Characters
Genshin Character Tier List: What Wins in 2026
Creator tier lists love flashy banners. Genshin Impact rewards expected value: teams you can rebuild after a bad 50/50, reactions you can play, and a roster that still clears domains.
How should you define S-tier in Genshin?
S-tier means the best expected value across a hundred sessions in Mondstadt, Liyue, and Nod-Krai — not the character that looks strongest in a controlled showcase. Flexible supports win many of the clears that actually decide Abyss.
If a DPS needs three limited supports to function, it is not S-tier for most accounts. Pair this with our Spiral Abyss guide.
Open world vs Abyss
Open world wants mobility, grouping, and cheap energy. Abyss wants shields, healers, and a second team. Do not force one showcase team into both jobs.
Chest and oculi routes in our chest route guide matter more than a 0.2-second rotation if you still have 40% exploration.
A durable team spine
A durable kit is usually one on-field DPS, one battery, one shielder or healer, and one flex. Rebuild that spine after every banner instead of chasing every leak.