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Is Yelan a Hydro Applicator? A Deep Dive into Her Hydro Capabilities

Yes, Yelan is definitively a Hydro applicator in Genshin Impact. However, understanding the nuances of her Hydro application requires a closer look at her kit and how it compares to other Hydro characters. While she excels as an off-field DPS and damage buffer, her Hydro application capabilities are often debated in comparison to the established king of Hydro, Xingqiu. This article will break down Yelan’s Hydro application, its strengths, weaknesses, and how it impacts team compositions. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive guide.

Understanding Yelan’s Hydro Application

Yelan primarily applies Hydro through two key aspects of her kit: her Elemental Skill and her Elemental Burst.

Elemental Skill: Lingering Lifeline

Yelan’s Elemental Skill, Lingering Lifeline, allows her to sprint rapidly, marking enemies she passes through. At the end of her sprint, these marked enemies take Hydro damage. This Skill is excellent for quickly applying Hydro to a group of enemies, providing a burst of Hydro application. However, it’s important to note that this application is somewhat limited by the Skill’s cooldown and the sprint’s duration. It’s great for initiation or reapplying Hydro quickly, but not for sustained, constant application.

Elemental Burst: Depth Clarion Dice

The core of Yelan’s Hydro application lies in her Elemental Burst, Depth Clarion Dice. This Burst summons an Exquisite Throw that coordinates with the active character’s Normal Attacks, dealing Hydro damage. Similar to Xingqiu’s Rain Swords, Yelan’s Exquisite Throw attacks apply Hydro to enemies hit by the active character’s Normal Attacks.

The effectiveness of Yelan’s Burst depends on the active character’s Normal Attack frequency. If the active character attacks rapidly, Yelan’s Burst will apply Hydro consistently. However, characters with slower attack speeds will result in a less frequent Hydro application. This is a crucial factor to consider when building teams around Yelan.

Comparing Yelan to Xingqiu: The Hydro Application Showdown

The primary comparison when discussing Yelan’s Hydro application is inevitably with Xingqiu. Xingqiu’s Rain Swords, summoned by his Elemental Burst, also coordinate with the active character’s Normal Attacks to apply Hydro. While the effects are similar, there are key differences.

Application Rate: Generally, Xingqiu has a slightly better Hydro application rate than Yelan. This difference is often attributed to Xingqiu’s potential for 100% Burst uptime with the Sacrificial Sword.
Single Target vs. AoE: Both Xingqiu and Yelan primarily target single enemies with their coordinated attacks, but Yelan’s Elemental Skill offers AoE Hydro application that Xingqiu lacks.
Energy Recharge: Yelan typically requires more Energy Recharge than Xingqiu to maintain Burst uptime. However, this can be mitigated with proper team composition and artifact substats.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Yelan’s Strengths:

Off-field DPS: Yelan deals significant damage off-field, making her a valuable addition to many teams.
Damage Buff: Her A4 passive provides a scaling damage bonus to the active character, further increasing her team’s damage output.
Mobility: Her Elemental Skill offers excellent mobility, making her useful for exploration and dodging attacks.
AoE Hydro Application (Skill): As stated earlier, Yelan is capable of applying Hydro to groups of enemies with her Elemental Skill.

Yelan’s Weaknesses:

Hydro Application Consistency: Her Hydro application is not as consistent as Xingqiu’s, particularly without sufficient Energy Recharge.
Energy Requirements: She needs a significant investment in Energy Recharge to maintain Burst uptime.

Impact on Team Compositions

Yelan’s Hydro application capabilities significantly impact team compositions. She shines in teams that rely on frequent Hydro application for reactions like Vaporize, Electro-Charged, and Hyperbloom. Popular team compositions that utilize Yelan include:

Hu Tao Vaporize: Yelan provides off-field Hydro application for Hu Tao’s Charged Attacks, enabling consistent Vaporize reactions.
Raiden National Team: Yelan replaces Xingqiu in the traditional Raiden National Team, offering increased damage and utility.
Hyperbloom Teams: Yelan can be used in Hyperbloom teams, triggering Bloom seeds and enabling Hyperbloom reactions, however, the addition of a more consistent Hydro applicator (such as Xingqiu) is sometimes needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the best Hydro applicator in Genshin Impact?

