Source: Jello Impact on YouTube
By ExploreGenshin.gg

In the Genshin Impact Version 5.6 livestream, we caught our first official glimpse of Dahlia – a new upcoming four-star Hydro character. While we don’t have her full kit revealed yet, we already know quite a bit from the trailer and reliable pre-release sources. Let’s dive into what we know, speculate a little, and discuss how Dahlia might be much more important than people realize — especially for Skirk mains.

🌊 Who Is Dahlia?

From the livestream and pre-release information:

Element: Hydro
Rarity: 4-star
Role: Attack Speed Buffer

Dahlia’s design and the early data suggest she’s set up as a team support, offering something unique with Attack Speed buffs. In Genshin, attack speed isn’t usually a high-value stat because of hit lag — the animation delay when an attack connects — but certain characters like Wanderer and Yoimiya benefit nicely from it.

Dahlia could end up helping characters who traditionally lack strong dedicated supports, although there are some worries about how impactful she’ll actually be.

⚡ Attack Speed: Useful or Gimmick?

Attack speed is normally not a game-breaking stat in Genshin:

Catalyst users and Bow users (like Wanderer and Yoimiya) can benefit because they suffer less from hit lag.
However, most sword, polearm, and claymore users don’t see huge DPS boosts with attack speed alone.

Because of that, attack speed buffs alone probably won’t make Dahlia a top-tier must-pull. But there’s more to her kit that hasn’t been revealed yet — and that’s where speculation begins.

❄️ Dahlia’s Potential Connection to Skirk

One of the biggest reasons Dahlia is getting so much attention is her timing:

She is debuting on Skirk’s banner.
In Genshin, it’s common for new four-star characters to synergize with the new five-star they’re released alongside.

Even though some leaks claim Dahlia might not synergize perfectly with Skirk, that information is considered less reliable compared to her basic facts.

Here’s why players are worried:

Skirk appears to be designed around Freeze teams, much like Escoffier.
Dahlia being Hydro means she could slot into Freeze team compositions.
If Skirk ends up requiring Hydro teammates like Dahlia for optimal setups, it could create a “doomsday” scenario where Skirk needs Escafier, Furina, and C6 Dahlia to function at her peak — a massive investment.

This “Doomsday Exodia” situation has the community very nervous.

🛠️ Other Possible Roles for Dahlia

Beyond just being an attack speed buffer, Dahlia could fill multiple support roles:

Healer: Similar to Furina or Barbara.
Damage Buffer: Offering raw buffs like damage % increase.
Off-Field DPS: A Hydro unit that can deal decent off-field damage (akin to Xingqiu or Yelan).
Shielder: Though unlikely, Hydro still lacks a proper shielder.

Interestingly, as a Hydro four-star, Dahlia joins a small club — previously only Barbara, Xingqiu, Candace, and Traveler (Hydro) filled that elemental niche. It’s clear we are overdue for another Hydro support.

There’s also the possibility Dahlia might serve as a free-to-play alternative to Escafier, making Skirk’s team-building less restrictive for players who miss out on Escafier.

🚨 Worst Case Scenario: Locked Behind Multiple Characters

The real fear for Skirk wanters:

Skirk’s best teams might require Furina, Escafier, C6 Dahlia, and possibly others.
If true, Skirk could become the most restrictive character to build around in Genshin history.
It would be worse than Navia needing Seatlai or Nilou requiring Bloom teams.

For now, it’s speculation — but it’s a possibility players are keeping in mind before they pull.

✨ Final Thoughts on Dahlia

As of now, Dahlia looks promising but mysterious:

An attack speed buffer alone won’t break the game.
If she offers team healing, off-field damage, or strong buffs, she could be a valuable flexible Hydro support.
She may also become a critical part of the meta depending on how Skirk’s kit finalizes.

Her design looks good, her VA is confirmed (Eileen Min), and her release timing is suspiciously convenient for Freeze team compositions.

Ultimately, Dahlia might not just be “another four-star Hydro character” — she could be essential for the future of Freeze teams and Skirk mains.