The Ultimate Kaeya Guide for Genshin Impact

Kaeya, the Cryo cavalier from Mondstadt, has stood the test of time in Genshin Impact, showcasing versatility as both a burst DPS and a support character.

This guide dives into the best ways to use Kaeya, from optimizing his talents to selecting the perfect artifacts, weapons, and team compositions to enhance his formidable Cryo abilities.

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The Ultimate Kaeya Guide: Best Builds and Team Compositions

Understanding Kaeya's Kit

Normal Attack: Ceremonial Bladework

Kaeya's normal attack performs up to 5 consecutive strikes, with the fifth hit teleporting him behind the enemy to deliver a powerful blow.

This sequence not only has high multipliers for a sword user but also includes a small AoE on the final hit, making it effective against groups of enemies.

The teleportation aspect of the fifth hit, however, can be less effective against larger foes or those with shields, as it may not always position Kaeya advantageously.

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Elemental Skill: Frostgnaw

Frostgnaw creates a burst of Cryo energy in front of Kaeya, dealing Cryo damage to enemies and generating Cryo particles.

This skill is noteworthy for its strong Cryo application and its ability to generate energy, aiding in the recharge of his and his teammates' Elemental Bursts.

With a cooldown of just 6 seconds, Frostgnaw allows for frequent Cryo application, making Kaeya an excellent Cryo battery in teams that benefit from Cryo reactions.

Additionally, his first Ascension passive heals Kaeya for a percentage of his ATK each time Frostgnaw hits an enemy, providing him with a minor but useful self-sustain capability.

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Elemental Burst: Glacial Waltz

Upon activation, Kaeya summons three icicles that revolve around the active character, dealing Cryo damage to enemies in their path.

This burst has several key features:

• AoE Damage: Each icicle can hit multiple enemies, especially when they are closely grouped, enhancing its effectiveness in mob situations.
• Cryo Application: The icicles apply Cryo at regular intervals, supporting Cryo-related reactions such as Freeze or Superconduct.
• Snapshotting: The damage dealt by the icicles is based on Kaeya's stats at the moment of casting, meaning any active buffs on Kaeya will enhance the burst's damage output throughout its duration.

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Kaeya's Elemental Burst is a cornerstone of his utility, providing consistent Cryo damage and enabling various elemental reactions.

Its effectiveness is maximized in teams that can take advantage of its Cryo application, such as those built around Freeze or Superconduct reactions.

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Passive Talents

Cold-Blooded Strike: Kaeya's first Ascension passive, which provides him with self-sustain by healing him each time Frostgnaw hits an enemy.

Glacial Heart: At his fourth Ascension, this passive enhances his role as a Cryo battery by generating additional Cryo particles when Frostgnaw freezes or hits Frozen enemies.

Hidden Strength: Reduces sprinting Stamina consumption for the entire party, a minor but useful exploration and utility bonus.

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Talent Priority

As Cryo Support or Battery

Elemental Burst

‍This should be your top priority when using Kaeya in a support role.

His Elemental Burst provides consistent Cryo application over its duration, making it invaluable for setting up elemental reactions like Freeze or Superconduct.

Enhancing this talent increases the burst's damage and, indirectly, the utility by keeping enemies affected by Cryo longer or more frequently.

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Elemental Skill

‍Next in line, Frostgnaw is essential for quick Cryo application and generating energy particles.

Leveling this talent increases its damage and, by extension, the healing from the Cold-Blooded Strike passive if Kaeya's HP falls below a certain threshold, adding a layer of survivability.

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Normal Attack

‍As a support, Kaeya's normal attack is less critical since he won't be your primary DPS.

Thus, it's generally the last to invest in, primarily if you use Kaeya to apply Cryo and then quickly switch to other characters for damage or reactions.

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As Main DPS

Normal Attack

‍When built as a DPS, Kaeya's normal and charged attacks become your primary source of damage, especially if you're leaning towards a physical DPS build.

Prioritizing this talent ensures you're maximizing his damage output during on-field time.

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Elemental Burst

‍Still a crucial part of his kit, the Elemental Burst provides additional damage and Cryo application while Kaeya is attacking.

Leveling it up increases the damage output significantly, contributing to his overall DPS.

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Elemental Skill

‍While still useful for its Cryo application and energy generation, Frostgnaw becomes less of a priority in a DPS build.

However, increasing its level can still boost Kaeya's damage, especially when used to interrupt enemy attacks or when engaging in combat.

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Best Artifact Builds

Kaeya as Cryo Support or Sub-DPS

Noblesse Oblige (4 pieces)

Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 20% and using an Elemental Burst increases all party members' ATK by 20% for 12s. This effect cannot stack.

Ideal for boosting team DPS through Kaeya's Elemental Burst, making him an excellent support in Cryo-based reaction teams like Freeze or Superconduct compositions.

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Exile (4 pieces) / Scholar (4 pieces)

Exile increases Energy Recharge by 20% and using an Elemental Burst regenerates 2 Energy for all party members (excluding the wearer) every 2s for 6s.

