Choosing the right Genshin Impact character to invest in as your main damage dealer (DPS) can be daunting, especially if you're sticking with characters at constellation zero (C0). This tier list will guide you through the best C0 DPS characters in Genshin Impact, helping you make informed decisions without needing to spend a fortune on constellations. We'll break down why each character excels, their strengths, weaknesses, and team compositions where they truly shine. Whether you are new to Teyvat or a seasoned adventurer, this guide ensures you maximize your damage output with C0 characters.

Understanding the C0 DPS Landscape

Before diving into the tier list, it’s crucial to understand what makes a character a strong C0 DPS in Genshin Impact. A character's damage potential, ease of use, energy efficiency, and overall impact on the team's performance are key factors. Some characters heavily rely on constellations to unlock their full potential, while others are powerful right from the start. Characters like Raiden Shogun and Kamisato Ayaka, although potent at higher constellations, are excellent even at C0, making them top-tier choices. Energy Recharge is a critical aspect. A DPS character who can consistently use their Elemental Burst is invaluable. Characters with energy issues at C0 might require specific team setups or weapon choices to compensate. Team synergy also plays a vital role. A DPS character that fits well into multiple team compositions offers greater flexibility and value. Considering these factors will help you build a robust and versatile team, even without the extra constellation buffs. This comprehensive approach ensures that your resources are invested wisely, paving the way for tackling even the toughest challenges Teyvat has to offer.

Tier List Categories

To provide a clear and concise ranking, we'll categorize the characters into tiers:

• God Tier: These characters are exceptional at C0 and can carry teams through almost any content.
• Top Tier: Excellent DPS options that perform exceptionally well with the right team and investment.
• High Tier: Solid choices that can still dish out respectable damage, but may require more specific setups.
• Mid Tier: Viable but may be better suited in sub-DPS or support roles.

The Tier List

God Tier

• Neuvillette: Neuvillette stands out as one of the best C0 DPS characters in Genshin Impact, thanks to his incredible damage output and ease of use. His Charged Attack deals massive Hydro damage, making him a formidable force against single targets and groups of enemies. Neuvillette's ability to self-sustain with HP recovery further enhances his survivability, allowing him to stay on the field longer and maintain consistent damage. His passive talents also provide significant buffs, increasing his damage based on the number of Hydro reactions triggered in the team. He fits seamlessly into various team compositions, including Hyperbloom, Vaporize, and Electro-Charged teams. Pair him with characters like Raiden Shogun, Nahida, and Kazuha to maximize his damage potential. Neuvillette's versatility and raw power make him a top pick for any player looking for a reliable and efficient DPS character at C0. With the right artifacts and weapon, he can effortlessly clear even the most challenging content in Genshin Impact, solidifying his place in the God Tier. He is a very F2P friendly unit thanks to craftable weapon options.

Top Tier

• Kamisato Ayaka: Ayaka is a top-tier Cryo DPS known for her consistent damage and ease of application. Even at C0, her Elemental Burst deals significant Cryo damage, making her excellent for Freeze compositions. Ayaka's alternate sprint allows her to apply Cryo easily and traverse quickly, making her valuable in exploration and combat. Her synergy with Hydro applicators like Xingqiu and Yelan allows her to keep enemies frozen, further enhancing her damage output. Building Ayaka with the Blizzard Strayer artifact set maximizes her Crit Rate, making her a reliable and consistent damage dealer. Her ability to fit into various team compositions, including Freeze and Mono-Cryo teams, makes her a versatile pick. Although her constellations provide significant damage boosts, she remains a powerful force at C0, capable of clearing end-game content with proper investment and team support. Ayaka's elegant playstyle and high damage potential make her a favorite among Genshin Impact players, cementing her place in the Top Tier.
• Alhaitham: As a Dendro DPS, Alhaitham excels in Spread and Aggravate teams. At C0, his Mirror mechanic allows him to deal consistent Dendro damage, making him a formidable force against enemies weak to Dendro. Alhaitham's Elemental Skill and Burst synergize well, providing continuous Dendro application and enhancing his damage output. He benefits significantly from teammates who can provide off-field Electro or Hydro application, such as Raiden Shogun or Yelan, allowing him to trigger Spread and Aggravate reactions consistently. Building Alhaitham with the Gilded Dreams artifact set and focusing on Elemental Mastery and Crit stats maximizes his damage potential. His ability to function well in various Dendro-centric teams, including Hyperbloom and Quicken teams, makes him a versatile and valuable DPS character. Even without constellations, Alhaitham's strategic gameplay and high damage potential make him a top-tier choice for players looking to dominate the Dendro landscape in Genshin Impact.
• Wanderer: Wanderer, also known as Scaramouche, is a potent Anemo DPS character whose unique playstyle and high damage output make him a top-tier choice even at C0. His Elemental Skill allows him to hover in the air, granting him increased mobility and enabling him to deal continuous Anemo damage with his Normal and Charged Attacks. Wanderer's ability to infuse his attacks with Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo elements based on the surrounding environment further enhances his versatility and damage potential. He benefits significantly from teammates who can provide off-field elemental application, such as Xingqiu, Fischl, or Bennett, allowing him to trigger Swirl reactions and deal additional damage. Building Wanderer with the Desert Pavilion Chronicle artifact set and focusing on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack stats maximizes his damage potential. His aerial combat style and ability to adapt to different elemental compositions make him a fun and effective DPS character for exploring and clearing challenging content in Genshin Impact.

