Kamisato Ayato: Enabler Extraordinaire or Just Another Hydro Applicant?

Is Ayato an enabler? Yes, Kamisato Ayato can effectively function as an enabler in Genshin Impact, particularly for teams focused on Hyperbloom, Vaporize, and Electro-Charged reactions. While his Hydro application isn’t as relentless as Xingqiu’s, it’s consistent and wide-ranging, especially with his Elemental Burst. This allows main DPS characters to consistently trigger reactions, maximizing their damage output.

Ayato’s Role in Reaction-Based Teams

Ayato’s kit offers a blend of sustained damage and off-field support, making him a versatile character. He can function as both a main DPS and an enabler depending on the team composition and your preferred playstyle. The key to understanding his enabler potential lies in his Elemental Skill and Burst.

• Kamisato Art: Kyouka (Elemental Skill): This transforms Ayato into a state where his Normal Attacks deal Hydro damage. The speed and range of these attacks provide consistent Hydro application, crucial for enabling reactions.
• Kamisato Art: Suiyuu (Elemental Burst): This creates a large AoE where Hydro swords rain down, continuously applying Hydro to enemies within the area. This provides excellent off-field Hydro application, allowing a main DPS to trigger reactions repeatedly.

His effectiveness as an enabler depends heavily on several factors:

• Team Composition: Ayato shines brightest when paired with characters who can consistently apply other elements, such as Dendro for Hyperbloom, Pyro for Vaporize, or Electro for Electro-Charged.
• Artifacts and Weapon: Building Ayato with Energy Recharge and Elemental Mastery can further enhance his enabler capabilities. A weapon that provides additional Energy Recharge is highly recommended.
• Character Level and Talents: Leveling up Ayato and his talents increases his Hydro damage and the effectiveness of his Elemental Skill and Burst, indirectly improving his Hydro application.

Comparing Ayato to Other Hydro Applicators

While Ayato can enable reactions, it’s important to compare him to other prominent Hydro characters like Xingqiu, Yelan, and Kokomi.

• Xingqiu: Considered one of the best off-field Hydro applicators, Xingqiu provides unparalleled consistency with his Rain Swords. However, he requires significant Energy Recharge to maintain uptime.
• Yelan: Similar to Xingqiu, Yelan offers excellent off-field Hydro application and substantial damage buffs to the on-field character. Her damage scaling is HP-based, making her relatively easy to build.
• Kokomi: While Kokomi’s main strength lies in healing and consistent Hydro application through her Bake-Kurage, her damage output is typically lower than Ayato’s or Xingqiu’s.
• Ayato: Offers a balance of on-field damage and off-field Hydro application. His Elemental Burst provides wide AoE Hydro application, while his Elemental Skill allows him to deal significant Hydro damage while enabling reactions.

Ultimately, the best Hydro applicator depends on the specific team composition and the desired playstyle. Ayato provides a unique blend of damage and enabling capabilities, making him a valuable asset to many teams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an “enabler” in Genshin Impact?

An enabler in Genshin Impact is a character whose primary role is to consistently apply an element to enemies, allowing other characters (typically the main DPS) to trigger Elemental Reactions. Enablers prioritize consistent elemental application over raw damage output.

2. Is Ayato better as a main DPS or an enabler?

Ayato can excel in both roles. As a main DPS, he dishes out significant sustained Hydro damage with his Elemental Skill. As an enabler, his Elemental Burst provides consistent off-field Hydro application. The best role for Ayato depends on the team composition and available resources.

3. What are the best teams for Ayato as an enabler?

Ayato excels in Hyperbloom teams (with Dendro characters like Nahida or Alhaitham and Electro characters like Raiden Shogun or Kuki Shinobu), Vaporize teams (with Pyro characters like Hu Tao or Yoimiya), and Electro-Charged teams (with Electro characters like Fischl or Beidou).

4. What artifacts should I use for Ayato as an enabler?

For an enabler build, prioritize artifacts that boost Energy Recharge and Elemental Mastery. Emblem of Severed Fate is an excellent choice for Energy Recharge, while Gilded Dreams or Flower of Paradise Lost can significantly increase Elemental Mastery for Hyperbloom teams.

5. What weapons are best for Ayato as an enabler?

Weapons that provide Energy Recharge are highly recommended for an enabler Ayato. Options include Favonius Sword, Sacrificial Sword, or even a high-base ATK weapon with Energy Recharge substat.

6. How much Energy Recharge does Ayato need?

The required Energy Recharge for Ayato depends on the team composition and his role within the team. Generally, aim for around 140-160% Energy Recharge to ensure consistent Burst uptime.

7. Does Ayato’s Hydro application affect the Bloom reaction?

Yes, Ayato’s Hydro application is crucial for triggering the Bloom reaction, which is essential for creating Dendro Cores in Hyperbloom teams. The more consistent his Hydro application, the more Dendro Cores are generated, leading to higher Hyperbloom damage.

8. How does Ayato compare to Xingqiu in terms of Hydro application?

While Xingqiu is widely considered the gold standard for Hydro application, Ayato offers a different approach. Xingqiu’s Rain Swords provide targeted Hydro application, while Ayato’s Burst offers wide AoE Hydro application. Xingqiu requires more Energy Recharge than Ayato.

9. Can Ayato be used in Freeze teams?

While Ayato’s Hydro application can contribute to Freeze reactions, he’s not the optimal choice for Freeze teams. Characters like Ayaka, Ganyu, and Mona are generally preferred for their Cryo application and Freeze-specific buffs.

10. Does Ayato’s Elemental Mastery affect his enabling capabilities?

Yes, Elemental Mastery directly impacts the damage of Elemental Reactions. For Ayato as an enabler, especially in Hyperbloom teams, maximizing Elemental Mastery is crucial for boosting the reaction damage triggered by his Hydro application.

11. Is Ayato’s Constellation beneficial for his enabler role?

While Ayato’s Constellations primarily focus on increasing his damage output as a DPS, some Constellations can indirectly enhance his enabler capabilities. For example, Constellation 2 provides increased HP, improving his survivability and potentially increasing the effectiveness of HP-based weapons or artifacts.

12. How important is talent leveling for Ayato as an enabler?

While talent leveling is less critical for an enabler compared to a DPS, leveling up Ayato’s Elemental Burst is still beneficial. Increasing the Burst’s talent level boosts its damage and Hydro application rate, improving his overall enabling capabilities.

13. How does Ayato’s Hydro application interact with Electro-Charged?

Ayato’s Hydro application, combined with Electro application from characters like Fischl or Beidou, creates the Electro-Charged reaction. The Hydro application allows the Electro-Charged reaction to persist longer, dealing continuous damage to enemies.

14. Can Ayato trigger Vaporize consistently?

Yes, Ayato can trigger Vaporize consistently when paired with Pyro characters who can apply Pyro rapidly. His Elemental Skill and Burst provide enough Hydro application to enable consistent Vaporize reactions.

15. Where can I learn more about team compositions and strategies for Genshin Impact?

The Genshin Impact community is a vast and resourceful place. You can learn more about team compositions, character builds, and game mechanics on various online forums, wikis, and communities. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable resources on gaming and learning as well.

Conclusion

Kamisato Ayato is a versatile character who can effectively function as an enabler in various Genshin Impact teams. While he may not be the absolute best Hydro applicator in every situation, his balance of damage and Hydro application makes him a valuable asset to any player’s roster. Understanding his strengths and weaknesses and building him appropriately can unlock his full potential as a powerful enabler.