While Neuvillette is the highest Hydro DPS, when it comes to pure application, Xingqiu generally has the most consistent Hydro application due to his Burst uptime potential with the Sacrificial Sword. However, the “best” applicator depends on the specific team composition and desired playstyle.

2. Does Yelan apply more Hydro than Xingqiu?

No, Xingqiu generally applies more Hydro than Yelan. Although the gap isn’t massive, Xingqiu’s consistent Burst uptime often gives him the edge.

3. Can Yelan replace Xingqiu in all teams?

Yelan can replace Xingqiu in many, but not all, teams. While she offers higher damage potential and utility, her Hydro application might not be sufficient in teams that demand constant and reliable Hydro.

4. Is Xingqiu better than Yelan in Hyperbloom teams?

In Hyperbloom teams, Xingqiu is often considered better than Yelan due to his more consistent Hydro application, which leads to more Bloom seeds being generated.

5. What is the best artifact set for Yelan?

The best artifact set for Yelan depends on her role in the team. Emblem of Severed Fate is generally the best option for maximizing her Burst damage and addressing her Energy Recharge needs.

6. Should I use an HP% or Hydro DMG% Goblet on Yelan?

Hydro DMG% Goblet is generally recommended for maximizing Yelan’s damage output. While HP% increases her overall HP and damage scaling, Hydro DMG% provides a more significant damage boost.

7. Is Yelan better than Hu Tao?

Yelan and Hu Tao serve different roles. Hu Tao is a main DPS, while Yelan is an off-field DPS and damage buffer. The “better” character depends on your team’s needs. In some teams, having Yelan’s buffs and Hydro application for Hu Tao makes her more valuable for the team overall.

8. Who does Yelan work best with?

Yelan works best with characters who rely on Normal Attacks to trigger her Burst, such as Hu Tao, Yoimiya, and Raiden Shogun.

9. Is Yelan a good F2P character?

Yes, Yelan is a strong character even without constellations. Her base kit provides excellent damage and utility, making her valuable for F2P players.

10. Is Yelan C0 viable?

Yes, Yelan is perfectly viable at C0. Her constellations primarily enhance her damage output but are not essential for her core functionality.

11. Does Yelan need constellations?

While constellations enhance Yelan’s performance, they are not necessary. C1 can help with energy issues, while C6 drastically increases her personal damage, especially during her burst.

12. What weapons are good for Yelan?

Aqua Simulacra is Yelan’s signature weapon and generally considered her best-in-slot. However, other options like Elegy for the End, Favonius Warbow, and Sacrificial Bow are also viable, depending on your team’s needs and Yelan’s role.

13. What stats should I prioritize on Yelan?

The stats you should prioritize on Yelan are: Energy Recharge, HP%, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage.

14. What does Yelan’s C6 do?

Yelan’s C6 allows her to fire special Breakthrough Barbs at the start of her burst, dealing significant Hydro damage. It essentially adds a short period where Yelan can act as an on-field DPS.

15. Is Yelan better than Zhongli for a Hu Tao team?

Yelan is generally considered better than Zhongli for a Hu Tao team. While Zhongli provides shielding and resistance shred, Yelan offers increased damage potential through her off-field damage and damage buff, which synergizes well with Hu Tao’s Vaporize playstyle.

Conclusion

Yelan is undoubtedly a valuable Hydro applicator in Genshin Impact. While she might not surpass Xingqiu in pure Hydro application consistency, her off-field damage, damage buff, and mobility make her a versatile and powerful character. Understanding her strengths and weaknesses allows players to optimize their team compositions and fully utilize Yelan’s potential. As the game continues to evolve, Yelan’s role will solidify further, cementing her place as a top-tier character in Genshin Impact.

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Is Yelan a hydro applicator?