Is Kaeya Good with Yoimiya? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer? Kaeya can be a serviceable, though not optimal, support for Yoimiya. While he enables Melt reactions, other Cryo characters like Rosaria and Layla often provide more consistent off-field Cryo application or better utility through shields and buffs. Kaeya’s main advantage lies in his accessibility, being a free character. However, building a team specifically around Kaeya and Yoimiya may require more investment to achieve comparable results with other established team compositions.
Kaeya and Yoimiya: Understanding the Synergy (and its Limitations)
Yoimiya, the “Queen of the Summer Festival,” excels as a single-target Pyro DPS, unleashing a barrage of fiery arrows after activating her Elemental Skill. The key to maximizing her damage output lies in triggering Elemental Reactions, especially Vaporize and Melt. While Vaporize is generally considered superior for Yoimiya, Melt can still be a viable option, especially against enemies resistant to Hydro.
Kaeya’s primary role in a Yoimiya team would be to provide consistent Cryo application to enable Melt reactions. His Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, summons icy icicles that orbit the active character, dealing Cryo damage to nearby enemies. In theory, this could allow Yoimiya to trigger Melt with her rapid-fire attacks.
However, several factors limit the effectiveness of this synergy:
- Inconsistent Cryo Application: Kaeya’s Cryo application is not as consistent or widespread as that of other Cryo characters like Rosaria, Ganyu, or even Diona. The icicles’ targeting can be unreliable, especially against fast-moving or scattered enemies.
- Single-Target Focus: Yoimiya is primarily a single-target DPS. Melt reactions with Kaeya work best against a limited number of enemies. In scenarios with multiple opponents, other team compositions with better AoE capabilities will be more efficient.
- Yoimiya’s ICD: Yoimiya has an internal cooldown (ICD) on her normal attacks, which means she can’t trigger Elemental Reactions with every single hit. This further reduces the number of Melt reactions that Kaeya can enable.
- Energy Recharge Needs: Kaeya requires a significant amount of Energy Recharge to consistently use his Elemental Burst. This might necessitate specific artifact substats or an Energy Recharge weapon, potentially sacrificing damage output.
Building a Functional Kaeya and Yoimiya Team
Despite the limitations, a functional Kaeya and Yoimiya team can be built, especially for players with limited character options. Here’s a potential team composition and considerations:
- Yoimiya (Main DPS): Focus on building her with standard DPS stats: ATK%, Pyro DMG Bonus, CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG.
- Kaeya (Cryo Sub-DPS/Support): Prioritize Energy Recharge and CRIT Rate to maximize his Burst uptime and damage. Consider using the Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set to boost his Energy Recharge and Burst damage.
- Bennett (Support/Healer): Bennett provides valuable ATK buffs and healing with his Elemental Burst. He is almost essential for boosting Yoimiya’s damage and keeping the team alive.
- Flex Slot (Support/Utility): This slot can be filled by a character who provides additional utility, such as:
- Zhongli: Provides a strong shield to protect Yoimiya from interruptions.
- Sucrose/Kazuha: Offers crowd control and Elemental DMG Bonus.
- Beidou/Fischl: Provides off-field damage and Electro application for Overload reactions.
Artifact and Weapon Considerations for Kaeya
To make Kaeya work effectively with Yoimiya, focus on these areas:
- Artifacts: Emblem of Severed Fate is highly recommended for Energy Recharge. Alternatively, a combination of Noblesse Oblige (for team ATK buff) and Blizzard Strayer (for CRIT Rate) can also be used.
- Weapons: Favonius Sword is an excellent choice for generating Energy particles for the team. Sacrificial Sword can potentially allow for two uses of his Elemental Skill, generating more energy. Other options include weapons with Energy Recharge substats or CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG.
Alternatives to Kaeya for Yoimiya Teams
Before heavily investing in a Kaeya and Yoimiya team, consider these alternative Cryo supports:
- Rosaria: Offers consistent off-field Cryo application and CRIT Rate buff for the team.
