Best Genshin Impact 4.0 characters: Tier list (August 2023)

In August 2023, amidst a series of roster changes, let’s explore the top Genshin Impact 4.0 characters. This update, known as one of the game’s most significant in history, introduced Fontaine and a plethora of characters from the region.

After nearly three years since its release, Genshin Impact has undergone significant transformations. Presently, the game boasts five out of its seven primary regions, including Fonatine. Additionally, players have come remarkably close to concluding the captivating storyline.

In addition to introducing fresh regions and gameplay mechanics, Genshin Impact updates have expanded its roster of playable characters significantly. With a staggering number of over 50 playable units, each character possesses a unique set of skills.

Selecting a team of four individuals from a wide range of options can be perplexing for both newcomers and experienced players. To assist you in this endeavor, we present a Genshin Impact tier list highlighting the most formidable characters in version 4.0.

• Tier list of the top characters in Genshin Impact:
  - SS-tier characters
  - S-tier characters
  - A-tier characters
  - B-tier characters
  - C-tier characters
  - D-tier characters

Genshin Impact 4.0 best characters tier list (August 2023)

The following list categorizes every Genshin Impact character according to their tier, with SS being the strongest and D being the weakest.

Tier	Character
SS	Kazuha, Bennett, Eula, Ayaka, Raiden Shogun, Xiao, Xiangling, Xingqiu, Zhongli, Ganyu, Hu Tao, Yelan, Nahida, Wanderer
S	Diluc, Venti, Fischl, Diona, Yoimiya, Kokomi, Arataki Itto, Beidou, Keqing, Tartaglia, Tighnari, Dendro Traveler, Cyno, Ayato, Alhaitham, Baizhu, Lyney
A	Jean, Razor, Klee, Noelle, Sucrose, Mona, Rosaria, Kujou Sara, Yae Miko, Heizou, Kuki Shinobu, Layla, Yaoyao, Albedo,
B	Kaeya, Ningguang, Collei, Dori, Shenhe, Yun Jin, Yanfei, Gorou, Faruzan, Dehya, Kaveh
C	Lisa, Barbara, Sayu, Thoma, Chongyun, Qiqi, Xinyan, Candace, Nilou, Lynette
D	Amber, Aloy

In the following tier list, we have provided justifications for the positioning of each character. Our evaluations primarily consider their proficiency in various roles, adaptability within a team, ease of acquisition, effectiveness in damage, healing, or support, as well as their constellations, among other contributing factors.

SS-tier characters in Genshin Impact

Kazuha

It is highly unlikely that Kazuha and his crowd-controlling abilities will ever become outdated in Genshin Impact. Additionally, the elemental buffs he grants to your primary damage dealers are arguably unparalleled in the game.

After the launch of Dendro, Kazuha gains the ability to create a Swirling effect on enemies affected by the Quicken aura, amplifying the damage output caused by Aggravate or Spread reactions. Consequently, he remains a highly sought-after character in the meta, making him a valuable addition to your roster.

Kazuha can also take charge and be the main damage dealer himself, making him an incredibly versatile character overall.

Bennett

Bennett, a character in Genshin Impact, is highly regarded by numerous players as a top-tier six-star character, and we wholeheartedly concur. Despite his initial lack of recognition, Bennett has proven himself to be the ultimate support character, providing healing and buffs to party members simultaneously through his remarkable Elemental Burst ability.

Bennett is an excellent choice for quickly applying Pyro effects, and he receives additional praise for being a readily available four-star character.

Here’s an alternative way to phrase it:

Handy Advice – To prevent Bennett from primarily functioning in Pyro teams, refrain from activating his sixth constellation.

Eula

Eula, the unparalleled physical damage dealer in Genshin Impact, unquestionably merits an SS-tier classification. Whether teamed up with Raiden Shogun for astronomical damage or standing alone, Eula’s damage potential surpasses that of most adversaries.

Eula breaks the mold of a typical Claymore user with her exceptional attack speed surpassing other characters wielding the same weapon. To fully utilize her potential, take a look at our compilation of the top Claymores in Genshin Impact.

Ayaka

Without a doubt, Ayaka stands out as the ultimate Cryo character in Genshin Impact. Her Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst consistently immerse enemies in the Cryo element, while also delivering impressive damage.

