Is Wanderer a Single-Target DPS in Genshin Impact? A Comprehensive Analysis

Yes and no. The Wanderer, also known as Scaramouche, is primarily a Main DPS character in Genshin Impact who excels at dealing sustained Anemo damage. While some aspects of his kit lean toward single-target focus, his overall capabilities extend to dealing damage to multiple enemies, albeit less efficiently than dedicated AoE DPS characters. His Normal Attacks are single-target oriented. However, his ability to infuse his Elemental Skill with various elements creates different damage capabilities that change his field performance, enabling him to deal with groups of enemies more effectively.

Understanding Wanderer’s Kit: Single-Target vs. AoE

To truly understand the Wanderer’s damage profile, we need to delve into the specifics of his abilities:

• Normal Attacks (Yuuban Meigen): These are his bread and butter, especially during his Windfavored state. They consist of three consecutive attacks and are primarily single-target. This is where much of his personal damage comes from.
• Charged Attack: Consumes Stamina to deal AoE Anemo DMG after a short casting time.
• Elemental Skill (Hanega: Song of the Wind): This is the core of his gameplay. It allows him to leap into the air and enter the Windfavored state. During this state, his Normal and Charged Attacks are enhanced, and he gains increased Movement Speed and Jump Height. He can also hover in the air, making him incredibly mobile. Depending on the element absorbed upon casting this ability, AoE capabilities are improved.
• Elemental Burst (Kyougen: Five Ceremonial Plays): The Wanderer gathers the atmosphere to create a compressed wind vortex that pulls opponents in, dealing multiple instances of AoE Anemo DMG.

The Windfavored State and Elemental Absorption

The key to understanding Wanderer’s AoE potential lies in the Elemental Absorption during his Elemental Skill. When he uses Hanega: Song of the Wind, it will grant him one of the following buffs if it comes into contact with Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro elements:

• Hydro: Increases his Windfavored state’s maximum Kuugoryoku Point (Stamina) capacity, extending his hovering duration.
• Pyro: Increases his ATK.
• Cryo: Increases his CRIT Rate.
• Electro: Restores Energy when his Normal and Charged Attacks hit opponents.

While none of these directly translate to AoE damage increases, the Hydro absorption can indirectly help by allowing him to stay in the air longer, giving him more opportunities to reposition and target multiple enemies. The Electro infusion is especially helpful in team fights, where he can stay on the field longer and deal more damage, especially if he is using his Elemental Burst more frequently.

Constellations: Enhancing AoE Potential

While the Wanderer is viable at C0, some of his constellations offer slight improvements to his AoE potential.

• C2: Amaimon Kaze o Haramishi Kamiyo: Increases Kuugoryoku Point restoration based on the difference between the position of the Windfavored state, which is a noticeable improvement in his capabilities.
• C6: Raikou no Gotoku Hissei Seyo: When the Wanderer, while in his Windfavored state, hits an opponent with his Normal Attack, this Normal Attack will deal additional DMG as follows: Deals 40% of his ATK as DMG. This DMG will be considered Normal Attack DMG and will be triggered up to 5 times within one instance of the Windfavored state. This effect will be canceled once the Wanderer leaves the Windfavored state.

Team Composition and Wanderer’s Role

The Wanderer thrives in teams that can provide him with off-field damage, buffs, and crowd control. Teams built around off-field DPS characters like Fischl, Xingqiu, or Beidou can significantly improve his ability to deal with groups of enemies. Characters that can group enemies together, such as Venti or Kazuha, are also highly valuable.

In essence, while the Wanderer’s Normal Attacks are primarily single-target, his overall kit and team synergies allow him to function effectively in both single-target and multi-target scenarios. He’s more of a sustained DPS than a burst DPS, and his mobility and flexibility make him a valuable asset in a variety of situations. You can see how the mechanics of video games are helping to further education with resources such as the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wanderer

1. Is Wanderer good for single-target damage?

Yes, Wanderer excels at single-target damage, especially during his Windfavored state. His enhanced Normal Attacks can deal consistent and high damage to individual enemies.

2. Can Wanderer deal AoE damage?

While his Normal Attacks are single-target focused, his Elemental Burst provides AoE damage. Additionally, elemental absorption during his Elemental Skill can indirectly improve his AoE potential by extending his hover time and allowing for better repositioning.

3. What are the best elements to absorb with Wanderer’s Elemental Skill for AoE?

None of the elements directly increase AoE damage, but Hydro helps with stamina. The electro infusion is helpful for keeping up uptime on team fights.

4. What are the best team compositions for Wanderer to maximize his AoE potential?

Teams with off-field DPS characters like Fischl, Xingqiu, or Beidou, and crowd control characters like Venti or Kazuha, are ideal for maximizing Wanderer’s AoE potential.

5. Does Wanderer need constellations to be effective in AoE situations?

No, Wanderer is viable at C0. His constellations primarily enhance his single-target damage, stamina, and overall damage output.

6. Is Wanderer better than other Anemo DPS characters for AoE damage?

Xiao and Venti may have better built-in AoE capabilities than the Wanderer.

7. How does Wanderer’s Elemental Burst contribute to his overall damage?

His Elemental Burst provides a burst of AoE Anemo damage and can help pull enemies together, making them easier to target with his Normal Attacks.

8. What is the best weapon for Wanderer?

Mappa Mare is one of the best weapon choices for free-to-play or low-spending players.

9. What are the best artifacts for Wanderer?

Desert Pavilion Chronicle.

10. How important is it to level up Wanderer’s Normal Attack talent?

It is very important.

11. How does Wanderer’s playstyle differ from other DPS characters?

Wanderer has the advantage of range that allows him to easily keep pressure against any enemy, and he is more flexible team wise. He is a main DPS in the team. By using Wanderer’s Elemental Skill, Wanderer can attack at Hovering State.

12. Is Wanderer good for exploration?

Yes, Wanderer’s elemental skill makes him an excellent choice for traversing treacherous terrains. He is also the only catalyst-wielder who specializes in Normal Attacks, allowing for fun button-mashing gameplay while allowing room for technical play to reach a higher damage ceiling.

13. What are the best supports for Wanderer?

Wanderer works well with any off-field dps, buffers and shielders that’s pyro, hydro, cyro and electro. He’s quite versatile in team-building.

14. Does Wanderer scale off ATK?

Wanderer may need his Elemental Skill to properly perform in combat, but his basic attack damage scales with both his Normal Attack and Elemental Skill talents.

15. Is Wanderer worth leveling to 90?

Normal Attack > Skill ≥ Burst

Wanderer’s level contributes less to his damage than other Swirl-based Anemo characters; therefore, leaving him at level 80/90 is fine, but level 90 will still provide some additional damage through low-EM Swirls.