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HP Scaling in Genshin Impact: A Comprehensive Guide

In Genshin Impact, HP scaling refers to a character’s abilities and damage output being directly influenced by their maximum HP (Health Points). This means the higher their HP, the more potent their skills become. Several characters benefit significantly from this mechanic, allowing players to create unique and powerful builds that prioritize survivability without sacrificing damage. While many characters have some level of HP scaling, the most notable ones where it is a core component of their kit are:

Hu Tao: A Pyro Polearm user who is exceptionally reliant on HP. Her Elemental Skill, Guide to Afterlife, converts a portion of her Max HP into Attack, and her damage output increases as her HP decreases. Managing her HP is crucial for maximizing her damage potential.
Kamisato Ayato: A Hydro Sword user, Ayato’s Elemental Skill, Kamisato Art: Kyouka, deals significant Hydro damage. The damage of this skill scales with his Max HP, making HP a crucial stat to build for him.
Zhongli: A Geo Polearm user, and the Geo Archon, benefits from HP scaling in multiple ways. His shield strength is determined by his Max HP, making him an incredibly durable support character. Additionally, his Normal, Plunge, and Charged Attacks now scale with his Max HP, further enhancing his offensive capabilities, making him a decent DPS-Tank.

Understanding HP scaling is vital for optimizing character builds and team compositions, and it opens up exciting possibilities for both offensive and defensive strategies within the game. Learning about the scaling systems of Genshin Impact and the impact they have on gameplay is a fascinating field of study, as discussed by the Games Learning Society.

Understanding HP Scaling Mechanics

HP scaling mechanics vary between characters. Some characters, like Hu Tao, gain an Attack Bonus based on a percentage of their HP. Others, like Zhongli, have their attack damage directly scale with their HP. It’s important to understand how the mechanic works for each character individually to make optimal build decisions. Generally, the core idea is that you increase the character’s survivability (by stacking HP) and damage output simultaneously, resulting in a potent hybrid build. This often necessitates specific weapon and artifact choices to balance HP with other essential stats, like Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Energy Recharge.

The Benefits of HP Scaling

There are several advantages to building characters with HP scaling in mind:

Enhanced Survivability: Increased HP translates directly to greater resilience, allowing characters to withstand more damage.
Increased Damage Output: For characters like Hu Tao and Ayato, building HP significantly boosts their offensive capabilities.
Versatility: HP scaling builds often provide a balance between offense and defense, making characters more versatile in various combat scenarios.
Shield Strength: For characters like Zhongli, a greater HP pool directly increases the strength of their shields, offering greater protection for the team.

Character-Specific HP Scaling Strategies

Hu Tao: The Master of Low HP

Hu Tao’s gameplay revolves around managing her HP to maximize her damage. Her Elemental Skill converts HP into attack, and her passive talents further amplify her damage when her HP is below 50%.

Stat Priority: HP, Crit Rate, Crit Damage, Pyro Damage Bonus, Energy Recharge
Weapons: Staff of Homa (signature weapon, converts HP into ATK), Deathmatch, Dragon’s Bane
Artifacts: 4-Piece Crimson Witch of Flames, 4-Piece Shimenawa’s Reminiscence

It’s crucial to strike a balance between maintaining low HP for increased damage while ensuring she doesn’t get easily defeated.

Kamisato Ayato: Hydro Damage Amplifier

Ayato benefits significantly from HP scaling to amplify his Elemental Skill’s damage. Building HP on Ayato can substantially increase his overall damage output.

Stat Priority: HP, Crit Rate, Crit Damage, ATK, Energy Recharge
Weapons: Haran Geppaku Futsu (signature weapon), Primordial Jade Cutter, Black Sword
Artifacts: 4-Piece Heart of Depth, 4-Piece Echoes of an Offering

Ayato’s ability to regenerate energy when off-field makes him an ideal Burst DPS character, enhancing his versatility.

Zhongli: The Unbreakable Shield

Zhongli’s shield strength scales directly with his HP, making him an exceptional support character. Furthermore, his attacks now deal damage based on his max HP.

Stat Priority: HP, Energy Recharge, Geo Damage Bonus, Crit Rate, Crit Damage.
Weapons: Staff of Homa, Black Tassel (low rarity, but great for HP), Favonius Lance.
Artifacts: 4-Piece Tenacity of the Millelith, 2-Piece Tenacity of the Millelith/2-Piece Archaic Petra

Building Zhongli with high HP ensures a sturdy shield and decent damage output, making him a valuable addition to any team. The study of optimal character builds and gameplay strategies falls under the research interests of organizations like GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is HP scaling in Genshin Impact?

HP scaling is a mechanic where a character’s abilities or damage output directly increases based on their maximum HP. It allows for the creation of tanky builds without sacrificing damage potential.

2. Which characters primarily scale off HP?

The main characters who heavily scale off HP are Hu Tao, Kamisato Ayato, and Zhongli.

3. Is HP scaling better than ATK scaling?

It depends on the character and your desired playstyle. HP scaling provides a blend of survivability and damage, while ATK scaling focuses solely on damage. Some characters benefit more from one over the other.

4. How much HP should I aim for on Hu Tao?

Without her signature weapon Staff of Homa, aim for around 30,000-35,000 HP. With Homa, adjust based on the weapon’s passive and your overall build.

5. Does Zhongli need HP or defense?

Zhongli’s shield scales with HP, not defense. Building HP on Zhongli makes his shield much stronger.

6. Is 50k HP enough for Zhongli?

Yes, 50k HP is generally sufficient for a robust shield and decent Burst damage.

7. How does Hu Tao lose HP so fast?

Hu Tao loses HP when using her Elemental Skill, Guide to Afterlife, to enter the Paramita Papilio state, which converts her HP into attack.

8. Does Ayato need HP?

Yes, Ayato’s Elemental Skill damage scales off his Max HP. Building HP will greatly enhance his damage output.

9. What artifacts are best for HP scaling characters?

Tenacity of the Millelith: Excellent for characters like Zhongli, providing HP and ATK buffs.
Heart of Depth: Ideal for Ayato, boosting Hydro damage and Normal Attack damage.
Crimson Witch of Flames: Best for Hu Tao, increasing Pyro damage and reaction damage.

10. Is there a limit to how much HP is effective?

While there isn’t a hard cap, diminishing returns can occur. Focus on balancing HP with other critical stats like Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Energy Recharge.

11. Can all characters benefit from some HP?

Yes, every character can benefit from having some HP to increase their survivability, even if they don’t scale off HP. It prevents them from being easily one-shot in difficult content.

12. Does HP scaling affect healing abilities?

Some characters’ healing abilities also scale off their HP. For example, Kokomi’s healing output is influenced by her HP.

13. How does HP scaling work in co-op mode?

HP scaling functions the same way in co-op mode as it does in single-player. Each player’s character’s HP and scaling remain independent.

14. Are there any HP scaling weapons?

Yes, several weapons enhance HP scaling builds:

Staff of Homa: Converts HP into ATK.
Black Tassel: Provides a significant HP boost (especially useful for Zhongli).
Primordial Jade Cutter: Provides HP and ATK bonuses.

15. How important is Energy Recharge for HP scaling characters?

Energy Recharge is crucial, especially for characters like Zhongli and Ayato, to ensure they can consistently use their Elemental Bursts. Balancing HP with Energy Recharge is key for sustained performance.

Who scales off HP in Genshin impact?