Genshin Impact has a massive roster of characters, each with their own story, powers, and personalities. But when Aloy, the heroine from Horizon Zero Dawn, made her debut in Teyvat, it felt like a crossover dream come true! Yet, there’s one small problem—Aloy hasn’t exactly gotten the spotlight she deserves in the game. Many players just sort of… forgot about her. So, if you’ve got Aloy and you’re ready to give her some well-deserved attention, here’s a guide to building her as an effective Cryo DPS character.
Why Build Aloy?
Let’s be real: Aloy didn’t exactly arrive in Genshin Impact to huge fanfare. But does that mean she’s not worth building? Absolutely not! She might not top the meta charts, but if you love her playstyle (or just her character), she can be incredibly fun and surprisingly strong. Plus, how often do you get to play as a Cryo-using, bow-wielding hunter from a futuristic world?
Aloy’s Skillset: What You’re Working With
Aloy is a Cryo bow user, which isn’t a super common combination in the game, so she’s got a niche all her own. Here’s a quick look at her abilities and how you can use them to your advantage:
- Normal Attack—Rapid Fire Rounds: Aloy’s standard bow attacks are nothing fancy, but they get the job done. Her charged attacks inflict Cryo damage, which comes in handy for freezing enemies or dealing with Pyro foes.
- Elemental Skill – Frozen Wilds: This skill is where things start getting interesting. Aloy tosses “Freeze Bombs” that explode, dealing Cryo damage and scattering smaller Chillwater Bomblets around. Enemies that hit these bomblets see a drop in their attack power. Plus, if you’re picking up the Bomblets yourself, Aloy gets a bonus attack buff.
- Elemental Burst – Prophecies of Dawn: Aloy launches an explosive Cryo arrow that detonates on impact. Not only does it look cool (literally), but it’s great for dealing decent Cryo damage over a wide area.
- Special Buff – Coil Stacks: Every time Aloy picks up one of her Chillwater Bomblets, she gains a Coil Stack, which raises her normal attack damage. Once she reaches four stacks, she enters a Rushing Ice state, making all her normal attacks deal Cryo damage for a bit.
To sum it up, Aloy’s playstyle is built around spreading Cryo, debuffing enemies, and stacking attack buffs to maximize her damage. She may not hit as hard as some of the game’s heavyweights, but with the right build, she’s absolutely viable and tons of fun.
Weapons: Finding the Right Bow for Aloy
Picking a weapon for Aloy is key to getting the most out of her Cryo DPS capabilities. Here are some solid options:
- Thundering Pulse: This five-star weapon might not be easy to get, but if you have it, Aloy can benefit from its high base attack and CRIT Damage. Plus, the weapon’s passive effect increases her ATK, which synergizes nicely with her kit.
- Rust: Here’s a four-star option that’s way easier to get your hands on. Rust boosts normal attack damage significantly, which is perfect for Aloy’s playstyle. You’ll sacrifice some charged attack damage, but in her Cryo DPS build, that’s hardly a big deal.
- The Stringless: If you want to go all-in on her Elemental Skill and Burst, The Stringless offers a handy boost to both, making it a nice choice for crowd control or if you’re leaning into Aloy’s Cryo abilities.
Got one of these bows lying around? Perfect! If not, try experimenting with other bows that offer ATK or Cryo DMG bonuses.
Artifacts: Which Sets Are the Best Fit?
Artifacts can make or break a character in Genshin Impact, and Aloy’s no different. To make her an effective Cryo DPS, here are some artifact sets worth trying:
- Blizzard Strayer (4-piece): This is your go-to for most Cryo DPS characters, and Aloy’s no exception. With Blizzard Strayer, Aloy gets a 15% boost to Cryo DMG. If enemies are frozen, she’ll gain a CRIT Rate boost on top of that—meaning even more damage potential if you’re pairing her with Hydro teammates.
- Noblesse Oblige (2-piece) + Blizzard Strayer (2-piece): This combo is a nice alternative if you’re looking for versatility. You’ll get a Cryo DMG bonus from Blizzard Strayer and a 20% boost to Elemental Burst DMG from Noblesse Oblige, making her burst damage pretty satisfying.
For stats, focus on ATK% on the Sands, Cryo DMG Bonus on the Goblet, and CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG on the Circlet. Sub-stats like ATK%, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG are great choices to give her the punch she needs.
Team Composition: Who Works Best with Aloy?
Now, here’s where you can get creative. Aloy’s Cryo abilities make her an interesting pick for freeze comps, where you can lock down enemies with Hydro support. Here are some characters who bring out the best in her:
- Xingqiu: The ultimate Hydro support! Xingqiu’s abilities work perfectly for freezing enemies, giving Aloy plenty of opportunities to hit hard while enemies are locked in place.
- Mona: Mona’s Hydro abilities are super useful for keeping enemies frozen, and her burst skill provides a hefty damage boost, making Aloy’s Cryo attacks hit even harder.
- Kaeya: Another Cryo character, Kaeya pairs well with Aloy for quick Cryo reactions. Plus, if you like a bit of Cryo-on-Cryo synergy, Kaeya’s cooldowns and Cryo application mesh nicely with Aloy’s kit.
- Sucrose: If you’re looking to spread Aloy’s Cryo with some Anemo support, Sucrose is a fantastic pick. She can group enemies together and give elemental mastery boosts, which makes Aloy’s bursts hit harder.
So, whether you’re aiming to freeze enemies in their tracks or swirl Cryo around like a pro, Aloy can hold her own with the right team.
Final Thoughts
Aloy might not be the first character that comes to mind when you’re building a Cryo DPS team, but that doesn’t mean she’s any less fun or effective. Sure, she might be a bit niche, and maybe not the top-tier DPS that’s all the rage, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right? If you’re someone who loves experimenting with characters or enjoys the satisfaction of making an “underdog” character shine, Aloy’s a perfect pick.
So go ahead, dust off that bow, equip those artifacts, and bring Aloy along for some Cryo-powered adventures in Teyvat. She’s more than ready to surprise you! And who knows? She might just become your favorite Genshin Impact character. Happy hunting!