Optimal Yelan Genshin Impact Builds!

Discover the most effective Yelan Genshin Impact build that will unleash the full potential of this remarkable character.

Since his abilities were showcased during the version 2.7 Livestream, many players have compared Yelan and B5 Xingqiu due to Yelan’s impressive Hydro damage output.

But what is Yelan’s true potential? Can he match the standards of a top-tier character like Xingqiu in Genshin Impact?

The Best Yelan Genshin Impact Build

Yelan is a B5 Hydro character armed with a bow, released in version 2.7. He excels as a DPS character, inflicting consequential Hydro damage and providing valuable buffs to boost his and his team’s damage output.

Like Xingqiu, Yelan can generate Hydro damage while off the field, making him an excellent choice for exploration and combat.

Normal Attack – Stealthy Bowshot

Yelan’s regular attack combo is similar to other bow users but with a distinct Breakthrough mechanic. This allows his next Charged Attack to deal Hydro damage to the target area, based on his maximum HP.

There are two ways to activate Breakthrough status: wait 5 seconds while out of combat (applies on-field or off-field), or successfully mark and injure enemies with his Elemental Skill.

Elemental Skill – Lingering Lifeline

Yelan’s Elemental Skill comes in two versions: a quick press to dash forward and deal Hydro damage to enemies before him, or a hold to run swiftly, marking enemies along the way. When the duration ends, Yelan will deal Hydro damage to the marked enemy and pull them towards him, limited to small enemy types like Hilichurls and Treasure Hoarders.

Elemental Burst – Depth-Clarion Dice

Upon activation, Yelan summons dice that assist him in battle. The dice will attack the target enemy every time an active character launches a Normal Attack or if the mark from Yelan’s Elemental Skill affects the enemy. This Burst ability forms the core of Yelan’s damage output.

Passive Talent 1: Turn Control

Yelan gains an HP bonus for each different element present in the team.

Passive Talents 2: Adapt with Ease

During Elemental Burst, Yelan deals bonus damage to active characters, which increases every second, maxing out at a 50% bonus. This buff is similar to Xiao’s but without any adverse effects on the character’s health.

Passive Talent 3: Necessary Calculation

When Yelan embarks on a 20-hour expedition, players receive 25% more rewards.

Talent Priority: Elemental Burst > Elemental Skill.

Artifacts

As most of Yelan’s damage comes from his Elemental Burst, the ideal Artifact set is 4 Emblems of Severed Fate. Alternatively, you can equip 4 Noblesse Oblige if no other team member has this Artifact.

If 4 Emblems of Severed Fate are unavailable, a combination of 2 Emblems of Severed Fate, 2 Noblesse Oblige, 2 Heart of Depth, and 2 Tenacity of the Millelith can be used.

Aim for an Energy Recharge of 160%-200% (depending on the weapon and team).

Main stats desired:

1. Sands: Energy Recharge % / HP% (if Energy Recharge is sufficiently high).
2. Goblet: Hydro DMG Bonus%.
3. Circlet: Critical Rate / Critical DMG%.
4. Sub stat priority: Critical Rate / Critical DMG% > Energy Recharge% > HP% > flat HP.

Weapons

Yelan can wield the Aqua Simulacra for the best results, which maximizes his damage output. This weapon boasts a high Critical DMG substate and a passive effect that perfectly complements Yelan’s abilities. If using this weapon, focus on Energy Recharge in the Artifact setup.

Another excellent option is the Elegy for the End, which prioritizes Energy Recharge and provides buffs for the team, enhancing Yelan’s utility.

Among B5 weapons, the Polar Star, Skyward Harp, and The Viridescent Hunt from the Battle Pass are excellent choices, offering Critical Rate or Critical DMG stats to balance Yelan’s Critical ratio.

For F2P players, the Favonius Warbow is a solid option. It can be obtained for free by completing the Archon Quest at the beginning of the game. Refer to a list of the best B4 weapons for further alternatives, such as Fading Twilight, Sacrificial Bow, The Stringless, Slingshot, or Recurve Bow.

Team Composition

Any team that can benefit from Xingqiu can also be optimized with Yelan. Here are a couple of examples of compelling team compositions:

1. The National Team: Replace Xingqiu with Yelan; the team will perform exceptionally well. You can opt for the Raiden variation or incorporate Anemo characters like Kazuha or Sucrose.
2. Team Taser: This team utilizes the Electro-Charged reaction significantly, enhancing Yelan’s performance. You can pair Yelan with the Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko duo or use F2P-friendly options like Fischl and Beidou. Fill the last slot with an enabler like Sucrose or a healer like Kokomi.

Moreover, Yelan complements Cryo characters like Ayaka and Ganyu in a Freeze team, boosting their abilities with his passive talent. However, note that Ganyu’s Charged Attack won’t trigger Yelan’s Burst attack, making Ayaka a more suitable pairing.

Feel free to include Anemo characters like Kazuha or Venti and other Cryo characters like Diona or Rosaria for added synergy.

The primary difference between Yelan and Xingqiu lies in their Elemental Burst duration and cooldown, so adjust Yelan’s rotation accordingly in your team setup.

Tips for Playing Yelan in Genshin Impact

Here are some valuable tips for maximizing Yelan’s potential:

1. Take advantage of Yelan’s Elemental Skill mechanics to regenerate Stamina while running, enabling swift movement between locations.
2. While the Sacrificial Sword works wonders for Xingqiu, the Sacrificial Bow may not be the best choice for Yelan. Yelan’s cooldowns are relatively short, making the weapon’s reset effect less necessary. Additionally, the high Base Attack stat of the Sacrificial Bow doesn’t benefit Yelan, who relies on HP stats for damage.
3. Unlike many characters, Yelan does not rely on ATK stats in his skills, making ATK% buffs (like those from 4 Noblesse Oblige, Burst Bennett, or Kujou Sara) ineffective.
4. Yelan essentially “duplicates” Xingqiu’s Burst ability, making him an excellent sub-DPS. However, while Xingqiu offers some defensive utility, Yelan focuses solely on offense. Choose according to your team’s needs—whether more damage reduction, interruption resistance, and healing from Xingqiu or bonus damage from Yelan.

With these insights, you can now explore the best Yelan Genshin Impact builds and unleash his full potential in the game. Good luck on your adventures!