionally, her ability to solve Pyro-based puzzles in the open world adds a practical utility, saving the need for switching to other Pyro characters like Amber.

#12: Chiori

Element: Geo
Weapon: Sword

Chiori is a unique Geo character in Genshin Impact, functioning primarily as an off-field damage dealer through her Elemental Skill, which deploys a Geo turret called a Tamoto. This turret consistently deals Geo damage to nearby enemies, and with Chiori’s first constellation, there’s a chance to spawn an additional Tamoto when placed near other Geo constructs or characters.

Her Elemental Skill also offers versatility; upon activation, Chiori can either infuse her own attacks with Geo or allow players to seamlessly switch to another party member, enhancing team synergy. Despite her potential, Chiori’s effectiveness is somewhat limited by the generally lower impact of Geo reactions and the slow rate of damage output from her Tamoto. However, reaching her sixth constellation significantly enhances her performance, positioning her as a more formidable contender in DPS rankings.

#13: Gaming

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Claymore

Gaming stands out as one of the most engaging four-star characters in Genshin Impact, particularly notable for his distinctive playstyle that emphasizes Plunge Attacks. His Elemental Skill propels him into the air—whether by striking an enemy or interacting with an environment feature—enabling him to execute potent Plunge Attacks from elevated positions.

Enhanced further by his Elemental Burst, Gaming can unleash these high-impact Plunge Attacks with increased frequency, turning the battlefield into a dynamic aerial arena. Properly equipped with the right artifacts and supported by characters like Xianyun and a fully-constellated Bennett, Gaming not only excels in regular combat scenarios but can also be a formidable force in some of the game’s toughest challenges. His synergy and effectiveness skyrocket, potentially pushing him up the ranks in DPS evaluations.

#14: Arataki Itto

Element: Geo
Weapon: Claymore

Arataki Itto is a standout five-star Geo character in Genshin Impact, designed as a primary DPS. His kit allows him to deal substantial Geo damage swiftly, making him a formidable force in any lineup. Itto’s abilities not only deliver powerful hits but also beautifully synergize with other Geo characters to enhance team resonance and effectiveness.

Armed with his signature weapon or even opting for a more accessible free-to-play option, Itto consistently demonstrates high damage output. Unique among his peers, he thrives in a mono Geo composition, leveraging the strengths of his element to maximum effect, showcasing his versatility and dominance on the field.

#15: Wanderer

Element: Anemo
Weapon: Catalyst

Wanderer, the enigmatic second harbinger, not only plays a pivotal role in the main storyline of Genshin Impact but also shines as a unique character on the battlefield. His kit epitomizes his flamboyant personality, positioning him as a focal point in combat scenarios. Wanderer’s Elemental Skill elevates him above the fray, enhancing his Anemo damage and allowing for dynamic aerial combat maneuvers.

One of Wanderer’s key strengths is that his normal attacks output substantial damage independently, ensuring he remains effective without reliance on buffs. Whether serving as your primary DPS or facilitating elemental reactions alongside off-field support characters, Wanderer excels in versatile roles. Paired with Faruzan, his capabilities are further amplified, solidifying his status as a formidable force.

#16: Yae Miko

Element: Electro
Weapon: Catalyst

Residing at the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko isn’t just a pivotal figure in Inazuma’s lore; she’s also a powerhouse on the battlefield, especially with the introduction of Dendro interactions boosting Electro characters. Her Elemental Skill allows her to strategically place three Kitsune spirits that pulsate with continuous Electro damage across the combat area.

Maximizing her potential, Yae Miko’s Elemental Burst unleashes four devastating lightning strikes when executed with the maximum number of Kitsune active, decimating her foes. With relatively short cooldowns, Yae Miko excels in open-world scenarios, where her dynamic abilities and visually stunning attacks make her both an effective and aesthetically pleasing character to wield.

