Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Introduction

Genshin Impact Kaeya Alberich is a Cryo character and serves as the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt. Despite his laid-back and somewhat mysterious persona, Genshin Impact Kaeya is highly respected. As a 4-star character, Kaeya is obtainable for free during the Archon Quest “Crash Course” in Prologue: Act I – The Outlander Who Caught the Wind, with his constellations available through the Standard Banner. To acquire his constellations, it’s best to use Free Blue Fates rather than Primogems.

Genshin Impact Kaeya excels in dealing Physical damage and applying Cryo to enemies, making him a valuable asset in various elemental reactions like Melt, Freeze, and Superconduct. His Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, consistently applies Cryo, while his Elemental Skill, Frostgnaw, helps regenerate his HP and drops additional Elemental Particles when it freezes enemies. However, his skills have limited range, and sometimes they can interfere with the Main DPS by taking away reaction opportunities. For skill priorities, focus on leveling his Elemental Burst first, followed by his Elemental Skill and Normal Attack.

When building Genshin Impact Kaeya, he can either be focused on Cryo damage as a Sub-DPS or Physical DPS. A Cryo Sub-DPS build benefits from weapons like Freedom-Sworn and Skyward Blade, with artifacts such as Blizzard Strayer and Noblesse Oblige. For a Physical DPS build, weapons like Aquila Favonia and Prototype Rancour are ideal, paired with Pale Flame and Bloodstained Chivalry artifacts. For his best team compositions, Genshin Impact Kaeya works well with Diluc for Melt reactions or in a Free-to-Play team with Xiangling, Lynette, and Bennett, maximizing his Cryo and physical damage potential.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: How to Obtain Kaeya

Genshin Impact Kaeya is a free 4-star character that players can obtain by progressing through the story. Specifically, he is awarded during the Archon Quest “Crash Course” in Prologue: Act I – The Outlander Who Caught the Wind. As part of the main storyline, Kaeya is unlocked automatically without the need for wishing. This makes him a great early addition to a player’s roster.

For players interested in unlocking Genshin Impact Kaeya’s constellations, they can do so by wishing on the Standard Banner. However, it is not recommended to spend Primogems specifically for Genshin Impact Kaeya’s constellations. Instead, players are encouraged to use Free Blue Fates, which can be acquired through the Battle Pass or by leveling up their Adventure Rank, offering a more efficient way to unlock additional constellations without spending precious Primogems.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Talents

Genshin Impact Kaeya’s talents consist of his Normal Attack, Elemental Skill, Elemental Burst, and additional passives that enhance his combat abilities and team utility. Talent priorities should focus on leveling his Elemental Burst first, followed by Elemental Skill, and then Normal Attack.

Normal Attack: Ceremonial Bladework:
Performs up to 5 consecutive strikes. A charged attack consumes stamina to unleash 2 rapid sword strikes. A plunging attack plunges from mid-air to strike the ground, dealing AoE DMG to opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.

Elemental Skill: Frostgnaw:
Unleashes a frigid blast, dealing Cryo DMG to enemies in front of Kaeya. Every hit regenerates HP for Kaeya equal to 15% of his ATK due to his Cold-Blooded Strike passive. Enemies Frozen by Frostgnaw will drop additional Elemental Particles due to his Glacial Heart passive, which can generate a maximum of 2 additional Elemental Particles per use.

Elemental Burst: Glacial Waltz:
Kaeya summons 3 icicles that revolve around him, dealing Cryo DMG to opponents in their path for the ability’s duration. These icicles will follow Kaeya around, continuously dealing damage.

1st Ascension Passive: Cold-Blooded Strike:
Every hit with Frostgnaw regenerates HP for Kaeya equal to 15% of his ATK.

4th Ascension Passive: Glacial Heart:
Opponents frozen by Frostgnaw will drop additional Elemental Particles. Frostgnaw can produce a maximum of 2 additional Elemental Particles per use.

Utility Passive: Hidden Strength:
Decreases sprinting Stamina consumption for all party members by 20%. This effect is not stackable with other passive talents that provide the exact same effect.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Weapons

Genshin Impact Kaeya is a versatile character, and the best weapon for him largely depends on whether you plan to use him as a Sub-DPS or Physical DPS. Each build has its own set of optimal weapons that complement his abilities and enhance his overall performance on the battlefield. Whether you’re looking to boost his elemental reactions and team utility as a Sub-DPS or focus on raw physical damage for high CRIT output, there’s a perfect weapon for every playstyle.