Ayaka’s brilliance shines in Freeze teams, allowing you to effortlessly freeze enemies without concern for their attacks.

To optimize your Melt-based teams with Xiangling, Ayaka proves to be a valuable addition. Enhance the effectiveness by including an Anemo support, such as Sucrose, Venti, or Kazuha, who can amplify damage output through Elemental Mastery.

Raiden Shogun

The Electro Archon Raiden Shogun stands out as the top-tier Electro character in Genshin Impact due to various compelling factors. Not only does she offer exceptional off-field Electro damage to the team with her skill, but it is her truly overpowering Elemental Burst that distinguishes her from others.

Using the Burst ability, she taps into immense Electro power (depending on her Energy Recharge) and generates sufficient energy to trigger the Elemental bursts of all party members.

There are various team compositions in which Raiden Shogun can be included. In one setup, she serves as a burst DPS and provides energy regeneration, while in another setup, she is part of a team where the Archon takes on the primary DPS role and other characters enhance her damage output.

Xiangling

Obtaining Xiangling as a free character in Genshin Impact’s Spiral Abyss feels like unlocking a cheat code. This exceptional Pyro Polearm user, ranked as a four-star character, is perfect for those seeking a sub-DPS/DPS role. Although her Elemental Skill may not be outstanding (although Guoba is undeniably adorable), her Elemental Burst unleashes massive Pyro AoE damage for an extended period.

Obtaining constellations for Xiangling is a simple task and they greatly enhance her performance. This character truly demonstrates her exceptional damage-dealing skills when included in Melt and Vaporize team compositions.

Xiao

Xiao’s DPS abilities are often underestimated due to his long presence in the game. However, he serves as an ideal example of a main DPS unit who can effortlessly carry the entire team. Unlike numerous other characters, building Xiao is not a tedious task, and remarkable results can be achieved even without equipping him with a complete artifact set.

Xiao stands out from other five-star damage dealers on this list because he is capable of excelling even without the assistance of support characters. He is able to deal a considerable amount of damage without requiring a significant investment.

Xiao’s Anemo damage is incredibly powerful, and his Elemental Burst is considered one of the top abilities for dealing AoE damage. For new players who haven’t acquired any gear specifically for Xiao, they can now work towards obtaining the Vermillion Hereafter set, which is designed perfectly for him.

Xingqiu

Even though Yelan excels as a Hydro sub DPS, Xingqiu is considered an SS-tier character due to his four-star rarity, making it easier to obtain and unlock his constellations. As a Hydro Sword character, he is ideal for applying the Hydro element and you will never be disappointed when using him in teams focused on Vaporize.

It is strongly recommended to adhere to the unwritten rule of pairing Xingqiu and Hu Tao in Genshin Impact for optimal gameplay experience.

Zhongli

Even with the introduction of enemies that pose a challenge to shields in Genshin Impact, Zhongli remains an unstoppable force in the SS tier. His shields are incredibly robust, negating the necessity for a healer and granting you the freedom to unleash damage without restraint.

It should be noted that Zhongli’s defense capabilities rely solely on his skill, and his Burst ability not only deals significant Geo damage but also petrifies enemies. In conclusion, Zhongli is an extremely dependable character, serving as both a reliable sub DPS and burst DPS, while also excelling as a shield character despite belonging to the Geo element.

Nahida

In the latest update of Genshin Impact, version 3.2, Nahida makes her grand entrance. This remarkable character wields a five-star Dendro Catalyst and fulfills the role of the much-anticipated Dendro damage dealer. Her skill set is designed to synergize perfectly with Nilou or Cyno, as she heavily relies on attributes such as elemental damage, attack power, and Elemental Mastery.

Nahida possesses exceptional expertise in confronting hordes of adversaries, as her skill allows her to simultaneously target eight enemies. She excels as a dependable Dendro character, making her an excellent choice for both DPS and sub-DPS roles.

Wanderer (Scaramouche)

Scaramouche’s ability to fly with his Elemental Skill sets him apart from all other characters in Genshin Impact, making him truly unique. Additionally, he joins Heizou as the only male characters who wield a Catalyst in combat.

