Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Introduction

Kamisato Ayaka is a highly sought-after 5-star Cryo sword user from Inazuma, known for her impressive damage output, particularly in Freeze teams where she can truly shine. With her elegant and dignified demeanor, Ayaka has earned the title of “Shirasagi Himegimi” or “White Heron Princess,” which reflects her poised and noble character. As a versatile main DPS character, she fits into various team compositions, but her full potential is often realized in Freeze teams, where her ability to consistently apply Cryo to enemies plays a key role in triggering powerful reactions.

Her Elemental Burst, which deals AoE Cryo damage, is one of her standout features, capable of dealing significant damage in combat. Additionally, Ayaka’s unique alternate sprint, called the “Kamisato Art: Senho,” allows her to swiftly dash while applying Cryo to nearby enemies and infusing her attacks with Cryo, enabling her to trigger Freeze reactions effectively.

This Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide will cover all the essential aspects of playing Ayaka, including her talents, best builds, team compositions, and gameplay tips, helping both new and experienced players unlock her full potential and maximize her effectiveness in battle. Whether you’re looking to optimize her damage output or craft the perfect team around her, this guide has you covered to make the most of Ayaka’s abilities.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Ayaka’s Talents and Playstyle

Talents

Normal Attack Alternate Dash (Kamisato Art: Senho) Elemental Skill (Kamisato Art: Hyouka) Elemental Burst (Kamisato Art: Soumetsu) Passive Talents

Kamisato Ayaka’s Normal Attack performs up to five rapid strikes, delivering quick and effective damage. Her Charged Attack unleashes a stream of sword ki, dealing sustained damage to enemies in its path. Additionally, her Plunging Attack damages enemies along its descent, dealing AoE damage upon impact, making it versatile for both single-target and group encounters. this, his Normal Attacks are not a core part of his gameplay.

Kamisato Ayaka’s Alternate Dash, known as “Kamisato Art: Senho,” consumes stamina to cloak her in a frozen fog, allowing her to swiftly dash across the battlefield. Upon reappearing, she applies Cryo to nearby enemies and infuses her attacks with Cryo for a short period. This technique not only enables her to trigger Cryo-based reactions but also restores stamina and grants a Cryo DMG bonus when she hits an enemy, enhancing her overall damage potential and mobility.

Kamisato Ayaka’s Elemental Skill, “Kamisato Art: Hyouka,” summons a circle of Cryo energy that deals AoE Cryo damage to nearby enemies. In addition to the damage, it launches opponents in the vicinity, making it useful for crowd control. This skill also generates Cryo particles, helping to regenerate energy for Ayaka and her team, enhancing her ability to use her Elemental Burst more frequently in combat.

Kamisato Ayaka’s Elemental Burst, “Kamisato Art: Soumetsu,” unleashes a powerful snowstorm that moves forward, dealing Cryo damage to enemies in its path. As the storm moves, it slashes repeatedly at enemies it touches, causing continuous Cryo damage. At the end of its duration, the storm explodes, dealing AoE Cryo damage to all nearby enemies. With a 20-second cooldown, this ability serves as Ayaka’s main source of damage, making it essential for maximizing her damage output in battle.

Amatsumi Kunitsumi Sanctification: After using Elemental Skill, Normal and Charged attacks deal 30% increased DMG for 6s

Kanten Senmyou Blessing: When the Cryo application at the end of her Alternate Dash hits an opponent, restores 10 Stamina and gains 18% Cryo DMG Bonus for 10s

Fruits of Shinsa: When crafting Weapon Ascension Materials, 10% chance to receive double the product

Playstyle

Kamisato Ayaka’s optimal playstyle revolves around effectively utilizing her Elemental Burst, followed by a combination of Normal and Charged Attacks, and then incorporating her Elemental Skill to enhance her overall Cryo damage output. As a Cryo sword user, Ayaka excels at delivering swift, fluid attacks that capitalize on the Freeze reaction, making her one of the strongest Cryo DPS characters in Genshin Impact.