- Layla: Provides a strong shield and decent Cryo application.
- Ganyu (as support): Her Elemental Burst offers excellent AoE Cryo application.
- Diona: Provides healing, shielding, and Cryo application.
These characters generally offer more reliable utility and synergy with Yoimiya, resulting in higher overall team damage.
Conclusion: A Niche Synergy
While Kaeya can technically work with Yoimiya to trigger Melt reactions, their synergy is not optimal compared to other Cryo support options. His inconsistent Cryo application and Yoimiya’s single-target focus limit their effectiveness. If you are just starting out and have limited character options, Kaeya can be a temporary solution. However, consider investing in other Cryo supports for a more efficient and powerful Yoimiya team in the long run. Exploring the intricacies of character builds and team compositions is an integral part of engaging with video games, a field explored academically by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about using Kaeya with Yoimiya:
1. Is Kaeya a good DPS for a Yoimiya team?
No, Kaeya is generally not recommended as a DPS in a Yoimiya team. His primary role is to provide Cryo application for Melt reactions, not to deal significant damage himself.
2. What is the best artifact set for Kaeya in a Yoimiya team?
The Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set is generally the best choice for Kaeya, as it provides Energy Recharge and boosts his Elemental Burst damage.
3. What weapon should I use on Kaeya in a Yoimiya team?
Favonius Sword is an excellent choice for generating Energy particles for the team. Sacrificial Sword can also be used for more Energy generation.
4. How much Energy Recharge does Kaeya need?
Aim for at least 180-200% Energy Recharge on Kaeya to ensure consistent Burst uptime.
5. Is it better to use Vaporize or Melt with Yoimiya?
Vaporize is generally considered superior to Melt for Yoimiya, as it deals more damage and is easier to trigger consistently with characters like Xingqiu or Yelan.
6. Can Kaeya replace Xingqiu in a Yoimiya team?
No, Kaeya cannot replace Xingqiu. Xingqiu’s Hydro application is far more consistent and reliable for triggering Vaporize reactions.
7. Is Rosaria a better support for Yoimiya than Kaeya?
Yes, Rosaria is generally a better support for Yoimiya than Kaeya. She offers more consistent off-field Cryo application and a CRIT Rate buff for the team.
8. Does Kaeya’s constellation affect his synergy with Yoimiya?
Kaeya’s constellations can improve his damage output and Energy generation, but they don’t significantly change his synergy with Yoimiya.
9. Is it worth investing resources into building Kaeya for a Yoimiya team?
It depends on your character roster and resources. If you have other Cryo supports available, it’s generally better to invest in them. However, if Kaeya is your only option, he can be a serviceable temporary solution.
10. What other team compositions work well with Yoimiya?
Popular Yoimiya team compositions include: Yoimiya, Xingqiu/Yelan, Yun Jin/Bennett, Zhongli. These teams focus on Vaporize reactions and provide buffs and protection for Yoimiya.
11. How do I maximize Yoimiya’s damage output?
Focus on building her with high ATK, Pyro DMG Bonus, and CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG. Use characters who can provide buffs and enable Elemental Reactions.
12. Is Yoimiya good against multiple enemies?
No, Yoimiya is primarily a single-target DPS and struggles against multiple enemies.
13. What is Yoimiya’s best artifact set?
The Shimenawa’s Reminiscence artifact set is generally considered Yoimiya’s best artifact set.
14. What is Yoimiya’s best weapon?
Yoimiya’s best weapon depends on your playstyle and team composition. Thundering Pulse is her signature weapon, but other options include Aqua Simulacra, Polar Star, and Rust.
15. Is Yoimiya worth pulling for?
Yoimiya is a strong single-target DPS who can be enjoyable to play. However, her effectiveness is limited by her single-target focus. Consider your needs and preferences before pulling for her.