Hu Tao operates best in a Genshin Impact party as a Pyro Main DPS, meaning she’ll be the main damage dealer of the team and her equipped items will support her Pyro abilities. There are many ways to build Hu Tao dependent on the player’s party and preferences, such as teaming her up with shield characters like Zhongli and equipping her with the Retracing Bolide Artifact set.

Updated June 17, 2022, by Nahda Nabiilah: Long after Hu Tao’s initial release in Genshin Impact 1.3, she remains one of the best DPS in the game. Many would even argue that, so far, she’s the best damage dealer in Genshin Impact. With the release of Yelan in version 2.7, Hu Tao becomes the star of the talk again.

The majority of the fanbase measures the new unit’s worth based on how well she fits with Hu Tao, especially when comparing Yelan VS Xingqiu in Genshin Impact. Since it has been a long time since Hu Tao’s best build was established, it’s a good idea to update the existing information to further detail what players need to do to bring the best out of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Director.

Hu Tao’s Talent Overview

Much of Hu Tao’s kit revolves around her health, which may tie back to her roots as a funeral director. Even her Constellations exhibit similar qualities; C2 increases Blood Blossom DMG by 10% of her Max HP. And at C6, if she falls below 25% health, her CRIT Rate is increased by 100%.

Hu Tao’s Elemental Skill

Hu Tao’s Elemental Skill increases her ATK based on her max HP and changes her normal Attack DMG to Pyro DMG. At level eight, she gains ATK based on 5.66% of her health, and at level 10, the number increases to 6.26%. Note that this bonus can’t exceed 400% of Hu Tao’s Base ATK (This is usually not an issue, though, except if players are using White Tassel).

To activate this skill, Hu Tao has to sacrifice 30% of her current HP (so don’t worry, Hu Tao can’t die from casting this ability). When her health is less than 50%, one of her passive talents increases her Pyro DMG by 33%. Because of this, players should keep the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Director at low HP.

Hu Tao’s Elemental Burst

Hu Tao deals AoE Pyro DMG while regenerating her health. When releasing her Elemental Burst, if Hu Tao’s HP is below 50%, her damage output and health regeneration are both increased.

Hu Tao’s Talent Priority

Many people’s instincts would incline toward leveling Hu Tao’s Skill, but the priority for Hu Tao’s talent level up is actually: Normal Attack > Elemental Skill > Elemental Burst.

Best Weapons For Hu Tao

As far as weapons go, the Staff of Homa is easily the best weapon for Hu Tao, as it was created for her. Its skill, Reckless Cinnabar, increases HP and provides an ATK bonus according to the wielder’s max health. Since Hu Tao will stack up on HP, she’ll naturally gain a lot of ATK stat. Additionally, when the wielder’s health drops below 50%, they are granted more ATK bonus. Considering Hu Tao will reduce her own HP when casting her skill, it’s trivial for her to trigger this effect.

Other than that, here are some other alternatives for Hu Tao’s best weapons in Genshin Impact:

Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: Its passive can be inconsistent, but overall, it’s amazing for Hu Tao. Dragon’s Bane: Strictly for Vaporize team with Xingqiu. Deathmatch: One of the best Polearm in Genshin Impact that fits practically any damage dealer. Blackcliff Pole: It may be hard to maintain its passive, but it’s a great F2P weapon. Lithic Spear: Require characters from Liyue to maximize, but since Hu Tao is usually paired with Xingqiu, that’s two immediate stacks for the Polearm. White Tassel: A 3-star weapon in Genshin Impact that has an amazing passive and sub-stat. A great option for new Travelers. However, note that players may exceed Hu Tao’s 400% limitation with this weapon. Vortex Vanquisher: A rather niche 5-star weapon. Not as good as the other option since it heavily boosts ATK (while Hu Tao is HP-centric), but not bad if available.

Best Artifacts For Hu Tao

Timepiece: HP% or Elemental Mastery Goblet: Pyro DMG Bonus Circlet: Crit Rate or DMG

For Artifacts, the 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames set works excellently on Hu Tao because her Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst utilizes Pyro DMG, and the 2-piece set offers a Pyro DMG Bonus of 15%. For those who are having a hard time farming this set, here are some other options:

4-piece Shimenawa’s Reminiscence: Require proper Genshin Impact Battery to perform perfectly. Otherwise, players are at risk of getting stuck with Hu Tao’s low HP, along with losing the DPS from her Elemental Burst. 2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames + 2-piece Wanderer’s Troupe 2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames + 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith 2-piece Wanderer’s Troupe + 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith 4-piece Retracing Bolide: Strictly requires a full-time shielder.

Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.