Introduction

Genshin Impact Thoma, a four-star Pyro polearm user from Mondstadt, has made a name for himself in Inazuma as the Kamisato Clan’s loyal housekeeper and a skilled “fixer.” His kit is centered around providing strong defensive support through shields while consistently applying Pyro to enemies. His Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, generates a shield that scales off his Max HP, offering reliable protection and initial Pyro application. His Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi, allows him to deliver coordinated Pyro-infused attacks whenever a character performs a normal attack, making him an effective off-field support.

While Genshin Impact Thoma was initially seen as a niche defensive unit, his synergy with Dendro elements has significantly increased his value in Burgeon teams, where his steady Pyro application triggers powerful explosions. To maximize his potential, he benefits from an HP-focused build to strengthen his shields, along with Energy Recharge to ensure frequent Burst uptime. His best team compositions often include Hydro and Dendro characters to capitalize on elemental reactions, making him a strong enabler for teams that rely on consistent Pyro application.

Understanding Genshin Impact Thoma’s energy requirements, rotation, and positioning is essential to making the most of his abilities, allowing him to shine as both a shield provider and an elemental reaction enabler in Teyvat’s evolving meta.

Strengths and Weaknesses

StrengthsWeaknessesGenerates strong Blazing Barriers through Elemental Skill and BurstHigh Energy cost of 80 for Elemental Burst, requiring Energy Recharge investmentShields stack instead of replacing each other, increasing durabilityElemental Skill has a 15-second cooldown, while its shield lasts only 8 seconds, creating potential gaps in protectionProvides steady off-field Pyro application via Elemental BurstLow personal damage output, as his kit is more focused on defense and supportEffective enabler for reactions like Burgeon and BurningPyro application can interfere with reactions like Vaporize or Melt in certain team compositionsAscension 1 passive increases shield strength when Blazing Barrier is refreshedRequires careful Energy management and cooldown awareness to maintain uptimeUtility passive grants a 20% chance to double fish catches in Inazuma

Thoma brings several valuable strengths to a team in Genshin Impact. His primary utility lies in generating powerful Blazing Barriers through his Elemental Skill, Blazing Blessing, and his Elemental Burst, Crimson Ooyoroi. Unlike many shield providers, his shields stack instead of replacing each other, allowing for increased durability and enhanced damage mitigation. This makes him an excellent choice for teams that require consistent protection while maintaining offensive pressure.

Additionally, Thoma provides steady off-field Pyro application through his Elemental Burst, making him a strong enabler for reactions like Burgeon and Burning. His Ascension 1 passive, Imbricated Armor, further boosts his shield strength whenever a Blazing Barrier is refreshed, stacking up to five times for additional durability. His utility passive, Snap and Swing, grants a 20% chance to double a fish catch in Inazuma, providing extra efficiency for players who enjoy fishing.

Despite his strengths, Thoma has some notable limitations. His Elemental Burst requires 80 Energy and has a 20-second cooldown, making Energy Recharge a critical stat for maintaining uptime. Without proper investment, he may struggle to use his Burst consistently, limiting both his Pyro application and shield generation. His Elemental Skill also has a relatively long cooldown of 15 seconds, while its shield duration only lasts 8 seconds, which can lead to gaps in protection if not properly managed.

In terms of damage, Thoma’s personal output is low, as his abilities focus primarily on defense and support rather than dealing direct damage. In some team compositions, his Pyro application can interfere with reactions, particularly in Vaporize or Melt teams, where it may unintentionally override Hydro or Cryo effects. However, in Burgeon teams, his slower but steady Pyro application is highly effective, making him one of the best enablers for this reaction. Managing his Energy requirements and cooldowns is key to maximizing his potential, ensuring he remains a valuable asset to any team that benefits from both shielding and elemental reactions.

