Should You Pull for Hu Tao or Wait? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The burning question on every Traveler’s mind during Hu Tao’s rerun: should you spend your hard-earned Primogems to bring the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to your team, or should you wait for a future banner? The answer, as always, is nuanced and depends entirely on your individual circumstances and needs.
Here’s the short answer: Pull for Hu Tao if you need a top-tier Pyro DPS, have the resources (weapons, artifacts, talent materials) to invest in her, and enjoy her playstyle. Wait if you’re happy with your current DPS roster, have other characters you prioritize more, or are unsure if you can fully utilize her potential. Let’s delve deeper into why.
The Case for Pulling Hu Tao
Hu Tao is undeniably one of the best damage dealers in Genshin Impact. Her kit revolves around HP scaling, which allows her to achieve incredible damage numbers, especially when paired with Vaporize or Melt reactions. Here are some compelling reasons to consider pulling for her:
- Top-Tier Pyro DPS: Hu Tao consistently ranks among the highest DPS characters in the game, capable of clearing challenging content like the Spiral Abyss with ease. Her single-target damage output is exceptional.
- Unique Playstyle: Her playstyle, while requiring some practice, is engaging and rewarding. Managing her HP below 50% to maximize her damage and utilizing animation cancels for efficient stamina management adds a layer of skill to her gameplay.
- F2P-Friendly (Somewhat): While her signature weapon, Staff of Homa, significantly boosts her damage, she can still perform admirably with F2P-friendly options like Dragon’s Bane (especially at higher refinements).
- Elemental Reactions: Hu Tao’s Pyro application is excellent, making her a perfect enabler for Vaporize with Hydro characters like Xingqiu or Yelan. This amplifies her damage potential considerably.
- Crimson Witch of Flames Potential: If you already have a strong Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set, Hu Tao can slot right in and start dealing significant damage immediately.
- Endgame Viability: Hu Tao remains a powerful force in the endgame content. She is one of the best characters you can use to clear spiral abyss!
The Case for Waiting
While Hu Tao is a fantastic character, she’s not a must-have for everyone. There are valid reasons to consider skipping her banner:
- Existing DPS Characters: If you already have a well-built Pyro DPS like Diluc, Yanfei, or Xiangling (at C4 or higher), or another strong DPS of a different element like Neuvillette or Alhaitham, you might not need Hu Tao.
- Resource Investment: Building Hu Tao to her full potential requires significant investment in artifacts (Crimson Witch of Flames with good stats), weapons, and talent levels. If you’re lacking these resources, she might underperform compared to your other characters.
- Playstyle Preference: Hu Tao’s low-HP playstyle can be challenging and stressful for some players. If you prefer characters with simpler or more forgiving playstyles, she might not be the right fit.
- Future Banners: Genshin Impact is constantly evolving, with new characters and reruns being released regularly. There might be a character coming up in the future that better suits your needs or playstyle. Notably, characters like Furina may have greater overall team value even if they don’t deal DPS specifically.
- Constellations: While Hu Tao is viable at C0, her C1 (A Bouquet Blooms Always) significantly improves her gameplay by eliminating stamina issues during her Charged Attacks. If you’re not planning to invest in constellations, her C0 playstyle might feel clunky.
- Team Dependency: Hu Tao relies heavily on specific team compositions to maximize her damage. In particular, the Hydro application of Xingqiu or Yelan is almost essential for consistent Vaporize reactions.
Key Considerations Before Making Your Decision
Before you make a final decision, consider these factors:
- Primogem Count: How many Primogems do you have available? Are you close to a guaranteed 5-star character?
- Character Needs: What role are you trying to fill in your team? Do you specifically need a Pyro DPS?
- Weapon Availability: Do you have a suitable weapon for Hu Tao, such as Staff of Homa, Staff of the Scarlet Sands, or Dragon’s Bane?
- Artifact Situation: Do you have a decent Crimson Witch of Flames set with good main stats and substats?
- Team Composition: Do you have the necessary support characters to create a strong team for Hu Tao, particularly Xingqiu or Yelan?
