Unveiling the Celestial Archer: A Comprehensive Guide to Ganyu

Introduction

Ganyu, an adept marksman and a master of Cryo artistry, stands as a formidable character in the vast realm of Genshin Impact. Hailing from the esteemed Liyue Harbor, she possesses an ethereal grace coupled with unmatched precision. This guide delves into the multifaceted nature of Ganyu, exploring her abilities, strategies, and significance within the game's captivating storyline.

Abilities and Gameplay

Cryo Mastery and Elemental Skills

Ganyu's elemental abilities revolve around her profound command of Cryo, the icy element. Her Elemental Skill, Trail of the Qilin, summons an ice lotus that taunts enemies, drawing their relentless fire. Casting this skill a second time releases an icy bloom, dealing Cryo damage proportional to the number of enemies lured.

Her Elemental Burst, Celestial Shower, unleashes a torrential rain of icicles, bombarding a designated area with unrelenting Cryo damage over time. This devastating onslaught deals massive AoE damage, freezing foes and clearing the path for allies.

Charged Attack: A Marksman's Precision

Ganyu's Charged Attack showcases her unmatched marksmanship, enabling her to fire two consecutive Cryo arrows. The first arrow pierces through enemies, dealing Cryo damage, while the second arrow, imbued with elemental energy, blooms upon impact, inflicting AoE Cryo damage. Holding down the Aim button charges the arrows, increasing their damage potential.

Talents and Constellations

Talents

• Celestial Shower (Elemental Burst):

  

  • Level 1: Increases the number of icicles released by 5
  • Level 6: Increases the icicle damage by 15%
  • Level 10: Reduces the cooldown of Celestial Shower by 6 seconds

• Trail of the Qilin (Elemental Skill):

  • Level 1: Increases the AoE of the Cryo bloom by 20%
  • Level 6: Extends the duration of the taunt by 4 seconds
  • Level 10: Adds an additional Cryo explosion upon the lotus's destruction

• Harmony between Heaven and Earth (Passive):

  • Level 1: Increases Ganyu's Charge Attack damage by 20%
  • Level 4: Each arrow fired with a fully charged Charged Attack increases Cryo damage by 30% for 5 seconds

Constellations

• Constellation Level 1: Dew-drinker Baijiao: Increases the duration of Celestial Shower's Cryo AoE by 6 seconds
• Constellation Level 2: The Merciful Icicle: When Ganyu is in the party, but not on the field, her normal and charged attacks deal 20% increased bonus Cryo damage
• Constellation Level 3: Cloud Strider: After using Frostflake Arrow, Ganyu's Cryo damage is increased by 30% for 15 seconds
• Constellation Level 4: Preserver of Fortune: Increases the maximum charge level of Ganyu's Frostflake Arrow by 1
• Constellation Level 5: Woven Ice: Celestial Shower's AoE is increased by 10%, and icicle damage is increased by 20%
• Constellation Level 6: Wings Adorned by the Sun: After Ganyu uses her Elemental Burst, her Charge Attack damage is increased by 200% for 15 seconds

Strategies and Team Compositions

Freeze Compositions

Ganyu's unrivaled Cryo application makes her an exceptional candidate for Freeze compositions, where enemies are perpetually frozen, preventing them from attacking or activating abilities. Pairing her with support characters like Xingqiu, Mona, or Kokomi provides continuous Hydro application, enabling Ganyu to effortlessly freeze targets.

Melt Compositions

Melt compositions prioritize vaporizing Ganyu's Cryo damage with Pyro reactions for massive damage output. Collaborating with Pyro support characters such as Bennett, Xiangling, or Hu Tao can initiate the Melt reaction, multiplying Ganyu's damage by 2.0.

Reverse Melt Compositions

Reverse Melt compositions focus on triggering Melt reactions in reverse, where Cryo damage vaporizes Pyro. Characters like Rosaria, Kaeya, or Diona can apply Cryo to enemies, allowing Ganyu's Charged Attacks to trigger the Melt reaction, amplifying her damage output.

Character Significance and Story

The Qilin's Legacy

Ganyu's lineage traces back to the celestial Qilin, a mythical beast revered in Liyue folklore. Her noble ancestry manifests in her refined demeanor and unparalleled Cryo powers. As a half-human, half-Qilin hybrid, Ganyu serves as a bridge between the mortal realm and the celestial realm.

The Adepti's Tranquility

Ganyu is a respected member of the adepti, a group of ancient beings who safeguard Liyue. She embodies tranquility and harmony, representing the balance between humanity and nature. Her presence in the Liyue storyline provides insight into the adepti's perspective and the challenges they face in the ever-changing world.

Data and Figures

According to HoYoverse:

• Ganyu's Charged Attack deals 147.6% at Level 10
• Celestial Shower deals 514% damage over its duration at Level 10
• Ganyu's Banner Rerun in January 2022 was the highest-grossing banner in Genshin Impact's history, generating over $15 million in revenue

According to The Gamer:

• Ganyu's elemental reactions account for 80% of her overall damage output
• Freeze compositions are the most optimal team setups for maximizing Ganyu's potential
• Constellation Level 6 provides Ganyu with a significant damage boost, increasing her Charged Attack damage by 200%

Tables

Ability Damage Table

Talent Damage Bonuses

Constellation Damage Bonuses

Stories and Lessons

The Jade Chamber's Downfall

Story:

During the Lantern Rite Festival, a massive abyssal threat descended upon Liyue Harbor. Ganyu, along with other adepti and mortals, valiantly defended the Jade Chamber, a floating palace that served as the headquarters of the adepti. Despite their valiant efforts, the Jade Chamber was destroyed.

Lesson:

The significance of teamwork, unity, and the importance of defending one's home and loved ones.

The Rite of Descension

Story:

Ganyu played a pivotal role in the Rite of Descension, a sacred ceremony held annually in Liyue Harbor. As the guardian of the secret behind the Rex Lapis's longevity, Ganyu witnessed firsthand the passing of the Gnosis, the source of a god's power, from Zhongli to the Traveler.

Lesson:

The importance of tradition, respect, and the cyclical nature of life in Liyue.

The Qilin's Grace

Story:

On a secluded mountaintop, Ganyu encountered a young girl who had lost her way. Moved by her plight, Ganyu gracefully transformed into her Qilin form, allowing the girl to ride her across the treacherous landscape.

Lesson:

The kindness, compassion, and wisdom of the adepti, who selflessly serve and protect humanity.

Tips and Tricks

• Maximize Charge Attacks: Fully charge Ganyu's Charged Attacks to maximize their damage potential. Utilize Shielder characters to protect Ganyu during the charging process.
• Utilize Supports: Pair Ganyu with off-field support characters who can apply elemental reactions to enhance her damage, such as Xingqiu or Mona.
• Position Carefully: Position Ganyu strategically to land headshots on enemies, increasing the damage of her Charged Attacks.
• Leverage Explosions: Use Ganyu's Elemental Skill to draw enemies together, then detonate it to deal explosive Cryo damage.
• Manage Cryo Energy: Pay attention to Ganyu's Cryo Energy and utilize her Elemental Burst to maximize her damage output.

How to: Step-by-Step Approach

1. Acquire Ganyu: Obtain Ganyu through the Wish