Genshin Impact’s Combat Dynamics
Genshin Impact features a combat system that is quite intricate. At its heart, the gameplay focuses on using various characters to initiate Elemental Reactions that inflict damage. While some characters, such as the Physical DPS hero Eula, can sustain themselves in battle, most characters benefit from teamwork and collaboration.
Elemental Reactions are exceptionally potent in this game, prompting Hoyoverse to implement a stringent Internal Cooldown (ICD) to limit how quickly characters can trigger them. Below is a breakdown of what you should know about ICD and methods that may allow you to circumvent it.
Understanding ICD
ICD, or Internal Cooldown, is a mechanism designed to prevent characters from activating excessive reactions too rapidly. This cooldown is both time- and hit-based, following a consistent pattern for the majority of characters.
For instance, when you use Sangonomiya Kokomi to break the Pyro Hypostasis’s shield, her first attack depletes part of the shield’s health. However, subsequent hits may not affect it. This is due to Kokomi adhering to a standard three-hit rule plus the timing interval of the ICD.
What is Standard ICD?
Most characters in Genshin Impact operate under a standard ICD rule, typically set at 2.5 seconds or one activation every three hits of a specific skill. For Kokomi, her third hit won’t impact the shield after applying Hydro, but the fourth hit will be effective, as it completes the three-hit sequence following the last application of Hydro.
It’s worth noting: the ICD timer and hit count reset immediately after triggering an Elemental Reaction. If Kokomi lands two hits and 2.5 seconds pass before applying Hydro again, her subsequent attack won’t apply Hydro.
Specific Characteristics of ICD
- The Internal Cooldown is tied to the enemy, not the character. For example, if you attack two foes affected by Pyro, the first strike on each will cause a Vaporize effect.
- Additionally, the ICD is linked to the skill that initiates the reaction. If Kokomi strikes a shield with her Normal Attack, following that with her Elemental Burst or Charged Attack will also damage the shield.
Why Is ICD Necessary?
There are multiple reasons for implementing a cooldown on elemental applications:
- It prevents continuous reactions that might otherwise overload the game and cause crashes.
- It maintains balance, ensuring that characters capable of rapid attacks do not dominate the game.
- It gives Hoyoverse the ability to introduce new mechanics, which could be undermined if every fast-hitting skill triggered reactions. The presence of articulation in enemy behavior, such as that seen with the Abyss Herald, is a crucial aspect of gameplay.
Can You Bypass ICD?
While ICD is integrated into the game, some characters are designed to work around the standard cooldown. If you’re up against opponents with substantial elemental shields, or if using a character like Hu Tao who requires Vaporize for maximum damage, you can take advantage of these character-specific traits.
Tip: For characters that do not adhere to standard ICD rules, utilizing animation cancels can enhance reaction opportunities.
Noteworthy Characters with Unique ICD Traits
Certain characters bypass the standard ICD rules, allowing them to unleash damage more effectively. Below is a list of some characters and their skills that defy typical ICD timers:
| Character | Skill | ICD (Seconds) | ICD (Hits) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nahida | Tri-Karma Retribution (Elemental Skill) | 0s | 0 |
| Xiangling | Elemental Skill | 0s | 0 |
| Hu Tao | Charged Attack | 0s | 0 |
| Ganyu | Level Two Aimed Shot | 0s | 0 |
| Xiangling | Elemental Burst: Pyronado | 0s | 0 |
Additionally, characters like Xingqiu and Yelan can launch multiple Hydro applications with each wave of their elemental skills, thus overwhelming the ICD constraints.
ICD and Dendro Mechanics
Dendro interactions diverge slightly from other elemental reactions concerning ICD. While the primary Dendro effects remain consistent, secondary reactions such as Burning, Burgeon, and Hyperbloom do not follow typical ICD rules. Specifically:
- Burning features a unique aura that applies Pyro every two seconds.
- Burgeon and Hyperbloom have no ICD, meaning each individual hit triggers a reaction without delay.
Overall, the Dendro system allows for layered interactions, enriching the gameplay experience.
Understanding the nuances of Genshin Impact’s combat system, particularly the role of ICD, enables players to strategize better and maximize the potential of their team compositions.