Although Scaramouche’s playstyle is one-of-a-kind, it doesn’t limit your potential to dish out massive amounts of AoE Anemo damage with him. Similar to most Anemo characters, he possesses the versatility to form effective partnerships with Pyro, Hydro, Cryo, Electro, and Dendro units.

Unlocking Scaramouche in Genshin Impact is definitely worth the investment if you’re seeking a formidable DPS character capable of both dealing explosive damage and evading enemy attacks with ease through flying. He is the ultimate companion to carry your team through the most arduous challenges.

Ganyu

Ganyu has been available for over a year now, and she remains unmatched in terms of power in Genshin Impact. The Cryo damage dealt by her Charged Attacks with the Bow is incredibly potent, capable of obliterating formidable foes like Azhdaha and effortlessly conquering weekly bosses.

Ganyu is the ultimate character for ranged combat in Genshin Impact, as her abilities allow you to effortlessly dodge incoming damage, making it a highly desirable playstyle.

Hu Tao

Hu Tao’s position as a Pyro DPS in Genshin Impact is highly secure. This character, who wields a Polearm, consistently inflicts Pyro damage with her Charged Attacks. At Constellation 1, she becomes virtually unstoppable as her attacks no longer drain stamina.

Hu Tao is primarily focused on dealing damage as a DPS unit, so it’s important to note that she won’t be able to deal damage when she’s not on the field. However, even though using her Elemental Skill may cause her to lose a significant amount of HP, her Elemental Burst ability can quickly help her regain that lost HP.

In conclusion, Hu Tao’s well-rounded abilities provide a highly enjoyable gameplay experience, and her impressive damage output serves as the perfect finishing touch.

Yelan

In Genshin Impact, Xingqiu is classified as an SS tier unit, while Yelan is his upgraded five-star version. Yelan excels in applying Hydro elements off-field, surpassing Xingqiu in this aspect. Additionally, her damage buffs are considerably stronger. Yelan’s distinctive and enjoyable dash-based Elemental Burst sets her apart. If you have Pyro DPS characters such as Hu Tao or Diluc, we highly recommend pairing them with Yelan for optimal results.

S-tier characters in Genshin Impact

Lyney

Lyney possesses an exceptional skill set in Genshin Impact when it comes to inflicting damage on a single target. This Pyro DPS character not only dons a distinctive hat but also has the ability to transform into a cat. Once you grasp its mechanics, Lyney offers one of the most delightful playstyles in the game.

The problem concerning Lyney lies in team compatibility. In Genshin Impact, there is currently no Hydro or Cryo character that can effectively synchronize with Fonatine. Surprisingly, Lyney actually inflicts greater damage when partnered with other Pyro units.

Despite its flaws, Lyney is considered an S-tier character because of its remarkably high damage output. Additionally, with the release of new Fontaine characters, there is a possibility that Lyney will receive a specialized support unit, which would further enhance its position in the rankings.

Venti

Kazuha is the sole reason preventing Venti from reaching SS tier. Since the release of Genshin Impact, the Anemo archon showcased his remarkable skills in commanding hordes of enemies, effortlessly outshining the Spiral Abyss.

Obtaining Venti in Genshin Impact is a straightforward task, as he solely requires Elemental Mastery to fulfill his role effectively.

Fischl

Fischl, who was already an outstanding Electro support character, has now reached the same level of effectiveness as Bennett and Xingqiu with the introduction of Dendro. If you are assembling a Dendro team, we strongly suggest including Fischl in it, as she can consistently trigger Quicken and Aggravate reactions.

Fischl’s Electro application is simply too exceptional to overlook, as it is entirely off-field. You can effortlessly utilize her abilities and subsequently switch to the main DPS unit.

Alhaitham

Alhaitham, a character in Genshin Impact, is a top-tier five-star Dendro Sword user renowned for his exceptional damage-dealing abilities. Since his introduction in the 3.4 update, players have been captivated by Alhaitham’s remarkable synergy with Electro and other Dendro characters, making him a favorite choice among Travelers.

Undoubtedly, Alhaitham possesses remarkable DPS capabilities, and when combined with appropriate elemental reactions, he can effortlessly lead a team. Nonetheless, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with his intricate precision-focused playstyle before venturing into the most challenging Spiral Abyss floors.

Alhaitham has the potential to excel in specific team setups that consist of Electro supports like Fischl or Kuki Shinobu. However, he is ranked in the S tier instead of SS due to the challenging playstyle and restricted team choices that require extensive skill to master.