Sub-DPS Build Weapons:

Freedom-Sworn:
This weapon can provide buffs for everyone, amplifying the whole team’s damage output. It increases DMG and, when the character wielding this weapon triggers Elemental Reactions, they gain a Sigil of Rebellion. When you possess 2 Sigils of Rebellion, all nearby party members obtain “Millennial Movement: Song of Resistance” for 12s, which increases Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack DMG by 16% and increases ATK by 20%.

Skyward Blade:
The Energy Recharge substat is helpful for the uptime of Burst. It gives buffs to Kaeya upon using Burst, increasing Movement SPD and ATK SPD, and Normal and Charged Attack DMG.

Amenoma Kageuchi (F2P):
This weapon allows you to gain stacks for every Skill that can be converted for Energy, which fits Kaeya’s playstyle as Sub-DPS. It is also craftable, making it easier to refine.

Festering Desire (F2P):
The Energy Recharge substat is helpful for the uptime of Burst. It can improve Kaeya’s Skill DMG output and is an event-exclusive weapon, making it easy to refine.

Favonius Sword:
The Energy Recharge substat is convenient for Burst uptime. It has a chance to provide more Energy periodically upon CRIT Hits, making it a good battery for other characters in the team.

The Alley Flash:
The Elemental Mastery substat amplifies elemental reaction damage. It has the highest base attack for a 4-star sword, increasing DMG but becoming disabled for a period when Kaeya gets hit.

Skyrider Sword (F2P):
The Energy Recharge substat is helpful for the uptime of Burst. It can give ATK% & Movement SPD upon using Burst and is easy to refine & upgrade since it is a 3-star weapon.

Physical DPS Build Weapons:

Aquila Favonia:
It provides ATK% and Physical DMG Bonus and has the highest base attack for a sword. When using this weapon, it is necessary to build more on CRIT Rate and DMG.

Primordial Jade Cutter:
The CRIT Rate makes it convenient to achieve a good CRIT stat ratio and has the highest CRIT Rate for a sword. It also provides additional ATK based on HP.

The Black Sword:
The CRIT DMG makes it convenient to achieve a good CRIT stat ratio. It increases Normal & Charged Attack DMG and is guaranteed from the Battle Pass.

Prototype Rancour (F2P):
Stacks can increase ATK% & DEF% and is craftable, which is easier to refine. It can be initially obtained from Katheryne by reaching AR 10.

Fillet Blade (F2P):
Can inflict heavy damage to a single enemy periodically and is easy to refine & upgrade since it is a 3-star weapon.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Constellation

Genshin Impact Kaeya’s constellations offer a variety of powerful enhancements that cater to different aspects of his playstyle, whether you’re looking to increase his damage output, improve his survivability, or boost his team utility. Here’s a breakdown of his constellations:

C1: Excellent Blood:
The CRIT Rate of Kaeya’s Normal and Charged Attack DMG against enemies affected by the Cold or Frozen status effects is increased by 15%. This constellation enhances Kaeya’s overall damage against Cryo-affected enemies.

C2: Never-Ending Performance:
When Glacial Waltz is in effect, for each opponent defeated, its duration is increased by 2.5s, up to a maximum of 15s. This is a highly recommended constellation as it extends the duration of his Elemental Burst, allowing Kaeya to deal more damage over time and provide greater utility for the team.

C3: Dance of Frost:
Increases the level of Frostgnaw by 3. The maximum upgrade level is 15. This improves the damage output and utility of Kaeya’s Elemental Skill.

C4: Frozen Kiss:
When Kaeya’s HP falls below 20%, a shield is automatically created that absorbs damage equal to 30% of Kaeya’s Max HP for 20s. This shield absorbs Cryo DMG with 250% efficiency and can only trigger once every 60s. This constellation adds some survivability to Kaeya, but it is situational.

C5: Frostbiting Embrace:
Increases the level of Glacial Waltz by 3. The maximum upgrade level is 15. This improves the damage of Kaeya’s Elemental Burst.

