If you’ve had Mona on your roster for a while, you probably already know how unique she can be. Genshin Impact has no shortage of characters, but there’s something special about Mona, right? She’s mysterious, with her mystical Hydro abilities, and packs a surprising amount of power that really makes her shine in support roles. But how exactly do you get the most out of her? Let’s dive in and take a closer look at how you can build Mona to make her a truly invaluable member of your team.
Why Choose Mona?
Mona isn’t your typical DPS character, even though she can pull off some serious damage. She’s much better suited as a support that enhances your main DPS’s potential, thanks to her amazing Elemental Burst that can really make enemies weak at the knees. And if you’re into elemental reactions, especially Vaporize and Freeze, she’s a game-changer. Imagine setting up big Hydro reactions while keeping your enemies off balance—Mona makes it look easy!
Weapons That Work Best for Mona
Alright, let’s talk about weapons. Choosing the right one can make or break Mona’s effectiveness, so here’s what you want to look for.
1. The Widsith
If you’ve managed to snag The Widsith, congrats! This is arguably one of the best weapons for Mona because it boosts her damage in a big way. Every time Mona hits the field, she gets one of three buffs: Attack, Elemental Mastery, or Elemental Damage, all of which are amazing for her. It’s like playing roulette, but in a good way, because no matter the outcome, Mona benefits.
2. Favonius Codex
Here’s a solid choice if you’re struggling with Mona’s Energy Recharge (and let’s face it, that can happen). The Favonius Codex lets her generate extra energy particles whenever she scores a critical hit. Plus, this weapon increases Mona’s overall Energy Recharge rate, which means her Burst is ready to go more often. And who doesn’t want more Bursts, right?
3. Skyward Atlas
Now, if you’ve got this 5-star beauty lying around, you’re in luck. Skyward Atlas amps up Mona’s attack and adds a little extra punch with its passive, which has a chance to fire a homing missile. It’s one of those weapons that makes Mona’s regular attacks shine a bit brighter and gives her a steady boost to her Hydro damage, which is never a bad thing.
Best Artifacts for Mona
When it comes to artifacts, let’s be honest—it’s all about maximizing that Hydro damage and keeping her Elemental Burst ready. Here are some artifact sets that do just that.
1. Noblesse Oblige (4-piece set)
If you haven’t already tried Noblesse Oblige on Mona, give it a go. It’s perfect for her Burst-focused playstyle. The 2-piece bonus gives Mona’s Burst a 20% boost, while the 4-piece bonus helps the entire team by increasing everyone’s Attack by 20% after she uses her Burst. That’s some real support right there!
2. Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece set)
If you’re finding Mona’s energy needs a bit challenging to manage, Emblem of Severed Fate could be the answer. This set boosts her Energy Recharge by 20% with the 2-piece bonus and cranks up her Elemental Burst damage based on her total Energy Recharge. So not only are you filling up her Burst faster, but you’re also hitting harder when it lands.
3. Heart of Depth (2-piece) + Noblesse Oblige (2-piece)
If you’re up for mixing and matching, try this combo. Heart of Depth gives a 15% Hydro DMG bonus, which is always a win, while Noblesse Oblige keeps that Burst damage nice and high. It’s a solid alternative for players who might not have full 4-piece sets yet and want to keep Mona’s Burst powerful while still capitalizing on her Hydro DMG potential.
Stat Priorities for Mona
So, what stats should you be looking at when picking artifacts? Here’s the rundown:
- Sands: Energy Recharge is ideal, especially if you’re focusing on her Burst. You can go for Attack, but Energy Recharge is usually the way to go for support Mona.
- Goblet: Hydro DMG Bonus—this one’s a no-brainer. You want Mona to hit as hard as possible with her Hydro attacks, and this will make sure she does.
- Circlet: Critical Rate or Critical Damage. This depends a bit on your other stats; balance between Crit Rate and Crit Damage is key.
Ascension Materials Needed for Mona
If you’re looking to max out Mona’s potential, you’ll need to farm her ascension materials, which, fair warning, can be a bit of a grind. But hey, that’s part of the Genshin journey, right?
- Varunada Lazurite (Sliver/Fragment/Chunk/Gemstone) – Standard Hydro character fare. You can get these from Oceanids and Hydro Hypostases, and there are sometimes events that give them out.
- Philanemo Mushroom – These are scattered around Mondstadt, particularly on houses’ rooftops. You’ll get the hang of the mushroom hunt once you know where to look.
- Whopperflower Nectar – You’ll need to hunt down Whopperflowers for this. They’re all over, especially near trees and in Liyue’s grassy areas.
How to Play Mona in Battle
Mona can sometimes be a bit tricky to master, but once you get the hang of her, she’s a blast. Here’s how to get the most out of her abilities.
1. Elemental Skill: Mirror Reflection of Doom
This skill isn’t just for damage; it’s also a great way to control the battlefield. Mona summons a phantom that taunts enemies, which can buy you a little time or give your main DPS a breather. It also deals Hydro damage over time, which can be the setup for some juicy Vaporize or Freeze reactions if you play your cards right.
2. Elemental Burst: Stellaris Phantasm
Mona’s Elemental Burst is where she really shines. When you use it, Mona creates a bubble of Hydro that “imprisons” enemies and marks them with the Omen debuff, which amplifies the damage they take. If you can line this up with your main DPS’s big hit, you’re in for some insane damage. Just be sure you’re ready to follow up fast, as the Omen mark doesn’t last forever.
3. Sprinting with Mona
Ever noticed Mona doesn’t sprint like other characters? Instead, she sort of “swims” through the ground, which looks cool and has a gameplay perk—it makes her a bit harder to hit. You can use this to slip past enemies or dodge attacks in style.
Team Compositions for Mona
So, who does Mona work well with? Honestly, she’s a versatile support character, but here are a couple of team ideas.
- Freeze Team: Pair Mona with Cryo characters like Ganyu or Ayaka. You’ll freeze enemies in place, giving you free rein to stack up damage without taking much in return.
- Vaporize Team: If you prefer playing with Pyro DPS characters like Diluc or Hu Tao, Mona can trigger Vaporize reactions that increase damage output even more. It’s satisfying watching those huge damage numbers pop up!
Final Thoughts on Mona
If you’re willing to put in the effort, Mona can be an absolute powerhouse. Yes, she might seem tricky at first, but once you learn how to make the most of her Elemental Burst and Hydro abilities, she’s one of those characters you’ll want to keep on your team. Plus, she just adds that little bit of flair, you know? So go ahead, give Mona the build she deserves, and watch her elevate your team to the next level in Genshin Impact.