A key aspect of Ayaka’s combat proficiency lies in her Alternate Sprint, “Kamisato Art: Senho.” This ability allows her to dash across the battlefield, applying Cryo to enemies upon resurfacing, which not only enables quick Elemental Reactions but also grants a Cryo infusion to her attacks for a short duration. Mastering her sprint is crucial, as it allows her to infuse Cryo seamlessly while maneuvering around enemies, ensuring she maintains pressure during combat. To optimize her attack animations and maintain a smooth combat rhythm, players can perform dash cancels between her Charged Attacks, reducing animation lag and increasing her overall damage-per-second (DPS).

Ayaka’s Elemental Burst, “Kamisato Art: Soumetsu,” is one of her most powerful abilities, capable of dealing massive Cryo damage in a wide area of effect (AoE). The burst unleashes a continuous storm of Cryo slashes, making it highly effective at freezing grouped enemies when paired with a Hydro enabler like Mona, Kokomi, or Xingqiu. Due to the snapshotting mechanic of her burst, any damage buffs applied before casting will persist throughout its duration, making it essential to use Bennett’s ATK buff, Kazuha’s Cryo DMG boost, or Noblesse Oblige effects before activating her burst to maximize its damage potential.

In battle, Ayaka’s ideal combo sequence starts with using her Alternate Sprint to apply Cryo and infuse her attacks, followed by Normal and Charged Attacks for quick Cryo application and damage. Once enemies are grouped together, casting her Elemental Burst at the right moment will inflict devastating AoE Cryo damage, especially when Freeze reactions are triggered. Lastly, her Elemental Skill, “Kamisato Art: Hyouka,” can be used to apply additional Cryo damage and generate energy particles, helping to reduce the cooldown of her burst and ensuring her rotations remain consistent.

Since Ayaka heavily relies on her Elemental Burst for damage, energy management is crucial. She benefits greatly from teammates who can generate Cryo particles, such as Shenhe, Rosaria, or Diona, as well as Favonius weapons or Energy Recharge artifacts like Emblem of Severed Fate. Building sufficient Energy Recharge (~150-170%) ensures that her Elemental Burst remains available as frequently as possible, allowing her to maintain high uptime on Cryo damage output.

By carefully executing these strategies, Kamisato Ayaka becomes a top-tier Cryo DPS capable of consistently dealing massive damage. Players who master her Alternate Sprint mechanics, animation cancels, and optimal buffing sequences will be able to unleash her full potential in combat, making her one of the most efficient and powerful Cryo characters in Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Ascension and Talent Materials

Kamisato Ayaka’s ascension materials include items from various sources. For her Character Ascension, you’ll need Shivada Jade Slivers, Fragments, Chunks, and Gemstones, which drop from the Cryo Regisvine, and Perpetual Hearts from the Perpetual Mechanical Array. Additionally, Sakura Blooms, found exclusively in the Inazuma region, are required, with 168 needed for full ascension.

Nobushi enemies drop Old Handguards, Kageuchi Handguards, and Famed Handguards, which are also needed for both Character and Talent Ascension. For Ayaka’s Talent Ascension, these same Nobushi materials are required, along with the Crown of Insight, which can be obtained by upgrading the Frostbearing Tree, Sacred Sakura’s Favor, Sumeru Tree of Dreams, and Fontaine of Lucine, or through limited-time events.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Ayaka’s Best Artifacts

Ayaka’s best artifact set is the 4-Piece Blizzard Strayer, especially effective in Freeze or Mono Cryo teams. The 2-piece bonus provides a 15% Cryo DMG bonus, while the 4-piece bonus grants a 20% CRIT Rate when attacking enemies affected by Cryo, and an additional 20% CRIT Rate when attacking Frozen enemies. This makes it easier to achieve a high Crit Rate, allowing players to focus on increasing Crit DMG in other areas. The set is so effective that it is often recommended to use it even if individual pieces have suboptimal stats.

If a full 4-piece Blizzard Strayer set isn’t available, you can mix and match 2-piece sets for alternatives. Combining a 2-piece Blizzard Strayer with sets like Gladiator’s Finale or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence for increased ATK% is a solid choice. Noblesse Oblige is another option for enhancing Elemental Burst damage, while Emblem of Severed Fate is useful if Energy Recharge is needed. Although the 4-piece Lavawalker set can be viable for reverse Melt teams, it is generally not recommended. For beginners, a 2-piece Berserker set is a good starting point, and other combinations could include sets that increase Crit DMG or Crit Rate.

