Hu Tao Best Build Guide Genshin Impact

Welcome! This Guide will cover every aspect of Hu Tao build in Genshin Impact. Talent, Weapons, Artifacts, Constellations, Team Comps, etc.

Hu Tao Overview – Genshin Impact Guide

“Hu Tao” is a Pyro-element output character who converts fire damage through her elemental skill. She can obtain additional attack power based on her maximum health through her elemental skill, which can increase her damage output. She can also use her elemental burst to deal instant burst damage and self-healing. In the current version, Hu Tao is still an excellent Pyro-element output character.

Hu Tao Level-Up Materials Chart – Genshin Impact

Talent Analysis Hu Tao – Genshin Impact Guide

Talent Priority – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

Normal/Charged Attack > Elemental Skill > Elemental Burst

Hu Tao’s main source of damage comes from her charged attack after using her elemental skill. It is recommended to prioritize leveling up her normal/charged attack skill, followed by her elemental skill that provides additional attack power, and lastly her elemental burst. Her talent upgrade path is to level up all three skills, with recommended levels at “8/8/8” or higher.

Normal Attack

1. Hu Tao’s normal attack has 6 stages and deals 7 hits, with the fifth stage dealing 2 hits and the rest dealing 1 hit each.
2. The fifth and sixth stages have a longer pre-attack animation, and since her main output is through “normal attack + charged attack,” the latter half of her normal attack is not frequently used.
3. After using her elemental skill, it is common to use the “normal attack + charged attack + jump (A-charged-jump)” or “normal attack + charged attack + dash (A-charged-dash)” combo to maximize output. Hu Tao with 0 Constellation prefers to use “A-charged-jump” to minimize unnecessary stamina consumption and increase output.

Elemental Skill (E)

1. In her “Paramita Papilio” state (after using her elemental skill), her normal attack/charged attack/plunging attack can all apply weak Pyro application(1 Gauge Unit Aura, 9.5s), with her normal attack following the rule of “applying elemental application to the same enemy every 2.5 seconds, with 2 applications per interval,” and her charged attack applying elemental aura with each hit.
2. Her Pyro-elemental attacks belong to “elemental conversion” and cannot be coverd by skills that elemental enchant attacks (such as Chongyun’s elemental skill or Candace’s elemental burst).
3. Elemental skill damage buffs (such as the 2-piece set effect of the “Gambler” artifact or the effect of the “Kitain Cross Spear” weapon) can only increase Hu Tao’s Blood Blossom damage and not her normal attack/charged attack/plunging attack damage after using her elemental skill.
4. After using her elemental skill, hitting an enemy with a normal attack/charged attack every 5 seconds will generate 2-3 Pyro elemental particles, but Hu Tao does not generate any particles from her Blood Blossom.
5. Each charged attack hit can apply the “Blood Blossom” effect, and a charged attack hit will only prolong the effect’s duration without resetting its damage interval. Each Blood Blossom effect can also apply weak Pyro elemental application(1 Gauge Unit Aura, 9.5s).
6. Hu Tao’s additional attack power gained through her elemental skill is determined by her maximum HP at the moment she activates the skill. Therefore, “even if Hu Tao’s maximum HP changes between using her elemental skill and the next time she uses it, it will not affect the additional attack power gained through the skill.” (This can be compared to the elemental burst of Noelle and Arataki Itto.)

【Additional Information】Hu Tao’s “Damage Calculation” for Triggering Skills

After using an elemental skill, the damage calculation for Hu Tao’s charged attack (assuming the attack lands a critical hit) is as follows:

Charged attack (normal attack / Blood Blossom / elemental burst damage is calculated in the same way):

(Hu Tao’s attack power before using the skill + Hu Tao’s maximum health × skill attack power increase percentage) × charged attack skill multiplier × character damage bonus coefficient × character critical damage coefficient × enemy defense coefficient × enemy resistance coefficient

“Upper Limit Judgment” for the Attack Power Increase Provided by Skills:

Attack power increase provided by the skill (A) = Hu Tao’s maximum health × skill attack power increase percentage

Upper limit judgment (B) = (Hu Tao’s base attack power + weapon base attack power) × 4

When B > A, the additional attack power that Hu Tao gains from the skill is A.

When B < A, the additional attack power that Hu Tao gains from the skill is B.

