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The Ultimate Sub-DPS Showdown: Unveiling Genshin Impact’s Top Contenders

The best sub-DPS character in Genshin Impact is a hotly debated topic, but Xingqiu consistently ranks at the top. His consistent Hydro application, high damage multipliers, and energy regeneration make him invaluable in many team compositions. However, the “best” sub-DPS is ultimately team composition-dependent, as different characters excel in specific scenarios and with specific main DPS units.

Understanding the Sub-DPS Role

Before diving into specific characters, let’s clarify what a sub-DPS is in Genshin Impact. A sub-DPS is a character whose primary function is to deal significant damage while off-field. They often apply elemental effects, enabling powerful elemental reactions triggered by the main DPS, the character who spends the most time on the field dealing sustained damage.

Key Characteristics of a Great Sub-DPS:

Off-Field Damage: Deals significant damage while not actively being controlled.
Consistent Elemental Application: Reliably applies their element to enable reactions.
Energy Generation: Contributes to the team’s overall energy economy.
Team Synergy: Complements the main DPS and other team members.
Low Field Time Requirement: Delivers impact quickly and efficiently.

Top Sub-DPS Characters in Genshin Impact

While Xingqiu often takes the crown, several other characters are strong contenders. Here’s a look at some of the best, categorized by element:

Hydro

Xingqiu: As mentioned, Xingqiu’s Rain Swords provide consistent Hydro application and substantial damage. He’s a cornerstone of Vaporize and Electro-Charged teams.
Yelan: Often considered an upgrade to Xingqiu in terms of pure damage, Yelan’s Exquisite Throw deals significant Hydro damage based on her HP.
Kokomi: While primarily a healer, Kokomi’s bake-Kurage provides consistent Hydro application in a wide AOE, making her useful for Bloom and Freeze teams.

Pyro

Xiangling: Xiangling’s Guoba and Pyronado offer excellent off-field Pyro damage and application. She’s particularly strong with Bennett for energy regeneration.
Bennett: While primarily a healer and buffer, Bennett’s fast elemental application with his Elemental Skill contributes to his effectiveness.

Electro

Fischl: Fischl’s Oz provides consistent Electro application and significant single-target damage.
Raiden Shogun: While often played as a main DPS, Raiden Shogun’s Eye of Stormy Judgment provides consistent Electro application and energy regeneration for the team.

Dendro

Nahida: Nahida is an exceptional Dendro sub-DPS due to her consistent Dendro application via her Skill and Burst. Her ability to trigger Dendro reactions like Quicken, Aggravate, Bloom, and Hyperbloom makes her invaluable.
Dendro Traveler: Their Burst allows for great Dendro Application with a strong AOE.

Cryo

Rosaria: Rosaria is a solid pick for Cryo teams.
Kaeya: Kaeya is a good pick in the early game to apply cryo damage.

Anemo

Kazuha: Kazuha is very powerful, despite being an anemo type.
Sucrose: Sucrose can be an okay replacement for players who lack Venti, and is the best current 4-star Anemo user in Genshin Impact.

Who to Choose? It Depends!

The “best” sub-DPS isn’t a universal answer. Consider these factors when building your team:

Main DPS: Which element does your main DPS utilize? Choose a sub-DPS that enables reactions with that element.
Enemy Type: Are you fighting single-target bosses or hordes of enemies? Some sub-DPS characters excel in one area more than the other.
Energy Requirements: Does your team struggle with energy? Characters like Raiden Shogun and Xingqiu can help alleviate this problem.
Personal Playstyle: Do you prefer a more active or passive playstyle? Some sub-DPS characters require more frequent rotations than others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a sub-DPS and a support character?

While both roles support the main DPS, sub-DPS characters focus on dealing damage, while support characters primarily provide healing, buffs, or crowd control. Some characters can fulfill both roles to some extent.

2. Is it necessary to have a sub-DPS in every team?

Not always, but highly recommended for maximizing damage output. A well-built sub-DPS can significantly increase your team’s overall effectiveness.

3. How important are constellations for sub-DPS characters?

Constellations can significantly enhance a sub-DPS’s capabilities, but many are effective even at C0 (constellation level 0).

4. What artifacts are best for sub-DPS characters?

Artifact choices depend on the character and their role. Generally, focus on stats that boost their damage output, such as Elemental Mastery, ATK%, Crit Rate, and Crit DMG. Emblem of Severed Fate is a popular choice for characters with energy recharge needs.

5. How do I build Xingqiu for maximum sub-DPS potential?

Prioritize Energy Recharge (around 180-200%), Hydro DMG Bonus, Crit Rate/DMG. The Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set is ideal. Sacrificial Sword is his best weapon for energy generation.

6. What is Elemental Mastery (EM) and why is it important for some sub-DPS characters?

Elemental Mastery increases the damage dealt by elemental reactions. It’s particularly important for characters triggering reactions like Vaporize, Melt, Electro-Charged, and Bloom.

7. Can a main DPS also function as a sub-DPS?

Yes, some characters can switch between roles depending on the team composition and situation. For example, Raiden Shogun can be a main DPS or a sub-DPS, depending on the team.

8. Which weapons are best for sub-DPS characters?

Weapon choice depends on the character and their stats. Some popular options include the Sacrificial Sword, Favonius Sword, The Catch, and weapons with high Crit DMG or ATK%.

9. How does energy recharge affect a sub-DPS’s performance?

Energy Recharge determines how quickly a character can charge their Elemental Burst. A higher Energy Recharge allows them to use their Burst more frequently, leading to higher damage output.

10. Is it worth investing resources into a 4-star sub-DPS character?

Absolutely! Many 4-star characters, like Xingqiu and Xiangling, are incredibly powerful and can rival the performance of some 5-star characters.

11. How do I optimize my team rotations to maximize sub-DPS damage?

Team rotations involve strategically switching between characters to use their skills and bursts in the most effective order. Practice your rotations to ensure you’re maximizing elemental reactions and damage output.

12. What are some common team compositions that utilize sub-DPS characters?

Vaporize Teams: Hu Tao/Diluc (Main DPS) + Xingqiu/Yelan (Sub-DPS) + Bennett (Support)
Electro-Charged Teams: Tartaglia (Main DPS) + Fischl/Raiden Shogun (Sub-DPS) + Beidou (Sub-DPS)
Freeze Teams: Ayaka/Ganyu (Main DPS) + Kokomi/Mona (Hydro Applicator) + Rosaria (Cryo Support)
Quicken/Aggravate Teams: Alhaitham (Main DPS) + Nahida (Sub-DPS) + Fischl (Electro Application)

13. How important is Talent Leveling for Sub-DPS characters?

Talent leveling is extremely important for sub-DPS characters. Focus on leveling the Talents that contribute to their off-field damage, such as Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst.

14. Can the Games Learning Society help improve my Genshin Impact skills?

While the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org focuses on broader game-based learning and research, understanding game mechanics and strategic thinking are transferable skills that can certainly enhance your Genshin Impact gameplay.

15. What is the future of the sub-DPS role in Genshin Impact?

As new characters and elements are introduced, the sub-DPS role will continue to evolve. New team compositions and strategies will emerge, making it an exciting and dynamic aspect of the game.

Who is the best sub-DPS character in Genshin?