So, you’ve managed to snag Cyno in Genshin Impact 5.1, or maybe you’re just eyeing him on the banner, fingers crossed. Either way, you’re here to learn how to make the most of this Electro polearm-wielding dynamo. Let’s dive into how to build Cyno right, from weapons to artifacts and team comps, so he’s not just flashy but a real game-changer.
Why Cyno? Here’s What Makes Him Shine
Cyno isn’t just another Electro DPS—he’s the real deal when it comes to sustained damage with some serious AoE flair. He brings big numbers, especially if you love chaining reactions like Hyperbloom or Aggravate. But, just like any character, he’s got some quirks. For starters, he’s a bit reliant on teammates for elemental setups, and if you don’t manage his burst well, he’s more “sizzle” than “steak.”
Best Weapons for Cyno: Picking the Right Spear
Let’s face it: weapons can make or break a character. For Cyno, you’ll want something that keeps those Electro numbers high and consistent. Here are your best bets:
- Staff of the Scarlet Sands (Top Choice)
- This is Cyno’s tailor-made weapon, so no surprises here. It’s got a juicy CRIT Rate of 44.1% at level 90 and a passive that turns his Elemental Mastery into bonus ATK. Simply put, this spear will make Cyno’s damage sing.
- Why it works: The passive gives a bonus based on Elemental Mastery, which Cyno thrives on when triggering reactions. Perfect match!
- Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
- Not his signature, but still a solid pick. It’s got a respectable CRIT Rate and a passive that boosts ATK after you land hits.
- Good if: You already have it lying around and don’t want to spend Primogems chasing Scarlet Sands.
- Staff of Homa
- The king of CRIT DMG weapons at 66.2% at level 90. It’s great for burst damage, but Cyno doesn’t fully take advantage of the HP-based passive.
- Worth it if: You’re after huge CRIT DMG and already have a strong HP boost plan in place.
- Budget Option: White Tassel
- Surprised? Don’t be. This little F2P hero can pack a punch with its 23.4% CRIT Rate, even though it’s not flashy.
- Why consider it: You can max it easily without breaking a sweat, which makes it a decent placeholder while you farm for the big guns.
Choosing the Best Artifacts for Cyno
Artifacts are where things get real. One wrong set, and you’re in for a world of “meh” damage. Here’s what works for our boy Cyno:
- Thundering Fury (4-Piece)
- Bonus: +15% Electro DMG and reduces skill cooldowns when reactions trigger.
- Why this rocks: It’s made for quick, repeated reactions—perfect for Cyno’s playstyle.
- Gilded Dreams (4-Piece)
- Bonus: Grants Elemental Mastery and boosts ATK when reactions happen.
- Best for: Reaction-focused teams where Cyno shines in Aggravate or Hyperbloom setups.
- Thundersoother (4-Piece)
- Bonus: +35% damage against Electro-affected foes.
- Solid for: Consistent Electro application, making it a niche but potent option.
Artifact Stat Priorities:
- Sands: Elemental Mastery or ATK% (depends on your weapon and overall build)
- Goblet: Electro DMG Bonus (no-brainer here)
- Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG (whichever balances your build best)
- Sub-stats to keep an eye on: CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG, Energy Recharge, ATK%, Elemental Mastery.
Crafting the Perfect Team for Cyno
Now, let’s talk teammates. You want characters that can feed Cyno’s Electro-centric gameplay. Here are some dream team picks:
High-End Team:
- DPS: Cyno (of course)
- Sub-DPS: Fischl or Raiden Shogun (more Electro, more particles, more fun)
- Support: Nahida for Dendro reactions (think Hyperbloom or Aggravate)
- Healer: Baizhu or Kokomi (keeps Cyno on his feet and triggers Hydro reactions for more damage)
F2P-Friendly Team:
- DPS: Cyno
- Sub-DPS: Fischl (great free Electro support)
- Enabler: Dendro Traveler (triggers reactions and pairs well with Cyno)
- Healer: Barbara (basic, but gets the job done)
Ascension Materials: Get Cyno Ready for Battle
Okay, so you’ve picked his weapon, nailed his artifacts, and assembled the Avengers—I mean, his team. Next up: getting Cyno to level 90. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Electro Ascension Gems: Vajrada Amethyst Sliver/Fragment/Chunk/Gemstone
- Boss Material: Thunderclap Fruitcore (from Electro Regisvine)
- Local Specialty: Scarab (yup, those critters from the Sumeru desert)
- Enemy Drop: Divining/Sealed/Forbidden Curse Scrolls (Samachurls love these)
Talent Level-Up Materials:
- Books: Teachings/Guide/Philosophies of Admonition (check the Sumeru talent domain)
- Boss Drop: Mudra of the Malefic General (from Raiden Shogun boss fight)
- Mob Drop: Divining/Sealed/Forbidden Curse Scrolls
How to Use Cyno Like a Pro
Cyno’s playstyle is all about timing and reactions. You can’t just button-mash and expect fireworks. Here’s how to make his kit work for you:
Rotation Tips:
- Start with your support characters to set up reactions and generate particles.
- Switch to Cyno and pop that Elemental Burst.
- Use his Elemental Skill during the burst to extend its duration and keep the damage flowing.
- Once his burst ends, repeat the setup with your supports.
Pro Tip: Watch his burst animation to know when to weave in his skill—it’s all about rhythm. And don’t forget, CRIT stats are key. You want a good balance between CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG, aiming for around a 1:2 ratio.
Parting Thoughts
Building Cyno can feel like a bit of a balancing act, but once you get it right, the payoff is worth it. Whether you’re landing huge crits or melting enemies with reactions, he’s a powerhouse who rewards careful planning. So, roll up those sleeves, tweak those stats, and get ready for some serious Electro damage. You’ll thank yourself when Cyno’s at the center of your best team, dealing numbers that’ll make even the Spiral Abyss sit up and take notice.
Happy farming and may your Primogems be plentiful!