#17: Eula

Element: Cryo
Weapon: Claymore

Eula, renowned for her devastating single-strike capabilities, currently boasts the record for the highest single attack damage in Genshin Impact history—a staggering six million points of physical damage under optimal conditions. Though achieving such a figure in regular gameplay is unlikely, Eula’s prowess as the premier Physical DPS in the game cannot be overstated.

Her Elemental Burst, when paired with the right build, routinely outputs upwards of 100,000 damage, making her a formidable force on any battlefield. Even with minimal investment in her gear, Eula’s potential to wipe out adversaries in a single blow makes her an invaluable asset in any player’s roster.

#18: Nilou

Element: Hydro
Weapon: Sword

As a pivotal character in Sumeru’s Archon quest, Nilou introduces a unique twist to the DPS role with her dance-themed abilities. Although her direct Hydro damage output from her Elemental Skill and Burst isn’t overwhelmingly high, it’s her special Bloom ability that sets her apart. After activating her Elemental Skill, Nilou grants a special effect to all party members that enhances the Bloom reaction, but only if the party consists exclusively of Hydro and Dendro characters.

This specific setup allows Nilou to harness the power of Bloom to devastating effect, enabling her to clear swathes of enemies swiftly. However, her reliance on this particular party composition makes her a specialized choice, requiring players to strategically build their entire team around her unique synergies.

#19: Clorinde

Element: Electro
Weapon: Pistol

Since her intriguing debut in the Fontaine trailer, Clorinde has been eagerly awaited by the Genshin Impact community. Her arrival into the playable roster brought with it a uniquely engaging and straightforward kit. Clorinde’s Elemental Skill enables her to rapidly fire a sequence of pistol shots interspersed with swift lunge attacks, delivering a powerful barrage of Electro AoE damage.

The one caveat to Clorinde’s otherwise stellar performance is her dependence on elemental reactions to truly shine. Without the right setup to trigger these reactions, her effectiveness can be somewhat diminished, placing her lower on this list despite her potential.

#20: Kamisato Ayaka

Element: Cryo
Weapon: Sword

Since her much-anticipated debut with the Inazuma release, Kamisato Ayaka has exceeded all expectations and secured her place as one of the top-tier DPS characters in Genshin Impact. Her prowess has remained consistent, making her a staple in the DPS rankings.

Utilizing Cryo Resonance and the Blizzard Strayer artifact set, Ayaka excels in landing critical hits even with a relatively low Crit Rate, allowing players to prioritize enhancing her Crit DMG. Additionally, her Elemental Burst unleashes devastating damage, capable of wiping out most adversaries, especially when combined with Anemo support to control enemy movement and prevent scattering.

#21: Neuvillette

Element: Hydro
Weapon: Unknown

Neuvillette, Chief Justice of Fontaine and a central figure in Genshin Impact’s storyline, captures players’ admiration with his crucial role and commanding presence. As a five-star Hydro character, Neuvillette’s abilities scale with his HP, reminiscent of Yelan’s performance dynamics, who has also proven the effectiveness of HP-scaling Hydro characters.

The main challenge in maximizing Neuvillette’s DPS potential lies in the necessity to activate three distinct Hydro-based reactions to unleash his full charged attack damage. This requirement restricts team compositions as it limits the use of a double Hydro setup for elemental resonance. Despite this, Neuvillette can still dish out significant damage, ensuring his utility and strength even without optimal elemental resonance.

#22: Navia

Element: Geo
Weapon: Claymore

Navia, a character whose introduction defied the typical expectations associated with Geo vision and Claymore users in Genshin Impact, showcases an explosive burst-type DPS capability. Her Elemental Skill, which she can deploy frequently, delivers substantial damage to surrounding enemies, with the potential for enhancement through specific stack mechanics.

To maximize her damage output, Navia relies on collecting Crystallize Shards, which grant her stacks that bolster her attacks. This collection process is streamlined by holding down her Elemental Skill, making it user-friendly and efficient. Additionally, each use of her Skill infuses her with Geo, enhancing her capabilities as an on-field DPS for a duration of four seconds, thus solidifying her role as a formidable force in any team composition.