Scholar has a similar focus on Energy Recharge and benefits teams that have bow or catalyst characters.

Ideal for enhancing Kaeya's role as an energy battery, ensuring that your team can use their Elemental Bursts more frequently.

Particularly useful in teams that rely heavily on Elemental Burst rotations.

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Kaeya as Main DPS

Gladiator's Finale (4 pieces)

ATK +18%, and if the wielder of this artifact set uses a Sword, Claymore, or Polearm, their Normal Attack DMG is increased by 35%.

Ideal for maximizing Kaeya's physical DPS potential, especially when using him as your primary damage dealer.

This set bolsters his Normal Attacks, which are key to his damage output in a DPS role.

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Bloodstained Chivalry (2 pieces) + Gladiator's Finale (2 pieces)

Physical DMG +25% from Bloodstained Chivalry and ATK +18% from Gladiator's Finale.

Ideal for a focus on physical DPS.

This combination offers a balance between increased Physical DMG and overall ATK, making it suitable for a physical DPS build where Kaeya frequently stays on the field to deal damage.

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Main Stats Priority

‍ATK% / Cryo DMG Bonus% for the Goblet, CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG for the Circlet, and Energy Recharge or ATK% for the Sands, depending on Kaeya's role and energy needs.

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Sub Stats Priority

‍CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge.

Prioritize CRIT stats to maximize DPS potential or Energy Recharge to ensure more frequent use of his Elemental Burst for support roles.

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Weapon Choices

For Cryo Support/Sub-DPS Kaeya

Favonius Sword

This sword's Energy Recharge sub-stat boosts Kaeya's ability to generate energy, facilitating more frequent use of his Elemental Burst.

The passive ability of crit hits generating elemental orbs further enhances team energy regeneration.

Ideal for teams where Kaeya's role is to consistently apply Cryo for reactions and support with his Elemental Burst.

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Sacrificial Sword

The Sacrificial Sword's Energy Recharge sub-stat complements Kaeya's energy needs, and its passive can reset the cooldown of his Elemental Skill, allowing for more frequent Cryo application.

Ideal for maximizing Cryo uptime for reaction-based teams, particularly useful in Freeze or Superconduct compositions.

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For DPS Kaeya

Blackcliff Longsword (Obtainable from Paimon's Bargains)

This weapon boosts CRIT DMG and its passive increases ATK after defeating an enemy, making it a solid choice for DPS Kaeya in prolonged fights or against multiple enemies.

Ideal for enhancing Kaeya's damage output in scenarios where he can consistently defeat enemies to maintain the ATK bonus.

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Prototype Rancour (Craftable)

As a craftable weapon, it's accessible for free-to-play players.

It boosts both ATK and DEF with its passive upon hitting an enemy with Normal and Charged Attacks, which is beneficial for Kaeya's physical DPS build.

Ideal if you're looking for a reliable and easily obtainable weapon that complements a physical DPS role.

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The Flute

The Flute offers an ATK sub-stat and its passive Harmonic deals AoE ATK DMG to nearby enemies after a certain number of hits, fitting well with Kaeya's quick attack sequences.

Ideal for Kaeya builds focusing on sustained AoE damage, leveraging his rapid attack rate to trigger Harmonic frequently.

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Luxury Options for DPS Kaeya

Aquila Favonia

Boasting the highest base ATK of all swords and providing a significant physical DMG bonus, its passive also grants ATK bonus and health regeneration upon taking damage.

Ideal for a high-investment DPS Kaeya build, maximizing his physical damage output while offering survivability.

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Summit Shaper

Offers high base ATK and an ATK% sub-stat.

Its passive increases shield strength and provides an ATK boost when shielded, synergizing well with team compositions that include shield providers.

Ideal for DPS Kaeya builds in teams that can consistently provide shields, optimizing both his damage and defense.

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Ideal Team Compositions

Freeze Team Composition

• Kaeya (Cryo Support/Sub-DPS): Provides consistent Cryo application for freeze reactions.
• Xingqiu (Hydro Sub-DPS): His Rain Swords offer Hydro application, synergizing with Kaeya for prolonged Freeze effects.
• Venti/Sucrose (Anemo Support): Can group enemies together and spread the Cryo and Hydro elements with Swirl, enhancing crowd control.
• Diona/Bennett (Healer/Support): Diona can add more Cryo for Cryo resonance and provide shielding, while Bennett offers healing and an ATK buff.

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Superconduct Physical DPS Team

• Kaeya (Cryo Application): Initiates Superconduct reaction to reduce physical resistance of enemies.
• Razor (Electro DPS): Benefits from Superconduct to deal increased Physical damage.
• Fischl (Electro Support): Provides additional Electro application and off-field damage.
• Qiqi/Diona (Cryo Healer/Support): Ensures the team's survivability while contributing to Cryo resonance for increased CRIT Rate against frozen or Cryo-affected enemies.