Builds for Thoma

Best Build for Thoma in Genshin Impact

Thoma’s build focuses on two main roles: Burgeon Trigger and Shield Support. Burgeon Thoma prioritizes Elemental Mastery for reaction damage, while Shield Support Thoma maximizes HP% to strengthen his shields and provide consistent protection.

Best Weapons for Burgeon Thoma

Weapons with an Elemental Mastery substat are the best choices for Burgeon Thoma, as they increase the damage of the Burgeon reaction while ensuring consistent Elemental Burst uptime.

Best Weapons for Thoma (Burgeon Build)

WeaponRaritySub-statEffect & Notes
Engulfing Lightning★★★★★Energy Recharge (55.1%)Helps with Burst uptime by increasing ATK based on Energy Recharge, but its ATK-scaling passive is not optimal for Burgeon.

Kitain Cross Spear★★★★Elemental Mastery (110)One of the best options for Burgeon Thoma. Provides EM and regenerates Energy after using Elemental Skill.
Dragon’s Bane★★★★Elemental Mastery (221)Excellent choice in teams with consistent Hydro application, as it increases damage against enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro.
Moonpiercer★★★★Elemental Mastery (165)Craftable weapon that grants an ATK buff to the team after triggering a Dendro reaction, enhancing overall team damage.
Favonius Lance★★★★Energy Recharge (61.3%)Can be used for Energy generation but requires Crit Rate investment to activate its passive. Less effective unless built for Energy Recharge support.No Notable 3-Star Options––No 3-star weapons significantly enhance Thoma’s Burgeon build due to a lack of Elemental Mastery.

5-Star Weapons

Thoma does not have a dedicated 5-star weapon for his Burgeon build, but Engulfing Lightning can be considered if Energy Recharge is a concern. It provides 55.1% Energy Recharge at level 90 and increases ATK based on Energy Recharge, helping maintain consistent Elemental Burst uptime. However, its ATK-focused passive is less beneficial for a Burgeon build, making it a situational choice rather than an optimal one.

4-Star Weapons

Kitain Cross Spear is one of the best weapons for Burgeon Thoma, offering 110 Elemental Mastery at level 90 and regenerating Energy after using an Elemental Skill, which helps maintain his Burst. Dragon’s Bane is another excellent option, providing 221 Elemental Mastery at level 90 and increasing damage against enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro, making it ideal in teams with consistent Hydro application.

Moonpiercer, a craftable weapon, grants 165 Elemental Mastery and an ATK buff to the team after triggering a Dendro-related reaction, making it a strong choice for boosting overall team damage. Favonius Lance can be used for Energy generation, but it requires Crit Rate investment to activate its passive, making it less effective unless built specifically for Energy Recharge support.

3-Star Weapons

There are no 3-star weapons that significantly enhance Thoma’s Burgeon build, as most lack the Elemental Mastery necessary for maximizing reaction damage.

Best Artifacts for Burgeon Thoma

Ay-Khanoum’s MyriadA Moment CongealedWilting FeastAmethyst CrownSecret-Keeper’s Magic Bottle

For Burgeon Thoma, artifact sets that enhance Elemental Mastery and reaction-based damage are the most effective. The best choice is the 4-piece Flower of Paradise Lost, which increases Elemental Mastery by 80 and boosts Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Burgeon reaction damage by 40% after triggering these reactions, further amplifying Thoma’s Burgeon damage output.

Dreaming SteelbloomThe Sunken YearsFeather of JudgmentShadow of the Sand KingHoneyed Final Feast

A 4-piece Gilded Dreams is another strong option, providing 80 Elemental Mastery and granting an additional buff based on the team composition. If there are characters of the same Elemental Type as Thoma, he gains an ATK% bonus, while different Elemental Types provide additional Elemental Mastery, making it a flexible choice for Burgeon teams.

Dreaming SteelbloomThe Sunken YearsBard’s Arrow FeatherConductor’s Top Hatany artifact that will boost Thoma’s stats

If a full set is unavailable, a 2-piece Gilded Dreams paired with a 2-piece Wanderer’s Troupe offers a straightforward 160 Elemental Mastery boost, which is effective for increasing Burgeon reaction damage while farming for an ideal 4-piece set.

