With the release of Skirk in Version 5.7, the debate over Genshin Impact’s strongest DPS characters is hotter than ever. Jello Impact has broken down the Top 5 DPS units in the current meta using detailed testing, Spiral Abyss performance, and endgame viability including the new Stygian Onslaught mode.

Let’s dive into who’s climbed, who’s fallen, and what defines the best DPS picks today.

Ranking Criteria

To judge each character fairly, Jello Impact used the following priorities:

  1. Total Team Power – How strong is the best team built around the DPS?
  2. DPS Contribution – Does the DPS meaningfully carry or rely on hyper buffers?
  3. Flexibility – How many viable teams can they work in? Do they handle AoE, single-target, shield breaking?
  4. Comfort & Ease of Use – Are they player-friendly and accessible to average users?

These rankings focus on Stygian Onslaught and Spiral Abyss, not Imaginarium Theater.

Honorable Mentions

  • Gaming and Mulani have massive nuke potential and can out-damage some top picks under perfect conditions. However, their consistency and team constraints kept them outside the Top 5.

🥉 Tied for #4: Arlecchino

Initially hailed as the best DPS on release, Arlecchino has been outpaced by newcomers like Moa and Skirk. Still, she remains:

  • Incredibly versatile, able to flex across Melt, Overload, Vaporize, and Mono Pyro teams
  • Single-target dominant, making her well-positioned for Stygian Onslaught

Downsides include reliance on her Burst for healing (which reduces Bond of Life stacks) and some mechanical complexity in Melt teams. However, her strong team options and upcoming buffs give her top-tier longevity.

🥉 Tied for #4: Neuvillette

Neuvillette was once hailed as the AoE king—and still is. His massive area coverage, comfort of use, and best-in-slot synergies (Furina, Escafier, and now Ineffa) make him extremely consistent.

Weaknesses:

  • He excels in AoE but suffers in single-target-focused modes like Stygian Onslaught
  • His flexibility is sometimes overstated—Fina remains key for optimal comps

Still, he’s easy to build, smooth to play, and powerful in content where multiple waves are present.

🥉 #3: Varesa

Varesa enters the scene with some of the highest sheet and practical DPS in the game:

  • 103–110K DPS in calculations
  • Strong in multi-wave thanks to Overload comps
  • Very accessible with her best teammates Chevreuse and Onni being on-banner
  • Easy to pilot and forgiving for early investments

She lacks flexibility outside of Overload and a few specific variants, but her upside is massive.

🥈 #2: Skirk

Skirk is the newest powerhouse in Genshin, bringing:

  • Incredible combo speed and burst or normal attack flexibility
  • Strong synergy with Escoffier and Furina, but surprisingly replaceable 4th-slot supports (e.g., Mona, Yelan, Mulani)
  • Meta impact: She even shows up in Neuvillette and Mulani’s best teams now

While she does require at least one premium support (Escoffier), her freedom from overly contested supports like Bennett, Mika, or Xilonen gives her a unique value. Her ability to warp team priorities echoes Mika’s early impact.

🥇 #1: Mavuika

There’s no debate—Mavuika is currently Genshin’s best DPS. She dominates the meta because:

  • She enables or belongs in the best teams for most other top DPS characters
  • Mavuika Melt, Mavuika Vape, and Mavuika Overload all push chart-topping numbers
  • She’s easy to use, with simple yet devastatingly effective combos
  • Her AoE is unmatched, thanks to her “bike circle” radius
  • She has infinite interruption resistance, making her extremely reliable

Despite early concerns about her needing Natlan-specific supports, she’s proven flexible with just Xilonen or Citlali.

Final Thoughts

Moa, Skirk, and Verressa form Genshin’s new “Big Three” DPS core, with Neuvillette and Arlecchino rounding out the rest. It’s a great time for DPS variety, and the future looks even brighter with upcoming mechanics like Lunar Freeze potentially pushing Skirk even higher.

Of course, as Jello Impact reminds us, you don’t need the #1 DPS to clear endgame. Characters like Chaska, Navia, Kinich, and Risley can still dominate with the right teams and investment.

For more theorycrafting and tier breakdowns, visit ExploreGenshin.gg.
This article is based on insights from Jello Impact’s video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best DPS in Genshin right now?

Mavuika holds the top spot with unmatched team synergy, AoE, and consistency.

Is Skirk really that good?

Yes. With Escoffier, she reaches elite DPS levels and even appears in other characters’ top teams.

What happened to Neuvillette?

Still amazing, but suffers slightly in single-target content like Stygian Onslaught. Remains the AoE king.

Can Varesa compete with the top?

Absolutely. She has some of the highest damage both on paper and in real combat, especially in Overload comps.

Why didn’t Gaming or Mulani make the list?

They have high potential but require too many conditions (team, RNG, enemy matchups) to consistently compete at the top.

Should I chase the top meta DPS?

Only if you enjoy the character. Every 5-star can clear Abyss with the right build—it’s more fun to play who you love.