Introduction: Understanding the Power of Elemental Reactions#

Mastering elemental reactions is essential for any Genshin Impact player looking to maximize their damage potential. These reactions not only add depth to gameplay but also allow for creative team compositions that can handle even the toughest foes. In this guide, we’ll cover every elemental reaction, explain how to trigger them effectively, provide the formulas for their damage increases, and share insights on the best team combinations.

Exploring Each Elemental Reaction#

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Swirl (Anemo + Cryo/Electro/Hydro/Pyro)#

Swirl is an Anemo-based reaction that spreads an element to nearby enemies, dealing additional damage and creating opportunities for further reactions. To execute Swirl, hit an enemy with an element like Hydro or Pyro and follow up with an Anemo skill, such as Sucrose’s or Venti’s abilities. The formula for Swirl damage is given by:

DMG=Base DMG+Elemental Mastery scaling

Swirl is perfect for teams that need to spread elemental effects and create reactions across multiple targets. The more Elemental Mastery you have, the stronger the spread, making it ideal for support characters focused on boosting reactions.

Melt (Cryo + Pyro / Pyro + Cryo)#

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Melt is a reaction with the highest damage potential, but its effectiveness depends on the order of the elements. Pyro attacks on Cryo enemies increase Pyro DMG by 1.5x, while Cryo attacks on Pyro enemies double the damage (2x). To perform a Melt reaction, use a Cryo attack from a character like Ganyu and then follow up with a Pyro ability from someone like Xiangling or Hu Tao. The formulas for Melt are:

  • Pyro + Cryo:

    DMG=Base DMG×1.5

  • Cryo + Pyro:

    DMG=Base DMG×2 Because of the potential for huge damage, Melt is a prime choice for burst damage and high-output teams.

Vaporize (Hydro + Pyro / Pyro + Hydro)#

Vaporize is another high-damage reaction that can be triggered by either Hydro or Pyro. Hydro attacks on Pyro enemies increase Hydro DMG by 1.5x, while Pyro attacks on Hydro enemies double the damage (2x). This reaction is most commonly seen with Hydro characters like Xingqiu or Barbara using their abilities to set up the reaction for a follow-up Pyro attack from Diluc, Hu Tao, or Bennett. The formulas for Vaporize are:

  • Hydro + Pyro:

    DMG=Base DMG×1.5

  • Pyro + Hydro:

    DMG=Base DMG×2

Vaporize is highly versatile and can lead to substantial damage when paired with a strong Pyro character for the 2x damage boost.

Overloaded (Electro + Pyro)#

Overloaded creates an explosion that deals Electro DMG to enemies within range. The formula for Overloaded is:

DMG=Base DMG+Electro DMG scaling

To execute Overloaded, use an Electro ability from a character like Lisa or Fischl and follow up with a Pyro skill from Xiangling or Bennett. While Overloaded is great for burst damage, its AoE nature can make it difficult to control in close quarters, so it’s best used when you can keep a safe distance from the explosion.

Electro-Charged (Electro + Hydro)#

Electro-Charged is a reaction that deals Electro DMG over time and is triggered when an Electro skill hits an enemy already affected by Hydro. The damage formula for Electro-Charged is:

DMG=Base DMG+Electro scaling

To trigger this reaction, use an Electro attack from Raiden Shogun or Fischl followed by a Hydro attack from Barbara or Xingqiu. Electro-Charged is perfect for sustained damage, providing consistent pressure over the course of the battle.

Superconduct (Cryo + Electro)#

Superconduct is a reaction that not only deals Cryo DMG but also reduces the target’s physical resistance, making it highly effective for physical damage dealers. The formula for Superconduct is:

DMG=Base DMG+Cryo scaling

To perform Superconduct, use a Cryo attack from Rosaria or Chongyun followed by an Electro skill from Keqing or Fischl. The lowered physical resistance allows DPS characters like Eula or Ayaka to hit much harder with their physical attacks.