C6: Glacial Whirlwind:
Glacial Waltz will generate 1 additional icicle and will regenerate 15 Energy when cast. This constellation is highly recommended, as it enhances Kaeya’s Elemental Burst damage and energy regeneration, making him a better asset to the team.

It is recommended to avoid using Primogems to pull for constellations and instead use the Free Blue Fates obtained through Battle Pass and Adventure Rank.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Artifacts

Here’s a detailed look at the best artifact recommendations for Genshin Impact Kaeya, depending on whether you’re aiming to build him as a Sub-DPS or Physical DPS. Each artifact set is designed to enhance his specific role, whether you’re focusing on maximizing his Cryo damage and Elemental Burst or boosting his physical damage output. With the right artifacts, you can optimize Genshin Impact Kaeya’s performance and ensure he shines in any team composition. Let’s explore the ideal sets for both builds:

Sub-DPS Build:

Blizzard Strayer (2-Piece):
Provides a Cryo DMG Bonus of +15%. The 4-piece effect increases CRIT Rate by 20% when attacking opponents affected by Cryo. If the opponent is Frozen, CRIT Rate is increased by an additional 20%. This is ideal for boosting Kaeya’s Cryo damage and increasing his overall damage output.

Noblesse Oblige (2-Piece):
Increases Elemental Burst DMG by +20%. The 4-piece effect increases all party members’ ATK by 20% for 12s, but this effect cannot stack. This helps increase Kaeya’s Elemental Burst damage and provide a boost to his teammates’ ATK.

Physical DPS Build:

Pale Flame (2-Piece):
Provides a Physical DMG Bonus of +25%. This significantly boosts Kaeya’s physical damage, enhancing his effectiveness as a Physical DPS.

Bloodstained Chivalry (2-Piece):
Provides a Physical DMG Bonus of +25%. This helps increase Kaeya’s physical damage output, making him more effective as a Physical DPS.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Team

Genshin Impact Kaeya’s best team compositions revolve around characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions such as Melt, Freeze, and Superconduct. These reactions allow Genshin Impact Kaeya to maximize his Cryo potential and amplify the overall damage output of the team. The following detailed team compositions highlight Kaeya’s versatility and synergies with other characters.

Reverse Melt Team Composition

Character	Role	Key Abilities	Contribution
Kaeya	Sub-DPS	Elemental Skill: Frostgnaw, Elemental Burst: Glacial Waltz	Triggers Melt reactions with his Cryo abilities, dealing significant Cryo damage.
Diluc	Main DPS	Elemental Skill: Searing Onslaught, Elemental Burst: Dawn	Applies Pyro with his abilities, enabling Kaeya to trigger Melt reactions for high damage.
Venti	Crowd Control	Elemental Burst: Wind’s Grand Ode	Groups enemies and reduces elemental resistances, enhancing Kaeya and Diluc’s elemental reactions.
Bennett	Healer/Support	Elemental Burst: Fantastic Voyage (Heals & ATK Buff)	Provides healing and ATK buff, increasing overall team damage and ensuring sustainability in battle.

F2P Friendly Team

Character	Role	Key Abilities	Contribution
Kaeya	Main DPS	Elemental Skill: Frostgnaw, Elemental Burst: Glacial Waltz	Applies consistent Cryo damage and triggers Melt reactions, making use of Pyro support from Xiangling.
Xiangling	Sub-DPS	Elemental Skill: Pyronado, Elemental Burst: Pyronado	Provides Pyro damage with her abilities, perfect for pairing with Kaeya’s Cryo for Melt reactions.
Lynette	Support	Elemental Burst: Melody of Unity	Offers an ATK buff and Elemental Shred, lowering Cryo resistance to enhance Kaeya’s damage.
Bennett	Healer/Support	Elemental Burst: Fantastic Voyage (Heals & ATK Buff)	Provides healing and an ATK buff, keeping the team sustained and boosting damage potential.

When building a team around Genshin Impact Kaeya, it is essential to focus on characters who can apply elements frequently, such as Pyro, Hydro, or Anemo, to trigger powerful reactions with Kaeya’s Cryo abilities. This not only increases Genshin Impact Kaeya’s damage output but also optimizes the team’s overall effectiveness in combat.

