Genshin Impact Tier List
Ranking of all 97 playable characters, updated to the current meta. Patch 6.5
Genshin Impact Character Ranking
This Genshin Impact Tier List ranks every playable character based on current meta performance. Tiers range from S (meta-defining, must-pull) to D (niche or outclassed). The list accounts for damage output, support utility, versatility and team synergy.
Click any character to see why they sit in that tier and access their recommended build with optimal weapons and artifacts.
97 characters
Reference Pyro DPS. Powered-up normal attacks through devastating Blood-Debt Directive mechanic.
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Next-gen Hydro DPS/Support with sleep mechanics that define the current meta.
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Top Pyro DPS with unique Nightsoul mechanics. Enormous burst damage output.
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Core of any Dendro team. Constantly applies Dendro and boosts the team's Elemental Mastery.
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Hydro DPS with the highest sustained damage in the game. Does not rely on elemental reactions for massive damage.
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Electro DPS with counter-attack playstyle. Excellent in Aggravate and Overload teams.
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Cryo DPS with consistent charged-shot damage. Works as main DPS or Sub-DPS with her Burst.
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Legendary Pyro DPS. Massive Vaporise below 50% HP. Extremely high damage ceiling with animation cancelling.
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Burst Cryo DPS. Her Burst against frozen enemies is devastating.
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Stylish burst Geo DPS. Strong with Crystallise and solid AoE damage.
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Universal DPS and battery. Her Burst restores energy for the entire team while dealing huge damage.
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Melee Cryo DPS with high sustained damage. Unique boxing mechanics.
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Off-field Electro Sub-DPS with turrets. Solid consistent damage in Aggravate teams.
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Premium off-field Hydro Sub-DPS. Constant Hydro application with damage that scales over time.
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The best off-field Pyro DPS. Guoba and Pyronado are absurdly strong for a 4★.
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The king of off-field Hydro. Cheap, reliable and fits in almost any Vaporise team.
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Off-field Hydro healer and applier. Versatile in Freeze, Bloom and comfort teams.
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The best grouper for content with light enemies. His Burst trivialises waves.
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The strongest shield in the game plus elemental resistance shred. Maximum comfort.
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The most overpowered 4★ support in the game. Heals, buffs ATK and applies Pyro. Essential.
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Cryo support with potent off-field application. Ideal for Freeze and Melt teams.
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Support that boosts plunging attacks. Unique aerial healing and buffs.
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Geo support that shreds elemental resistance. Synergises with any elemental DPS.
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Dendro DPS with mirror mechanic. Very strong in Spread and Hyperbloom.
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Physical DPS with the highest theoretical Burst damage in the game. CRIT-dependent.
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Hydro enabler with stance-change. Shines in International Vaporise teams.
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Anemo DPS with plunging attacks. Brutal AoE damage but needs a shield and battery.
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Latest-gen Geo DPS with strong potential.
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Off-field Electro Sub-DPS with Oz. Generates particles and consistent damage. Essential in Aggravate.
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Recent Geo Sub-DPS/Support with interesting mechanics.
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Frequently asked questions about the Tier List
How is each character's tier determined?
Tiers are based on current meta performance: total damage, support utility, versatility across teams and ease of use. A character in tier S is meta-defining, while one in tier D is more niche or has been outclassed by newer options.
Is a low-tier character useless?
No. Every character in Genshin Impact can clear all game content. Tiers reflect relative efficiency, not absolute viability. A character in tier C or D can be very fun or perform well in specific teams. Play whoever you enjoy most.
How often is the Tier List updated?
The Tier List is reviewed with each major Genshin Impact update and when new characters are released that affect the meta. It is also adjusted after significant balance patches.
Which character should I prioritise?
If you're starting out, prioritise tier S and A characters that are versatile: Bennett, Xiangling and Xingqiu are accessible 4★ units that work in almost any team. Check the best teams page for recommended compositions.