Candace, the Guardian of Aaru Village, is a 4-star Hydro polearm character in Genshin Impact. She hails from the deserts of Sumeru and is known for her protective role and exceptional Hydro-infused combat abilities. As a support and sub-DPS unit, Candace brings unique buffs to teams, primarily benefiting Normal Attack-reliant characters. Her Elemental Burst provides Hydro infusion for certain weapon types while also increasing elemental damage. Despite her niche role, Candace can excel in several team compositions, from Vaporize to Freeze setups. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore her abilities, best builds, constellations, and optimal teams.
Candace – Overview and Abilities
Candace’s kit in Genshin Impact revolves around her ability to provide Hydro infusion and Normal Attack buffs to her allies. Her support capabilities make her an excellent choice for teams that rely on sustained Normal Attack sequences. She also has a unique shield mechanic and AoE Hydro application, making her a solid off-field support or enabler.
Character Details
- Rarity: 4-star
- Vision: Hydro
- Weapon: Polearm
- Role: Support / Sub-DPS
- Constellation: Sagitta Scutum
Normal Attack – Gleaming Spear: Guardian Stance
Candace performs up to four consecutive spear strikes. Her Charged Attack enables her to lunge forward, dealing damage in a straight path, while her Plunging Attack inflicts AoE damage upon impact.
Elemental Skill – Sacred Rite: Heron’s Sanctum
Candace’s Elemental Skill comes in two versions:
- Tap: She dashes forward with her shield, dealing Hydro damage.
- Hold: She raises her shield to absorb damage, becoming more effective against Hydro attacks. When released, she strikes down, dealing AoE Hydro damage.
Elemental Burst – Sacred Rite: Wagtail’s Tide
Candace’s Elemental Burst enables Hydro infusion for melee weapon users (excluding catalysts and bows) and increases Normal Attack elemental damage by 20%. Each time a teammate enters the battlefield, a rippling Hydro wave deals damage, making her an excellent enabler.
Passives and Constellations
Passive Talents
- Aegis of Crossed Arrows: If hit while holding her Elemental Skill, Candace instantly finishes charging the skill.
- Celestial Dome of Sand: Increases the elemental damage of characters affected by Prayer of the Crimson Crown based on Candace’s Max HP.
- To Dawn’s First Light: Reduces climbing stamina consumption by 20%.
Constellations
- C1: Extends the duration of Prayer of the Crimson Crown by 3 seconds.
- C2: Grants a 20% HP boost for 15 seconds upon hitting enemies with Elemental Skill.
- C4: Reduces the cooldown of the Elemental Skill when using the Hold version.
- C6: Creates additional AoE Hydro waves when Normal Attacks land, scaling with Candace’s Max HP.
Best Builds for Candace
Support Build
Candace excels as a support by applying Hydro and enabling Normal Attack buffs. Focus on HP and Energy Recharge for optimal performance.
- Artifacts: 4-piece Noblesse Oblige or Emblem of Severed Fate
- Weapons: Favonius Lance, The Catch, or Black Tassel
- Main Stats: HP% Sands, HP% Goblet, HP% Circlet
- Substats: HP%, Energy Recharge, Crit Rate
DPS Build
Though less common, a DPS Candace can maximize her Normal and Charged Attack damage.
- Artifacts: 4-piece Heart of Depth
- Weapons: Staff of Homa, Deathmatch
- Main Stats: ATK% Sands, Hydro DMG Bonus Goblet, Crit DMG Circlet
Best Team Compositions
Reverse Vaporize Team
- Main DPS: Hu Tao / Yoimiya
- Sub-DPS: Xingqiu / Yelan
- Support: Candace
- Additional Support: Kazuha / Bennett
Freeze Team
- Main DPS: Ayaka / Ganyu
- Support: Candace
- Sub-DPS: Rosaria
- Additional Support: Diona / Shenhe
How to Use Candace Effectively
Energy Management
Candace has a 60 energy cost for her Burst, requiring high Energy Recharge. Equip her with Favonius Lance or Emblem of Severed Fate to ensure uptime.
Timing Elemental Burst
Use Candace’s Burst just before switching to a Normal Attack-reliant DPS to maximize Hydro infusion benefits.
FAQ – Candace in Genshin Impact
What weapons work best for Candace?
For support, Favonius Lance is great for energy regeneration. For DPS, Staff of Homa provides strong offensive scaling.
Which artifacts should I use for Candace?
Support Candace benefits from Noblesse Oblige, while DPS Candace performs well with Heart of Depth.
Is Candace viable as a main DPS?
Candace can function as an on-field DPS, but her damage output is lower than dedicated DPS characters.
What teams is Candace best in?
She excels in Vaporize, Freeze, and Electro-Charged teams where she enables Hydro reactions.
How should I prioritize Candace’s talents?
For support builds, prioritize her Burst. For DPS, prioritize Normal and Burst talents.
Does Candace’s shield count as a traditional shield?
No, her Elemental Skill does not count as a traditional shield and doesn’t trigger shield-related effects.
How does Candace’s Hydro Infusion work?
During her Burst, Sword, Polearm, and Claymore users receive Hydro infusion for Normal Attacks.
Is Candace worth pulling?
For Normal Attack-based teams, Candace is a solid choice, but she is niche compared to other supports.
Which constellations improve Candace the most?
C1 extends her buff duration, and C6 significantly improves her Hydro infusion capabilities.
Does Candace work well with Xingqiu or Yelan?
Yes! Candace pairs well with them in Hydro-based teams for extra Hydro reactions.
Source : Genshin impact
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