High Tier

• Hu Tao: Hu Tao is a Pyro DPS known for her high single-target damage. At C0, she requires careful HP management to maximize her damage output, as her Elemental Skill consumes a portion of her HP to increase her Attack. Despite this, her damage potential is considerable, especially when paired with Hydro applicators like Xingqiu and Yelan to trigger Vaporize reactions. Hu Tao benefits from having a reliable shielder like Zhongli or Thoma to protect her while she's in her empowered state. Building her with the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set and focusing on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and HP maximizes her damage potential. While her constellations provide significant damage boosts and improve her survivability, she remains a viable DPS option at C0 for players who enjoy her high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Hu Tao's unique mechanics and potential for massive damage make her a popular choice among Genshin Impact players.
• Yoimiya: Yoimiya is a Pyro DPS who shines in single-target situations. Her Elemental Skill infuses her Normal Attacks with Pyro, allowing her to deal continuous Pyro damage. At C0, her damage output is respectable, but she benefits significantly from having teammates who can provide off-field Hydro, Electro, or Cryo application to trigger reactions like Vaporize, Overload, or Melt. Yoimiya requires careful timing and positioning to maximize her damage, as her attacks can be interrupted. Building her with the Shimenawa's Reminiscence or Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set and focusing on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack stats maximizes her damage potential. While her constellations enhance her consistency and damage, she remains a viable DPS option at C0, particularly for players who enjoy her straightforward and fast-paced playstyle. Yoimiya's niche as a single-target Pyro DPS makes her a valuable addition to any team.
• Tartaglia (Childe): Tartaglia, also known as Childe, is a Hydro DPS known for his ability to switch between ranged and melee stances. At C0, his melee stance duration requires careful management to avoid extended cooldowns. Despite this, his damage potential is high, especially when paired with Pyro characters like Xiangling to trigger Vaporize reactions. Childe's Elemental Burst deals significant Hydro damage, making him a valuable asset in both single-target and AoE situations. He benefits from having teammates who can provide off-field Pyro application and energy recharge support. Building him with the Heart of Depth artifact set and focusing on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack stats maximizes his damage potential. While his constellations improve his melee stance duration and damage, he remains a viable DPS option at C0 for players who enjoy his unique playstyle and versatility. Childe's ability to adapt to different combat scenarios makes him a valuable addition to any team.

Mid Tier

• Diluc: Diluc is a Pyro DPS who was once considered one of the top DPS characters in Genshin Impact. While he has been power crept by newer characters, he remains a viable option at C0 for players who enjoy his straightforward playstyle. His Elemental Skill and Burst allow him to deal consistent Pyro damage, making him effective against a variety of enemies. Diluc benefits from having teammates who can provide off-field Hydro or Cryo application to trigger Vaporize or Melt reactions. Building him with the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set and focusing on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack stats maximizes his damage potential. While his constellations provide some improvements to his damage and consistency, he remains a solid DPS option at C0, particularly for new players or those who prefer his simple and effective playstyle. Diluc's legacy as one of the original top DPS characters makes him a sentimental favorite among many Genshin Impact players.
• Klee: Klee is a Pyro DPS known for her explosive damage and unique playstyle. At C0, she can be challenging to play due to her stamina consumption and somewhat unpredictable attack patterns. Despite this, her damage potential is high, especially when paired with teammates who can provide off-field Hydro or Cryo application to trigger Vaporize or Melt reactions. Klee's Elemental Burst deals significant Pyro damage, making her effective in AoE situations. She benefits from having a reliable shielder to protect her while she's attacking. Building her with the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set and focusing on Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack stats maximizes her damage potential. While her constellations improve her consistency and damage, she remains a viable DPS option at C0 for players who enjoy her unique and explosive playstyle. Klee's charming personality and potential for high damage make her a beloved character among Genshin Impact players.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right C0 DPS character in Genshin Impact depends on your playstyle, team composition, and available resources. The characters listed in the God and Top Tiers are generally the safest bets, offering high damage potential and versatility without requiring constellations. However, the High and Mid Tier characters can still be effective with the right investment and team support. Remember to consider your personal preferences and have fun experimenting with different characters and team compositions to find what works best for you. With the ever-evolving landscape of Genshin Impact, new characters and strategies are constantly emerging, so stay curious and keep exploring the world of Teyvat!