Genshin Impact 5.3: Is It Worth Pulling for Arlecchino or Clorinde?

When faced with the decision of choosing between Arlecchino and Clorinde in the rerun banners of Genshin Impact Version 5.3, players may find themselves in a quandary. Both characters shine as remarkable DPS (damage per second) units, yet the challenge lies in the limited availability of F2P (free-to-play) Primogems. Introduced in Version 4.6, Arlecchino, a 5-star character and the Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers, specializes in consistently inflicting Elemental DMG via her unique mechanic, Bond of Life. This allows her Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks to be imbued with powerful Pyro attacks, marking her as one of the strongest Pyro DPS units.

In contrast, Clorinde is also a 5-star character wielding a sword. She utilizes the same Bond of Life mechanic but follows a different rotation. Clorinde enters a special state that significantly boosts her Normal Attacks, converting them into Electro-infused strikes. The amount of Bond of Life she has directly affects the types of damage she deals, setting her apart from Arlecchino. Notably, both characters rely on Bond of Life, which introduces a tactical challenge as they become vulnerable to damage until this mechanic is cleared through healing.

Rerun of Arlecchino & Clorinde in Genshin Impact 5.3 Banners Until February 11

Opportunity to Obtain Unique Weapons in Phase 2

Both Arlecchino and Clorinde will be available in Genshin Impact’s Phase 2 banners following the initial Phase 1 launch, which featured Natlan characters Mavuika and Citlali. Players can access these rerun banners from January 21 to February 11. After this period, a new update is slated to replace these characters with those from Genshin Impact 5.4.

It’s essential to note that both characters’ signature weapons will also be obtainable during the Phase 2 banners. Players can aim for the 5-star polearm, Crimson Moon’s Semblance, and the 5-star sword, Absolution, available from January 21 to February 11. For those looking to optimize their builds for either Arlecchino or Clorinde, securing these weapons while they are available during Version 5.3 will be advantageous.

Evaluating the Pros & Cons of Pulling for Arlecchino in Genshin Impact 5.3

Power of Pyro DPS through Bond of Life Mechanics

Genshin Impact's Arlecchino gestures playfully

As a 5-star on-field Pyro DPS, Arlecchino’s gameplay revolves around her Elemental Skill, >Blood-Debt Directive, which she uses to inflict consistent Pyro DMG on her foes. A defining aspect of her playstyle is the ability to absorb these directives, either with her Charged Attack or Elemental Burst, optimizing her Bond of Life counter. When this counter reaches 30% of her Max HP, she transitions into her Masque of the Red Death state.

In this heightened state, Arlecchino’s Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks exclusively deal Pyro DMG. Notably, each Normal Attack grants additional damage based on her ATK and Bond of Life, although it consumes a portion of her Bond each time. This consumption increases cooldown reduction on her Elemental Skill. Her Elemental Burst is a formidable AoE attack that clears nearby Blood-Debt Directives, dealing massive Pyro DMG, restoring her HP, and resetting her Elemental Skill cooldown.

Players must initiate her rotation by applying Blood-Debt Directives with her Skill, before absorbing them to maximize her damage output. Although her attacks may ignite the environment, leading to unwanted Pyro DMG, they ultimately allow her substantial self-sustainability through her Burst healing mechanics. However, the reliance on Bond of Life makes her vulnerable, necessitating careful team composition to mitigate damage.

Analyzing the Pros & Cons of Pulling for Clorinde in Genshin Impact 5.3

Complex Rotation Makes the Electro DPS Unique

Genshin Impact's Clorinde surrounded by Electro energy

Clorinde stands out as an Electro DPS that executes a comprehensive combat rotation beginning with her Elemental Skill, which activates the Night Vigil state. In this mode, she cannot use Charged Attacks, but her Normal Attacks transform into powerful Swift Hunt attacks that inflict Electro DMG. By reactivating her Elemental Skill, she can launch Impale the Night, a potent attack influenced by her Bond of Life — achieving 100% of her Max HP conditions her Swift Hunt with an additional pistol shot.

It’s crucial to recognize that during the Night Vigil state, Clorinde forgoes healing from external sources, redirecting that healing into her Bond of Life instead. Additionally, her Elemental Burst functions as a nuke that grants Bond of Life and deals AoE Electro DMG, further emphasizing her reliance on maximizing uptime during this high-damage state.

Ultimately, deciding between Arlecchino and Clorinde hinges on two critical considerations: the desired elemental role (Pyro vs. Electro) and personal comfort with each character’s rotation complexity. While Clorinde may require more practice to master, both characters have the potential to be among the strongest DPS options in Genshin Impact, given appropriate building and strategy.

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