Decoding Azhdaha: Unveiling the Geo Resistance and Battle Strategies

Yes, Azhdaha is indeed resistant to Geo damage, especially during his initial phase. Understanding the extent of this resistance and how it shifts throughout the fight is crucial for devising an effective strategy against this formidable weekly boss in Genshin Impact.

Azhdaha’s Resistance: A Detailed Breakdown

Azhdaha’s resistance profile is dynamic and changes throughout the fight. It’s broken down into distinct phases:

• Phase 1 (Geo Phase): In his initial phase, Azhdaha boasts a 70% resistance to Geo damage, alongside 40% resistance to Physical damage, and a 10% resistance to all other elements. This high Geo resistance makes using Geo DPS characters in this phase significantly less effective.

• Subsequent Phases (Elemental Infusion): After the initial Geo phase, Azhdaha infuses himself with either Pyro, Hydro, Cryo, or Electro. This infusion adds a 60% resistance to the infused element on top of the existing resistances from Phase 1. For example, if he infuses with Electro, he retains the 70% Geo resistance, 40% Physical resistance, 10% resistance to all other elements, and gains an additional 60% Electro resistance.

This resistance shift is why a diverse team composition is essential when tackling Azhdaha. Players need to be ready to switch strategies and character deployments based on the element Azhdaha absorbs.

Strategies to Overcome Azhdaha’s Resistance

Knowing Azhdaha’s resistances, the key to victory lies in strategic team composition and understanding elemental reactions:

• Avoid Geo DPS in Phase 1: Given the 70% Geo resistance during the initial phase, it’s advisable to avoid relying heavily on Geo DPS characters at the start of the fight. Instead, focus on characters with elements that Azhdaha is less resistant to, such as Pyro, Hydro, Cryo, or Electro.

• Counter the Infusion: The most crucial aspect of the fight is to recognize which element Azhdaha infuses himself with after the first phase. Then, deploy a DPS character of the opposing element. If he infuses with Pyro, bring in a Hydro DPS, and vice versa. Similarly, counter Electro with Cryo and Cryo with Electro. This ensures you’re dealing significant damage.

• Utilize Elemental Reactions: While directly countering the infused element is crucial for DPS, leveraging other elemental reactions can provide additional damage and utility. For example, Vaporize (Hydro + Pyro), Melt (Pyro + Cryo), Electro-Charged (Electro + Hydro), and Superconduct (Cryo + Electro) can all contribute to dealing substantial damage to Azhdaha.

• Shield Support: Azhdaha’s attacks can apply elemental debuffs that drain your character’s HP. A reliable shielder is extremely valuable. Zhongli is particularly effective due to his strong shield and Geo resonance, but Diona and Thoma are also viable options.

• Consider Physical DPS Later: After the infusion, while the infused element is highly resistant, the other base elemental resistances remain at 10%. While not optimal, a well-built Physical DPS character can contribute if your elemental options are limited.

• Adapt Team Composition: Pre-plan multiple team compositions, considering potential elemental infusions. Be ready to switch out characters quickly to maintain elemental advantage throughout the encounter.

• Strategic Positioning: Learn Azhdaha’s attack patterns. His attacks are telegraphed, allowing you to dodge and reposition your characters effectively. Maintaining distance when necessary and utilizing invulnerability frames (i-frames) during dodges can significantly reduce the damage taken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Azhdaha’s weaknesses?

Azhdaha doesn’t have explicit “weaknesses” in the traditional sense. Instead, you should focus on exploiting his changing elemental resistances. Capitalize on using the element that directly counters his infused element. In the initial phase, prioritize non-Geo damage.

2. Is Azhdaha stronger than weekly bosses?

Azhdaha is considered one of the harder weekly bosses in Genshin Impact due to his high HP, multiple phases, and elemental debuffs. Many players find him more challenging than Childe or Andrius.

3. Which characters benefit from Azhdaha’s drops?

Several characters require materials from Azhdaha to level up their talents. These include Dori, Ayaka, Yanfei, Eula, Electro Traveler, Yoimiya, Kazuha, Sayu, and Yelan.

4. Can Geo Traveler break Azhdaha’s constructs?

Geo Traveler’s constructs can be used strategically during the fight, but they won’t directly break Azhdaha’s phases. Their main utility lies in providing temporary cover or creating platforms for ranged attacks.

5. How does Azhdaha’s erosion affect his behavior?

Azhdaha’s “erosion” refers to the degradation of his memories and emotional state. This erosion, combined with damage to the Ley Lines, drove him to rage and caused him to become hostile towards Liyue.

6. Is Zhongli effective against Azhdaha?

Zhongli is highly effective against Azhdaha, especially due to his powerful shield, which mitigates the elemental debuffs. While his Geo damage is less effective in the first phase, his universal resistance shred provides value throughout the entire fight.

7. How many times can I fight Azhdaha per week?

You can fight Azhdaha once per week. The first three weekly boss fights (including Azhdaha) cost 30 Original Resin each. Subsequent fights cost 60 Original Resin.

8. What is the best team composition for Azhdaha?

There is no single “best” team, as it depends on your character roster and playstyle. However, a balanced team should include a main DPS of the element that counters Azhdaha’s infusion, a shielder (like Zhongli or Diona), a support character, and a sub-DPS.

9. What is the lore behind Azhdaha?

Azhdaha was originally a blind Geo spirit that was brought to the surface by Morax (Zhongli). He was given a dragon-like form and the ability to see. However, due to erosion and human actions, he eventually turned against Liyue and was sealed away.

10. How does Azhdaha choose his elemental infusion?

Azhdaha’s elemental infusion is random after the initial Geo phase. There is no way to predict which element he will choose. This is why having a flexible team is crucial.

11. Is Noelle useful against Azhdaha?

Noelle can be somewhat useful against Azhdaha, especially for players with a limited roster. Her shield provides protection, and her claymore can deal decent damage. However, she is not the optimal choice compared to characters who can exploit Azhdaha’s elemental vulnerabilities.

12. Does Azhdaha’s Geo resistance decrease in later phases?

No, Azhdaha’s base Geo resistance of 70% remains consistent throughout the fight. The additional resistance only applies to the element he infuses himself with.

13. What are Ley Lines?

Ley Lines are underground channels of elemental energy that are vital to the health of Teyvat. Damage to these Ley Lines contributed to Azhdaha’s rage and corruption.

14. Why is understanding game mechanics important in games like Genshin Impact?

Understanding the game mechanics is essential for making informed decisions, optimizing your character builds, and strategizing effectively. It can lead to a more enjoyable and successful gaming experience. You can find more information about educational game design at the Games Learning Society website.

15. How does Genshin Impact use game mechanics to teach players?

Genshin Impact subtly teaches players through its gameplay mechanics. By rewarding players for understanding elemental reactions, team compositions, and enemy weaknesses, the game encourages experimentation and strategic thinking. This aligns with principles explored by organizations like GamesLearningSociety.org, which focus on the educational potential of games.

By understanding Azhdaha’s Geo resistance and his dynamic resistance profile, you can conquer this formidable boss and claim your rewards. Good luck, Traveler!