Main Stats:

  • Sands: Elemental Mastery
  • Goblet: Elemental Mastery
  • Circlet: Elemental Mastery

Substats:

  • Elemental Mastery
  • Energy Recharge

Best Weapons for Shield Support Thoma

Shield Support Thoma benefits most from weapons that increase HP% or Energy Recharge to ensure strong shields and frequent Burst uptime.

Best Weapons for Shield Support Thoma

Best Weapons for Thoma (Shield Support Build)

WeaponRaritySub-statEffect & Notes
Engulfing Lightning★★★★★Energy Recharge (55.1%)High Energy Recharge helps maintain Burst uptime. Increases ATK based on Energy Recharge, but its passive is not fully optimized for Thoma.
Favonius Lance★★★★Energy Recharge (61.3%)Best option for Energy Recharge-focused builds. Generates energy particles for the team on Crit hits, ensuring more frequent Bursts.
Prototype Starglitter★★★★Energy Recharge (45.9%)Provides Energy Recharge and a passive that slightly boosts Elemental Skill damage. Its impact on shield strength is minimal.
Black Tassel★★★HP% (46.9%)Best free-to-play option for maximizing Thoma’s shield strength due to its high HP% sub-stat. Ideal for durability-focused builds.

5-Star Weapons

Engulfing Lightning is a strong choice for Shield Support Thoma, providing 55.1% Energy Recharge at level 90 and increasing ATK based on Energy Recharge. While its passive is more suited for ATK-scaling characters, the high Energy Recharge helps maintain Thoma’s Elemental Burst uptime, ensuring consistent shield generation.

4-Star Weapons

Favonius Lance is the best weapon for a shield support build, offering 61.3% Energy Recharge at level 90 and generating energy particles for the team when landing a Crit hit, making it a great choice for Energy Recharge-focused builds. Prototype Starglitter is another viable option, providing Energy Recharge and a passive that slightly boosts Elemental Skill damage, though its overall impact on shield strength is minimal.

3-Star Weapons

Black Tassel is the only notable 3-star weapon for Shield Support Thoma, featuring a 46.9% HP boost at level 90, which directly enhances his shield strength. This makes it a strong free-to-play option, especially for players prioritizing durability over Energy Recharge.

Best Artifacts for Shield Support Thoma

For Shield Support Thoma, artifact sets that enhance HP% and Energy Recharge are the most effective, as they improve shield strength and ensure consistent Elemental Burst uptime.

Flower of AccoladesOrichalceous Time-DialSundered FeatherOrnate Kabutoany artifact that boosts Thoma’s stats

The best choice is a 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith paired with a 2-piece Emblem of Severed Fate, granting +20% HP and +20% Energy Recharge. This combination balances stronger shields with better Burst uptime, making it ideal for a defensive support role.

Flower of AccoladesOrichalceous Time-DialSummer Night’s FinaleSummer Night’s Maskany artifact that boosts Thoma’s stats

Another strong option is a 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith paired with a 2-piece Retracing Bolide, which increases HP by 20% while further enhancing shield strength by 35%. However, this setup sacrifices some Energy Recharge, so it works best if Thoma has enough Energy Recharge from his weapon or substats.

Royal FloraRoyal Pocket WatchRoyal PlumeRoyal MasqueRoyal Silver Urn

A 4-piece Noblesse Oblige set is also viable, boosting Elemental Burst damage by 20% and granting a 20% ATK buff to the team for 12 seconds after using his Burst. This set benefits teams that rely on additional ATK buffs, but Thoma will need to prioritize Energy Recharge from his weapon and substats to maintain consistent Burst uptime.

