Best Characters for Beginners in Genshin Impact: Building Your First Team

In Genshin Impact, having a powerful 5-star character is great, but they aren't the only way to succeed. Many of the game's best characters are actually 4-star units that are easy to obtain and simple to play. For a beginner, the goal is to build a team that is durable, deals consistent damage, and can handle a variety of elemental puzzles.

In this guide, we'll highlight the best characters for new players, including the essential "Free-to-Play" (F2P) units and the 4-stars you should look out for in the Gacha.

Who is the Best Beginner Character? (The Short Answer)

For most players, Xiangling and Bennett are considered the "best" beginner-friendly characters. Xiangling is a powerhouse of Pyro damage that you can get for free by completing the Spiral Abyss Floor 3. Bennett is the ultimate support, providing massive heals and a huge attack boost. Together, they form the core of some of the strongest teams in the game.

Top 5 Free Characters Every Beginner Should Use

1. The Traveler (Anemo/Dendro)

Your main character is surprisingly versatile. While the Anemo version is great for early exploration, the Dendro Traveler (unlocked by visiting a Statue of the Seven in Sumeru) is a top-tier support character that remains useful even in the endgame.

2. Xiangling (Pyro)

Known as the "Kitchen Queen," Xiangling's Elemental Burst (Pyronado) deals massive damage even when she is not on the field. She is widely considered the best 4-star damage dealer in the game.

3. Barbara (Hydro)

Barbara is your primary healer. Her Elemental Skill provides "passive" healing while you fight, which is incredibly helpful for staying alive in the early stages of the game. You get her for free after completing the "A Long Shot" quest.

4. Kaeya (Cryo)

Kaeya is a solid, reliable damage dealer. His fast attacks and ability to freeze enemies (when paired with Barbara) make him excellent for crowd control and safe combat.

5. Noelle (Geo)

Noelle is a "tank" who provides a shield and healing. She is guaranteed to drop from the 8-pull "Beginner's Wish" banner. She is perfect for players who want to feel invincible while they learn the game's mechanics.

Top 4-Star Gacha Characters to Look Out For

If you are pulling on banners, keep an eye out for these characters:

• Bennett (Pyro): The "Hidden 5-Star." His Burst heals and buffs attack.
• Xingqiu (Hydro): Provides incredible Hydro application, perfect for triggering Vaporize and Freeze reactions.
• Sucrose (Anemo): A great budget alternative to Venti or Kazuha, she helps group enemies and buffs your team's Elemental Mastery.
• Kuki Shinobu (Electro): The best healer for Dendro-based "Hyperbloom" teams.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build Your First Team

Step 1: Choose Your Main DPS

This is your primary damage dealer. Characters like Xiangling, Kaeya, or any 5-star you might have pulled (like Diluc or Raiden Shogun) fit this role.

Step 2: Add an Elemental Support

Choose a character that can trigger reactions with your Main DPS. If your DPS is Pyro (Xiangling), add a Hydro (Xingqiu/Barbara) or Cryo (Kaeya) character to deal extra damage.

Step 3: Add a Healer or Shielder

Staying alive is priority number one. Barbara or Noelle are perfect for this role early on.

Step 4: Add a Utility Character

The final slot is flexible. You can add another character of the same element as your DPS for an "Elemental Resonance" buff, or an Anemo character like the Traveler to help with crowd control.

Tips for Upgrading Your Characters

• Don't Level Everyone: Resources like Mora and Hero's Wit are limited. Focus on your core team of four first.
• Weapon Synergy: Give Xiangling a polearm that boosts Energy Recharge (like the "Dragon's Bane" or "The Catch") to help her use her Burst more often.
• Talents Matter: Once you reach higher levels, don't forget to level up your characters' Talents. This is where most of their damage scaling comes from.
• Simple Artifacts: In the early game, just look for artifacts with "ATK%" or "Energy Recharge" stats. Don't worry about specific set bonuses until later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I use Amber?

Amber is great for solving puzzles (lighting torches) and gliding, but her combat power is much lower than other free characters. We recommend swapping her out for Xiangling as soon as possible.

How do I get Xiangling for free?

You must reach Adventure Rank 20 and complete Floor 3, Chamber 3 of the Spiral Abyss. It can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort.

Is Noelle a good character?

Noelle is fantastic for beginners because she provides both a shield and healing. However, she requires a lot of investment to deal high damage in the late game.

Disclaimer

This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by any game publisher. Genshin Impact is a trademark of HoYoverse.

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Last updated: May 2024 by the PlayGames Hub Team.