What is HP Scaling in Genshin Impact?

HP scaling in Genshin Impact refers to a character’s ability to have their damage, healing, or shield strength based on their maximum HP (Health Points). Instead of the conventional ATK (Attack) stat, these characters utilize their HP pool to determine the effectiveness of their skills and abilities. This allows players to build these characters with a greater focus on survivability while still maintaining strong offensive or supportive capabilities.

Understanding HP Scaling Mechanics

HP scaling offers a unique approach to character building in Genshin Impact. Characters who scale with HP typically possess skills or passives that convert a percentage of their maximum HP into damage, healing, or shield absorption. For example, a character might have a skill that deals damage equal to 2% of their maximum HP. The higher their HP, the more damage the skill inflicts.

This system allows for interesting build diversity. Instead of solely focusing on increasing ATK, players can prioritize HP-boosting artifacts, weapons, and talents to enhance the character’s relevant scaling abilities. It’s crucial to carefully read a character’s skill descriptions to identify which talents benefit from HP scaling.

How HP Scaling Differs from ATK Scaling

The fundamental difference lies in the stat that determines the power of the ability. ATK scaling relies on a character’s Attack stat, typically increased through weapons, artifacts, and character level. HP scaling, on the other hand, relies on a character’s Health Points. This shift in focus drastically alters how you build the character and their role in the team.

Characters with ATK scaling often excel as main damage dealers, requiring significant investment in offensive stats. HP scaling characters often function as off-field damage dealers, healers, or shielders, providing utility and support while still contributing to the team’s overall DPS (Damage Per Second).

Identifying HP Scaling Characters

Identifying characters with HP scaling requires carefully examining their talent descriptions. Look for phrases like “damage is increased based on HP,” “healing is increased based on HP,” or “shield strength is based on HP.” Online resources and Genshin Impact wikis are also excellent sources for identifying characters whose kits revolve around HP scaling. Some popular examples include:

• Zhongli: His Jade Shield absorption scales with his Max HP.
• Hu Tao: Her Elemental Skill converts a percentage of her Max HP into ATK and her Blood Blossom damage scales with Max HP.
• Yelan: Her Breakthrough Barb damage and Exquisite Throw damage scale with her Max HP.
• Neuvillette: His Charged Attack damage scales with his Max HP.
• Kokomi: Her healing scales with her Max HP.

Benefits of HP Scaling

HP scaling offers several advantages:

• Increased Survivability: Focusing on HP inherently makes the character more durable, allowing them to withstand more damage and stay in the fight longer.
• Consistent Performance: Unlike ATK scaling, which can be significantly affected by enemy resistances or DEF (Defense) stats, HP scaling damage tends to be more consistent.
• Easier Artifact Optimization: Building for HP can be more straightforward than building for ATK, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG, as you primarily focus on a single main stat.
• Unique Team Compositions: HP scaling characters can enable unique team compositions that prioritize survivability and sustained damage output.

FAQs About HP Scaling in Genshin Impact

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify HP scaling in Genshin Impact:

1. Does HP scaling affect a character’s base ATK stat? No, HP scaling does not affect a character’s base ATK stat. It only influences skills or abilities specifically designed to scale with HP. The base ATK stat is determined by the character’s level and weapon.
2. Are there weapons that specifically benefit HP scaling characters? Yes, some weapons offer HP as a substat or provide HP-related buffs. Examples include Staff of Homa and Key of Khaj-Nisut. These weapons are highly sought after for HP scaling characters.
3. How do I increase my character’s HP in Genshin Impact? You can increase a character’s HP through various methods: leveling up the character, equipping artifacts with HP as a main stat or substat, equipping weapons with HP as a substat, and unlocking character ascension bonuses.
4. Which artifact sets are best for HP scaling characters? Tenacity of the Millelith is a popular choice, as it provides an HP bonus and buffs the entire team. Other viable options include Heart of Depth (if the character deals Hydro damage) or sets that increase healing bonus.
5. Is it possible to have too much HP on an HP scaling character? While it’s generally beneficial to have a high HP stat, there is a point of diminishing returns. Prioritize substats like Energy Recharge to ensure consistent ability uptime or CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG if the character’s kit benefits from it.
6. Does HP scaling apply to all types of damage? No, HP scaling only applies to abilities or skills that explicitly state they scale with HP. Regular attacks and abilities that scale with ATK are not affected by a character’s HP.
7. How does HP scaling interact with elemental reactions? HP scaling does not directly affect elemental reaction damage. Elemental reaction damage is primarily determined by Elemental Mastery and character level. However, a character with higher HP can survive longer to trigger more reactions.
8. Can HP scaling characters be effective as main DPS? While less common, some HP scaling characters can function as main DPS, particularly if they have high HP scaling multipliers and are paired with supportive characters who can enhance their damage output. Hu Tao is a prime example.
9. How does the enemy’s DEF stat affect damage from HP scaling abilities? The enemy’s DEF stat reduces the damage dealt by HP scaling abilities, just like it affects damage from ATK scaling abilities. DEF is a universal damage reduction stat.
10. Is it better to prioritize HP or ATK on characters with hybrid scaling? This depends heavily on the character’s specific talent ratios and your team composition. Experiment with different builds and analyze damage numbers to determine the optimal balance.
11. How does HP scaling affect shields? Shields created by certain characters, like Zhongli, scale directly with their Max HP. A higher HP stat results in a stronger and more durable shield.
12. Can I see how much damage my HP scaling abilities are dealing? Yes, you can observe the damage numbers that appear when you use your character’s abilities. These numbers reflect the contribution of HP scaling, along with other factors like enemy resistance and CRIT stats.
13. Are there any constellations that significantly enhance HP scaling? Yes, certain constellations on HP scaling characters can drastically improve their damage output or utility. Research specific character constellations to understand their impact on HP scaling.
14. How does healing bonus affect healing that scales with HP? Healing Bonus directly increases the amount of healing provided by abilities that scale with HP. This is a crucial stat for maximizing the healing output of HP scaling healers.
15. Where can I find more detailed information about specific HP scaling characters and their builds? Reputable Genshin Impact community websites, wikis, and guides offer comprehensive information about individual characters, including optimal builds, team compositions, and artifact recommendations. Websites like Genshin Impact Wiki, Keqing Mains, and various YouTube channels provide valuable insights.

By understanding the mechanics of HP scaling, players can optimize their character builds, create powerful team compositions, and conquer the challenges that Teyvat has to offer. Experiment with different characters and builds to discover the full potential of HP scaling in Genshin Impact.