Genshin Impact has brought back an essential re-run 5 star, Hu Tao, the pyro polearm user. She may not be the most story-relevant character, as a funeral director in Liyue, but she’s one of the best characters in the game with her damage-over-time application, and a top tier personalized weapon.
She joins fellow pyro polearm user Thoma in this banner, but most people are probably going for her, not him, even though he’s new. As such, I thought a refresher on the best builds, artifacts and weapons for Hu Tao might be a good idea, considering the last time we saw her was many patches ago. So here we go:
Best Hu Tao Polearms
Staff of Homa (5 star): HP increased by 20%. Additionally, provides an ATK Bonus based on 0.8% of the wielder’s Max HP. When the wielder's HP is less than 50%, this ATK Bonus is increased by an additional 1% of Max HP.
Jade Winged Spear (5 star): On hit, increases ATK by 3.2% for 6s. Max 7 stacks. This effect can only occur once every 0.3s. While in possession of the maximum possible stacks, DMG dealt is increased by 12%.
Engulfing Lightning (5 star) - ATK increased by 28% of Energy Recharge over the base 100%. You can gain a maximum bonus of 80% ATK. Gain 30% Energy Recharge for 12s after using an Elemental Burst.
The Catch (4 star) - Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 16% and Elemental Burst CRIT Rate by 6%.
Obviously Staff of Homa is still her best bet, a weapon specifically designed for her, but I am adding Baal’s personal polearm as well as an option if you managed to snag that, and Baal is not out on the field for you. Also I think The Catch would work well for her too.
Best Hu Tao Artifacts
Crimson Witch of Flames (Hidden Palace of Zhou) 2-Piece: Pyro DMG Bonus +15%. 4-Piece: Increases Overloaded and Burning DMG by 40%. Increases Vaporize and Melt DMG by 15%. Using an Elemental SKill increases 2-Piece Set effects by 50% for 10s. Max 3 stacks.
Emblem of Severed Fate (Momiji-Dyed Court) – 2 piece - Energy Recharge + 20%, 4 piece - Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of Energy Recharge. A maximum of 75% bonus DMG can be obtained in this way.
Hybrid Split: Noblesse Oblige 2 piece - Elemental Burst DMG +20%, Crimson Witch of Flames 2 piece - Pyro DMG Bonus +15%
Similar to Thoma, I’ll add Emblem of Severed Fate and a hybrid split between Noblesse and Crimson. Though I think a full Crimson set still probably works best for her overall, and I’ve had nothing but smooth sailing with her using that. Just make sure you get that Pyro damage piece.
So, you’re well on your way to Hu Tao domination. I would definitely pick her up, she’s my strongest character (well, she’s also at C2), and has never left my side since I got her.
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