- Gameplay Style: Do you enjoy Hu Tao’s playstyle, including managing her HP and using animation cancels?
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pull for Hu Tao or wait is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your own needs and preferences, and make the choice that will bring you the most enjoyment in Genshin Impact. Remember to always play responsibly and set a budget for your spending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hu Tao
H3 1. Is Hu Tao worth pulling if I’m F2P?
Yes, Hu Tao is worth pulling as a F2P player if you need a strong DPS. However, be prepared to invest time in farming artifacts and leveling her talents. Dragon’s Bane is a viable F2P weapon option, especially at higher refinements.
H3 2. How important is Hu Tao’s C1?
Hu Tao’s C1 significantly improves her playability by eliminating stamina consumption during Charged Attacks, making her combos smoother and more consistent. While she’s viable at C0, C1 is a considerable quality-of-life upgrade.
H3 3. What is the best weapon for Hu Tao?
The Staff of Homa is undeniably Hu Tao’s best weapon, providing a substantial boost to her HP and ATK. However, other options like Staff of the Scarlet Sands, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, and even Dragon’s Bane can be effective.
H3 4. What is the best artifact set for Hu Tao?
The Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set is generally considered the best for Hu Tao, providing Pyro DMG Bonus and increasing Vaporize/Melt reaction damage. However, a 2-piece Crimson Witch + 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith can be a good alternative if you have better substats on those pieces.
H3 5. What are the best team compositions for Hu Tao?
Hu Tao typically thrives in Vaporize teams with Xingqiu or Yelan for Hydro application. Other common team members include Zhongli for shielding and resistance shred, and Albedo for off-field damage. A Double Hydro, Double Pyro team comp, usually consisting of Hu Tao, Xingqiu, Yelan, and Zhongli, is the most popular.
H3 6. How do I effectively manage Hu Tao’s low HP?
The goal is to keep Hu Tao’s HP below 50% to maximize her damage, but not so low that she’s in danger of being one-shot. Use characters like Zhongli for shielding or healers with controlled healing like Xingqiu or Diona to maintain her HP within the optimal range.
H3 7. Should I pull for Hu Tao or Staff of Homa?
If you already have a good polearm DPS, pulling for Staff of Homa might be a better investment as it’s a versatile weapon that can be used on multiple characters. However, if you need a strong Pyro DPS, pulling for Hu Tao first might be the priority.
H3 8. Is Hu Tao better than other Pyro DPS characters like Diluc or Klee?
Hu Tao generally deals higher single-target damage than Diluc or Klee, especially when paired with Vaporize reactions. However, Diluc offers a more consistent and less risky playstyle, while Klee excels in AoE situations.
H3 9. What talents should I prioritize leveling on Hu Tao?
Prioritize leveling Hu Tao’s Elemental Skill (Guide to Afterlife), as it’s the main source of her damage. Then, level her Normal Attack and Elemental Burst.
H3 10. What stats should I focus on when building Hu Tao?
Focus on HP%, Crit Rate/Crit DMG, Pyro DMG Bonus, and Elemental Mastery. Aim for a Crit Rate of 60-70% and a Crit DMG of 120-140% or higher.
H3 11. Why is Hu Tao better at low health?
Hu Tao’s passive talent “Flutter By” increases her Pyro DMG Bonus by 33% when her HP is below or equal to 50%. Her Elemental Burst also deals more damage and heals more when she’s below 50% HP.
H3 12. What weekly boss does Hu Tao need materials from?
Hu Tao needs materials from the Childe/Tartaglia weekly boss (Enter the Golden House domain) – specifically the Shard of a Foul Legacy.
H3 13. Who is the best support for Hu Tao?
Xingqiu is widely considered Hu Tao’s best support, providing consistent Hydro application for Vaporize reactions. Yelan is another excellent choice.
H3 14. Is it worth leveling Hu Tao to level 90?
Leveling Hu Tao to level 90 provides a noticeable increase in her HP and damage output, but it’s a significant resource investment. It’s worth it if you want to maximize her potential, but not essential for clearing most content.
H3 15. Where can I find more information about game-based learning?
For insights on the educational potential and social impact of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.