#23: Alhaitham

Element: Dendro
Weapon: Sword

Alhaitham, the esteemed Akademiya Scribe, ranks among the top DPS contenders in Genshin Impact. His playstyle echoes that of Keqing, featuring the ability to self-infuse with Dendro, enhancing his combat efficacy significantly. His Elemental Burst unleashes multiple AoE strikes, dealing substantial damage across a wide area.

His Elemental Skill is notably dynamic, offering a quick teleportation mechanism that maintains relentless aggression towards opponents. This agility is especially potent in a meta where Dendro reactions, such as Quicken when paired with Electro, provide significant tactical advantages. Mastering Alhaitham’s complex skill rotations unlocks his full potential, making him a formidable force in any player’s lineup.

#24: Raiden Shogun

Element: Electro
Weapon: Polearm

Raiden Shogun stands as a formidable figure in Genshin Impact, not just for her narrative significance but also for her dynamic combat capabilities. Her kit is synergistically tied to the performance of her teammates, with her power scaling based on the Elemental Skills and Bursts used by her party. This unique mechanic allows her to accumulate resolve stacks, which are visually represented behind the active character.

When Raiden Shogun executes her Elemental Burst—marked by one of the most visually striking animations in the game—she not only inflicts substantial damage in an initial burst but also continues to deal enhanced Electro-infused attacks for a short duration. The consumption of her resolve stacks during her Burst significantly amplifies this damage output. Additionally, her Elemental Skill provides a significant damage boost to her allies, making her an essential asset in any team composition focused on maximizing DPS.

#25: Xiao

Element: Anemo
Weapon: Polearm

Xiao, often characterized as Genshin Impact’s equivalent of a berserker, sacrifices his own health to unleash devastating attacks. His lore, steeped in turmoil and sacrifice, resonates through his gameplay, particularly as he dons his mask during his Elemental Burst. This activation significantly enhances his agility, allowing for elevated jumps and transforming his plunge attacks into powerful Anemo-infused strikes that deliver one of the highest damage outputs available in the game.

However, Xiao’s aggressive power comes at a cost to his health, necessitating the presence of a healer in his party to mitigate the continuous HP drain. His playstyle, while incredibly potent, requires careful management of health resources to sustain his high-energy onslaught in battle. As updates continue to roll out, new artifact sets have been tailored specifically to enhance Xiao’s unique abilities, further cementing his role as a formidable DPS in any team configuration.

#26: Nahida

Element: Dendro
Weapon: Catalyst

With the unveiling of Sumeru, anticipation swelled for Nahida, the Dendro Archon, known for her distinctive role in the realm of Teyvat. As a catalyst wielder, Nahida excels in dispersing off-field Dendro damage, a trait that sets her apart in the Genshin Impact roster. Her Elemental Skill not only inflicts Dendro damage but also entwines opponents, significantly boosting the potential for area control.

The true potency of Nahida’s abilities shines when Elemental Reactions are triggered on affected enemies; these reactions cause her marks to explode, inflicting Dendro damage across the group. Her Elemental Burst further enhances these capabilities, adapting its effects to complement the elemental makeup of her team, allowing for versatile and strategic gameplay. This new Archon has introduced players to innovative team compositions, revolutionizing strategies with her unique skill set.

#27: Ganyu

Element: Cryo
Weapon: Bow

Ganyu stands as a testament to the exceptional design of Liyue’s characters, embodying the raw power that Hoyoverse infused into this region’s roster. Like Tighnari, Ganyu can unleash a powerful two-stage charged attack, where her second strike rains down an area of effect Cryo damage, serving as her primary source of DPS.

With the right support—especially from characters that enhance Cryo effectiveness or enable Melt reactions—Ganyu can effortlessly exceed damage outputs of 150,000 per charged shot. Even in isolation, without the benefit of elemental reactions, Ganyu remains a consistently formidable DPS, capable of dealing substantial damage from any distance. Her reliability and potency make her one of the most formidable archers in Genshin Impact.

