Top 5 DPS Characters in Genshin Impact (Pre‑Nod Krai Update) ~ HaploGamingChef

Introduction: Top 5 DPS Characters

Genshin Impact is always evolving, and every major update brings a fresh wave of character debates. With version 5.7 introducing Skirk, the discussions around the best DPS units in the game have become even more heated. Whether you're grinding Spiral Abyss or exploring the latest endgame modes, knowing which characters deliver consistent, high damage is essential. In this guide, we'll break down the top five DPS characters in Genshin Impact as of the pre‑Nod Krai update. These rankings are based on total team power, individual contribution, flexibility, and ease of use—all key factors when you're choosing who to invest in.

Arlecchino: Still a Firepower Favorite

Arlecchino was once viewed as the strongest pyro DPS on release, and while new characters have shifted the meta, she hasn't dropped far. She excels in Melt-based comps but is also viable with Overload and Vaporize teams. Despite being outclassed by some units in raw numbers, Arlecchino's versatility in team setups helps her remain highly relevant.

Her strongest performances shine in modes that favor single-target damage. This makes her a strong contender in Stygian Onslaught, where running multiple pyro DPS units isn't a drawback but rather a strategic advantage. Players who understand how to manage her Bond of Life mechanic will find she can push higher damage output than expected across multiple rotations.

Why Arlecchino's Flexibility Matters

The ability to run Arlecchino in various team comps—whether it's Mono Pyro or pairing her with units like Emily or Mika—gives her a unique edge. She's best in teams where she can trigger reactions consistently, and the upcoming endgame content appears well-aligned with her skill set. While some skill is required to maximize her melts, her potential damage ceiling keeps her in the top tier.

Though her healing tied to her burst can slightly lower overall DPS, that drawback is minimal in well-coordinated teams. She also benefits from setups that include elemental supports and characters with strong uptime, which can make or break her performance in difficult content.

Neuvillette: King of AoE, Limited by New Meta

Neuvillette once reigned supreme thanks to his outstanding AoE capabilities. But with the current meta shifting toward single-target boss fights, his effectiveness has slightly declined. That said, he remains the best AoE damage dealer in the game and an incredibly user-friendly choice for many players.

He works seamlessly with Escarfier and Fina, and the upcoming Infa could open up another top-tier team via Electro-Charged interactions. Even though his flexibility is a bit overstated—he’s heavily reliant on specific units like Fina—his straightforward playstyle and high damage output still make him a great pick for clearing standard Abyss content.

The Challenge With Neuvillette's Teams

Neuvillette's strongest teams demand synergy. Without the right supports, he underperforms in Spiral Abyss's newer formats. If you don’t own C1 or specific artifact setups, his Vape variants may not deliver the same results. Still, with proper investment and coordination, Neuvillette holds his own, especially for players who want a less mechanically intensive DPS.

His core value lies in large-scale AoE content, and although single-target modes expose his limits, he remains an elite unit when built properly.

Vireysa: Reliable, Powerful, Easy to Use

Vireysa isn’t just a numbers monster; she brings quality-of-life perks that make her a joy to build and play. With her third-highest DPS output across tested comps and excellent synergy with Mika or Bennett, she’s a top-tier pyro DPS with accessible team building and minimal need for high investment.

She’s particularly strong in Overload teams, with strong AoE and single-target utility. Her best-in-slot teammates like Chevreuse are easy to pair, and even at lower constellations, she performs well. That balance of power and usability secures her as a firm number three pick.

Team Flexibility Is Vireysa’s Weak Spot

While her performance is exceptional in her ideal setups, she’s not quite as adaptable as some of the others on this list. Her effectiveness drops when moved out of Overload and similar elemental comps. Still, the fact that her top teams are built from readily available 4-stars is a major win for F2P or low-spend players.

Even without perfect synergy, she performs consistently well, and that makes her an excellent investment if you're looking for a reliable carry in Spiral Abyss or general content.

Skirk: The Meta-Changer

Skirk burst into Genshin with a high ceiling and flexible kit. Paired with Escarfier and optionally Fina, she pushes out some of the most consistent single-target damage in the game. Her hybrid playstyle—balancing burst and normal attack cycles—makes her a great fit for current endgame challenges.

She’s slightly reliant on specific teammates but brings incredible returns for the investment. Even without Fina at high constellations, players can use Muani, Mona, or Yelan to fill in her final team slot. Her damage stays competitive across a variety of team comps and encounter types.

Why Skirk Is So Efficient

What makes Skirk exceptional isn’t just her damage numbers—it’s how consistent and resource-efficient she is. Her kit scales quickly with early investment, and she doesn’t rely on overused supports like Bennett or Mika, which reduces team conflicts in triple-team content like Stygian Onslaught.

She fits comfortably into Hydro and Cryo comps, and she’s one of the few characters that power up previously mid-tier DPS units just by joining their teams. That alone gives her near meta-warping value.

Moa (Mika): The Best DPS in Genshin Right Now

Mika, often referred to as Moa, dominates the current meta. Her kit delivers massive damage through Melt, Vape, and Overload reactions. Almost every top-tier team includes her in some way, and she synergizes with a wide range of characters including Bennett, Seedli, and Shalonin.

Her playstyle is accessible, and despite some setup requirements around enemy elemental status, she remains user-friendly. Moa doesn’t just deal top-tier damage—she enables others to hit their peak as well, which is what puts her firmly in the number one spot.

Moa’s Impact on the Meta

What separates Moa from other top DPS units is how she redefines what the best team looks like. In many cases, her inclusion changes the damage ceiling for teams like Navia, Risley, and even Wanderer. Her massive AoE capabilities, strong single-target burst, and simple mechanics make her the most complete DPS unit available right now.

Even as newer characters are released, her position seems secure due to her unique team utility, consistent scaling, and dominance in multiple game modes.

Conclusion

Genshin Impact’s DPS meta continues to evolve, especially with major updates like 5.7 and the introduction of new endgame content. While characters like Arlecchino and Neuvillette still hold strong depending on the format, newer entries like Vireysa, Skirk, and especially Moa are clearly redefining the top-tier standard. Each character brings unique strengths to the table, whether it’s through versatility, raw damage output, or synergy with powerful supports.

Choosing your DPS should ultimately come down to what you enjoy and who fits your playstyle. But if your goal is maximizing performance in Spiral Abyss or upcoming content like Stygian Onslaught, any of these top five will deliver elite results with the right builds and teams.

FAQs

Who is the best DPS in Genshin Impact right now?
Moa (Mika) currently holds the top spot, thanks to her massive AoE potential, high damage ceiling, and synergy with almost every major team setup.

Is Skirk worth building in Genshin 5.7?
Yes. Skirk has proven to be one of the strongest single-target DPS units and does not rely on overused supports, making her a flexible and efficient choice.

What makes Neuvillette fall in rankings?
Although he excels in AoE situations, the current single-target-focused meta has reduced Neuvillette’s effectiveness in Spiral Abyss and similar content.

Why is team synergy important in DPS rankings?
Strong team synergy ensures that a DPS character can fully utilize their kit. Characters like Vireysa and Moa thrive because they slot easily into powerful team comps.

Is Arlecchino still viable in high-end content?
Absolutely. She remains a top-tier pick in single-target modes and has great team flexibility, especially with recent content favoring multiple Pyro teams.

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