Conquering the Electro Archon: The Best 4-Star Characters to Defeat Raiden Shogun
Raiden Shogun, the Electro Archon of Inazuma, is a formidable opponent, both as a weekly boss and as a character in the Spiral Abyss. While 5-star characters often dominate team compositions, several 4-star characters can significantly contribute to defeating her, leveraging their unique abilities and elemental synergies. The best 4-star characters to use against Raiden Shogun depend on the specific encounter (weekly boss vs. team member) and your overall team composition, but the top contenders include Bennett, Xiangling, Fischl, and Xingqiu. These characters provide essential support, damage, and elemental reactions, making them invaluable assets in your fight against the Electro Archon.
Unlocking the Potential: Top 4-Star Choices
Here’s a more detailed look at why these 4-star characters excel against Raiden Shogun:
Bennett: The Pyro Archon (Unofficially)
- Healing and ATK Buff: Bennett’s Elemental Burst, Fantastic Voyage, provides a substantial ATK buff within its radius, significantly boosting the damage output of your entire team. The healing component is crucial for survivability during Raiden Shogun’s more aggressive phases.
- Pyro Application: While not the primary focus, Bennett’s Pyro application can contribute to Overload reactions, especially useful against the Baleful Shadowlord’s shield in the weekly boss fight.
- Universal Support: Bennett’s kit is universally beneficial, making him a valuable addition to almost any team composition, not just those specifically designed for fighting Raiden Shogun.
Xiangling: The Pyro DPS Powerhouse
- Consistent Pyro Application: Xiangling’s Elemental Skill, Guoba, and Elemental Burst, Pyronado, provide consistent off-field Pyro application, enabling powerful Vaporize and Melt reactions. This is particularly effective against the Baleful Shadowlord’s Electro shield.
- High Damage Potential: When properly geared and supported, Xiangling can deal considerable damage, making her a valuable damage dealer in addition to her elemental application capabilities.
- F2P Friendly: Xiangling can be obtained for free by completing Floor 3, Chamber 3 of the Spiral Abyss, making her accessible to all players.
Fischl: The Electro Sub-DPS Specialist
- Off-Field Electro Application: Fischl’s Elemental Skill, Nightrider, summons Oz, who remains on the field to continuously deal Electro damage. This is crucial for triggering Superconduct reactions to lower enemy physical resistance, useful for physical DPS characters. Also, Oz helps in breaking the remembrance flowers during the Raiden Shogun’s fight.
- Consistent Damage: Oz’s consistent Electro damage contributes significantly to overall DPS, even when Fischl is off-field.
- Energy Generation: Fischl is an excellent battery, generating energy for the team and helping to keep Elemental Bursts readily available.
Xingqiu: The Hydro Sub-DPS All-Star
- Hydro Application for Vaporize: Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, and Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, provide consistent off-field Hydro application. This is indispensable for enabling Vaporize reactions with Pyro characters like Xiangling and Hu Tao.
- Damage Reduction and Interruption Resistance: Xingqiu’s Rain Swords provide damage reduction and increase resistance to interruption, improving survivability.
- Solid Damage Output: Xingqiu contributes significant damage even when off-field, making him a valuable sub-DPS.
Considerations for Team Building
When assembling your team to face Raiden Shogun, remember these key factors:
- Elemental Reactions: Leverage elemental reactions like Vaporize, Melt, Overload, and Superconduct to maximize damage output.
- Energy Recharge: Ensure your team has sufficient Energy Recharge to consistently use Elemental Bursts. Raiden Shogun, ironically, can help with this.
- Survivability: Include a healer or shielder to mitigate damage and ensure your team’s survival. Bennett is ideal for healing and buffing.
- Role Coverage: Balance your team with a main DPS, sub-DPS, support, and healer/shielder.
The Importance of Understanding Game Mechanics
To effectively use these characters, understanding the underlying game mechanics is crucial. Resources like those provided by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can offer valuable insights into game design and how mechanics influence player strategy. By learning more about the systems at play, you can make more informed decisions about team compositions and character builds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Electro characters effectively damage Raiden Shogun?
Yes, despite being an Electro Archon, Raiden Shogun (both the weekly boss and playable character) is not immune to Electro damage. In fact, she has a standard 10% resistance to all elements. Fischl’s Electro application is valuable for triggering Superconduct and generating energy for your team.