Diona

What else can we anticipate from Diona, a support character in Genshin Impact, who has the ability to heal characters, apply Cryo, generate energy, and provide shields?

Building Diona is not a struggle as her healing and shields depend on her HP stat. Although her damage output is low, the additional benefits she provides make up for it.

Diluc

During their adventures in Mondstadt, players have the opportunity to meet Diluc, a Pyro DPS character who has gained immense popularity in the Genshin Impact community. In the past, Diluc was widely regarded as the most powerful damage dealer. However, with the introduction of characters like Xiao, Eula, Hu Tao, and Itto, many players seem to have overlooked Diluc’s true potential.

Diluc remains an explosive Pyro DPS character who seamlessly integrates into Melt and Vaporize compositions. He is straightforward to build, possesses the ability to inflict AoE damage, and his Burst skill only requires 40 Energy. Consequently, we continue to have faith in Diluc’s proficiency as a primary DPS.

Yoimiya

Yoimiya is a Pyro damage dealer who often goes unnoticed, despite her abilities. While she may not perform exceptionally well against groups of enemies, her damage output against single targets is impressive enough to be a game-changer. Additionally, her Elemental Burst provides a decent amount of area-of-effect Pyro damage.

Yoimiya is an excellent choice for creating a team focused on Overload reactions, particularly when paired with Electro characters like Raiden Shogun. Her Elemental Skill provides a valuable Pyro application, making her a strong candidate for the main DPS role.

Kokomi

In the recent months, Kokomi has experienced a substantial surge in popularity among Genshin Impact players. Despite her disappointing negative Crit Rate, she stands as the top-notch healer in the game, surpassing Ayato and Yelan with her exceptional Hydro application.

Dendro allows for team composition centered around Bloom reaction, and no character complements it better than Kokomi. Furthermore, Kokomi’s healing capabilities are so potent that the shielder can be substituted with a sub DPS/DPS, ensuring the entire party’s survival effortlessly.

Baizhu

HoYoverse

During the second phase of the 3.6 update in Genshin Impact, Baizhu was introduced. It should come as no surprise to those familiar with the game’s lore that Baizhu serves as a healer, primarily focusing on providing support to the team through healing abilities and shields.

Although Baizhu’s shields may not have the highest damage absorption capacity, they still provide prolonged interruption resistance. Additionally, by focusing on maximizing his HP, Baizhu becomes an outstanding healer, and his ability to apply Dendro in combat proves to be highly useful.

To ensure Baizhu functions effectively, it is important to provide him with sufficient Energy Recharge through weapons or artifacts. Although Baizhu, the healer from Liyue, is a formidable support unit, it is important to note that his damage output is not exceptionally high.

Arataki Itto

Arataki Itto showcases remarkable damage-dealing abilities in Genshin Impact, making him stand out among the best. However, we have not classified him in the SS tier due to his specialization in Geo teams. To fully experience his true potential, it is essential to have ideal support characters like Albedo and Gorou by your side.

Investing a significant amount into Arataki Itto may seem daunting, but rest assured, it will be well worth it. Similar to Eula, Itto possesses an unexpectedly swift attack speed for a Claymore wielder, and his unmatched strength adds a thrilling element to his gameplay.

In addition, Ushi stands out as the cutest combat mechanic in Genshin Impact. Similar to Xiangling’s Guoba, Ushi not only deals significantly higher damage, but also brings immense charm to the gameplay experience.

Beidou

Beidou possesses exceptional counter-combat mechanics that are often overlooked and underappreciated. With the introduction of Dendro, like all other Electro characters, she has experienced significant improvement and can effortlessly fulfill the role of a sub-DPS off the field.

Constellations bring about significant enhancements to Beidou’s abilities, particularly the second and fourth constellations. As she is a four-star character, acquiring these constellations should be relatively straightforward.

Tighnari

Tighnari’s primary objective in Genshin Impact was to bring the Dendro element into the game, and he does so splendidly. Although this five-star Bow character cannot single-handedly carry the team, pairing him with Electro supports like Fischl or Kuki Shinobu significantly boosts damage output through powerful reactions like Quicken and Spread, effectively doubling the impact.

