A good support character can turn an average main DPS into a top-tier damage dealer. This guide breaks down the mechanics and builds of core supports.
Core Support Types
| Type | Role | Examples |
| **DMG Buffer** | Provides elemental DMG bonus | Bennett, Fischl |
|---|
| **Resistance Shredder** | Reduces enemy element RES | Kazuha, Sucrose |
|---|
| **Elemental Applicator** | Sustained elemental application | Xingqiu, Kuki Shinobu, Fischl |
|---|
| **Healer** | Maintains team survival | Kokomi, Barbara, Zhongli |
|---|
| **Energy Battery** | Accelerates burst rotation | Bennett, Xingqiu |
|---|
---
Core Supports Breakdown
Kazuha (Anemo)
Role: Resistance shred + crowd control + DMG boost
Core Mechanics:
- Elemental Skill『Thousand Winds』pulls nearby enemies
- Elemental Burst『Wind's Grand Conduct』provides Anemo DMG bonus
- C1 unlocks Elemental Mastery transfer on swirl
Recommended Build:
| Artifacts | Main Stats | Substat Priority |
| Viridescent Venerer (4pc) | ER Sands, Anemo DMG, CRIT/ER circlet | ER > EM > CRIT |
| Glint n' Swirl (2+2) | ER Sands, EM Goblet, CRIT circlet | ER > EM |
Weapon Recommendations:
- Signature: Favonius Codex (ATK/EM dual property)
- Free alternative: Festering Desire (ER + CD reduction)
- Forged: Rainslasher (passive synergizes with swirl)
---
Bennett (Pyro)
Role: DMG buffer + healer + energy battery
Core Mechanics:
- Elemental Burst『Good Luck!』provides ATK bonus and HP recovery
- Passive『Well-Rounded』stops healing when HP is below 70%
- Constellation upgrades burst DMG and duration
Recommended Build:
| Artifacts | Main Stats | Substat Priority |
| Ember-Smeared (2pc) | ER Sands, Pyro DMG, Healing Bonus Goblet | ER > Healing |
| Inscribed (4pc) | ER Sands, ATK Goblet, Healing Goblet | ER > ATK |
Weapon Recommendations:
- Signature: Amos Bow (ATK bonus)
- Free alternative: Iron Sting (ER + crit)
- Forged: Whiteblind (ER + ATK)
---
Xingqiu (Hydro)
Role: Hydro application + damage reduction + interrupt resistance
Core Mechanics:
- Elemental Skill『Guhua Sword: Fatal Raze』provides Hydro application and interrupt resistance
- Elemental Burst『Rivet Kit: Drifting Tears』sustained Hydro application
- Constellation upgrades burst DMG and healing
Recommended Build:
| Artifacts | Main Stats | Substat Priority |
| Noble Elegance (2pc) | ER Sands, Hydro DMG, CRIT circlet | ER > CRIT |
| Glint n' Swirl (4pc) | ER Sands, Hydro DMG, CRIT circlet | ER > CRIT |
Weapon Recommendations:
- Signature: Tidehunter's Will (off-field Hydro DMG)
- Free alternative: Festering Desire (ER + CD)
- Forged: Favonius Sword (generates orbs)
---
Kuki Shinobu (Dendro)
Role: Transformative reaction trigger + healer + ER
Core Mechanics:
- Elemental Skill『Musou Shinsei』provides Dendro application
- Elemental Burst『Sesshou Sakura』healing based on Elemental Mastery
- Constellation upgrades transformative reaction DMG
Recommended Build:
| Artifacts | Main Stats | Substat Priority |
| Deepwood (2pc) | ER Sands, EM Goblet, EM circlet | ER > EM |
| Instructor (4pc) | ER Sands, EM Goblet, EM circlet | ER > EM |
Weapon Recommendations:
- Free: Iron Sting (ER + crit)
- Forged: Silver Ivory (passive synergizes with transformative reactions)
---
Support Team Formulas
Formula 1: National Team (Classic)
Lineup: Raiden + Xingqiu + Xiangling + Bennett
Core Strategy:
- Raiden on-field, Xingqiu/Xiangling/Bennett off-field
- Elemental reactions generate massive energy orbs
- Bennett provides ATK bonus, Xingqiu provides damage reduction
Formula 2: Dendro Reaction Team
Lineup: Nahida + Kuki + Kazuha + Zhongli
Core Strategy:
- Nahida provides Dendro application and DMG bonus
- Kuki triggers Aggravate/Spread reactions
- Kazuha swirls and shreds resistance
- Zhongli provides shield protection
Formula 3: Freeze Team
Lineup: Ayaka + Xingqiu + Bennett + Shenhe
Core Strategy:
- Xingqiu applies Hydro, Ayaka triggers Melt
- Shenhe provides Cryo DMG bonus
- Bennett provides ATK bonus
---
Support Character Priority Ranking
| Priority | Character | Reason |
| R1 | Kazuha | Highest versatility, works in nearly every team |
| R2 | Bennett | Dual function: DMG buffer + healer |
| R3 | Xingqiu | Reliable Hydro application + damage reduction |
| R4 | Kuki Shinobu | Core of Dendro reaction teams |
| R5 | Kokomi | Healing + off-field Hydro DPS |
---
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
| Building ATK on supports | Wastes substat slots | Supports prioritize ER and EM |
| Using DPS artifact sets | Can't provide support capabilities | Use support-specific sets |
| Ignoring Energy Recharge | Burst rotation breaks | Ensure 180%+ ER |
| No healer in team | High survival pressure | Include at least 1 survival slot |
---
One-Sentence Summary
> Kazuha shreds RES, Bennett buffers DMG, Xingqiu applies Hydro, Kuki triggers reactions—these four supports carry half the meta.
---
Internal Links
| Guide | Link |
| [Team Building Guide](team-building-guide.html) | Core team composition principles |
| [Character Building Guide](character-building-guide.html) | Overall build priority |
| [Energy Recharge Guide](energy-recharge.html) | Support character ER configuration |
---
FAQ
Q: Do supports need maxed talents?
A: Yes. Support skill multipliers and effects directly determine team strength. Recommend at least Lv.8.
Q: What ER percentage is optimal?
A: Core supports should aim for 180%+. Raiden 180-220%, Xingqiu 160-180%, Bennett 200-220%.
Q: Can supports use 5-star weapons?
A: Yes, but 4-star weapons are usually sufficient. Prioritize 5-star weapons for main DPS.
Q: How to judge if a support is adequate?
A: Check if bursts rotate consistently, skill coverage is complete, and damage contribution is stable.