The "Crimson Witch of Flames" artifact set is a powerhouse for Hu Tao, especially when paired with Xingqiu. Let’s break down why it works so well:
The Set Bonus:
- 2-Piece Bonus: Increases Pyro damage by 15%. This is a straight-up damage boost for Hu Tao’s already strong Pyro attacks.
- 4-Piece Bonus: Increases Vaporize damage by 15% and increases the wearer’s Pyro damage by 40% for 10 seconds after using an Elemental Skill. This is where the set truly shines. It maximizes the damage potential of Hu Tao’s Vaporize reactions, which are core to her damage output.
Why it’s Great for Hu Tao:
- Vaporize Synergy: Hu Tao’s charged attacks are her bread and butter. With Xingqiu’s Hydro application, these attacks trigger Vaporize reactions, which amplify damage massively. The 4-piece Crimson Witch bonus further boosts this damage, making it a true force to be reckoned with.
- Pyro Damage Boost: The 2-piece bonus increases Hu Tao’s Pyro damage, making her attacks even stronger, even outside of Vaporize reactions. This is a valuable bonus for dealing damage during her downtime or when facing enemies with Pyro resistance.
- Easy to Activate: The 4-piece bonus is easy to activate with Hu Tao’s Elemental Skill. Just use it once to get the damage boost, making it a consistent benefit during battles.
How it Works with Xingqiu:
- Consistent Hydro Application: Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill continuously applies Hydro to enemies, providing the perfect setup for Hu Tao’s Vaporize reactions.
- Synergistic Gameplay: While Hu Tao deals damage with her charged attacks, Xingqiu can provide off-field damage and healing with his Elemental Burst. This creates a smooth, well-rounded team composition.
Optimizing the Build:
- Artifact Stats: Focus on getting as much Pyro damage bonus and Crit Rate/Damage as possible. Remember that Hu Tao’s HP also affects her attack, so having a decent amount of HP is also important.
- Weapon Choice: Hu Tao’s signature weapon, "Staff of Homa," is a perfect choice, but weapons like "Dragon’s Bane" and "Blackcliff Pole" also work well.
- Sub-DPS Options: You can use another Pyro character like Xiangling or Yanfei as a sub-DPS to further boost the team’s damage output.
In Conclusion:
The "Crimson Witch of Flames" artifact set is an essential part of a strong Hu Tao team, especially with Xingqiu. Its bonuses amplify her Vaporize reactions, making her damage output truly monstrous. With a well-built Hu Tao and a supporting Xingqiu, this set will help you melt enemies and unleash the full potential of this powerful Pyro character.