Tighnari excels when paired with Electro supports, as he aims to educate the community about Dendro reactions, and there is no room for complaints.

Tartaglia (Childe)

Childe is perfectly fine as a Hydro sub-DPS/DPS option, but due to the subsequent character releases in Genshin Impact being slightly stronger, we cannot rank him in the SS tier.

Childe’s Elemental Skill allows him to inflict melee damage, making it one of the most valuable abilities for a bow unit. This versatile character can be paired with Electro and Pyro characters to create formidable team compositions.

Dendro Traveler

The Dendro Traveler is undoubtedly the most powerful rendition of the Traveler in Genshin Impact, and players have now regained their confidence in their abilities.

Having the Dendro Traveler on your team is highly beneficial when it comes to applying Dendro abilities outside of combat, as it greatly aids in triggering various reactions.

Cyno

Cyno shares similarities with Tighnari as both of them rely on Dendro support to fully unleash their damage capabilities. Although this is not necessarily a disadvantage, it does result in a lower ranking for Cyno as main DPS compared to Hu Tao, Ganyu, and even Xiao, who can excel without the need for support units.

Investing in Cyno’s Elemental Burst is crucial for maximizing his damage output. It is highly recommended to have support units such as the Dendro Traveler, Fischl, and Kazuha in your team.

Ayato

Ayato in Genshin Impact is a versatile character who excels in multiple areas. His Elemental Skill allows you to swiftly inflict Hydro damage through slash attacks, and combining this skill with Xiangling’s ultimate ability is considered a high-level strategy.

Ayato’s Elemental Burst allows him to apply Hydro off-field, making him ideal for constantly triggering reactions. Ultimately, it boils down to players enjoying Ayato’s playstyle, as his kit is considered one of the most well-balanced in the game, with no excessively powerful abilities.

A-tier characters in Genshin Impact

Jean

When embarking on your journey, Jean will be among the initial characters you meet. As a top-tier Anemo healer, she proves to be valuable in the early stages of the game where healers are in high demand. Additionally, Jean can transition into a sub DPS role due to her exceptional Elemental Burst, which excels in dealing area-of-effect damage.

Klee

Klee was initially hailed as a top-tier damage dealer in Genshin Impact upon her release. Though the arrival of new characters has shifted this perception, she remains an exceptional Pyro DPS capable of effortlessly decimating hordes of enemies with her powerful area-of-effect attacks.

Noelle

Noelle has experienced a significant rise in popularity due to her Hangout event quest and the introduction of the Husk of Opulent Dreams Artifact set. With this new set, the four-star Claymore user has become a reliable and effective damage dealer. Renowned creators like Tenha have even utilized her to successfully conquer the challenging Spiral Abyss.

Understanding Noelle’s abilities is not a difficult task as her playstyle is straightforward.

Sucrose

Sucrose and all Anemo units that rely on high Elemental Mastery (EM) have seen significant advantages from the addition of Dendro. This often overlooked four-star character can serve as an excellent alternative to both Venti and Kazuha. While the damage output may not be as substantial, the ability to control crowds and provide damage buffs is undeniably appealing.

Yaoyao

Due to being the first Dendro healer in Genshin Impact, Yaoyao quickly became a meta character. Despite her innocent appearance, this adorable Liyue resident proves to be a highly proficient on-field support character.

Obtaining Yaoyao is made easier compared to other four-star units as she can be acquired through banners and events.

Mona

Mona possesses a range of distinctive advantages that make her one of the top support characters in Genshin Impact, including her exceptional mobility and ability to dodge enemy attacks. She excels in Freeze teams due to her consistent application of Hydro, which is highly advantageous for Cryo attackers.

Razor

Razor, similar to Eula, is an exceptional Electro Claymore wielder with a remarkable focus on physical damage. However, his lack of significant elemental damage prevents him from benefiting from Dendro’s introduction as a DPS unit. Nevertheless, Razor’s physical damage has consistently been commendable, and his Elemental Burst further enhances his attack speed.

Razor exhibits an incredibly captivating playstyle in Genshin Impact and proves to be quite impressive when assessed as a four-star character. In general, he is a solid choice to include in your team.

Rosaria

Despite not having the strongest attack and damage, Rosaria’s Crit Rate buffs, her unique Elemental Skill that allows for backstabbing, and the burst’s AoE Cryo damage are sufficient to secure her a place in the A tier.

