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Who is the Best 4-Star Cryo Character in Genshin Impact?

The answer isn’t as simple as picking one character. The “best” 4-star Cryo character in Genshin Impact depends heavily on your team composition, playstyle, and what you need them to do. However, if forced to choose, Kaeya often emerges as the most versatile and generally useful. He’s a strong contender due to his consistent Cryo application, ease of accessibility (being a free character), and surprising damage potential, especially when built correctly. He serves exceptionally well as a Cryo applicator for Melt or Freeze teams and can even function as a sub-DPS. However, other 4-star Cryo options each bring unique strengths to the table, making the choice ultimately dependent on your specific needs.

Understanding the Cryo Contenders

Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of each notable 4-star Cryo character:

Kaeya: As mentioned, Kaeya is a readily available Cryo sword user who excels at off-field Cryo application with his Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz. This makes him an excellent enabler for Pyro DPS characters like Diluc or Hu Tao, allowing them to trigger Melt consistently. His Elemental Skill, Frostgnaw, is also a quick and reliable source of Cryo application.
Rosaria: Rosaria is a Cryo polearm user who boasts excellent crit-boosting capabilities. Her Elemental Burst, Rites of Termination, creates a Cryo field that deals continuous Cryo damage and increases the Crit Rate of nearby party members based on Rosaria’s own Crit Rate. This makes her a valuable support character for teams that rely on critical hits. She can also serve as a Physical DPS with the right build.
Chongyun: Chongyun is a Cryo claymore user whose Elemental Skill, Chonghua’s Layered Frost, creates a field that infuses all melee characters’ Normal Attacks with Cryo. This is fantastic for enabling Cryo-based reactions, particularly Freeze, and can be a strong choice for teams centered around Shatter. He can also function as a Main DPS, especially in early game or with specific team compositions.
Diona: Diona is a Cryo bow user and a dedicated healer/shielder. Her Elemental Skill, Icy Paws, creates a shield that absorbs damage and applies Cryo to enemies, while her Elemental Burst, Signature Mix, creates a field that heals allies and deals Cryo damage to enemies. She’s a vital asset for survivability and Cryo application, particularly in difficult content like the Spiral Abyss.

Why Kaeya Often Shines

While each character has its niche, Kaeya’s widespread availability and general effectiveness grant him an edge:

Accessibility: As a free character obtained early in the game, Kaeya is readily available to all players. This makes him a reliable option, especially for those who haven’t pulled other Cryo characters.
Easy Cryo Application: His Glacial Waltz is incredibly easy to use and consistently applies Cryo to enemies within its range.
Sub-DPS Potential: With investment, Kaeya can deal substantial damage, making him more than just a Cryo applicator.
Versatility: He fits into a wide range of team compositions, functioning as a sub-DPS, Cryo applicator, or even emergency DPS when needed.

When to Choose Other Cryo Characters

Despite Kaeya’s strengths, there are situations where other 4-star Cryo characters are more suitable:

Need a Healer/Shielder: Diona is undoubtedly the best choice when you need a Cryo character who can provide healing and shielding.
Crit Rate Buffs are Needed: Rosaria excels at boosting the Crit Rate of your team, making her ideal for teams that rely on critical hits for damage.
Freeze Compositions are Desired: Chongyun’s Cryo infusion makes him a great choice for enabling Freeze teams, especially when paired with Hydro characters like Xingqiu or Mona.

Ultimately, the best 4-star Cryo character for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your team composition, playstyle, and the content you’re tackling to make the most informed decision.

FAQs: Diving Deeper into 4-Star Cryo Characters

1. Can Kaeya be a Main DPS?

Yes, Kaeya can be a surprisingly effective Main DPS, especially with Physical damage builds focusing on his Normal Attacks or with Cryo builds leveraging his Elemental Burst. He requires significant investment but can clear content effectively.