Main Stats:

  • Sands: HP% or Energy Recharge
  • Goblet: HP%
  • Circlet: HP%

Substats:

  • HP%
  • Energy Recharge
  • Crit Rate (if using Favonius Lance)

Conclusion

Thoma’s build depends on team needs, with Burgeon Thoma excelling in reaction-based teams and Shield Support Thoma providing reliable protection. Managing his Energy Recharge and cooldowns is key to optimizing his performance, ensuring he remains an effective support in any team composition.

Thoma’s Talents and Abilities

Normal Attack: Swiftshatter SpearElemental Skill: Blazing BlessingElemental Burst: Crimson Ooyoroi

Thoma’s talents revolve around shielding and off-field Pyro application, making him a valuable support character in certain team compositions. His Normal Attack: Swiftshatter Spear consists of up to four consecutive spear strikes. His Charged Attack consumes stamina to lunge forward, while his Plunging Attack deals damage upon impact. However, his Normal Attacks are generally not a focus in his main builds.

His Elemental Skill: Blazing Blessing allows him to vault forward and unleash a Pyro-infused kick, dealing AoE Pyro DMG while summoning a Blazing Barrier. The shield’s strength scales off Thoma’s Max HP and has 250% increased effectiveness against Pyro DMG. When a new Blazing Barrier is gained, its remaining absorption stacks with the existing shield, and its duration is refreshed, allowing for enhanced durability.

Thoma’s Elemental Burst: Crimson Ooyoroi unleashes a spinning polearm attack that deals AoE Pyro DMG and creates Scorching Ooyoroi. While active, the active character’s Normal Attacks trigger Fiery Collapse, dealing AoE Pyro DMG and summoning a Blazing Barrier. Fiery Collapse can occur once every second, reinforcing Thoma’s shielding capabilities. These Burst-generated shields function the same as those from his Elemental Skill, though they have a different base damage absorption. The effects of Scorching Ooyoroi are removed if Thoma is knocked out.

His Ascension 1 Passive: Imbricated Armor increases the active character’s Shield Strength by 5% for 6 seconds each time a Blazing Barrier is obtained or refreshed, stacking up to 5 times. His Ascension 4 Passive: Flaming Assault increases the damage of Fiery Collapse from his Burst by 2.2% of Thoma’s Max HP, reinforcing his HP-scaling mechanics.

Thoma’s Utility Passive: Snap and Swing grants a 20% chance of obtaining a double catch when fishing in Inazuma, making him useful for players farming for regional fish-based rewards.

Thoma’s Constellations

ConstellationEffectC1: A Comrade’s DutyReduces the cooldown of Blazing Blessing and Crimson Ooyoroi by 3 seconds when a character protected by Thoma’s shield (excluding himself) is attacked. Can trigger once every 20 seconds.C2: A Subordinate’s SkillsExtends Crimson Ooyoroi’s duration by 3 seconds, increasing the time Fiery Collapse can trigger and improving off-field Pyro application and shield uptime.C3: Fortified ResolveIncreases the level of Blazing Blessing by 3, enhancing the shield strength of his Elemental Skill.C4: Long-Term PlanningRestores 15 Energy after using Crimson Ooyoroi, reducing his high Energy Recharge needs and ensuring more consistent Burst uptime.C5: Raging WildfireIncreases the level of Crimson Ooyoroi by 3, improving its Pyro damage and shield strength.C6: Burning HeartGrants a 15% Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack damage bonus to all party members whenever a Blazing Barrier is obtained or refreshed, making him a strong support for Normal Attack-focused DPS characters.

Thoma’s constellations enhance his shielding, energy generation, and support capabilities, with Constellation 4 (Long-Term Planning) and Constellation 6 (Burning Heart) being the most impactful for his overall performance.

His first constellation, A Comrade’s Duty, reduces the cooldown of both Blazing Blessing and Crimson Ooyoroi by 3 seconds when a character protected by his Blazing Barrier (excluding Thoma himself) is attacked. This effect can trigger once every 20 seconds, allowing for slightly more frequent shield uptime.

