Shikanoin Heizou is one of the most unique characters in Genshin Impact, introduced in version 2.8. As a 4-star Anemo Catalyst user, Heizou breaks the conventional Catalyst playstyle by engaging in close-quarters combat. His martial arts-inspired attacks and powerful Swirl reactions make him a versatile and exciting character to play. In this guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about Heizou, from his abilities and best team compositions to the best weapons and artifact sets to maximize his potential.
Shikanoin Heizou – Overview
Shikanoin Heizou is an investigator of the Tenryou Commission and is known for his keen intellect and unorthodox detective methods. As the first male Catalyst user in Genshin Impact, Heizou brings a fresh and dynamic approach to combat by utilizing martial arts rather than traditional ranged Catalyst attacks.
Element and Weapon
- Element: Anemo
- Weapon: Catalyst
- Role: On-field DPS, Swirl enabler
Despite wielding a Catalyst, Heizou fights with a unique close-combat style that differentiates him from other Catalyst users. His attacks deal Anemo damage, allowing him to trigger continuous Swirl reactions when paired with elemental teammates.
Shikanoin Heizou – Abilities
Heizou’s abilities revolve around his Anemo capabilities, Swirl reactions, and martial arts combat style. Let’s take a closer look at his Normal Attack, Elemental Skill, and Elemental Burst:
Normal Attack – Fudou Style Martial Arts
- Normal Attack: Performs up to five successive melee-style Anemo-infused strikes.
- Charged Attack: Consumes stamina to release a sweeping kick, dealing Anemo damage.
- Plunge Attack: Dives from mid-air, dealing AoE Anemo damage upon impact.
His Normal Attack set is unique because it allows him to stay in melee range despite using a Catalyst. This adds a different playstyle compared to conventional ranged Catalysts like Klee or Mona.
Elemental Skill – Heartstopper Strike
- Tapping: Releases a quick Anemo punch.
- Holding: Charges up to four “Declension” stacks, increasing damage and AoE.
- Mechanic: Heizou gains one Declension stack whenever he triggers a Swirl reaction.
Heartstopper Strike is essential for maximizing Heizou’s damage. By holding the skill to accumulate Declension stacks, he can release a significantly more powerful strike that benefits from Anemo’s Swirl potential.
Elemental Burst – Windmuster Kick
- Heizou leaps and delivers a powerful kick, dealing AoE Anemo damage.
- Creates a wind tunnel effect, pulling enemies together.
- If enemies have Pyro, Cryo, Electro, or Hydro effects, a “Windmuster Iris” is applied.
- The Windmuster Iris explodes after a short time, causing additional elemental damage.
Windmuster Kick is a versatile ability that not only deals high AoE damage but also amplifies elemental reactions, making it an excellent crowd-control tool. Heizou excels when paired with teammates who can constantly apply elemental effects to multiple enemies.
Passive Talents
Paradoxical Practice
Whenever Heizou causes a Swirl reaction, he gains one Declension stack. This talent ensures that he can consistently power up his Elemental Skill, making Swirl-centric team compositions highly effective.
Penetrative Reasoning
After using Heartstopper Strike, all party members (excluding Heizou) gain 80 Elemental Mastery for 10 seconds. This makes Heizou a valuable asset in teams that benefit from reaction-based damage.
Pre-Existing Guilt
Reduces the sprinting stamina consumption of all party members by 20%. This is useful for exploration, but does not stack with other similar passive talents.
Shikanoin Heizou – Best Playstyle and Team Compositions
Heizou thrives as an on-field DPS who excels in team compositions that involve Swirl reactions. His optimal teams will include characters who apply Hydro, Pyro, Electro, or Cryo consistently to enable powerful Swirl reactions.
Best Teammates
- Fischl (Electro): Enables Electro Swirl, increasing elemental damage.
- Xingqiu (Hydro): Creates Wet status for Water Swirls and Freeze setups.
- Bennett (Pyro): Provides healing and an ATK buff while enabling Pyro Swirl.
- Rosaria (Cryo): Works well for Cryo Swirl and Freeze reactions.
Best Builds for Shikanoin Heizou
Best Artifact Sets
- Viridescent Venerer (4-piece): Increases Swirl damage and reduces enemy resistance.
- Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (4-piece): Boosts Normal Attack damage at the cost of Energy.
Best Weapons
- Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds: Increases Crit Rate and grants movement speed and Elemental DMG bonuses.
- Skyward Atlas: Boosts ATK and Elemental DMG, making it a strong offensive option.
- The Widsith: Provides periodic powerful buffs to ATK, Elemental Mastery, or Crit DMG.
Ascension and Constellations
Required Ascension Materials
- Teachings, Guide, and Philosophies of Transience.
- Treasure Hoarder Insignia.
- The Meaning of Aeons.
Best Constellations
- C2 – Investigative Collection: Increases Elemental Burst Crit Rate.
- C4 – Tome of Lies: Further boosts Swirl damage.
- C6 – Curious Casefiles: Greatly enhances Heartstopper Strike damage.
How to Use Shikanoin Heizou Effectively
- Build up Declension stacks by triggering Swirls with his Elemental Skill.
- Use Heizou’s Elemental Burst to apply Windmuster Iris and amplify elemental damage.
- Maximize Elemental Mastery to boost Swirl reaction damage.
- Pair him with characters who can apply continuous elemental effects.
Shikanoin Heizou – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heizou a good DPS?
Yes, Heizou is an excellent on-field DPS, especially in teams built around Swirl reactions.
What is the best artifact set for Heizou?
The 4-piece Viridescent Venerer set is the best for maximizing his Swirl DMG.
What weapons work best for Heizou?
Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds, Skyward Atlas, and The Widsith are among the best weapons for him.
What role does Heizou play in a team?
He is primarily an on-field DPS and reaction enabler due to his Swirl interactions.
Can Heizou be used as a support?
Yes, his Penetrative Reasoning talent grants Elemental Mastery to teammates, making him a viable support in some setups.
How does Heizou differ from other Anemo characters?
Unlike most Anemo characters who use ranged attacks, Heizou fights in close combat with martial arts.
Who are the best teammates for Heizou?
Fischl, Xingqiu, Bennett, and Rosaria are great choices for enabling reactions.
What is Heizou’s best build?
A mix of Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and Elemental Mastery works best for him.
Is Heizou good for exploration?
His passive talent reduces stamina consumption when sprinting, making him useful for exploration.
Can Heizou trigger multiple Swirls at once?
Yes, if his Elemental Burst hits enemies with different elements, multiple Swirls can occur.
Shikanoin Heizou is a dynamic and fun character that brings a refreshing combat style to Genshin Impact. Master his skills, use the right build, and watch him dominate the battlefield with Swirl-enhanced strikes!
Source : Genshin Impact
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