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Who Should I Use Shenhe With? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of who to pair with Shenhe is crucial for maximizing her potential in Genshin Impact. As a dedicated Cryo support, Shenhe’s kit is designed to amplify the damage of other Cryo characters, making her synergy with these characters incredibly powerful. In short, you should use Shenhe with any team that heavily relies on Cryo damage, and prioritize characters that benefit significantly from her buffs and particle generation. Her unique mechanics offer substantial boosts but require careful team composition for the best results.

Understanding Shenhe’s Strengths and Role

Before diving into specific characters, it’s important to understand what makes Shenhe a valuable asset. Her primary function is to increase Cryo damage and provide consistent Cryo application. She does this through her Elemental Skill, which grants an ATK bonus based on her own ATK stat, as well as by reducing enemies’ Cryo resistance. Her Elemental Burst further amplifies Cryo damage while also applying consistent Cryo to enemies. Moreover, she is a reliable Cryo battery, generating particles that help fuel high-cost bursts of other Cryo units, thus reducing their energy requirements.

Shenhe’s kit is not universal; it’s tailored specifically to Cryo-focused teams. While she can provide utility in other compositions, her primary value is unlocked when paired with Cryo DPS characters. Therefore, when considering which characters to use with Shenhe, focus on those who will make best use of her Cryo damage buffs and Cryo application.

Key Characters to Pair With Shenhe

Here are some of the best characters to pair with Shenhe, along with explanations of their synergies:

1. Ayaka

Ayaka is arguably Shenhe’s most potent pairing. Ayaka’s high damage output, particularly from her Elemental Burst, greatly benefits from Shenhe’s buffs. Ayaka’s consistent Cryo damage combined with Shenhe’s Cryo application allows for a powerful and sustained Cryo onslaught. Shenhe’s particle generation also helps mitigate Ayaka’s high energy cost, allowing for more consistent burst uptime. This synergy makes them a core duo in many Ayaka Freeze teams.

2. Ganyu

As another top-tier Cryo DPS, Ganyu synergizes extremely well with Shenhe. Both are disciples of Cloud Retainer, and their kits complement each other seamlessly. Ganyu’s charged attacks and Elemental Burst benefit greatly from the damage boost provided by Shenhe. Like Ayaka, Ganyu also needs a fair amount of energy, and Shenhe’s battery capabilities greatly aid her. Their combined force results in devastating damage, making them a force to be reckoned with in any Cryo-focused team.

3. Eula

While Eula is primarily a Physical DPS, pairing her with Shenhe can still yield beneficial results. Eula’s Cryo application, though secondary, still triggers Shenhe’s buffs, enhancing her cryo-infused hits. Furthermore, Shenhe’s particle generation can assist Eula with her high-cost Elemental Burst, making it available more frequently. Although not the most synergistic pairing, they can still be effective in certain team compositions and Eula can still enjoy some extra Cryo DMG and buff.

4. Rosaria

Rosaria is another strong Cryo character to consider alongside Shenhe. She provides Cryo application and Crit Rate bonuses to the team, which further enhances the overall damage output when paired with Shenhe’s offensive buffing abilities. In a reverse melt comp, Rosaria’s Cryo can interact with Pyro to create melt reactions, amplifying team damage.

5. Chongyun

Chongyun can be an interesting addition as a supporting Cryo character alongside Shenhe. While not as high-tier as the other mentioned characters, his ability to infuse normal attacks with Cryo can further benefit from Shenhe’s damage buffs. While not a must-have pairing, he can synergize well in specific Cryo-heavy compositions.

6. Anemo Characters (Especially Kazuha or Venti)

While not Cryo characters themselves, Anemo supports like Kazuha and Venti are invaluable in any team with Shenhe. They can group enemies together, allowing Shenhe’s AoE Cryo attacks to hit multiple enemies. Further, they can reduce enemy elemental resistance with the Viridescent Venerer artifact set, leading to more damage. These Anemo supports are pivotal for optimizing team damage in Mono Cryo and Permafreeze teams, making them crucial supports for teams centered on Cryo damage and Shenhe’s strengths.

