Flexible team builds and key support picks for Genshin’s newest Cryo sword DPS

With Skirk now playable in Genshin Impact and already turning heads as a powerful Cryo sword DPS, the question on every theorycrafter’s mind is: what are the best team comps for her? In a recent video, SuperaTom dives into the top Skirk team options—both with and without the crucial support unit Escoffier—and outlines builds suitable for whales, mid-spenders, and even free-to-play players.

Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of Skirk, including optimal teammates, hydro and cryo synergies, and some surprising four-star options that can punch above their weight.

Why Escoffier Matters So Much to Skirk

According to current testing, Escoffier can boost Skirk team DPS by 20–25%, which is massive for a single character’s support value. Escoffier provides Cryo application, resistance shredding, and healing—making her a near-mandatory unit for maximizing Skirk’s potential in freeze teams. However, Skirk does not absolutely require Escoffier to function. She can still perform well in various setups as long as you meet key conditions.

Best Hydro Supports for Skirk

To trigger and maintain freeze, Skirk needs reliable Hydro support, and these characters stand out:

Furina: Excellent team-wide buffs and consistent off-field damage.
Yelan: Exceptional normal attack synergy with Skirk, boosting both her own and Skirk’s DPS.
Kokomi: Offers healing, Hydro application, and can wield TTDS for additional team buffs.
Mona: Burst damage buff and TTDS, though her Hydro uptime is limited.
Xingqiu: One of the best four-star options thanks to his consistent Hydro swords and damage reduction.
Ayato: Offers off-field Hydro through his burst and buffs normal attack damage.
Candace (C6): Normal attack infusion and team-wide Hydro synergy make her viable, especially with Skirk’s normal attack scaling.
Barbara: A low-tier option, but usable for Hydro application and healing.

Best Cryo Supports for Skirk

Escoffier: Still the best Cryo support for Skirk. Powerful buffs, healing, and constant Cryo application.
Shenhe: High Cryo damage buffing and resistance shred.
Citlali: Provides shielding, TTDS, and damage bonus buffs via Cinder City.
Rosaria: Crit rate buff, off-field damage, and quick-swap potential.
Charlotte: Healer with TTDS and Cryo application.
Mika: Normal attack speed buff, healing, and Cryo application—especially useful if Skirk leans into normal attack playstyle.
Ganyu: Burst provides AoE Cryo and Cryo damage boost for the team.
Diona: Shielding and healing with Cryo resonance.

Core Freeze Team Archetypes

✅ Premium Team with Escoffier

Skirk / Escoffier / Furina / Shenhe or Yelan

This is currently considered Skirk’s strongest team. All units contribute powerful off-field support while maintaining high Cryo and Hydro uptime for freeze. Shenhe gives hard Cryo buffs, while Yelan provides damage bonuses and resonance.

🔄 Flexible Team Variant

Skirk / Escoffier / Kokomi / Shenhe or Yelan

If you need more healing and want more consistent Hydro uptime, Kokomi steps in well. She’s less bursty than Furina but offers a steady tempo.

Budget and 4-Star Friendly Teams

🎯 Free-to-Play Friendly Setup

Skirk / Escoffier / Xingqiu / Dalia

Dalia is a new Hydro sword user with shielding and normal attack speed buffs—making him ideal for Skirk. Xingqiu provides core Hydro application and sub-DPS. This team is quite balanced and relatively affordable.

🔄 Without Escoffier

If you don’t have Escoffier, consider these strong replacements:

Shilonan: Strong universal support and healing.
Citlali: Shielding and resistance shred for Freeze.
Charlotte: Four-star healer with Cryo application.
Yun Jin (C6): Increases normal attack damage significantly—especially in teams focused on normal attack spam.

Example no-Escoffier comp:

Skirk / Yelan / Shilonan / Furina

This gives you healing, Hydro application, and two powerful supports even without the core Cryo unit.

Meme But Viable Comps

🔁 Normal Attack Speed Team

Skirk / Dalia / Mika / Yun Jin (C6)

This unique comp is entirely centered on boosting Skirk’s normal attacks, stacking speed buffs and additive bonuses. While you sacrifice Freeze consistency and some Cryo synergy, it offers a high-speed playstyle that’s fun and unconventional.

Weapon Considerations

Skirk benefits most from weapons that scale with normal attack damage, crit stats, or bonus elemental damage. If you’re not running a shielded team, skip weapons with shield-based passives unless you can fit someone like Citlali or Dalia.

Final Thoughts

SuperaTom’s analysis makes one thing clear: Skirk is a versatile DPS, but she heavily favors Freeze setups and normal attack-focused builds. The presence or absence of Escoffier massively shifts her team quality, but even without her, there are still plenty of functional and fun ways to build around Skirk.

Make sure to plan based on your own character pool. With the right synergy, Skirk can lead some of the highest-performing teams in the game—especially for players who enjoy Freeze or micromanagement-based combat.

For more team comps and guides, visit ExploreGenshin.gg and stay up to date with the latest builds.

Frequently Asked Questions about Skirk Teams

Is Escoffier required to make Skirk work?
No, but she provides up to 25% more team DPS and significantly smoothens gameplay in Freeze teams.

Can I run Skirk without five-star characters?
Yes! Teams like Skirk / Xingqiu / Dalia / Charlotte are perfectly viable for free-to-play players.

Does Skirk work with Shenhe?
Absolutely. Shenhe is one of the best Cryo buffers and a strong replacement for Escoffier.

Is Kokomi or Furina better with Skirk?
Furina offers more damage, while Kokomi provides more healing and Hydro uptime. Choose based on team needs.

What’s a good Skirk team with only four-stars?
Skirk / Dalia / Xingqiu / Charlotte or Candace is a solid, free-to-play friendly core.

Can I use Yelan instead of Shenhe or Escoffier?
Yes, Yelan’s buffs and Hydro resonance help Skirk deal solid damage, especially in non-Freeze setups.