Is Ayaka Meta Again in Genshin Impact 5.6? Zajef Breaks Down Escoffier Synergies and Shenhe Weapons ExploreGenshin

The launch of Escoffier in Genshin Impact version 5.6 has thrown the Cryo meta into chaos—and now the big question is: Is Ayaka finally meta again? According to Zajef Daily, the answer is… kind of.

In his latest video, Zajef dives deep into team theorycrafting, weapon analysis, and damage calcs to explore Escoffier’s effect on Cryo teams—including how she changes Ayaka’s place in the meta. He also takes a closer look at optimal builds for Shenhe, and whether the Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers (TTDS) can actually beat out 5-star signature weapons in some rotations. Spoiler alert: It can.

Let’s break down all the highlights.

Escoffier’s Impact: Who Is the Best Cryo DPS?

Escoffier is incredibly strong, no doubt. According to Zajef, she’s so strong that she effectively redefines Freeze teams around herself, particularly with massive elemental resistance shred and healing utility.

But that doesn’t mean Ayaka is suddenly #1 again.

“Ayaka will have a good team with Escoffier,” Zajef says, “but it will not be the best Escoffier Freeze team.”

The best team? That honor goes to Neuvillette Freeze, where Cryo is run as a support to Hydro DPS. These comps outperform Cryo carry teams, including Ayaka, due to how well Escoffier boosts Hydro-Cryo synergy.

That said, if you love Ayaka or Wriothesley, you can still use them effectively—just know you won’t be maximizing Escoffier’s potential.

Skirk > Ayaka?

Zajef also speculates that the upcoming 5-star Cryo unit Skirk (expected in version 5.7) will likely outperform both Ayaka and Wriothesley.

“I do not expect Skirk to be on the same level as Ayaka or Wriothesley. I expect Skirk to be significantly better.”

Even with Escoffier, Cryo carry comps still struggle to top the meta. Skirk, however, might be the Cryo DPS that finally breaks that ceiling.

Shenhe: Is TTDS Really Better Than Signature Weapons?

Zajef shifts focus to Shenhe, especially in teams built around plunge or normal attacks like Varessa comps. The key question: Is TTDS better than 5-star weapons like Flowing Purity or Oathsworn Eye?

The answer: Yes, in many cases.

Despite lowering Shenhe’s own ATK, TTDS buffs the carry so effectively that the overall team damage is higher—especially when paired with Shenhe’s Anemo resonance, Noblesse buffs, and team synergy with Varessa or Ayaka.

In Zajef’s rotation calcs:

TTDS+ER Sands performed better than attack-focused 5-star options.
TTDS rotations every 20 seconds are perfectly timed with cooldowns like Furina’s, making it ideal for consistent support.

“Even compared to Oathsworn Eye, TTDS is still better,” Zajef confirms.

Varessa Shenhe Rotations: Damage Breakdown

In testing Varessa with Shenhe in various teams, Zajef’s calculations showed:

TTDS gave more damage to Varessa than Shenhe’s own ATK loss.
TTDS can be activated every rotation, thanks to 20-second setups with Cinder City and Electro Resonance from teammates like Yansan or Fischl.
This results in 13% higher damage on secondary targets due to TTDS affecting AoE damage better than Shenhe’s personal scaling.

Zajef emphasizes: Shenhe’s buff only applies to one enemy, so TTDS’s universal buff outpaces it in AoE scenarios.

Final Thoughts: Is TTDS Always the Play?

Not necessarily.

TTDS is optimal only if you can meet Shenhe’s Energy Recharge requirements (around 170-190%) while still equipping ER Sands. If not, 5-star options may be safer.

Still, in Freeze or Quickswap teams with Electro resonance, TTDS becomes a cost-efficient and competitive alternative, even in high-end Abyss clears.

“TTDS isn’t always easier to use,” Zajef notes, “but in Varessa teams, the rotation already swaps from Shenhe to the carry—it’s seamless.”

Ayaka’s Status: Still a Fan Favorite

Even though Neuvillette Freeze teams are stronger, Ayaka remains viable—especially for players who enjoy her playstyle and aesthetics.

Escoffier gives her a new lease on life, but don’t expect her to reclaim meta dominance. Instead, look forward to Skirk, who might finally offer Cryo mains a true DPS powerhouse.