#28: Yelan

Element: Hydro
Weapon: Bow

Yelan excels as a dynamic off-field DPS, delivering exceptional Hydro damage with her Elemental Burst. This ability surpasses even Xingqiu’s renowned Burst in both Hydro application and damage output, making her an invaluable asset in any team. Uniquely, her damage potential scales with her HP, making her particularly formidable in dual Hydro setups due to the Hydro Resonance benefits.

Her Elemental Skill adds an element of agility and engagement, allowing Yelan to dart around the battlefield, striking multiple targets rapidly. When paired with a Pyro DPS like Hu Tao or Yoimiya in a Vaporize-focused team, Yelan’s ability to amplify damage shines, ensuring her status as a top-tier character for maximizing DPS output.

#29: Furina

Element: Hydro
Weapon: Sword

Furina has quickly captured the hearts of Genshin Impact players not only through her engaging storyline and charming personality but also through her versatile combat abilities. Distinctively, she excels as an off-field DPS whose Hydro mimics actively follow both the player’s active character and nearby enemies, enhancing her impact on the battlefield.

Furina’s skills enable her to deal significant damage and provide substantial healing, making her an invaluable asset in any team composition. She excels in supporting Pyro DPS characters like Lyney or Hu Tao, thanks to her prolific Hydro application. A unique aspect of her abilities is her perpetual water-walking skill, adding both a tactical and visually striking element to her gameplay.

#30: Lyney

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Bow

Lyney, originating from the aquatic nation of Fontaine, initially didn’t capture much attention from the Genshin Impact community when introduced in Version 4.0. However, as players delved deeper into his story and experimented with his abilities, his popularity soared due to his engaging character and powerful skill set.

Lyney’s abilities are uniquely designed to enhance a mono-Pyro team, a rarity in a game that typically emphasizes Elemental Reactions. This specialization allows him to excel in dealing high damage even at lower levels once players master his skill interactions. Combining his charismatic personality with a potent DPS capability, Lyney quickly ascends to the top as the premier Pyro Bow user in Genshin Impact.

#31: Arlecchino

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Polearm

Arlecchino, the enigmatic fourth Fatui Harbinger, burst onto the Genshin Impact scene in Version 4.8, swiftly securing a top spot among DPS contenders. She introduced the Bond of Life (BoL) mechanic, a first for playable characters, centralizing this dynamic in her combat style.

Providing her attacks with a continuous Pyro infusion as long as her health remains above 30% of her maximum, Arlecchino unleashes formidable damage across any team composition. Although she doesn’t quite surpass Hu Tao in dealing with robust single-target bosses, her versatility and powerful AoE Pyro skills make her a force to be reckoned with in any scenario.

#32: Hu Tao

Element: Pyro
Weapon: Polearm

Hu Tao reigns as one of the most formidable DPS characters in Genshin Impact, showcasing the formidable strength of the Pyro element. Her Elemental Skill transforms her normal and charged attacks into potent Pyro damage dealers, with her damage scaling off her HP—which can be significantly amplified through targeted weapon and artifact choices.

A recent update to Hydro resonance enhances party HP by 25% with two or more Hydro characters, bolstering Hu Tao’s survivability and synergizing perfectly with her reliance on Vaporize reactions for maximum damage output. With the right Hydro support, Hu Tao can unleash devastating attacks, obliterating foes with ease and efficiency.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide to the top DPS characters in Genshin Impact offers a deep dive into the heroes that can truly make a difference in your gameplay. Whether you’re battling through the game’s toughest dungeons or simply enjoying the open world, these characters bring the power and efficiency needed to optimize your team’s damage output. Each character’s unique abilities and recommended builds provide players with the tools to tailor their strategy and dominate in Teyvat. Remember, choosing the right DPS character not only enhances your playing experience but also maximizes your efficiency in grinding and exploring the vast world of Genshin Impact.