Why I Hope Genshin Impact’s Skirk Isn’t a Cryo DPS Character

Anticipation is rising around the potential role of Skirk in Genshin Impact, despite prevalent leaks suggesting she might be a Cryo DPS character. Introduced towards the end of Fontaine’s main storyline, Skirk is portrayed as Childe’s mentor and a formidable swordswoman with ties to the Abyss. Initially introduced as an NPC, she provided vital narrative insights, but recent hints from HoYoverse indicate her upcoming status as a playable character in future updates.

The unveil of her silhouette alongside other characters such as Iansan and Yumemizuki Mizuki has sparked substantial speculation regarding her abilities. According to the rumors, Skirk is projected to be a 5-star Cryo character, prompting enthusiasm that she could emerge as a primary DPS unit. While the prospects of revitalizing the Cryo element in the game through a powerful character like Skirk sound promising, my hope leans toward her serving a different purpose upon release.

Skirk Should Not Assume the Role of Cryo DPS in Genshin Impact

The Swordswoman Should Embrace a Cryo Sub-DPS Role

Genshin Impact's Skirk stands seriously with a portal to the Abyss in the background. — Custom Image by Bruno Yonezawa

While the addition of a new Cryo main DPS would certainly be beneficial, the game currently lacks diversity in unit roles. Instead of focusing solely on DPS, Skirk would be more valuable as a Cryo sub-DPS. This positioning would enhance the overall viability of the Cryo element, which often struggles for recognition, while simultaneously allowing for innovative new team compositions—particularly those that capitalize on the Melt reaction.

Skirk as a Cryo sub-DPS would still embody her stature as a powerful swordswoman. Operating off-field, she would contribute significant damage potential without overshadowing main DPS units. This shift could revitalize established reactions, such as Melt, Supercharged, and Freeze, all of which have relied heavily on a handful of conventional Cryo characters.Her introduction could effectively unlock a new realm of team strategy, echoing the impact Mavuika had as a Pyro sub-DPS character.

Genshin Impact Is in Desperate Need of Cryo Sub-DPS Characters

Only Two 4-Star Units Currently Fill This Role

The current landscape for Cryo elements in Genshin Impact reveals a glaring gap in usable sub-DPS units. As of Version 5.4, only two characters—Kaeya and Rosaria—are designated as Cryo sub-DPS, both being 4-star characters.These units often prioritize Cryo application over direct damage, limiting their effectiveness and utility in combat compared to more impactful 5-star characters. Their primary function is usually to enable reactions for the main DPS, lacking the offensive capabilities to shine on their own.

Although Cryo application is important, it should ideally be coupled with significant damage output. If Skirk were to fulfill a sub-DPS role, she could both inflict considerable Cryo damage and prepare foes for elemental reactions from other damage dealers. Currently, players often find themselves resorting to dedicated Cryo DPS characters to effectively utilize this element, while Eula and Freminet, despite their Cryo capabilities, are typically classified as Physical DPS characters.

While Genshin Impact features robust Cryo DPS units like Ganyu, Ayaka, and Wriothesley, alongside dependable supports such as Shenhe and Diona, the ecosystem still craves secondary damage dealers.Skirk could step in to fill this void as a sub-DPS character, enhancing team compositions across various elements. Should she become a Cryo DPS instead, it may lead to an imbalance by overshadowing Wriothesley, who has recently cemented his status among the top Cryo DPS options.

Skirk May Face Competition from the Tsaritsa in Genshin Impact

The Cryo Archon Might Introduce a New Cryo Sub-DPS Character

Genshin Impact's Skirk holds an unconscious Childe while standing in front of a rift.

It’s crucial to consider that even if Skirk adopts the role of Cryo sub-DPS, she might still encounter power creep challenges with the anticipated release of the Tsaritsa. Set to be a Cryo character, she is likely to fill a similar sub-DPS role, following the trend of recent Archon characters like Raiden Shogun and Nahida, who offer versatile off-field capabilities.If introduced as a sub-DPS, Skirk could face stiff competition from the Cryo Archon, thus impacting her viability and role in team strategies.

However, the projected timeline suggests that there might be ample opportunity for Skirk to shine before such competition arises, with leaks indicating her arrival in Version 5.7. Furthermore, player speculation hints at possibly extended content plans for Genshin Impact, suggesting that Snezhnaya may not debut until 2026. This gives Skirk a window to establish her value and significance in the game before any potential replacement or overshadowing occurs.

As of now, these insights remain largely speculative and based on incomplete information. Still, positioning Skirk as a Cryo sub-DPS could be a more beneficial route for the overall balance of characters rather than creating an overlap with Wriothesley’s role. Until more concrete details emerge, the community will have to wait for additional Genshin Impact leaks to better understand Skirk’s potential contributions, but previous character releases like Mavuika instill hope for the advent of Skirk as a vital Cryo sub-DPS.

Source & Images