Hu Tao’s base attack power is relatively low (only 107), so it is not recommended to stack percentage attack stats (the benefit is relatively low). This additional attack power belongs to “green stats”.

Note: Base attack power (character base attack power, weapon base attack power) is referred to as “white stats”; weapon sub-stats and passive effects, artifact main/sub stats that provide attack power are all additional attack power, referred to as “green stats”. In addition, the attack power provided by Bennett’s ultimate skill is also additional attack power.

Elemental Burst (Q)

1. Hu Tao’s elemental burst inflicts strong Pyro element application(2 elemental Gauge Unit Aura , lasts for 12 seconds).
2. This skill can deal higher damage when the enemy is below half health and is often used to finish off enemies or when Hu Tao’s health is low.
3. Since this skill deals burst damage, it can also create a visually stunning effect with some characters (such as Mona) for a “one-shot explosion” combo.

Passive Talent

Passive Talent 1: After using the skill, it increases the critical rate of other characters in the team. This effect can be used excellently with other backend characters with output capability, such as Xingqiu/Yelan, who can provide vaporize conditions for Hu Tao. After Hu Tao uses the skill, it then increases the critical rate of Xingqiu/Yelan, increasing the expected damage of the combo and forming a mutually beneficial effect.

Passive Talent 2: It increases Hu Tao’s Pyro damage bonus when her health is below half, which is in the damage increase interval. This additional Pyro damage is displayed in the character panel.

Passive Talent 3: It has the same effect as Ayato’s passive talent 3.

Weapons – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

Weapon selection explanation

1. After achieving stable critical hit rate, the priority of weapon selection is: Staff of Homa > Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (with the Clock of Mastery) > Lithic Spear (4-star) > Dragon’s Bane > Lithic Spear (3-star) > Primordial Jade Winged-Spear > Deathmatch > Blackcliff Pole > Missive Windspear > White Tassel.

◆ In practice, weapons with critical hit/critical damage sub-stats can reduce the stacking of the double critical hit sub-stat on artifacts. For example, when choosing between Deathmatch and Dragon’s Bane, if the critical hit rate provided by the artifacts is less than 45%, Dragon’s Bane should be prioritized. If it is higher than 65%, Deathmatch should be prioritized.

1. Weapons that only provide ATK bonuses, such as Vortex Vanquisher and Royal Spear, are not recommended. Since Hu Tao does not have a strong need for Energy Recharge, weapons that prioritize energy recharge, such as Engulfing Lightning, Favonius Lance, and Prototype Starglitter, are also not recommended.
2. When forming a team of four characters both from Liyue, Lithic Spear is better than Dragon’s Bane at the same refinement level.

Artifact Introduction – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

Recommended Artifact – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

Substats Priority – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

Critical rate ≥ Critical damage > Elemental mastery > Percentage of life > others

Artifact selection and attribute explanation – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

1. When paired with Staff of the Scarlet Sands, it is recommended to prioritize the four-piece Gilded Dreams set with Sands of Eon that have sub-stats of elemental mastery. When paired with Dragon’s Bane, it is recommended to prioritize Sands of Eon with sub-stats of HP, and the four-piece Gilded Dreams set is not recommended.
2. For other weapons, consider the sub-stats of artifacts provided in terms of elemental mastery and HP, with elemental mastery between 200-300.
3. It is recommended to have a critical hit rate of 70% or higher, and a critical hit damage of 160% or higher when paired with non-double critical hit weapons. When paired with double critical hit weapons, a critical hit damage of 200% or higher is recommended.
4. For mid-term transitions, combinations such as “2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames + 2-piece mastery(Wanderer’s Troupe/Gilded Dreams/Flower of Paradise Lost)” and “2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames + 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith” can be considered.
5. For beginners, combinations such as “4-piece Berserker”, “4-piece Martial Artist”, or “2-piece Berserker + 2-piece Martial Artist” can be chosen.

Artifact Selection for Hu Tao “Questions & Answers”

Question 1: What set should I farm? Can I use 2+2?

Answer: The overall difference between the three sets is not significant. Considering the overall cost-effectiveness of artifact instance, it is recommended to farm the “Gilded Dreams” and “Shimenawa’s Reminiscence” instance according to the needs of other characters, and then use the 5-star artifacts with worse sub-stats to synthesize the “Crimson Witch of Flames” set. 2+2 can be used as a transitional set, and if the sub-stats are extremely good and there are other plans for character development, it can be used in the short term.