Artifact Main Stats

Sands: ATK%Goblet: Cryo DMGCirclet: CRIT DMG / ATK% Substats: CRIT DMG > ATK% > Energy Recharge

For Ayaka’s artifacts, the main stats you should aim for are as follows: For the Sands, prioritize ATK%, as Energy Recharge is usually not necessary with a well-constructed team and build. The Goblet should focus on Cryo DMG Bonus, as this increases her overall damage potential. However, an ATK% Goblet can be used if it has better substats or if you have external damage buffs. For the Circlet, CRIT DMG is generally preferred to maximize Ayaka’s damage, but ATK% can be a good alternative, particularly when using Mistsplitter Reforged or if the substats are more favorable.

When it comes to substats, CRIT DMG should be your highest priority, followed by ATK%. Energy Recharge is important for enabling her Elemental Burst uptime, with a target of around 120-140% Energy Recharge, though this can be reduced if you’re using the Amenoma Kageuchi sword or a team that generates energy efficiently. CRIT Rate remains valuable, even when using the 4-piece Blizzard Strayer set, and aiming for around 35-45% CRIT Rate is ideal to ensure optimal damage output.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Weapons

Mistsplitter ReforgedHaran Geppaku FutsuLight of Foliar IncisionSummit ShaperAmenoma Kageuchi

For Ayaka’s weapon choices, the best 5-star options include the Mistsplitter Reforged, which is considered her best-in-slot weapon due to its high base attack, CRIT DMG substat, and 40% Elemental DMG Bonus. Haran Geppaku Futsu is another solid option, but its CRIT Rate may not be as effective in Freeze teams. Light of Foliar Incision provides high CRIT DMG but suffers from a low base ATK. Summit Shaper offers a high ATK bonus when the user is protected by a shield, while Primordial Jade Cutter provides high CRIT Rate, though it may lead to overcapping CRIT Rate with Blizzard Strayer.

Skyward Blade is useful if you need Energy Recharge, and Aquila Favonia offers high base attack, but its physical damage boost is less effective for Ayaka. For 4-star weapons, Amenoma Kageuchi stands out as the best free-to-play option. This craftable weapon from Inazuma has an ATK% secondary stat and regenerates energy based on the number of Succession Seeds gained. The Black Sword is a good choice for charge attacks but may waste CRIT Rate. Blackcliff Longsword provides good base attack but relies on a conditional effect. For 3-star weapons, Harbinger of Dawn is a good option for beginners in Freeze teams, as Ayaka can ideally avoid taking damage.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Ayaka’s Teams

Kamisato Ayaka Team Overview:

Ayaka Permafrost #1
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SS TierAyaka Permafrost #2
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SS Tier
Ayaka Permafrost #3
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SS TierAyaka Permafrost #4
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SS TierAyaka Permafrost #5
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SS TierAyaka Permafrost #6
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SS+ TierAyaka Melting
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SS Tier

Ayaka excels in Freeze teams, her most effective and common composition, leveraging her Cryo abilities and the Blizzard Strayer artifact set. A Freeze team typically includes Ayaka as the main DPS, a second Cryo character for energy generation and Cryo resonance (15% CRIT Rate bonus), a Hydro character for Freeze reactions, and an Anemo character to shred resistances with the Viridescent Venerer set and provide crowd control and buffs.

Shenhe is the best Cryo support, enhancing Cryo damage significantly with Icy Quills, while other options like Ganyu, Rosaria, or Diona offer utility and energy. Hydro supports such as Kokomi provide sustained Hydro application and healing, while Kazuha is the ideal Anemo choice for crowd control and resistance shred. Mono Cryo teams are better for non-freezable enemies like bosses, utilizing multiple Cryo units and an Anemo character like Kazuha or Jean.

