Best Genshin Impact characters in 2026, ranked from S to B

How we ranked them

This tier list reflects the August 2026 post-5.0 meta (Natlan is now the newest region). Rankings cover both Spiral Abyss meta and open-world exploration use.

Criteria (weighted equally):

1. Abyss clear rate — most-popular teams at the

highest Abyss floors

1. Exploration utility — how good in the open world
2. Banner availability — characters you can get

right now

1. Build cost — F2P-friendliness

S tier — the meta-defining characters

Arlecchino

The strongest Pyro DPS in the game, the first character since Hu Tao to solo-carry any Abyss floor. Arlecchino's Bond of Life mechanic gives her 200%+ ATK scaling, and her kit is built around maintaining that buff. Pull priority: highest. Works in any Pyro team comp.

Best comp: Arlecchino + Yelan + Zhongli + Kazuha. Standard Pyro carry comp with Hydro sub-DPS + shielder + Anemo buffer.

Neuvillette

The strongest Hydro DPS and the most-F2P-friendly 5-star DPS. Neuvillette's Charged Attack mechanic does catastrophic damage with HP-scaling, and he works without any 5-star supports. The best "first limited 5-star" for new players.

Best comp: Neuvillette + Furina + Kazuha + Baizhu. Standard Hydro carry comp with the strongest Hydro + Anemo + Dendro supports.

Kazuha

The best Anemo support and the universal team buffer. Kazuha's Elemental Skill + Burst combination provides 200+ Elemental DMG Bonus to the team, and his grouping ability is the most-powerful in the game. Every team comp wants Kazuha.

Best comp: Works in literally any team comp that has a non-Anemo main DPS. The universal 4th slot.

A tier — strong meta picks

Mavuika

The new Pyro Archon (free from the Natlan Archon Quest), the strongest Pyro sub-DPS. Mavuika's Nightsoul mechanic gives her off-field Pyro application, and her Normal Attacks scale with ATK. The best free character in Genshin 5.0.

Best comp: Mavuika + Arlecchino + Zhongli + Furina. Double-Pyro carry with shielder + Hydro support.

Raiden Shogun

The strongest Electro DPS and the most-consistent across patches. Raiden's Burst damage scales with team Energy recharge, and she works in any Electro team comp. Still top-tier 3 years after release.

Best comp: Raiden + Xiangling + Bennett + Kazuha. The classic "Rational" team comp, still top-tier in 5.0.

Furina

The strongest Hydro support and the universal buffer. Furina's Salon Members mechanic provides team-wide DMG Bonus based on HP fluctuation, and she works in every Hydro team comp. Pull priority: high for every team comp.

Zhongli

The strongest shielder and the best comfort pick. Zhongli's shield has the highest uptime and the strongest shield value in the game. The most-recommended character for new players.

Mualani

The new Natlan Hydro DPS and the most-mobile character in the game. Mualani's Nightsoul mechanic lets her surf-water across the map, making her the best exploration character in 5.0. Strong DPS in Abyss but niche — works best in Mono-Hydro comps.

Xilonen

The new Natlan Geo support, the strongest shredder since Zhongli. Xilonen's Nightsoul mechanic provides team-wide RES shred, and she works in any comp. Pull priority: high for Abyss-focused players.

Citlali

The new Natlan Cryo support, the strongest off-field Cryo applier. Citlali's Nightsoul mechanic provides team-wide Cryo application + Elemental Mastery buff. Works best in Freeze and Melt comps.

B tier — off-meta but viable

Hu Tao

Still a top-tier Pyro DPS but outclassed by Arlecchino in the 5.0 meta. Hu Tao's HP-scaling mechanic is still strong, but the team comp requirement (Xingqiu + Zhongli) is more restrictive than Arlecchino's. Skip if you have Arlecchino.

Yelan

A strong Hydro sub-DPS but Furina is more versatile. Yelan's Hydro application is great in Vaporize comps, but Furina's buffer role fits more team comps. Strong second pick if you have Furina.

Nahida

The Dendro Archon and the best Dendro support. Nahida's Elemental Skill provides off-field Dendro application + Elemental Mastery buff. Best-in-slot for any Dendro team comp.

Bennett

The universal ATK buffer and the most-popular 4-star in the game. Bennett's Burst provides 1000+ ATK to the team, making him essential in every team comp that doesn't have Bennett's spot taken.

Xingqiu

The universal Hydro sub-DPS and the second-most-popular 4-star. Xingqiu's Rain Swords mechanic provides Hydro application + damage reduction. Works in every Vaporize and Freeze comp.

Wriothesley

The strongest Cryo DPS since Ayaka, the Wriothesley meta-defining carry. Wriothesley's Charged Attack mechanic does massive damage with HP-scaling. Strong in mono-Cryo comps but niche.

Chiori

The new Geo sub-DPS, the strongest Geo damage dealer since Albedo. Chiori's Doll mechanic provides off-field Geo damage, and she works in any Geo team comp. Niche but strong.

How to use this tier list

If you're a new player (Adventurer Rank 1-30), focus on these:

1. Get Mavuika for free — she's the Natlan Archon,

unlocked through the main story

1. Pull for Neuvillette — the best F2P-friendly DPS
2. Pull for Kazuha — the universal buffer

If you're a returning player (haven't played since 4.x), pull for:

1. Arlecchino — the strongest Pyro DPS
2. Furina — the universal Hydro buffer
3. Xilonen — the new Natlan shredder

If you're a veteran player with most 5-stars, pull for:

1. Mualani — the most-mobile character
2. Citlali — the new Natlan Cryo support
3. Wriothesley — the strongest Cryo DPS

F2P recommendations

For F2P players, the priority list is different:

1. Get Mavuika for free — the Pyro Archon, free from

the story

1. Pull for Neuvillette — the most F2P-friendly DPS
2. Use Bennett and Xingqiu — the universal 4-stars,

no pulls required

1. Pull for Kazuha — the universal Anemo support
2. Skip Arlecchino — requires multiple 5-star supports

to be effective

What's next

The 5.0 meta is dominated by the Natlan characters. The next big changes to watch:

• September 5.1 patch — first Natlan expansion
• October 5.2 patch — Fontaine 2.0 (rumored)
• November 5.3 patch — the 4th anniversary finale
• 2027 expansion — major story arc, new region

FAQ

Which S-tier should I pull first?

Neuvillette if you don't have a strong Hydro DPS, Kazuha if you already have strong main DPS options. Arlecchino if you have Zhongli + Yelan to support her.

Is Mavuika really free?

Yes — she's the Natlan Archon, unlocked through the Natlan Archon Quest (Chapter 5 Act 1). No pulls required.

Should I pull Hu Tao or Arlecchino?

Arlecchino. Hu Tao is still strong but outclassed in the 5.0 meta. Skip Hu Tao if you have Arlecchino.

Is Furina the best support?

Yes. She works in more team comps than any other support. Bennett is a strong alternative for ATK-focused comps, but Furina's versatility is unmatched.

What's the best F2P team?

Neuvillette + Furina + Kazuha + Baizhu. If you don't have Furina, replace with Xingqiu. If you don't have Neuvillette, use Ayato or Childe as the Hydro DPS.

Should I pull Citlali or Mualani first?

Mualani if you value exploration (she's the most mobile character in the game). Citlali if you value combat (stronger Cryo support).