Kujou Sara

Kujou Sara, a character in Genshin Impact known as the Electro Bennett, utilizes her powerful Elemental Burst to inflict area-of-effect Electro damage while simultaneously enhancing the attack power of nearby party members. Additionally, her Elemental Skill provides an attack boost that can be activated by performing a Charged Attack.

Unlocking her second constellation is a relatively easy task, and once this is accomplished, Kujou Sara will no longer have the Charged Attack requirement.

Layla

In Genshin Impact version 3.2, Layla made her debut appearance alongside Nahida. Whether you choose to utilize her as a Cryo enabler or a shielder, Layla proves to be a fortunate addition due to her superior damage output compared to Diona, who shares a similar playstyle.

Layla exhibits remarkable flexibility as a character, making her compatible with numerous DPS units such as Klee, Hu Tao, Ganyu, Diluc, and Yoimiya. Being a four-star unit, obtaining her constellations to enhance her support and DPS capabilities should not pose significant challenges.

Yae Miko

Despite being a great Electro character, Yae Miko disappoints fans by not living up to their high expectations. While her Elemental Burst animation is excellent, the damage multipliers leave much to be desired.

Yae Miko falls short in several aspects, such as imprecise targeting mechanics and insufficient damage output from her skills. These issues prevent her from achieving a higher placement. Surprisingly, Beidou and Fischl outperform her, which is unexpected considering they are not five-star units.

Heizou

Unlike other Anemo units, Heizou stands out for his flexibility and emphasis on dealing damage rather than crowd control or damage buffs. While he serves as an on-field DPS, there are numerous characters who surpass him in this role.

If you appreciate his playstyle and desire a DPS character that offers a unique approach instead of relying on reactions, then opt for Heizou.

Kuki Shinobu

Initially overshadowed by Yelan during her launch, Kuki Shinobu has now garnered the faith of players thanks to Dendro. This Electro character, akin to Diona, is not primarily utilized for dealing damage, but rather for providing additional team utilities like healing, energy regeneration, and Electro application.

B-tier characters in Genshin Impact

In Genshin Impact, the B-tier roster consists of characters such as Kaeya, Ningguang, Collei, Dori, Shenhe, Yun Jin, Yanfei, and Gorou. While these characters possess their own unique strengths, some are deemed more replaceable (such as Kaeya and Ningguang) while others cater to specific playstyles (like Gorou and Shenhe).

Kaveh, the newest member of the B-tier, made his debut in the Genshin Impact v3.6 update. This four-star character wields a Dendro Claymore and excels in both DPS and sub-DPS positions. However, he can be readily substituted by other formidable options such as Alhaitam and Yaoyao.

Although Kaveh possesses a range of abilities, including Dendro application, healing, and dealing damage, he unfortunately falls short compared to other characters who excel in these areas.

C-tier characters in Genshin Impact

The C-tier characters in Genshin Impact consist of Lisa, Barbara, Sayu, Thoma, Chongyun, Qiqi, Xinyan, Candace, and Nilou. It is our belief that allocating your resources towards these units may not yield worthwhile results.

All of these characters can be readily substituted, and over time, you will begin to perceive the disparity in their abilities. Additionally, characters like Qiqi and Barbara have lost some significance as their sole contribution to the team is healing.

D-tier characters in Genshin Impact

Amber and Aloy can be regarded as the weakest characters in Genshin Impact. Amber, a Pyro Bow user, lacks significant damage potential and her skills are underwhelming. On the other hand, Aloy, a character from Horizon Zero Dawn, is still on a quest to discover her true purpose in Teyvat.

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That concludes our comprehensive guide on the top characters in Genshin Impact. We trust that this information will prove beneficial during your upcoming Spiral Abyss endeavors. To explore further content related to this action RPG, be sure to visit:

A guide to rerolling in Genshin Impact, including the locations of all star-shaped gems and Seelie, tips on obtaining more Primogems and wishes, and the whereabouts of Sakura Blooms, Sango Pearls, Geoculus, Lotus Heads, Fatui Pyro Agents, Philanemo Mushrooms, Valberries, Dandelion Seeds, Ayato’s building guide, and Chongyun’s build guide.