Question 2: Should I use a Sands of Eon with Elemental Mastery or HP?

Answer: Except for weapons like Dragon’s Bane, Sands of Eon with Elemental Mastery is slightly better than Sands of Eon with HP. It is recommended to stack Elemental Mastery between 200-300. If this requirement cannot be met, it is recommended to prioritize Sands of Eon with Elemental Mastery. (Actually, it is recommended to use whatever you have first.)

Question 3: Can I use a Sands of Eon with Elemental Mastery or HP instead of a cup with Pyro damage bonus? I can’t seem to get one with Pyro damage bonus!

Answer: It is only recommended to use Sands of Eon with Elemental Mastery or HP as transitional equipment, not as final equipment.

Hu Tao’s Constellation Effects Guide in Genshin Impact

Hu Tao’s Constellation – Genshin Impact Guide

Explanation of Constellation Effects – Genshin Impact Hu Tao Guide

1. Unlocked at C1, greatly improves the feel of her attacks. There’s no need to use the “normal attack + charged attack + jump” output method, reducing the need for complex operations. This constellation is recommended as a priority. Compared to C0, C1 can output 2-3 more charged attacks.
2. Unlocked at C2, increases the damage of Hu Tao’s Blood Blossom triggered by charged attacks (elemental skill damage), and the effect of this constellation is applied to the base multiplier range, namely “Hu Tao’s current attack × Blood Blossom skill multiplier + Hu Tao’s max HP × 10%.”
3. C3 and C5 respectively increase the levels of Hu Tao’s elemental skill and burst.
4. C4 mainly assists teammates and does not provide any personal benefits to Hu Tao. It is a functional constellation.
5. C6 is more useful in “low critical hit rate, high other attributes” speedrunning scenarios, where Hu Tao’s critical hit rate can stack up to around 50% or even lower, and then stack critical hit damage and other attributes.

Overall, Hu Tao can have considerable output damage through manual operations at C0, but some practice is required to use charged attacks effectively. C1 greatly optimizes the operation feel and has excellent performance in actual combat. If the player has enough primogems, it is recommended to unlock C1. The cost-benefit ratio of C2 and beyond is relatively low, so it is recommended for true fans to try their luck with wishes.

Hu Tao’s Best Team Comps – Genshin Impact Guide

Because each of Hu Tao’s charged attacks can apply elemental aura, her vaporize rate is very high. When choosing a team composition, it is recommended to prioritize pairing her with Xingqiu and Yelan to trigger vaporize reactions.

Hu Xing Zhong Ye Team Comps – Genshin Impact Guide

Hu Tao + Xingqiu + Zhongli + Yelan

Xingqiu and Yelan form a double Hydro elemental resonance in this lineup, increasing the maximum health of the entire team. In this comp, the double Hydro resonance can be utilized to the fullest extent, with Hu Tao’s additional attack power from her elemental skill conversion, Yelan’s skill damage, Zhongli’s shield strength, and Rain Sword’s life recovery effect.

The coordinated attack of Xingqiu and Yelan’s elemental bursts applies Hydro aura to enemies, pairing well with Hu Tao’s vaporize reactions. Zhongli’s shield enhances the team’s error tolerance and reduces enemy elemental resistance. Yelan’s passive talent level 2 further increases Hu Tao’s damage output on the field.

Additionally, Xingqiu and Yelan’s elemental skills can produce a large number of elemental particles (5 and 4 respectively), which can help charge each other’s elemental bursts, reducing their own recharge efficiency while increasing their skill damage.

Pairing with Xingqiu can optimize the problem where Hu Tao’s Pyro application cannot be “suppressed” by Yelan’s coordinated attack at C0.

• Replace “Zhongli” with “Diona”, “Layla”, “Thoma”, etc.

• Replace “Yelan” with:

Albedo: One of the common combos with Hu Tao before the appearance of Yelan. The skill can provide additional Geo damage to the team, while the burst can increase the entire team’s elemental mastery, thus increasing Hu Tao’s reaction damage. Combining with Zhongli can enhance the effectiveness of the shield and damage output.

Reference Output rotation: Albedo E, Xingqiu EQE (Sacrificial Sword), Zhongli long E, Albedo Q, Hu Tao E to output.

