Who is the Strongest C6 Character in Genshin Impact?

Determining the undisputed strongest C6 character in Genshin Impact can be a challenging proposition. With dozens of 5-star characters boasting diverse kits and playstyles, it‘s tough to directly compare their performance at max constellation. However, a few contenders stand out from the rest in their phenomenal damage potential when fully upgraded to C6.

Raiden Shogun – The Electrifying C6 Hypercarry

The Raiden Shogun has staked her claim as arguably the most powerful C6 DPS in Genshin Impact. Don‘t let her mediocre performance at C0 fool you – her C6 ascension transforms her into an electrifying force of nature.

Raiden‘s C6, Emboldened by the Seven Storms, causes her Musou no Hitotachi (Elemental Burst) to gain 3 additional levels. This significantly boosts the initial slash damage. Even more impactful is extending the Musou Isshin state duration by 5 seconds. This allows Raiden to stack her Resolve damage buff substantially higher by prolonging her hit chain against enemies.

With Emboldened by the Seven Storms, Raiden Shogun can easily hit for over 300,000 damage on the initial Musou no Hitotachi slash. Her subsequent coordinated attacks under Musou Isshin will also hit harder and faster due to higher Resolve stacks. Her C6 effectively serves as a 60-70% damage multiplier for her overall kit.

This massive damage amp unlocks Raiden‘s potential as a hypercarry DPS. She can comfortably stay on the field in Musou Isshin state while vaporizing enemies with her Normal and Charged attacks. Her Elemental Burst will also recharge extremely quickly, allowing near 100% uptime.

To maximize Raiden‘s C6 prowess, pairing her with Bennett, Sara, and Kazuha provides valuable buffs and increased Burst DMG Bonuses to compound her output. The Engulfing Lightning is her most optimal 5-star weapon for its Energy Recharge substat and scaling. With the right build, C6 Raiden can comfortably hit for 500k+ damage in a single rotation.

Hu Tao – C6 Queen of Single Target Destruction

The spooky master of Charged Attack pyro damage has also cemented herself as one of the strongest C6 units in Genshin Impact. Hu Tao‘s C6, Butterfly‘s Embrace, causes her Charged Attacks to apply the maximum number of Blood Blossom DoT effects regardless of enemies hit.

This may not sound too impactful at first. However, it effectively removes her AOE reliance to stack Blood Blossom and provides a pure single target focus. Before C6, Hu Tao needed to hit multiple enemies with her CA to maximize Blood Blossom stacks and damage against tankier bosses or mobs. Now at C6, she no longer wastes damage and unleashes her full fiery potential on any target.

Butterfly‘s Embrace also reduces Hu Tao‘s stamina consumption on Charged Attacks by 20%. This allows her to dash cancel and chain Charged Attacks more fluidly and consistently. Combined with the Blood Blossom effect, a C6 Hu Tao essentially gains a 50% or more increase to her Charged Attack potential.

When paired with Xingqiu for Vaporize reactions, a C6 Hu Tao can demolish even the most durable bosses and enemies faster than nearly any character. Those who have faced the fearsome might of a C6 Hu Tao know she is an absolute menace capable of deleting health bars in the blink of an eye.

C6 Hu Tao thrives with Homa as her weapon for the Crit DMG and low HP bonuses. When built well she can hit for over 100k Charged Attack Vaporizes consistently. Getting the most from Hu Tao C6 requires learning her animation cancels and combos but pays off with phenomenal ST damage.

Ganyu – Cryo Queen of Destruction

The undisputed queen of Cryo DPS, Ganyu reaches the apex of her power at C6. Already one of the top sustained DPS at C0, her C6 ascension grants her a second charge for Frostflake Arrows. This effectively doubles her Charged Attack output in a skilled player‘s hands.

Ganyu‘s C6, Everlasting Ice, provides an indirect 50% or more increase in Charged Attack damage due to the extra Frostflake charge. By being able to fire off back-to-back fully charged shots, her uptime on dealing massive damage spikes significantly. When combined with Venti or other groupers for quadratic scaling melt shots, a C6 Ganyu simply deletes enemies.

With Amos Bow equipped and in a Melt comp, a C6 Ganyu can easily clear 30-50k Frostflake melts consistently. By weaving in her powerful Burst for extra Cryo application as well, she provides nonstop ranged destruction. Very few other characters can match her raw AOE and ST damage potential at C6.

Mastering animation cancels allows a C6 Ganyu to unleash Frostflake Arrows at an even faster rate. But regardless of mechanics skill, the two charges provide a huge boost over her already phenomenal C0 capabilities. For Cryo DPS supremacy, a maxed Ganyu is unmatched.

Honorable Mentions

While the above 3 stand at the pinnacle in my opinion, other C6 characters see massive power spikes worthy of consideration:

• Eula gains physical resistance shred on her Burst, boosting her nuke damage by 35-55% depending on enemies. This cements her role as the Cryo physical queen.

• Xiao receives reduced Charge Attack Plunge Attack plunge consumption, allowing him to stay airborne longer and combo more fiercely.

• Yelan buffs her max HP scaling damage, improving her powerful Burst and skill damage to keep up with meta.

• Itto gains boosted Charged Attack DMG and Crit Rate, capitalizing on his spammy combos.

• Ayaka enhances her Burst duration and DMG. Combined with her fast energy regen, she can Burst off cooldown.

While not quite on the same power level, these C6 effects provide a sizable boost to already strong 5-star characters. They are worthy investments for players who utilize them as main DPS carries.

Are C6 Characters Worth It? Analyzing the Costs.

Pursuing a C6 5-star character is no easy feat, requiring extensive saving of Primogems or opening your wallet. On average, reaching C6 of a rate-up banner character takes around 2800 wishes, or ~$4000 USD if relying solely on topping up. It‘s a massive investment reserved only for leviathan spenders and the most dedicated savers.

The sheer costs make it difficult to justify pursuing C6 from a meta perspective. While the power spike is noticeable on featured characters, solid damage and 36 star Abyss clears are achievable at C0 with good artifacts and supports.

However, for true fans of specific characters, the satisfaction and fun-factor of C6 may override costs. Whales who love showcasing a tricked out character will find value in C6 regardless of necessity. But for low spenders, it likely won‘t provide enough return per dollar compared to spreading out wishes across different characters.

Ultimately, I recommend treating C6 as a long-term goal and luxury rather than a necessity, even on the very best characters. A C0 Hu Tao with Homa can still melt enemies admirably. But for those who dream of unlimited power on your favorite waifu/husbando, C6 can be an aspirational milestone to work towards over months and years.

In Summary

At full potential, Raiden Shogun, Hu Tao, and Ganyu represent the upper echelon of C6 powerhouses in Genshin Impact. Their enhanced C6 kits allow them to take on the most challenging Spiral Abyss floors and bosses with ease. While no character strictly requires C6, unlocking that final constellation brings Raiden, Hu Tao, and Ganyu as close to gods as any playable character can get.

For low spenders or those valuing cost efficiency, working towards C6 likely won‘t provide the best returns on investment. But for leviathan whales or diehard fans of a specific character, the journey to C6 can be a rewarding long-term goal and testament to your dedication. With diligent saving and strategic wishing, even F2P players may someday ascend their favorite character to maximum potential.