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How to Melt Blue Ice in Genshin Impact: A Comprehensive Guide

The question plagues many Travelers venturing through Teyvat’s colder regions: How do you melt blue ice in Genshin Impact? The answer is simple: You need Pyro. Characters wielding fire-based abilities are the key to thawing these frosty obstacles. Now, let’s delve deeper into the specifics and explore everything you need to know about melting blue ice, its variations, and related challenges in Genshin Impact.

Understanding Blue Ice and Its Variants

Blue ice, officially known as “Great Ice,” isn’t just a single type of frozen barrier in Genshin Impact. There are several variations you’ll encounter, each requiring slightly different approaches or amounts of Pyro application. Here’s a breakdown:

Standard Blue Ice (Great Ice): The most common type, easily melted with a few Pyro attacks. Found throughout Dragonspine and other snowy areas.
Frostarm Lawachurl’s Armored Shield: This shield, possessed by the powerful Frostarm Lawachurl, also counts as “Great Ice.” Melting it is crucial for defeating this enemy efficiently. It requires significant Pyro application.
Cryo Hypostasis Core: While not visually identical to the other types of Great Ice, the Cryo Hypostasis’s core enters a “frozen state” where it is encased in a thick layer of ice. Pyro is essential to break this core and continue the battle.

Understanding the differences helps you strategize which characters and abilities to use.

The Power of Pyro: Melting Mechanics

Pyro application is the central mechanic for melting blue ice. Here’s how it works:

Pyro Characters: Characters like Diluc, Hu Tao, Bennett, Xiangling, Yoimiya, Yanfei, Amber, and Thoma are your go-to choices. Their Elemental Skills and Bursts inflict Pyro damage.
Pyro Application Strength: Different Pyro abilities have varying strengths. Some, like Diluc’s Elemental Burst, apply Pyro more effectively than others, like Amber’s Elemental Skill. This affects how quickly the ice melts.
Duration Matters: Sustained Pyro application is more effective than short bursts. Consider using characters whose Pyro abilities have a long duration or short cooldowns.
Elemental Reactions: While Melt (Pyro on Cryo) does damage, the primary goal here is to break the ice. Therefore, focus on consistent Pyro application rather than maximizing Melt damage.

Effective Strategies for Melting Blue Ice

Knowing the theory is one thing, but practical application is crucial. Here are some strategies to help you melt blue ice quickly and efficiently:

Team Composition: Build your team around a strong Pyro DPS character. Consider including a Pyro support character for additional Pyro application or a battery character to recharge your Pyro DPS’s Elemental Burst quickly.
Elemental Resonance: Having two Pyro characters in your party grants the “Fervent Flames” Elemental Resonance, increasing ATK by 25%. This indirectly boosts your Pyro damage output and helps melt the ice faster.
Character Level and Talent Levels: Ensure your Pyro characters are adequately leveled and their relevant Talent levels are upgraded. This directly increases the damage they deal and, consequently, the speed at which they melt the ice.
Weapon and Artifact Choices: Equip your Pyro characters with weapons and artifacts that boost their ATK, Pyro DMG Bonus, or Elemental Mastery (if you’re focusing on Melt reactions).
Strategic Ability Usage: Time your abilities carefully. Use Elemental Skills to apply Pyro and then follow up with Elemental Bursts for a burst of damage. Focus on consistency.
Environment: Be mindful of the environment. Rain can inflict Hydro on the ice, which then reacts with your Pyro application, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Specific Scenarios: Frostarm Lawachurl and Cryo Hypostasis

Dealing with the Frostarm Lawachurl and Cryo Hypostasis requires tailored strategies:

