Raiden Shogun, also known as Baal or Ei, is one of the most compelling and multifaceted characters in Genshin Impact, miHoYo’s immensely popular action role-playing game. As the ruler of Inazuma and the region’s Electro Archon, she plays a vital role in the game’s storyline. Her complex personality, deep narrative background, and formidable combat abilities have made her a fan-favorite among players worldwide. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Raiden Shogun’s lore, abilities, character development, and her lasting impact on the Genshin Impact community.
Raiden Shogun – Background and Lore
Raiden Shogun is the Archon and ruler of the isolated nation of Inazuma. She consists of two distinct entities: the puppet known as “Shogun” and the consciousness of Raiden Ei. Initially a strict and authoritarian ruler, her governance is marked by the enforcement of the “Vision Hunt Decree,” a policy aimed at seizing the Visions of citizens to attain her ideal of “Eternity.”
However, her backstory is one of profound tragedy. The original Electro Archon, Baal (Ei’s twin sister), fell in battle 500 years before the main events of the game. Devastated by the loss, Ei sought to preserve Inazuma’s stability by creating a puppet, the Raiden Shogun, to rule in her stead while she withdrew into the Plane of Euthymia to meditate on eternity.
Character Development and Design Inspiration
Raiden Shogun made her first in-game appearance in Version 2.0 and became a playable character in Version 2.1. Her character design was heavily influenced by Raiden Mei from Honkai Impact 3rd, another miHoYo game. With her elegant yet imposing presence, she evokes a sense of both grace and authority.
During the development process, miHoYo’s design team focused on creating an animation style that reflected her personality. Her combat animations are based on traditional Kendo techniques, emphasizing precision, discipline, and power.
Raiden Shogun – Abilities and Talents
Normal Attacks
- Raiden Shogun wields a polearm as her primary weapon.
- Her Normal Attack executes a five-hit combo.
- Her Charged Attack consumes stamina for an upward slash.
- Her Plunging Attack deals AoE Electro damage upon landing.
Elemental Skill – Transcendence: Baleful Omen
- Upon activation, Raiden Shogun deals Electro damage to nearby enemies.
- Grants allies the “Eye of Stormy Judgment,” enhancing their Elemental Burst damage.
- Her attacks generate Energy for the party.
- She becomes more resistant to interruption.
Elemental Burst – Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu
- Transforms into the Musou Isshin state, wielding her sword and dealing massive Electro damage.
- Damage output scales with the number of Resolve stacks gathered from allies using Elemental Bursts.
- Attacks in this state are classified as Elemental Burst DMG.
Raiden Shogun – Story and Character Arc
Raiden Shogun’s initial portrayal as a cold and rigid leader evolves significantly throughout the game’s Archon Quest. Though she enforces the Vision Hunt Decree under the belief that she is protecting Inazuma, she eventually realizes the flaws in her ideology. Through the Traveler’s intervention and deeper self-reflection, Ei decides to repeal her oppressive policies and embrace a future of change.
Raiden Shogun – Reception and Impact
Raiden Shogun quickly became one of the most beloved and profitable characters in Genshin Impact. Players were drawn to her striking design, powerful abilities, and deep lore. Her character also became the subject of numerous memes, particularly her inability to cook.
Critically, her story arc has been praised for its exploration of grief and how logical reasoning can conflict with human emotions. However, some criticism has been directed at how certain aspects of Ei’s personality were handled.
How to Build Raiden Shogun for Maximum Effectiveness
Recommended Weapons
- Engulfing Lightning (5-star) – Best-in-slot weapon, boosting Energy Recharge and ATK.
- The Catch (4-star) – An accessible alternative that enhances Elemental Burst damage.
Best Artifact Sets
- Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece) – Provides high Energy Recharge synergy.
- Gladiator’s Finale (2-piece) + Emblem of Severed Fate (2-piece) – Hybrid setup for balance.
Ideal Team Compositions
- Raiden Shogun + Bennett + Xiangling + Kujou Sara: Optimal for high Energy generation.
- Raiden Shogun + Eula + Rosaria + Diona: Strong synergy with Physical DMG teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raiden Shogun
Who is Raiden Shogun in Genshin Impact?
Raiden Shogun is the Electro Archon and ruler of Inazuma. She is a dual-entity character consisting of Ei, the true Archon, and a puppet that governs in her name.
What is the best weapon for Raiden Shogun?
Her best-in-slot weapon is Engulfing Lightning, but The Catch is a great free-to-play alternative.
How does Raiden Shogun’s Elemental Burst work?
Her Elemental Burst, Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu, enables her to wield her sword, dealing powerful Electro-based slashes, with damage scaling based on her Resolve stacks.
Is Raiden Shogun a DPS or Support character?
She can function as both a Main DPS and a Support due to her Energy Recharge capabilities and devastating Elemental Burst damage.
How can I get Raiden Shogun?
She is obtainable through limited-time banners in the game.
Why is Raiden Shogun considered one of the strongest characters?
Her unparalleled Energy Recharge-based scaling, team-wide Burst support, and high-damage Electro abilities make her extremely powerful.
What is the significance of the Vision Hunt Decree?
The Vision Hunt Decree was an Inazuman policy led by Raiden Shogun to suppress ambition and enforce her vision of “Eternity.”
Is Raiden Shogun related to Venti and Zhongli?
As fellow Archons, she shares history with them, though her approach to governance differs significantly from theirs.
What inspired Raiden Shogun’s character design?
She was inspired by Raiden Mei from Honkai Impact 3rd and designed with Japanese samurai and Kendo influences.
Does Raiden Shogun have any weaknesses?
Her reliance on Energy Recharge means she benefits most from well-built teams that can activate Elemental Bursts frequently.
Conclusion
Raiden Shogun remains one of the most well-received characters in Genshin Impact, mesmerizing players with her commanding presence, deep backstory, and incredible combat capabilities. Whether you’re interested in her powerful gameplay mechanics or fascinated by her tragic yet redeeming story, she continues to be a legendary figure within the game.
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