Alternative compositions include Reverse Melt teams using Pyro units for reactive damage, Hyperbloom or Fridge teams where Ayaka applies Cryo without disrupting Dendro cores, and Burst Support teams relying on her Elemental Burst for Cryo application and AoE damage. These configurations maximize Ayaka’s versatility and damage potential across various scenarios.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Ayaka’s Constellations

C1C2C3C4C5C6Not very usefulUnleashes two smaller versions of her burst, increasing burst damageIncreases Talent levelsDecreases the DEF of enemies hit by her burstIncreases Talent levelsIncreases Charged Attack DMG

Ayaka’s constellations enhance her performance, but she remains a powerful character at C0. Her C2 significantly boosts her Elemental Burst damage by unleashing two smaller versions of it, making it one of her most impactful constellations. C4 decreases the DEF of enemies hit by her burst, further amplifying her damage output. C3 and C5 simply increase her Talent levels, providing incremental improvements, while C6 enhances her Charged Attack damage but is not a necessity. While none of her constellations are essential, C2 and C4 are the most valuable upgrades for those looking to maximize her potential.

Genshin Impact Guide: Gameplay Tips

Ayaka’s gameplay revolves around maximizing her Elemental Burst and leveraging her unique mechanics. Prioritize leveling her Burst first, followed by Normal Attacks and then her Elemental Skill. Her alternate dash is essential, allowing her to apply Cryo, infuse her attacks with Cryo, and gain a Cryo DMG bonus with a stamina refund upon hitting enemies.

Use dash canceling to shorten her Charged Attack animations and benefit from her stamina refund talent. Her Elemental Skill offers a straightforward AoE Cryo attack, aiding in energy generation and buffing her Normal and Charged Attacks. Managing energy is crucial due to her high-cost Burst; pairing her with another Cryo character or using weapons like Amenoma Kageuchi can alleviate energy needs.

Ayaka’s Elemental Burst snapshots, so apply all buffs and debuffs beforehand to maximize damage. Start rotations with supportive abilities like Shenhe’s Elemental Skill, then cast Ayaka’s Burst, ensuring her Elemental Skill collects energy particles. During downtime, her Charged Attacks provide substantial damage, and a common combo is two Normal Attacks followed by a Charged Attack. Adapt combos based on stamina or timing.

Ayaka excels in Freeze teams, utilizing a Hydro character to freeze enemies and an Anemo character for resistance shred, crowd control, and buffs. Shenhe can further amplify Cryo damage with Icy Quills cast her skill early in the rotation and refresh it mid-Burst for optimal results. With these strategies, Ayaka can consistently deliver high damage and control the battlefield effectively.

Genshin Impact Ayaka Guide: Conclusion

Kamisato Ayaka is a powerful Cryo DPS character in Genshin Impact, renowned for her elegant fighting style and exceptional damage output. She excels in Freeze-focused team compositions, leveraging her high burst damage, Cryo infusion from her alternate dash, and synergy with the Blizzard Strayer artifact set. Ayaka’s Elemental Burst is her primary damage source, boasting incredible scaling, while her dash allows her to infuse attacks with Cryo, ensuring consistent Cryo application. She is accessible to a wide range of players, with strong free-to-play weapon options like Amenoma Kageuchi and flexible team compositions featuring 4-star characters. While Freeze teams are her forte, Ayaka is also effective in Mono Cryo, Reverse Melt, and Hyperbloom teams, showcasing her versatility.

Her best build includes the 4-piece Blizzard Strayer artifact set for Cryo DMG and CRIT Rate bonuses, with stats focused on ATK%, Cryo DMG Bonus, and CRIT DMG. Mistsplitter Reforged is her ideal 5-star weapon, but Amenoma Kageuchi is a great free-to-play alternative. In teams, she shines alongside another Cryo character for energy generation and Cryo resonance, a Hydro character for Freeze reactions, and an Anemo character for resistance shred and buffs.

Mastering her gameplay involves prioritizing her Burst, using dash cancels for smoother combos, and setting up buffs before unleashing her Burst to maximize damage through snapshotting. While Ayaka benefits from strong constellations, she is highly effective at C0, making her a valuable addition to any roster. Straightforward to build and rewarding to play, Ayaka is a consistent and versatile character capable of tackling a wide range of content.