Ganyu: Another choice for the double geo resonance. Ganyu also has considerable burst damage ability by quick swich. When trained for support, the “Prototype Amber + Instructor 4-piece” combo can be used.

Reference Output rotation: Xingqiu EQE (Sacrificial Sword), Zhongli long E to A, Ganyu Q/E, Hu Tao E to output.

Mona: A choice to increase Hu Tao’s burst damage. The main focus is on stacking energy efficiency. Even without a frozen reaction to prevent the bubble from bursting, the 5-second Illusory Bubble damage bonus can still improve Hu Tao’s output ability. It is recommended to use the “Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers + Noblesse Oblige 4-piece” combo. (You can also consider replacing with “Xingqiu” to increase Hu Tao’s burst damage.)

Reference Output rotation: Xingqiu EQE (Sacrificial Sword), Zhongli long E, Mona EQ, Hu Tao E to output.

【Note】

1. In addition to the fourth person(Yelan) who can replace, you can also consider using Cryo element characters like Kaeya, Ganyu, or even Ayaka with the Emblem of Severed Fate set.
2. The fourth person in “Hu, Xing, Zhong，Ye” can also consider carrying Sucrose. Since there is no way to apply Pyro Aura to enemies in advance, it is recommended to choose the “Instructor 4-piece + Sucrose Elemental Mastery way” combo, which can improve the team’s elemental mastery by triggering Dydro Swirl.
3. In some cases where it is necessary to quickly break through the enemy’s ice shield, you can also consider using the “Bennett + Kazuha” combo, which can break the shield faster through Swirl. However, Bennett’s burst skill makes this combo not recommended for regular use.

Reference Output rotation

Xingqiu EQE (Sacrificial Sword), Raiden QE, Zhongli long press E, Hu Tao opens E to output.

Relevant Character Guide

Xingqiu Build

1. Prioritize Xingqiu’s energy recharge: For a single Hydro character with less than 6 constellations, it is recommended to have an energy recharge of 240% or higher, and for a team with two Hydro characters, it is recommended to have around 210%. After unlocking 6 constellations, it is recommended to have an energy recharge of 200-220% for a single Hydro character and 180-200% for a team with two Hydro characters.
2. Xingqiu’s skill has a long cooldown, so use it first and then wait for it to cool down.

Yelan Build

1. When Yelan has low constellations, it is better to choose weapons with energy recharge, and when her constellations is at 1, it is recommended to choose weapons with double critical.
2. For a Hydro character with 0 constellations, it is recommended to have an energy recharge of 240% or higher for a single character and around 200% for a team with two Hydro characters. For a Hydro character with 1 or more constellations, it is recommended to have an energy recharge of 200% for a single character and 150-180% for a team with two Hydro characters.

Zhongli Build

1. For Support Role, prioritize stacking HP to increase shield strength.
2. For DPS Role, consider choosing weapons and artifacts with dual critical stats.
3. If using the Favonius Lance, focus on stacking critical hit rate.

【Note】In addition, Zhongli can also choose to use the “Instructor 4-piece” set to increase Hu Tao’s reaction damage.

Albedo Build

1. It is recommended to have a critical hit rate of 60% or more, and for non-critical hit weapons, a critical hit damage of 120% or more is recommended. For double critical hit weapons, a critical hit damage of 160% or more is recommended.
2. In addition to the above artifact combinations, you can also consider the Tenacity of the Millelith set.

Ningguang build

1. As a burst-focused character, stack attack, Geo damage, and critical hit rate/damage. As a support character for reaction teams, you can consider using the Instructor 4-piece set, and switch to another character after triggering a Crystallize reaction.
2. As a support character, choose functional equipment such as the Prototype Amber or Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers depending on the environment.

Mona Build

1. Prioritize building up elemental burst energy for optimal performance, and aim for an Energy recharge of 220% or higher.
2. In a “bleeding” environment, consider using “Prototype Amber” to increase the team’s fault tolerance.

Hu Tao, Xingqiu, Thoma, and Sucrose

Hu Tao and Thoma can trigger a double Pyro Resonance, increasing the team’s attack power. Thoma can start with her Pyro aura skill and trigger a Pyro spread with Sucrose, then lower the enemy’s Pyro resistance and increase the team’s elemental mastery. This will boost Hu Tao’s output damage.