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Melt Reaction Team

• Kaeya (Cryo Support/Sub-DPS): Applies Cryo to set up for Melt reactions.
• Xiangling (Pyro Sub-DPS): Guoba and Pyronado apply Pyro, which, when overlaid with Kaeya's Cryo, triggers powerful Melt reactions.
• Zhongli/Albedo (Geo Support): Zhongli provides strong shields and debuffs enemies with his Jade Shield, while Albedo offers additional off-field DPS.
• Bennett (Pyro Healer/Support): Offers healing, an ATK buff, and additional Pyro application for more consistent Melt reactions.

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Cryo Resonance Team

• Kaeya (Cryo DPS/Support): Provides Cryo application and benefits from Cryo resonance.
• Ganyu/Chongyun (Cryo DPS/Support): Ganyu for high Cryo DPS or Chongyun for his Cryo field that enhances melee attacks with Cryo.
• Mona (Hydro Support): For Freeze compositions, Mona's Hydro application can create opportunities for Kaeya and Ganyu to exploit.
• Jean/Diona (Healer/Support): Jean offers healing, crowd control, and can spread elements with her Swirl, while Diona provides Cryo resonance, shields, and healing.

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Exploration and Utility Team

• Kaeya (Lead for Reduced Stamina Consumption): His passive reduces stamina consumption for the entire party, great for exploration.
• Venti (Exploration/Anemo Support): For easy traversal and crowd control.
• Zhongli (Geo Support): Provides shields and constructs for climbing and solving puzzles.
• Any character with passive utility for exploration or resource gathering.

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Constellation Overview

C1: Excellent Blood

Increases the CRIT Rate of Kaeya's Normal and Charged Attacks by 15% against enemies affected by Cold or Frozen status effects.

This constellation boosts Kaeya's damage output, especially when he's used in Freeze team compositions.

It makes him a more reliable DPS or sub-DPS character by increasing his CRIT Rate, thus enhancing his overall damage potential.

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C2: Never-Ending Performance

Extends the duration of Glacial Waltz by 2.5 seconds for every enemy defeated, up to a maximum of 15 seconds.

This significantly increases the uptime of Kaeya's burst, allowing for more sustained Cryo application and damage over time.

It's particularly effective in mob situations where Kaeya can defeat multiple enemies, extending the burst's duration.

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C4: Frozen Kiss

Automatically triggers when Kaeya's HP falls below 20%, creating a shield equal to 30% of his Max HP for 20 seconds.

This shield has 250% efficiency against Cryo DMG.

Improves Kaeya's survivability, providing a safety net in situations where he might otherwise be defeated.

The enhanced Cryo DMG absorption makes him particularly resilient in Cryo-heavy encounters.

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C6: Glacial Whirlwind

Glacial Waltz generates an additional icicle and regenerates 15 Energy when cast.

This is a game-changer for Kaeya, enhancing both his damage output by adding another icicle to his burst and his energy recharge capabilities, allowing him to use his burst more frequently.

It solidifies his role as a powerful Cryo support or DPS character in any team composition.

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Gameplay Tips

Optimizing Cryo Application

Kaeya's Elemental Skill, Frostgnaw, is a quick way to apply Cryo to enemies, making him ideal for triggering elemental reactions like Freeze or Superconduct.

Use it strategically to control the battlefield, either by freezing enemies in place with a Hydro character or reducing their physical resistance with an Electro character.

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Maximizing Burst Damage and Uptime

His Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, summons icicles that revolve around the active character, dealing Cryo damage.

To maximize its uptime and damage:

• Activate it in densely packed enemy groups to ensure multiple hits.
• Time the burst just after applying buffs or debuffs that enhance its damage, taking advantage of its snapshot mechanic.
• Pair Kaeya with characters or artifacts that reduce Cryo resistance or increase Cryo damage to amplify his burst's impact.

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Using Dash and Normal Attack Canceling

Kaeya's normal attack chain ends with a powerful thrust, but it can be slow.

Use dash canceling to reset the attack sequence after the first or second hit for a faster damage output.

This technique also helps maintain mobility, reducing the chance of being hit.

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Energy Recharge Management

While Kaeya's Elemental Burst has significant impact, its energy cost is high.

Equip him with weapons or artifacts that provide Energy Recharge, and consider pairing him with characters who generate energy particles efficiently to ensure his burst is available as often as possible.

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Survivability Through Passive Healing

Kaeya's first Ascension passive talent heals him for a percentage of his ATK whenever his Elemental Skill hits enemies.

Use this strategically in battles to maintain his health, especially when facing multiple enemies.

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Strategic Positioning for Icicle Hits

During his Elemental Burst, position yourself or switch to a character who can stay close to enemies to ensure the revolving icicles hit targets consistently.

This is crucial for maximizing the burst's damage output and Cryo application.

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Final Thoughts on Kaeya

Kaeya's kit, offering a blend of damage, support, and utility, makes him a valuable unit in a variety of team compositions.

Whether as a Cryo enabler in freeze comps or a potent DPS in physical teams, Kaeya's versatility ensures he remains a steadfast choice for travelers in Teyvat.