Frozen (Cryo + Hydro)#

Frozen is a reaction that inflicts the Frozen status on enemies, making them vulnerable to physical attacks and setting up for Shatter. The formula for Frozen damage is:

DMG=Base DMG

Execute this reaction by using a Cryo skill from Chongyun or Ganyu and then a Hydro skill from Mona or Xingqiu. Frozen is excellent for crowd control and pairing with a physical DPS to trigger Shatter for heavy damage.

Shatter (Cryo + Geo / Cryo + Anemo)#

Shatter deals physical DMG and is triggered when Cryo hits an enemy affected by Geo or Anemo. The formula for Shatter is:

DMG=Physical DMG+Physical DMG bonus

This reaction is best used with characters who deal significant physical damage. For example, use a Cryo attack from Kaeya followed by a Geo skill from Albedo or an Anemo ability from Sucrose.

Crystalize (Geo + Cryo/Hydro/Electro/Pyro)#

Crystalize generates a crystal that can be picked up to create an elemental shield. While it doesn’t deal direct damage, it provides an elemental barrier. The formula for the shield’s strength depends on the type of element and the character’s stats.

To trigger Crystalize, use a Geo attack from Ningguang or Albedo and then hit an enemy with Cryo, Hydro, Electro, or Pyro. This reaction is ideal for teams that need a bit of extra defense, especially in high-damage encounters.

Advanced Reactions#

Burning (Dendro + Pyro)#

Burning deals Pyro DMG over time and is triggered by Dendro and Pyro interactions. The damage formula is:

DMG=Base DMG+Pyro scaling

For a consistent Burning reaction, use Dendro skills from Tighnari or Collei followed by Pyro attacks from Hu Tao or Klee.

Quicken (Dendro + Electro)#

Quicken debuffs the target, reducing their resistance to reactions and setting the stage for Aggravate and Spread. This reaction is activated when Dendro hits an enemy that’s already affected by Electro. The formula is:

DMG=Base DMG

To trigger Quicken, use Dendro abilities from Nahida and Electro abilities from Fischl.

Aggravate (Dendro + Electro after Quicken)#

Aggravate boosts Electro DMG to enemies affected by Quicken. The formula for Aggravate is:

DMG=Base DMG×1.15 For an Aggravate reaction, trigger Quicken and follow up with a strong Electro ability.

Spread (Dendro + Electro after Quicken)#

Spread increases Dendro DMG to affected enemies. The formula for Spread is:

DMG=Base DMG×1.2

Execute Spread by using Dendro abilities followed by an Electro skill after triggering Quicken.

Burgeon (Dendro + Hydro + Pyro)#

Burgeon creates a Pyro explosion that deals significant damage. The damage formula for Burgeon is:

DMG=Base DMG×1.4

For Burgeon, use Dendro abilities from Collei, Hydro from Xingqiu, and Pyro from Hu Tao for burst damage.

Hyperbloom (Dendro + Electro + Hydro)#

Hyperbloom creates an Electro-infused bloom that deals AoE Electro DMG. The damage formula for Hyperbloom is:

DMG=Base DMG×1.5

To trigger Hyperbloom, start with Dendro and Hydro abilities, then follow up with an Electro attack for an explosive burst.

Choosing the Best Reactions and Why#

When it comes to choosing the best reactions for your team, it depends on your playstyle and the characters you use. Melt and Vaporize are considered top-tier for their high damage output, especially when paired with Pyro or Hydro characters who can capitalize on their damage multipliers. Swirl is invaluable for spreading elemental effects and setting up additional reactions, making

it a staple in Anemo support teams.

Superconduct is essential for teams that focus on physical damage, while Frozen is perfect for crowd control, especially with physical DPS characters. Reactions like Electro-Charged and Aggravate are ideal for teams built around Electro, providing consistent and powerful bursts of damage.

Ultimately, the best reactions depend on your team composition. Choose reactions that complement your characters’ strengths and maximize their damage potential, whether you’re looking for burst damage with Melt or consistent pressure with Electro-Charged.

Understanding these reactions, their formulas, and their best usage scenarios will take your Genshin Impact gameplay to the next level. Master them, practice your rotations, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an elemental reaction expert.

[Crusveder]