Team Compositions

Here are a few team compositions where Shenhe shines:

Ayaka Freeze: Ayaka (DPS), Shenhe (Support), Kokomi/Mona (Hydro), Kazuha/Venti (Anemo).
Mono Cryo: Ayaka/Ganyu (DPS), Shenhe (Support), Rosaria/Chongyun (Cryo Support), Anemo Support.
Ganyu Melt: Ganyu (DPS), Shenhe (Cryo Support), Xiangling (Pyro), Bennett (Pyro).
Eula Physical Team: Eula (DPS), Shenhe (Cryo Support), Electro Support (Raiden/Fischl), Flex.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Shenhe work with Pyro characters?

While Shenhe’s buffs are specifically tailored for Cryo characters, she can contribute to Melt reactions when paired with Pyro characters like Xiangling. However, her value is diminished as she doesn’t directly buff Pyro damage.

2. Is Shenhe better with Ayaka or Ganyu?

Both Ayaka and Ganyu benefit immensely from Shenhe. Ayaka’s burst and consistent Cryo application make her an ideal partner, while Ganyu can benefit from Shenhe’s buffs on both her charged attacks and burst. Ultimately, the choice depends on which character is your preferred Cryo DPS.

3. Does Shenhe increase Physical damage?

No, Shenhe does not directly increase Physical damage. Her primary focus is amplifying Cryo damage. She can help Eula but more with her Cryo app and energy than damage increase.

4. Can Shenhe be a DPS?

Shenhe is designed as a support character and is not optimal as a DPS. Her kit revolves around buffing Cryo damage for other characters.

5. Does Shenhe work well with Layla?

Yes, Shenhe can work with Layla. While Layla’s shield is her primary value, her Cryo application can still benefit from Shenhe’s buffs, making the pairing viable in specific teams. However, other characters can synergize better with Shenhe.

6. What is Shenhe’s best weapon?

Calamity Queller is considered Shenhe’s best weapon due to its high base ATK and ATK-boosting passive, both enhancing her support abilities. Other good options include Engulfing Lightning and Favonius Lance.

7. Is Shenhe a good battery?

Yes, Shenhe is a good Cryo battery. Her Elemental Skill generates Cryo particles, helping to fuel the Elemental Bursts of other Cryo characters, reducing their energy requirements.

8. Can Shenhe work in a team without a Cryo DPS?

While Shenhe can still provide support and Cryo application, her buffs are most effective when paired with a dedicated Cryo DPS character. Using her without a Cryo DPS reduces her overall value.

9. How important are Shenhe’s artifacts?

Shenhe’s artifact stats are crucial for maximizing her buffs. Prioritize ATK% on her Sands, Goblet, and Circlet to ensure a higher ATK stat.

10. Should I pull for Shenhe if I already have Kazuha?

If you have a dedicated Cryo team, Shenhe is a worthwhile pull, even if you already have Kazuha. They serve different roles but can synergize. Kazuha provides crowd control and res shred and is good in any team, whereas Shenhe provides cryo buff and battery.

11. Is Shenhe’s constellation necessary?

Shenhe’s constellations are not necessary, but they can significantly improve her performance. However, she is perfectly viable even at C0.

12. Does Shenhe buff Wanderer?

No, Shenhe does not buff Wanderer effectively. She does not increase swirl damage. She is not suitable for any team with a DPS that uses swirl damage.

13. Can I use Shenhe in a permafreeze team?

Yes, Shenhe is excellent in Permafreeze teams with characters like Ayaka or Ganyu and Hydro applicators like Kokomi or Mona. Her consistent Cryo application combined with Hydro leads to easy permafreezing.

14. Is Shenhe better than Xiao?

Shenhe and Xiao serve different roles. Xiao is a DPS focused on Anemo damage, while Shenhe is a Cryo support. They are not comparable directly, and their utility depends on your team needs.

15. Is Shenhe worth pulling for?

If you focus on Cryo teams, Shenhe is definitely worth pulling for. Her ability to amplify Cryo damage makes her a valuable support character, enhancing the overall team damage output and making her a vital team member.

In conclusion, Shenhe is a powerful support character who should primarily be paired with Cryo DPS characters like Ayaka, Ganyu, and to a lesser extent, Eula. Optimizing her team compositions and understanding her unique mechanics will ensure you get the most out of her incredible potential in Genshin Impact.

Who should I use Shenhe with?