So, you’ve pulled Hu Tao, the spooky, high-energy, Pyro-using polearm queen of Genshin Impact, and now you’re ready to maximize her damage. Hu Tao is one of the most powerful DPS (damage per second) characters when built right, with devastating Pyro damage and some interesting mechanics that keep players on their toes. Let’s dive into her build, talk about the best weapons, artifacts, and team compositions, and get your Hu Tao dealing massive damage.

Hu Tao’s Strengths and Playstyle

To play Hu Tao well, you’ve got to understand her unique style. Unlike some DPS characters that are constantly at full health, Hu Tao shines when her HP dips below 50%. This isn’t a character where you go full tank mode; instead, her Elemental Skill, Guide to Afterlife, converts her attacks to Pyro, adding serious burn to each swing and boosting her attack based on her max HP. And her Elemental Burst, Spirit Soother, not only dishes out huge Pyro AoE damage but heals her based on the number of enemies hit. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a bit of high-risk, high-reward gameplay, Hu Tao’s your girl.

Best Weapons for Hu Tao

Finding the right weapon can make or break a character, and Hu Tao is no exception. Here are some top choices, from 5-star to budget-friendly 4-star options.

5-Star Options

  1. Staff of Homa
    Without a doubt, this is Hu Tao’s best-in-slot weapon. It’s practically tailor-made for her, with a passive that boosts her HP and offers a huge crit damage bonus. And it kicks in even more if her HP is below 50%, which lines up perfectly with Hu Tao’s kit. If you’re lucky enough to have this weapon, you’re set.
  2. Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
    If you don’t have the Staff of Homa, the Jade Winged-Spear is another solid choice. It’s got a good crit rate bonus and stacks up attack boosts with each hit. While it’s not as tailor-made as Homa, it’ll still help Hu Tao pack a punch.

4-Star Options

  1. Deathmatch
    For players with the Battle Pass, Deathmatch is an excellent alternative. It has a high crit rate and gives a decent attack bonus, especially when facing multiple enemies. Plus, it’s a little easier to obtain compared to 5-star weapons.
  2. Dragon’s Bane
    A bit more niche, but worth mentioning—Dragon’s Bane boosts damage against enemies affected by Hydro or Pyro. So if you’ve got a team comp that can apply these elements consistently, this weapon can add some extra fire to Hu Tao’s damage.
  3. Black Tassel
    Okay, this might sound odd, but hear me out: if you’re really focusing on a max HP build for Hu Tao, Black Tassel is a cheap option that boosts her HP. Just keep in mind that it won’t directly boost her damage stats like crit rate or attack.

Best Artifacts for Hu Tao

Artifacts are where you can really get creative with Hu Tao. Here’s a breakdown of the best sets and stats to prioritize.

Best Artifact Set

  1. Crimson Witch of Flames (4-Piece)
    This set is the gold standard for Pyro DPS characters, giving a 15% Pyro damage bonus and enhancing Vaporize and Melt reactions. Hu Tao triggers these reactions often, so the 4-piece set will turn her into a Pyro powerhouse. Plus, the set boosts Pyro damage by 50% for 10 seconds after using an Elemental Skill, which is Hu Tao’s bread and butter.
  2. Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (4-Piece)
    Shimenawa’s Reminiscence can be an interesting alternative. It boosts attack by 18%, and when Hu Tao uses her Elemental Skill, she loses some energy but gains a big attack boost for 10 seconds. This works best if you’re focusing more on Hu Tao’s Elemental Skill rather than her Elemental Burst.

Stat Priority

Getting the right stats on your artifacts is key to maximizing Hu Tao’s damage:

  • Sands: HP% is generally the best option, as it boosts her HP, which in turn powers her Elemental Skill.
  • Goblet: Pyro Damage Bonus is essential for dealing massive Pyro damage.
  • Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit Damage. Go for the one that balances out your stats best.

In terms of sub-stats, focus on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, HP%, and Elemental Mastery to boost reactions and Pyro damage.

Hu Tao’s Best Team Compositions

Hu Tao’s at her best when she’s got a team that can support her high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Here are some ideal characters to pair with her.

1. Double Hydro Hu Tao Team

Hydro characters are essential for Hu Tao, as they allow her to trigger the Vaporize reaction, doubling her Pyro damage. Here’s a team comp that works wonders:

  • Hu Tao: Main DPS, dealing consistent Pyro damage.
  • Xingqiu: An absolute must for Hu Tao. His Elemental Skill and Burst provide a continuous Hydro application that lets Hu Tao trigger Vaporize with every charged attack.
  • Yelan: Another Hydro option that can work alongside Xingqiu for an intense double Hydro setup. Yelan’s abilities complement Hu Tao’s Pyro attacks, creating a near-constant Vaporize.
  • Zhongli: Since Hu Tao wants to stay below 50% HP, Zhongli’s shields are a game-changer. He keeps her safe, and his Elemental Burst offers solid crowd control.

2. Hu Tao Double Geo Team

If you want to skip Hydro and focus on a tanky lineup, Geo characters work well, too:

  • Hu Tao: As usual, she’s the primary DPS.
  • Zhongli: Again, he’s fantastic with Hu Tao for his shields and durability.
  • Albedo: His Geo constructs add consistent damage off the field and increase shield strength.
  • Bennett: An all-around support, Bennett’s healing and attack boosts can help Hu Tao survive while boosting her attack.

3. Hu Tao and Cryo Supports

Cryo can also work with Hu Tao, especially for Freeze or Melt reactions:

  • Hu Tao: Main DPS, focused on her Pyro skills.
  • Kaeya or Rosaria: Both apply Cryo effectively, helping Hu Tao trigger Melt for extra damage.
  • Xingqiu: Again, he’s incredibly versatile here, applying Hydro and keeping Hu Tao’s Vaporize options open.
  • Diona: With her shields and Cryo abilities, Diona keeps Hu Tao’s HP in check while protecting her.

Playstyle Tips for Hu Tao

Finally, here are a few tips for getting the most out of Hu Tao’s playstyle:

  • Manage HP: Remember, Hu Tao deals more damage below 50% HP. But don’t let her get too low, or she might faint before you can pop her Elemental Burst.
  • Charged Attacks: Hu Tao’s charged attacks are where she deals the most damage. Try to cancel out of her normal attacks quickly to get more charged hits.
  • Elemental Burst Timing: Save Hu Tao’s Elemental Burst for a big heal or to finish off multiple enemies. Spirit Soother will heal her based on the number of enemies hit, so use it wisely.

Final Thoughts

Hu Tao can be a powerhouse when built and played correctly. With the right weapon, artifacts, and team comp, you’ll have a Pyro DPS that can tear through enemies. Her playstyle is all about balance—managing her HP, hitting those elemental reactions, and timing her skills just right. Once you get the hang of her, Hu Tao is incredibly fun to play and can be one of the strongest characters in your roster.

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