2. What are the best weapon options for these 4-star characters?
- Bennett: Festering Desire (event-limited), Favonius Sword (Energy Recharge), Sapwood Blade (ATK).
- Xiangling: The Catch (free from fishing), Dragon’s Bane (Elemental Mastery), Favonius Lance (Energy Recharge).
- Fischl: Stringless (Elemental Mastery), Favonius Warbow (Energy Recharge), Alley Hunter (ATK).
- Xingqiu: Sacrificial Sword (Energy Recharge), Favonius Sword (Energy Recharge).
3. What artifact sets are recommended for these characters?
- Bennett: Noblesse Oblige (for team ATK buff), Instructor (for Elemental Mastery buff).
- Xiangling: Emblem of Severed Fate (Energy Recharge and Burst damage), Crimson Witch of Flames (Pyro damage).
- Fischl: Golden Troupe (Elemental Skill damage), Thundering Fury (Electro damage).
- Xingqiu: Emblem of Severed Fate (Energy Recharge and Burst damage), Heart of Depth (Hydro damage).
4. How important is Constellation level for these 4-star characters?
Constellation levels can significantly enhance the performance of these characters, but they are all viable even at C0. Key constellations to look out for are:
- Bennett C1: Removes the HP restriction on his ATK buff.
- Xiangling C4: Extends the duration of Pyronado.
- Fischl C6: Oz attacks alongside the active character.
- Xingqiu C2: Increases Hydro resistance shred and extends Raincutter duration.
5. Can I use other 4-star characters against Raiden Shogun?
Absolutely! Other viable options include:
- Sucrose: Provides Elemental Mastery buff and crowd control.
- Beidou: Offers damage reduction and Electro counter.
- Rosaria: Crit Rate buff and Physical resistance shred.
6. How do I effectively use elemental reactions against Raiden Shogun?
Focus on maximizing Vaporize and Melt reactions with Pyro and Cryo characters. Superconduct can also lower her Physical resistance, benefiting physical DPS characters. Overload is situationally useful for breaking the Baleful Shadowlord’s shield.
7. What level should my characters be to fight Raiden Shogun?
Aim for at least Level 80, with talents leveled up to at least Level 6. Level 90 is ideal for maximizing damage potential.
8. What team compositions work best with these 4-star characters against Raiden Shogun?
Some effective team compositions include:
- National Team: Bennett, Xiangling, Xingqiu, Chongyun (or any Cryo character).
- Raiden National Team: Raiden Shogun, Bennett, Xiangling, Xingqiu.
- Physical Team: Fischl, Rosaria, Razor (or any Physical DPS), Bennett.
9. How do I break the Baleful Shadowlord’s Electro shield effectively?
Cryo and Pyro characters are most effective at breaking the shield. Consistent application of these elements will quickly deplete the shield.
10. Is it necessary to have a dedicated healer in my team?
While not always mandatory, having a dedicated healer like Bennett significantly improves survivability, especially during Raiden Shogun’s more challenging phases.
11. How important is Energy Recharge when fighting Raiden Shogun?
Energy Recharge is crucial, as it allows you to consistently use Elemental Bursts. Raiden Shogun herself provides Energy Recharge, but you should still ensure your team has sufficient Energy Recharge stats.
12. Can I defeat Raiden Shogun with only 4-star characters?
Yes, it is entirely possible to defeat Raiden Shogun with a well-built and synergistic team of 4-star characters. Proper team composition, character builds, and skillful gameplay are key.
13. What is the best way to learn more about Genshin Impact’s game mechanics?
Explore resources like the Genshin Impact Wiki, community forums, and educational platforms like the Games Learning Society. Understanding game mechanics will significantly improve your gameplay.
14. Is Raiden Shogun immune to crowd control effects?
Raiden Shogun is resistant to most crowd control effects, but some, like Freeze, can still be applied briefly.
15. How does Raiden Shogun’s Musou Isshin state affect my strategy?
During the Musou Isshin state, Raiden Shogun’s attacks become more aggressive and deal Electro damage. Focus on dodging and using shields to mitigate damage.
By understanding these 4-star characters’ strengths, leveraging elemental reactions, and building a synergistic team, you can confidently conquer the Electro Archon and claim your rewards.