Is Albedo Good as a DPS in Genshin Impact?
The short and direct answer is: No, Albedo is not ideal as a primary DPS (Damage Per Second) character in Genshin Impact. While he possesses unique strengths and brings considerable utility to a team, his kit is fundamentally designed for a sub-DPS or support role, and attempting to force him into a main DPS position will likely lead to underwhelming results compared to other, more specialized options.
Why Albedo Struggles as a Main DPS
Several factors contribute to Albedo’s limitations as a main damage dealer:
Low Normal Attack Multipliers
Albedo’s normal attack multipliers are notably low, ranking among the lowest for all sword-wielding characters, even below characters like Keqing and Qiqi, who aren’t primarily designed for sustained physical damage. This means that regardless of how much ATK you invest in, his basic attacks will never pack a significant punch, making him inefficient for consistent DPS through sword strikes.
DEF Scaling, Not ATK
Albedo’s main source of damage comes from his Elemental Skill, Abiogenesis: Solar Isotoma, which creates a Geo construct that deals Geo damage in a radius. Crucially, this skill’s damage scales off of his DEF (Defense) stat, not ATK (Attack). Therefore, focusing on increasing Albedo’s ATK will not significantly enhance his overall damage output. While you can technically build an ATK-focused Albedo, it requires substantial investment in specific artifacts and a 5-star weapon to even come close to his capabilities as a sub-DPS, and still won’t match other true DPS characters.
Flower Vulnerability
Albedo’s Geo construct, the Solar Isotoma, is vulnerable. Certain enemies, especially bosses, can easily destroy the flower, rendering his main source of consistent damage inactive. Additionally, the flower doesn’t proc against shields, making Albedo ineffective against shielded enemies, a common encounter in the game. This inconsistency in his damage output is a major drawback for a main DPS character that needs to sustain damage over a longer time.
Best Weapon and Artifacts
His ideal build, which revolves around his Geo damage and DEF scaling, means you’ll be maximizing that build. Weapons like Cinnabar Spindle (R5), which was a free event weapon, and artifacts with high DEF stats are the best choices for him. These choices further solidify his strengths as a sub-DPS and render an ATK build inefficient. While an ATK-oriented build can be attempted using a 5-star sword, the performance doesn’t justify the resource investment when compared to characters who excel at dealing physical or elemental damage with ATK scaling.
Albedo’s True Strengths: Sub-DPS and Support
Instead of trying to shoehorn Albedo into a DPS role, it’s best to leverage his actual strengths:
Consistent Geo Damage
Albedo’s Elemental Skill has an extremely low cooldown, allowing the Solar Isotoma to deal consistent Geo damage every two seconds when an enemy is hit within its area of effect. This consistent off-field damage makes him an exceptional sub-DPS, capable of dealing significant damage while the main DPS is on the field. His ability to continuously output damage with almost 100% uptime makes him a valuable addition to most team compositions.
F2P Friendly
Albedo stands out as a remarkably F2P-friendly 5-star character. He performs exceptionally well with a 3-star weapon like Harbinger of Dawn and DEF-focused artifacts, which are often considered “trash” for other characters. This makes him an accessible and cost-effective option, unlike other DPS characters who often demand highly specific 5-star weapons and artifact sets.
Versatile Team Compositions
Albedo’s consistent off-field Geo damage allows him to fit into various teams. He is not limited to just Geo-focused team comps but can be added to many other teams that need off-field DPS and consistent elemental application. This flexibility is a major strength that sets him apart from other, more niche characters.
Synergy with Zhongli
Albedo has exceptional synergy with Zhongli, as his Geo damage and construct creation can further enhance Geo resonance and overall damage, making them a powerful and reliable duo. The two Geo constructs also resonate well together with Geo resonance.
Conclusion
While it’s tempting to push characters beyond their designed roles, Albedo is simply not a main DPS. His kit is tailored to excel as a sub-DPS and a support character. Instead of trying to make him swing his sword for damage, you’ll be better off leveraging his consistent Geo damage through his elemental skill, his F2P-friendly nature, and his ability to provide off-field DPS in various team comps. Trying to build him as a main DPS will lead to disappointment when other characters who are designed to main DPS can fulfill this role far more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Albedo as a DPS
1. What is Albedo’s best role in Genshin Impact?
Albedo is best suited as a sub-DPS or a support character, primarily due to his consistent off-field Geo damage from his Elemental Skill which scales with DEF.
2. Does Albedo scale off of Attack or Defense?
Albedo’s primary source of damage, his Elemental Skill, scales off of DEF (Defense), not ATK (Attack). Therefore, prioritize DEF when building him.
3. Is Albedo a good F2P character?
Yes, Albedo is one of the most F2P-friendly 5-star characters. He performs well even with a 3-star weapon like Harbinger of Dawn and DEF-focused artifacts.
4. What is Albedo’s best-in-slot weapon?
Cinnabar Spindle is Albedo’s best-in-slot sword, particularly when it’s fully refined (R5). It is a free event weapon.
5. Can Albedo be used in a main DPS role?
While it’s technically possible to build Albedo as a main DPS, it’s not recommended. His low normal attack multipliers and DEF scaling make him significantly less effective in that role compared to dedicated DPS characters.
6. Why is Albedo’s flower (Solar Isotoma) weak?
The Solar Isotoma can be easily destroyed by certain enemies, particularly bosses, and it does not trigger against shields, making it inconsistent and limiting its effectiveness in certain situations.
7. What artifact sets are best for Albedo?
The best artifact sets for Albedo include Husk of Opulent Dreams (2-piece DEF +30%, 4-piece +24% DEF and +24% Geo DMG) and Noblesse Oblige (2-piece Elemental Burst +20% damage, 4-piece after Burst, +20% ATK to all party members).
8. How much damage does Albedo’s Elemental Skill do?
With proper DEF scaling, Albedo’s Elemental Skill can consistently deal 10,000 damage or more every two seconds, making him a reliable sub-DPS.
9. Does Albedo need a specific team comp to shine?
While he benefits from being in Geo-focused teams with characters like Zhongli, Albedo can fit into a variety of team compositions due to his consistent off-field damage, as long as the party supports his abilities.
10. What is the synergy between Albedo and Zhongli?
Zhongli and Albedo have excellent synergy. Their Geo constructs resonate well together, resulting in increased Geo damage, and Zhongli’s shielding provides added defense and resistance shred, further enhancing Albedo’s damage.
11. Why are Albedo’s normal attack multipliers so low?
Albedo’s normal attack multipliers are intentionally low because he’s designed to deal damage primarily through his DEF scaling Elemental Skill.
12. Is Albedo better than Nilou for team support?
Albedo is a reliable off-field sub-DPS, while Nilou focuses on enabling Bloom reactions. Their roles are different, and the better choice depends on your team’s needs.
13. How does Albedo’s Elemental Skill work?
Albedo’s Elemental Skill creates a Geo construct called Solar Isotoma. When an enemy is hit in its area, it deals Geo damage every two seconds.
14. Can I build Albedo with an ATK focus for better damage?
While possible, building Albedo with an ATK focus is highly inefficient. His damage scales far better with DEF, and an ATK-focused build won’t match the performance of dedicated DPS characters.
15. Is Albedo a must-pull character in Genshin Impact?
Albedo is a great pull if you need a reliable and consistent sub-DPS who is also extremely F2P friendly. However, whether he is “must-pull” depends on your specific team and roster needs. He’s especially valuable for players who like to use Geo characters and/or pair him with Zhongli.