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An exclusive character for PS4 and PS5 players in update 2.1, and update 2.2 for all other devices, Aloy has shot up in the franchise in terms of popularity. Though some loathe the inclusion of the five-star bow-user (citing immersion issues), most Genshin Impact players have welcomed the free character with open arms. Though Aloy is among the easiest characters to use in the game, she can be a little tricky to build at first. Here’s how to make the most of her.
Overview
Rarity: 5-star Element: Cryo Weapon: Bow
Interestingly enough, Aloy isn’t just a crossover character in the game without a lore-based reason for being in the world. In other words, Aloy has a storyline in the Genshin Impact universe. Having traveled many worlds, she comes now to Teyvat (much like the Travelers) to boost her skills.
In terms of gameplay, Aloy is a 5-star Cryo bow-user. However, unlike with other bow-users like Ganyu and Diona that share mechanics, Aloy has a style of fighting that is unique to only her. Hitting opponents with bombs, called “coils,” during her elemental skill, she infuses her normal attacks with Cryo. That said, her elemental burst is easy to use, hitting opponents with a heavy Cryo area attack.
The Best Build For Aloy: Cryo DPS
Ultimately, the best build for Aloy is the Cryo DPS build. With talents that focus on dealing Cryo damage, it’s easiest to optimize her in this regard. For talents, focusing on building up her elemental burst will do a world of good. This skill has the highest overall damage scale, as well as an easy application for beginners.
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It is possible to use Aloy as a support character; however, this is not advised. Unlike other supports, Aloy doesn’t have a large variety of skills like crowd control and shield. Even as an enabler, her infusion can be inconsistent; players are far better off building her elemental burst for DPS than elemental skill for enabling.
Best Artifact Options
To optimize Aloy’s Cryo damage potential, focus on sets with aspects that either increase her Cryo damage directly or through enhancing her burst damage. The best set for Aloy is the Blizzard Strayer set, which focuses on increasing damage for Cryo users.
Alternatively, players can also invest in the Noblesse Oblige set, which increases elemental burst damage. In the end, the best artifact situation for Aloy entails splitting the two sets, with 2 pieces from the Blizzard Strayer set and 2 pieces from the Noblesse Oblige.
For players building Aloy’s artifacts, focusing on attack, Cryo damage, and critical damage/rate is advisable. Energy recharge and elemental mastery could work depending on the elemental reactions off the player’s team setup; however, they’re best left in moderation. For those looking to use a support build, focus on energy recharge to access Aloy’s burst as often as possible. Meanwhile, avoid elemental mastery if possible.
Best Weapon Choices
When choosing weapons, players are going to want to pay careful attention to the bow with attributes that boost elemental burst damage. Bearing this in mind, the Stringless is the best weapon for Aloy, as it boosts the damage of both her elemental burst and skill.
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Alternatively, players can focus on energy recharge in order to use Aloy’s elemental burst more often. The Favonius Warbow can help in this regard, as it has a chance to regenerate extra energy on a critical hit. For players that tread into a support build instead of a DPS build, this bow would be advised more than the Stringless, allowing for Aloy to use her burst more often for application than other bows. Otherwise, any other bow that helps in these ways will work well with this build.
Team Compositions
Elemental reactions are going to be crucial for Aloy’s playstyle. Like most other bow-users, Aloy relies on elemental infusing for her damage. Pyro characters in particular tend to have high-powered elemental reactions with Cryo. Having either a Pyro sub-DPS or support will help Genshin Impact players using this build. Some of the best characters include Diluc, Bennett, and Xiangling.
In addition, players can invest well in both Hydro and Anemo characters, working as good supports and sub-DPS characters respectively. Having a good Hydro character gives the player access to Frozen reactions, which can make hitting opponents a lot easier for players that struggle with bow-users. On the other hand, using an Anemo sub-DPS gives access to swirl reactions, as well as crowd control.
Finally, players looking to use Aloy as a support should choose a DPS with a crowd-effecting elemental burst. Because Aloy doesn’t apply Cryo as easily as other Cryo-users, like Ganyu, using quick massive attacks allows players to optimize Aloy’s elemental reactions. Characters that have elemental bursts like this include Diluc, Klee, Tartaglia, and more. Ultimately, however, Genshin Impact players should use a DPS with an elemental burst that they are familiar using.
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