Some of the most potent teams in Genshin Impact utilize the Cryo element, as it’s perfect for freezing and melting enemies. This guide will break down all Cryo characters in Genshin Impact and which characters are the best in the icy category.
All Cryo characters in Genshin Impact
As of the version 4.1 update, there are 15 Cryo characters in Genshin Impact. Even with the introduction of Dendro and Fontaine’s Pneuma / Ousia, the icy element is still one of the top character types in the game’s meta. Some of the strongest team comps in Genshin Impact utilize Melt, which combines both Cryo and Pyro reactions.
HoYoVerse has not slowed down with the element either, as Genshin Impact is still getting powerful Cryo characters. For example, 5-Star Fontaine Warden Wriothesley was just released in October 2023, and he’s already one of the top-ranking characters in the game.
Below is a list of all Cryo characters in Genshin Impact, and which weapon they use:
- Aloy (5-star Bow)
- Ayaka (5-star Sword)
- Eula (5-star Claymore)
- Ganyu (5-star Bow)
- QiQi (5-star Sword)
- Shenhe (5-star Polearm)
- Wriothesley (5-star Catalyst)
- Charlotte (5-star Catalyst)
- Chongyun (5-star Claymore)
- Diona (5-star Bow)
- Freminet (5-star Claymore)
- Kaeya (5-star Sword)
- Layla (5-star Sword)
- Mika (5-star Polearm)
- Rosaria (5-star Polearm)
Best Cryo characters in Genshin Impact
Kamisato Ayaka is the best Cryo character in Genshin Impact. Despite making her debut in the Version 2.0 update in 2021, the Inazuma swordsman still takes the top spot with her devastating damage. At the core of her build is her special sprint, which allows her to be practically invulnerable to damage while traveling in her ice pattern. However, teams with Hydro application can constantly use Ayaka’s sprint to freeze enemies before launching into her Normal attacks.
Making this combination even more deadly is her Elemental Skill, which buffs her Normal Attack DMG by a substantial amount. Finally, Ayaka’s Elemental Burst Soumetsu deals a monstrous amount of AOE Cryo damage that other characters can’t match. Ayaka is not only fun to play, but she is one of the easiest characters to build when it comes to reaching high-tier damage output.
Below is a list of the best Cryo characters in Genshin Impact:
- Ayaka (SS)
- Ganyu (S)
- Shenhe (S)
- Wriothesley (S)
- Diona (S)
- Rosaria (A)
- Eula (A)
- Charlotte (A)
- Mika (A)
- Layla (A)
Overall, Cryo continues to be one of the best elements in Genshin Impact. The category has only had a few misfires, such as the bizarre PlayStation exclusive release of Aloy as a 5-star character. However, the element type has some of the most powerful characters in the RPG, such as Ayaka, Ganyu, and Wriothesley.
Cryo is also perfect for newcomers, as you can combine it with Hydro attacks to freeze enemies. At the same time, it’s also perfect for more advanced team comps, as it can produce potent Melt and Superconduct reactions. Regardless of which character you pull for, every account should have a few Cryo in their roster.
Genshin Impact is available on PS4, PS5, PC, and Mobile devices.