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Ascension and Talents Materials

Genshin Impact Kaeya is a Cryo sword-wielding character whose ascension and talent upgrades require specific materials. Below is a detailed table outlining the materials and costs for Genshin Impact Kaeya’s ascension and talent levels:

Kaeya’s Ascension Materials:

Ascension Level	Mora Cost	Shivada Jade	Hoarfrost Core	Calla Lily	Treasure Hoarder Insignia	Silver Raven Insignia	Golden Raven Insignia
1 → 2	20,000	1 Sliver	–	3	3	–	–
2 → 3	40,000	3 Fragment	2	10	15	–	–
3 → 4	60,000	6 Fragment	4	20	12	–	–
4 → 5	80,000	3 Chunk	8	30	18	–	–
5 → 6	100,000	6 Chunk	12	45	12	24	–
6 → 7	120,000	6 Gemstone	20	60	24	24	–
7 → 8	140,000	9 Gemstone	30	80	36	36	1 Spirit Locket of Boreas
8 → 9	160,000	12 Gemstone	40	100	48	48	1 Spirit Locket of Boreas
9 → 10	180,000	15 Gemstone	50	120	60	60	1 Spirit Locket of Boreas

Kaeya’s Talent Level-Up Materials:

Talent Level	Mora Cost	Teachings of Ballad	Guide to Ballad	Philosophies of Ballad	Treasure Hoarder Insignia	Silver Raven Insignia	Golden Raven Insignia	Spirit Locket of Boreas
1 → 2	12,500	3	–	–	6	–	–	–
2 → 3	17,500	2	3	–	3	–	–	–
3 → 4	25,000	4	4	–	6	–	–	–
4 → 5	30,000	6	6	–	9	–	–	–
5 → 6	37,500	9	9	–	12	–	–	–
6 → 7	120,000	–	–	4	–	4	–	1
7 → 8	150,000	–	–	6	–	6	–	1
8 → 9	180,000	–	–	9	–	9	–	1
9 → 10	210,000	–	–	12	–	12	–	1

Materials Source:

Material	Source
Shivada Jade	Obtained from Cryo Regisvine and Cryo Hypostasis bosses
Hoarfrost Core	Dropped by Cryo Hypostasis
Calla Lily	Found in Mondstadt, especially around Springvale
Treasure Hoarder Insignia	Dropped by Treasure Hoarders
Silver Raven Insignia	Dropped by Fatui Skirmishers
Golden Raven Insignia	Dropped by Fatui Elite bosses
Spirit Locket of Boreas	Dropped by Andrius, the Wolf of the North
Teachings/Guide/Philosophies of Ballad	Obtained from domain runs in Mondstadt

Genshin Impact Kaeya Guide: Conclusion

Kaeya is a versatile and accessible character in Genshin Impact, offering flexibility in team roles depending on the player’s preferred playstyle and build. As a free 4-star character, Genshin Impact Kaeya is available early in the game, which makes him an excellent choice for players who want a reliable Cryo unit without spending resources on gacha pulls. His ability to perform as both a Sub-DPS or a Physical DPS gives him versatility, making him adaptable in various team compositions. Whether triggering elemental reactions as a Sub-DPS or dealing high Physical damage, Kaeya can be an asset to many party setups.

Genshin Impact Kaeya’s strengths lie in his Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, and Elemental Skill, Frostgnaw, which allow him to apply consistent Cryo damage and trigger powerful reactions like Freeze or Superconduct. His talents, especially his Ascension Passives, further bolster his healing and Energy generation capabilities, making him an effective support and damage-dealer. While he can perform well without constellations, reaching C2 and C6 will significantly enhance his utility, increasing his Burst duration and adding more Energy regeneration, making him even more potent in combat.

When it comes to artifacts and weapons, Genshin Impact Kaeya’s setup will vary depending on his role. For a Sub-DPS build, a 2-piece combination of Blizzard Strayer and Noblesse Oblige is ideal, enhancing his Cryo damage and Elemental Burst power. For Physical DPS, the Pale Flame and Bloodstained Chivalry sets increase his Physical DMG. His weapon choice also depends on the role, with Freedom-Sworn and Skyward Blade being great for Sub-DPS and Aquila Favonia or Primordial Jade Cutter better suited for Physical DPS. Kaeya fits well in team compositions that utilize elemental reactions like Melt, Freeze, and Superconduct, offering both damage and support roles.