This team composition is more suitable for use when Zhongli is not present or when Zhongli is assigned to another team. This is because there is a phenomenon where Thoma’s elemental burst “steals” Hydro reactions, and a certain sequence of operations is required to minimize this phenomenon. Therefore, its versatility is lower than the first team composition.

Hu Tao and Thoma’s pre-applied Pyro should be staggered

Thoma’s “Fiery Collapse” skill is triggered by the normal attack of a character on the field, applying a Pyro element aura once every 3 seconds. In addition, Hu Tao’s main output is her “normal attack + charged attack” technique, and her normal attack (in the Paramita Papilio state) also follows the rules of element application.

To prevent Thoma’s “Fiery Collapse” from “stealing” more Hydro reactions, other characters can perform a normal attack first to trigger “Fiery Collapse”, and then switch to Hu Tao to output with normal attacks and charged attacks. This will stagger the Pyro element application between the two and minimize the occurrence of Thoma stealing charged attack reactions.

Xingqiu’s Rain Swords provide Hydro aura

First type: The Rain Swords surrounding Xingqiu create weak Hydro aura on surrounding enemies once every 2 seconds.

Second type: When Xingqiu has 6 constellation, the Rain Swords will be released in a “2, 3, 5” cycle. Every two Rain Swords that are released in conjunction with a normal attack will apply a weak Hydro aura (counted as 1st and 4th times within 2.5 seconds).

Specific Output Rotation

The specific output Rotation and steps are explained below:

1. Xingqiu triggers an elemental skill, followed by an elemental burst (EQAEA, applying weak Hydro Aura).
2. Thoma uses an elemental burst (attacking with strong Pyro aura, which cancels out the weak water).
3. Thoma uses an elemental skill (applying weak Pyro aura, followed by the rain sword surrounding him, which cancels out the weak water).
4. Sucrose uses a normal attack once (the Pyro application of Thoma’s “Fiery Collapse” first applies to the enemy and is then spread by Sucrose’s normal attack, lowering the enemy’s Pyro resistance. The surrounding rain sword attacks and cancels out the Pyro, and the rain sword applies weak water aura to the enemy).
5. Sucrose uses an elemental skill/elemental burst
6. After Hu Tao uses an elemental skill, begins to output damage (at this time, the Pyro application of “Fiery Collapse” and the Pyro application of Hu Tao’s normal attack are staggered, reducing the chance of both “stealing” the water application from the heavy attack to cause a vaporize reaction).

Simplified version: Xingqiu EQAEA → Thoma QE → Sucrose AEQ → Hu Tao E and AZ output.

Note:

1. It is recommended that Sucrose and Kazuha use their elemental bursts to Absorb water, which can better apply water element applications to the enemy.
2. The specific operational details in actual combat may be modified according to personal preferences. The main idea is to stagger the Pyro applications of Thoma’s “Fiery Collapse” and Hu Tao’s normal attacks as much as possible, in order to reduce the chance of “stealing” Hu Tao’s heavy attack vaporize reaction.
3. Simple Output Rotation: Xingqiu EQAEA, Thoma QE, Sucrose AEQ, Hu Tao E and AZ output.

Relevant Character Guide

Thoma Build

1. When not in a team with Burgeon reaction, prioritize stacking energy efficiency and percentage of life; in a team with Burgeon reaction, prioritize energy efficiency and elemental mastery.
2. The best weapon is the refined Kitain Cross Spear, which optimizes the cycle.

Sucrose Build

1. When energy recharge is below 150%, it is recommended to use the Xiphos’ Moonlight weapon.
2. Prioritize stacking elemental mastery, followed by energy recharge. The Favonius Sword requires critical hit rate.
3. When not using the wind damage gameplay, you can choose not to upgrade her skills.

Other Gameplay

In addition to the common vaporize gameplay, there are also some entertainment-oriented gameplay, such as the melt-nuclear explosion gameplay that combines various Cryo elemental burst characters (such as Ayaka, Hu Tao, Bennett, and Kazuha/Sucrose), and the pure Pyro team gameplay that pairs Hu Tao with Bennet. The latter has lower versatility and cost-effectiveness in the abyss compared to the traditional vaporize lineup, and is more for trying out different team compositions. For most players in the abyss, it is still recommended to use a vaporize team as the main gameplay.

That’s all for this Hu Tao character guide. See you next time!

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