2. How does Rosaria’s Crit Rate buff work?

Rosaria’s passive talent, Shadow Samaritan, increases the Crit Rate of all party members (excluding Rosaria herself) by 15% of Rosaria’s Crit Rate for 10 seconds after she uses her Elemental Skill. This can significantly boost your team’s overall damage output.

3. What is Chongyun’s best team composition?

Chongyun excels in Freeze or Shatter compositions. Popular teammates include Xingqiu (Hydro application), Bennett (ATK buff and Pyro resonance), and Sucrose (Anemo for crowd control and Elemental Mastery buff).

4. Is Diona better than Qiqi?

In most cases, Diona is generally considered a better option than Qiqi for healing and utility. Diona provides both healing and a shield, while Qiqi primarily focuses on healing with long cooldowns and energy issues. Diona is more versatile.

5. Which weapon is best for Kaeya?

The Aquila Favonia (5-star) is generally considered Kaeya’s best-in-slot weapon. Among 4-star options, the Black Sword is excellent for DPS Kaeya, while the Favonius Sword is a good choice for support builds focused on energy generation.

6. What artifacts should I use on Rosaria?

For a support Rosaria, the Noblesse Oblige (4-piece) set is a great choice to buff the team’s ATK. For a physical DPS Rosaria, the Pale Flame (4-piece) set is ideal. For a Cryo DPS Rosaria, the Blizzard Strayer (4-piece) is a solid option.

7. How can I improve Chongyun’s damage output?

Focus on increasing his ATK, Crit Rate, and Crit DMG. Utilize Melt and Shatter reactions whenever possible. Ensure he has sufficient Energy Recharge to consistently use his Elemental Burst.

8. What makes Diona a good support character?

Diona provides a strong shield, consistent healing, and Cryo application, all while being relatively easy to build. Her Elemental Burst also provides a consistent source of Cryo damage.

9. Which 4-star Cryo character is best for beginners?

Kaeya is the most accessible and straightforward choice for beginners due to his free availability and easy-to-understand kit.

10. Can Rosaria be used in a Eula team?

Yes, Rosaria is an excellent teammate for Eula. She provides Cryo resonance for increased Crit Rate, and her Elemental Burst can help trigger Superconduct, which reduces enemy Physical Resistance.

11. How does Chongyun interact with other characters that have Elemental infusions?

Chongyun’s Cryo infusion will override any other Elemental infusion from skills or constellations, except for those that are specifically designed to be non-overrideable.

12. What are the best constellations for Kaeya, Rosaria, Chongyun and Diona?

Kaeya: C1 improves his DPS by regenerating HP with each CRIT hit, C2 increases energy recharge while his burst is active.
Rosaria: C2 increases the duration of her Cryo application, C6 shreds Physical Resistance.
Chongyun: C2 reduces Elemental Skill cooldowns, C6 increases Cryo DMG and creates a field that deals additional damage.
Diona: C2 increases shield strength and damage absorption in Co-op, C6 provides Elemental Mastery or Incoming Healing Bonus depending on the ally’s HP.

13. What is the difference between Melt and Reverse Melt?

The Melt reaction occurs when Pyro damage is applied to an enemy already affected by Cryo, dealing 2x damage. Reverse Melt happens when Cryo damage is applied to an enemy already affected by Pyro, dealing 1.5x damage. Applying Pyro first is generally more advantageous.

14. Is it worth investing in multiple Cryo characters?

Absolutely. Different Cryo characters excel in different roles and team compositions. Having a variety of Cryo options allows you to adapt to different challenges and maximize your team’s potential.

15. Where can I learn more about game strategy?

The Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ) is an excellent resource for learning about games, game design, and the educational aspects of gaming. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

In conclusion, while Kaeya’s versatility and accessibility make him a strong contender for the title of best 4-star Cryo character, the “best” choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and team composition. Experiment with different Cryo characters to find the ones that best complement your playstyle and help you conquer the challenges of Teyvat.

Who is the best 4-star cryo character Genshin Impact?