A Subordinate’s Skills, his second constellation, extends the duration of Crimson Ooyoroi by 3 seconds, increasing the total time Fiery Collapse can trigger and improving his off-field Pyro application and shield uptime.

Fortified Resolve, at Constellation 3, increases the level of Blazing Blessing by 3, enhancing the shield strength provided by his Elemental Skill.

Long-Term Planning, his fourth constellation, restores 15 Energy to Thoma after using Crimson Ooyoroi. This significantly helps with his high Energy Recharge requirements, allowing for more consistent Burst uptime and improved team support.

Raging Wildfire, his fifth constellation, increases the level of Crimson Ooyoroi by 3, further boosting its Pyro damage and shield strength.

Burning Heart, his sixth constellation, grants a 15% increase to Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack damage for all party members whenever a Blazing Barrier is obtained or refreshed. This makes Thoma a strong support option for teams that rely on Normal Attack-focused DPS characters, providing both shielding and a valuable damage boost.

Ascension and Talent Materials

Material TypeRequired ItemsSourceAgnidus Agate (Sliver, Fragment, Chunk, Gemstone)Pyro Hypostasis, Pyro Regisvine, AzhdahaSmoldering PearlPyro HypostasisFluorescent FungusFound in InazumaTreasure Hoarder Insignia, Silver Raven Insignia, Golden Raven InsigniaDropped by Treasure HoardersTalent MaterialsTeachings of Transience, Guide to Transience, Philosophies of TransienceViolet Court Domain (Monday, Thursday, Sunday)Hellfire ButterflyDropped by La Signora (Weekly Boss)Crown of InsightEvents, Sacred Sakura’s Favor, Tree of Dreams, Lumenspar AdjuvantTalent PriorityElemental Skill > Elemental Burst > Normal AttackStrengthens shielding and off-field Pyro application

To fully ascend Thoma, players will need Agnidus Agate materials, which include Slivers, Fragments, Chunks, and Gemstones. These are obtained from Pyro-based bosses such as the Pyro Hypostasis, Pyro Regisvine, and Azhdaha. His boss-exclusive ascension material, Smoldering Pearl, is dropped by the Pyro Hypostasis. Additionally, Fluorescent Fungus, a local specialty found in Inazuma, is required for his ascension. Treasure Hoarder Insignias, along with their upgraded forms, Silver Raven Insignias and Golden Raven Insignias, are dropped by Treasure Hoarders and are necessary for both his ascension and talent leveling.

To upgrade Thoma’s talents, players will need the same Treasure Hoarder Insignia materials, along with Teachings of Transience, Guide to Transience, and Philosophies of Transience, which can be obtained from the Violet Court domain in Inazuma on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. His weekly boss material, Hellfire Butterfly, is dropped by La Signora. Additionally, a Crown of Insight is required to fully level a talent, which can be obtained through limited-time events and progression rewards such as Sacred Sakura’s Favor, Tree of Dreams, and Lumenspar Adjuvant.

For a support build, prioritizing Elemental Skill first is generally recommended, as it strengthens his shielding capabilities. Elemental Burst follows, as it enables off-field Pyro application and additional shield generation. Normal Attack is the lowest priority, as Thoma is not typically used for direct damage.

Thoma’s Best Team Compositions

XingqiuYelanKuki ShinobuNahidaKazuha

Burgeon Teams Thoma excels in Burgeon teams by triggering Burgeon reactions with Dendro and Hydro characters. A strong team includes Nahida for Dendro application, Xingqiu or Yelan for consistent Hydro, and Kuki Shinobu as an Electro healer for Hyperburgeon synergy. Another effective setup features Ayato as the Hydro DPS, Nahida for Dendro application, Thoma for Pyro application, and Kazuha to enhance reaction damage.

