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Is Layla Good for Wanderer? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: yes, Layla can be a good support option for Wanderer (Scaramouche), particularly in specific team compositions. However, her effectiveness isn’t straightforward, and it’s important to understand her strengths and weaknesses in relation to Wanderer’s playstyle. While she offers a solid shield and Cryo application, she’s not always the best fit for every Wanderer team, and other characters might provide more direct synergy. Let’s delve into the details of why Layla can work well with Wanderer, and under what circumstances.

Layla’s Strengths and Synergies with Wanderer

Layla’s primary role is that of a Cryo support character, focused on providing two core benefits: a strong shield and consistent off-field Cryo application. Her Elemental Skill, “Nights of Formal Focus,” deals Cryo damage in an area around her while generating a shield based on her max HP. This shield is incredibly durable, and significantly helps Wanderer who is quite vulnerable while airborne.

Here’s a breakdown of her contributions:

Shielding: Wanderer is vulnerable when he’s in his Elemental Skill’s hover state, “Hanega: Song of the Wind”. He can easily be interrupted and knocked down by enemy attacks, interrupting his damage output. Layla’s shield provides much-needed protection during this crucial time, allowing Wanderer to maintain his airborne stance and continue dealing damage. This is arguably her most significant benefit to a Wanderer team.
Cryo Application: While not the strongest, Layla’s off-field Cryo application from her skill is consistent. This allows for Freeze reactions when paired with Hydro characters. Though, a true “Freeze-team” is not Wanderer’s best performing comp overall. It can allow for the Cryo application needed to trigger one of Wanderer’s ascenion passive.
Passive Synergy: Layla being a Cryo character activates Wanderer’s passive, which will give him a boost in his overall damage. However, timing and rotations can be needed for this to work effectively, making it potentially harder to execute.
Replacement for Zhongli: If you lack Zhongli, who is considered the best shielder in the game for his universal resistance shred, Layla can be a very viable alternative. She provides a strong shield that keeps Wanderer safe, even if she lacks the resistance shred.

When Layla Isn’t the Best Choice for Wanderer

While Layla offers value, she has shortcomings when compared to other potential supports for Wanderer:

Limited Damage: Layla’s personal damage output is weak, particularly at low constellations. She’s designed to be a utility support, not a sub-DPS. This means she won’t contribute a substantial amount of damage to the overall team DPS.
Constellation Dependency: Her support capabilities are somewhat locked behind constellations. While her shield is good from the start, aspects like her energy generation and Cryo application improve significantly with higher constellations.
Better Options Available: If your primary goal is damage amplification for Wanderer, other characters like Faruzan, Bennett, and Yelan often provide more substantial benefits in team damage output.
Freeze Team Limitations: While a Freeze team comp can work with Wanderer and Layla, it is not his best possible composition. Other team comps utilizing Pyro or Hydro often achieve higher damage outputs.

Ideal Team Compositions with Layla and Wanderer

Despite some limitations, Layla can excel in specific Wanderer teams, particularly those that benefit from a sturdy shield and the occasional Freeze reaction.

Wanderer, Layla, Hydro Applicator (like Ayato or Mona), Flex Support (like Faruzan or an Anemo battery): This team utilizes Layla’s shield for protection, Hydro application for Freeze, and a flex slot for damage or energy recharge. This is the more ideal way to make use of Layla and Wanderer. However, it is still recommended to use other supports if you aren’t wanting the Freeze aspect.
Wanderer, Layla, Electro Application (like Fischl or Beidou), Flex Support (like an Anemo Battery): This team uses Layla’s Shield for protection, and Electro to trigger a reaction while Wanderer is airborne to maximize his damage output. It is still recommended to use another Anemo support like Faruzan though.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Layla’s shield strong enough for Wanderer?

Yes, Layla’s shield is one of the strongest in the game, especially when built with HP as the primary stat. It offers excellent protection for Wanderer, preventing interruptions during his Elemental Skill.

2. Does Layla apply enough Cryo for Freeze reactions?

Layla’s Cryo application is consistent but not overwhelming. It’s enough to facilitate occasional Freeze reactions, particularly when paired with a Hydro character with strong AoE application like Ayato or Mona.

3. Is Layla good as a Zhongli replacement for Wanderer?

Layla is a great alternative to Zhongli if you lack him. While she doesn’t provide the universal resistance shred that Zhongli does, her shield is potent and keeps Wanderer protected in battles.

4. What are Layla’s best weapons?

Layla’s best weapons include the Key of Khaj-Nisut, Primordial Jade Cutter, Freedom-Sworn, Sacrificial Sword, and Favonius Sword. These provide a mix of HP scaling, energy recharge and utility for shield strength.

5. What’s the best artifact build for Layla with Wanderer?

For Layla, focus on HP-focused artifacts with pieces having HP% main stats, especially on the Timepiece. If energy recharge is an issue use an energy recharge timepiece instead. The best artifact sets include Tenacity of the Millelith for more HP and shield strength or a 2pc/2pc combination of Tenacity of the Millelith and another 2 pc HP set like Vourukasha’s Glow.

6. Should I level Layla to 90 for my Wanderer team?

Yes, level Layla to 90 for maximum utility. Her final Ascension grants a significant boost to her base HP, which further enhances her shield strength.

7. Is Layla better than Diona for a Wanderer team?

Layla and Diona are both Cryo supports with different roles. Diona provides healing in addition to shielding but Layla provides stronger shielding. For Wanderer, Layla’s shielding is generally more useful than Diona’s healing, especially if you have another healing source on the team.

8. What is Wanderer’s best artifact set?

Wanderer’s best artifact set is Desert Pavilion Chronicle, which boosts Anemo damage and Normal/Charged attack damage, perfectly suited to his playstyle.

9. What are Wanderer’s best stats?

Prioritize Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack%. Aim for a balanced Crit ratio and sufficient Attack to maximize Wanderer’s DPS. Anemo Damage bonus on the goblet should be used for the best damage results.

10. Is Wanderer stronger than Xiao?

Both are strong DPS characters. Wanderer is generally favored for his better synergies and exploration utility, while Xiao excels at Plunge attacks. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference.

11. Why is Wanderer weak against interruptions?

Wanderer’s vulnerability stems from the fact that when he is hit while airborne, he gets knocked down and must recover before being able to attack again. This is a major vulnerability, therefore shielding him with characters like Layla is important.

12. Is Wanderer a DPS character?

Yes, Wanderer is a Main DPS character, designed to be on-field for extended periods, dealing significant damage with his normal attacks.

13. What are the best weapons for Wanderer?

Wanderer’s best weapons include the Tullaytullah’s Remembrance, Skyward Atlas, Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds and Memory of Dust. For free to play options, Mappa Mare is a good choice.

14. Is Faruzan essential for Wanderer?

Faruzan is a highly recommended support for Wanderer, particularly at C6. She provides significant Anemo damage buffs and RES shred, greatly enhancing Wanderer’s DPS potential.

15. Can Layla be a Sub-DPS?

While Layla can deal some off-field damage, she is primarily a support character. Her damage output is generally low, and she’s best utilized for her shielding and Cryo application. Her damage should not be focused on.

Conclusion

Layla is a competent support option for Wanderer, particularly if you need a reliable shield and Cryo application. She can help enable Freeze teams and mitigate Wanderer’s vulnerability while airborne. However, she’s not always the optimal choice if your goal is maximized damage output, as characters like Faruzan, Bennett, or Yelan may provide more significant buffs. Ultimately, Layla’s effectiveness with Wanderer comes down to your specific team composition and your overall team building needs.

Is Layla good for Wanderer?