Frostarm Lawachurl: Focus all your Pyro damage on its shield. Prioritize characters with large AoE Pyro abilities or those who can consistently apply Pyro, like Xiangling with her Guoba and Pyronado. Don’t waste time attacking the Lawachurl while its shield is up, as it significantly reduces damage.
Cryo Hypostasis: When the Hypostasis enters its revived state and forms the shield around itself, quickly melt the shield using Pyro abilities. Amber is surprisingly effective here due to her rapid fire skill, but any Pyro character will do. Speed is key, as the Hypostasis will unleash a powerful attack if the shield isn’t broken quickly enough.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Relying on Overload: While Overload (Pyro + Electro) can deal damage, it doesn’t efficiently melt blue ice. Focus on consistent Pyro application.
Ignoring Team Composition: A team without a dedicated Pyro DPS or adequate support will struggle to melt ice quickly.
Underestimating Enemy Resistance: Enemies with Cryo shields have high Cryo resistance, making it even more important to focus on Pyro damage.
Wasting Energy Recharge: Ensure your Pyro characters have sufficient Energy Recharge to consistently use their Elemental Bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about melting blue ice in Genshin Impact:

1. Can Anemo or Geo characters melt blue ice?

No. Only Pyro characters can effectively melt blue ice. Anemo and Geo abilities do not interact with Cryo in a way that melts the ice.

2. Does the character’s Elemental Mastery affect melting speed?

Elemental Mastery primarily affects the damage of Elemental Reactions like Melt and Vaporize. While Melt can contribute to breaking the ice, focusing solely on Elemental Mastery isn’t the most efficient strategy for melting blue ice. Prioritize Pyro damage.

3. Is Amber a good choice for melting ice?

Amber’s Baron Bunny can apply Pyro, but its effectiveness is limited. Her charged shots are better for single-target ice melting, like Cryo Hypostasis, but she is generally not ideal for large areas.

4. Which Pyro character is the best for melting ice?

There isn’t one “best” Pyro character, as it depends on your playstyle and team composition. Diluc and Hu Tao offer high Pyro damage output, while Xiangling provides consistent Pyro application. Bennett is a strong support option.

5. Does the weather affect melting speed?

Yes. Rain can apply Hydro to the ice, which can interfere with Pyro application. Be mindful of the weather conditions and adjust your strategy accordingly.

6. Can I use food buffs to melt ice faster?

Yes. Food buffs that increase ATK or Pyro DMG Bonus can indirectly help you melt ice faster by boosting your Pyro damage.

7. Are there any weapons that are particularly good for melting ice?

Weapons with high ATK stats or passive abilities that increase Pyro damage are generally beneficial. Weapons like the Wolf’s Gravestone, Staff of Homa, or Crimson Witch of Flames-focused catalysts are strong choices.

8. Can I use Elemental Sight to find ice?

Yes. Elemental Sight highlights interactive elements in the environment, including ice. This can be helpful for locating ice patches that you might otherwise miss.

9. Does the difficulty setting affect how quickly ice melts?

No. The difficulty setting does not affect the melting speed of blue ice.

10. Is it possible to accidentally freeze myself while trying to melt ice?

Yes. If you’re fighting near Cryo enemies, they can apply Cryo to you, potentially freezing you solid if you’re also affected by Hydro. Be mindful of your positioning.

11. Are there any puzzles that require melting ice in Genshin Impact?

Yes. Many puzzles in Dragonspine and other snowy areas involve melting ice to reveal mechanisms or pathways.

12. Can I use gadgets to help melt ice?

No, there aren’t any gadgets specifically designed to melt ice in Genshin Impact. Only Pyro abilities can achieve this.

13. Does the Melt reaction bonus damage apply when breaking ice?

While Melt deals bonus damage based on Elemental Mastery, the primary focus is on applying enough Pyro to remove the ice layer. It isn’t a reaction that directly amplifies how well Pyro melts ice.

14. How can I improve my Pyro application?

Focus on using Pyro characters with short cooldowns on their Elemental Skills, investing in Energy Recharge to use your Elemental Burst more frequently, and optimizing your team composition for Pyro synergy.

15. If the ice is already cracked, will it melt faster?

Visually cracked ice does not indicate accelerated melting; the actual application of Pyro is what determines melting speed.

By understanding the mechanics of Pyro application, optimizing your team composition, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well-equipped to melt any blue ice you encounter in Genshin Impact. Good luck, Traveler!

How do you melt blue ice in Genshin?