AyatoChilde KokomiKazuha

Vaporize Teams Thoma provides shielding and Pyro application in Vaporize teams, but careful rotation is needed to avoid interfering with Vaporize triggers. A recommended team includes Ayato or Childe as the Hydro DPS, Kazuha for crowd control and resistance shred, Kokomi for healing and sustained Hydro application, and Thoma as a defensive support.

FischlClorindeChevreuse

Overload Teams Thoma enables Overload reactions with Electro teammates, providing consistent Pyro application. A powerful lineup consists of Clorinde as the main DPS, Fischl for off-field Electro application, Chevreuse for Overload buffs and resistance shred, and Thoma for shielding and additional Pyro triggers.

AyakaKazuhaVentiBennett

Melt Teams Thoma can work in Melt teams with Cryo DPS characters, though his Pyro application must be carefully managed. A common setup features Ayaka as the main DPS, Kazuha or Venti for Cryo Swirls and crowd control, Bennett for Pyro Resonance and ATK buffs, and Thoma for shielding and Pyro application.

Sucrose KazuhaNahidaBennett

Burning Teams Thoma provides steady Pyro application to maintain the Burning reaction when paired with a Dendro unit. A solid team setup includes Nahida for Dendro application, an Anemo character like Sucrose or Kazuha to spread Pyro and Dendro effects, and another Pyro unit like Bennett for additional support and healing.

Hu TaoXingqiuYelanKazuha

Hu Tao Teams Thoma offers shielding and Pyro Resonance to boost Hu Tao’s ATK. A recommended team consists of Hu Tao as the main DPS, Xingqiu or Yelan for Hydro application, Kazuha for elemental damage boosts, and Thoma for defensive support.

Bennett Faruzan

Wanderer Teams Thoma ensures Wanderer remains uninterrupted while attacking by providing shields and Pyro Resonance for an ATK boost. A strong team setup includes Wanderer as the main DPS, Bennett for healing and ATK buffs, Faruzan for Anemo damage amplification, and Thoma for shielding.

ArlecchinoFischlChevreuseXingqiuYelanKazuha

Arlecchino Teams Thoma is an excellent defensive choice for Arlecchino, who cannot be healed conventionally. He fits into both Overload and Vaporize-oriented teams. A recommended Overload team consists of Arlecchino as the main DPS, Fischl for Electro application, Chevreuse for Overload buffs and resistance shred, and Thoma for shielding. A Vaporize-focused team could include Arlecchino, Xingqiu or Yelan for Hydro application, an Anemo support like Kazuha, and Thoma for defensive utility.

Gameplay and How to Play Thoma

Thoma’s general rotation begins with his Elemental Skill to generate energy and establish an initial shield. Afterward, switch to other characters to build energy or set up elemental reactions until his Elemental Burst is ready. Once his Burst is available, activate it first, then immediately use his Elemental Skill to refresh his shield and stack its absorption. This ensures maximum protection while maintaining uptime on his Blazing Barrier.

After setting up his shields, switch to the main DPS and perform Normal Attacks to trigger Fiery Collapse from his Burst, enabling consistent off-field Pyro application. Since his shields can stack, utilizing both his Skill and Burst provides the best defensive capabilities. Due to his high energy requirements, it is essential to prioritize Energy Recharge through weapon choices, artifact substats, and team composition to sustain his Burst. If Thoma has his fourth constellation, the additional 15 Energy restored after using his Burst significantly reduces his energy needs, making rotations smoother and more efficient.

Conclusion: Thoma’s Versatile Utility

Thoma has grown from being a simple shielder to a versatile support character with strong potential in reaction-based teams, particularly those centered around Burgeon. His ability to generate stacking shields provides reliable protection, while his steady off-field Pyro application enables a variety of elemental reactions. Though his high Energy requirements demand careful build planning, his fourth constellation significantly improves his energy economy, making him more consistent in battle. Whether reinforcing a team’s defenses or contributing to Dendro-related reactions, Thoma serves as a valuable support option in many team compositions.