Diluc has transformed from Genshin Impact's earliest main DPS into a plunge attack powerhouse in 2025, thanks to Xianyun's support capabilities. With the right build combining Crimson Witch artifacts, Wolf's Gravestone or Redhorn Stonethresher, and teams featuring Xianyun-Furina-Bennett, Diluc delivers devastating Vaporize plunge damage exceeding traditional rotations by over 200%.
| Quick Build Summary | |
|---|---|
| Best Artifact Set | 4pc Crimson Witch of Flames / 4pc Marechaussee Hunter (with Furina) |
| Best Weapons | Wolf's Gravestone, Redhorn Stonethresher, Serpent Spine |
| Main Stats | ATK% or EM Sands / Pyro DMG Goblet / Crit Rate or DMG Circlet |
| Best Team | Diluc + Xianyun + Furina + Bennett |
| Talent Priority | Elemental Skill = Normal Attack > Elemental Burst |
| Role | Main DPS / Plunge Attacker |
As we enter October 2025 and Version 6.0's anniversary celebrations, Diluc remains available as one of the free 5-star selections through October 21, 2025. This guide provides everything you need to maximize the Darknight Hero's potential, whether you're building him for traditional Vaporize teams or the revolutionary plunge attack playstyle that's redefined his place in the meta.
Contents
I've been playing Diluc since Version 1.0, and watching his transformation has been incredible. The release of Xianyun in Version 4.4 completely changed how we approach building this Pyro claymore user. While he's no longer competing with Hu Tao or Arlecchino in traditional DPS metrics, his plunge attack multipliers are actually the highest among all claymore users - reaching 404.3% at talent level 10.
The beauty of modern Diluc builds lies in their versatility. You can run him in classic Vaporize teams with Xingqiu, experiment with Melt compositions alongside Ganyu, or go all-in on the plunge attack strategy with Xianyun. Each approach requires slightly different artifact priorities and team compositions, which I'll break down in detail below.
| Base Stats (Level 90) | Values |
|---|---|
| Base ATK | 335 |
| Base HP | 12,981 |
| Base DEF | 784 |
| Ascension Stat | 24.2% Crit Rate |
| Energy Cost | 40 (Elemental Burst) |
What makes Diluc particularly beginner-friendly is his ascension stat - that 24.2% Crit Rate at level 90 means you're already a quarter of the way to optimal crit ratios before artifacts. Combined with his low 40-energy burst cost, he's one of the easiest 5-star DPS characters to build effectively.
The Crimson Witch of Flames set from the Hidden Palace of Zhou Formula domain remains Diluc's best-in-slot for most team compositions. Here's why it synergizes perfectly with his kit:
Since Diluc's Elemental Skill can be used three times consecutively, you're guaranteed to reach maximum stacks, granting an additional 22.5% Pyro DMG Bonus (total of 37.5%). This translates to roughly 20-25% more damage in Vaporize teams compared to other artifact sets.
For teams featuring Furina and Xianyun, the Marechaussee Hunter set from Fontaine's Denouement of Sin domain becomes highly competitive:
With Furina's HP drain and Xianyun's healing, you're constantly triggering the 4-piece effect, maintaining 36% Crit Rate throughout combat. This allows you to focus substats entirely on Crit DMG and Elemental Mastery, potentially reaching higher damage ceilings than Crimson Witch in specific scenarios.
Shimenawa's Reminiscence (4-piece): Only viable with C6 Bennett, providing 50% Normal/Charged/Plunging Attack DMG after using Elemental Skill. The energy drain conflicts with Diluc's burst uptime otherwise.
Mixed Sets (2pc+2pc): Combining Crimson Witch with Wanderer's Troupe (80 EM) or ATK+18% sets works as transitional builds while farming optimal pieces.
The optimal main stats depend heavily on your team composition and weapon choice:
| Artifact Piece | Main Stat Priority |
|---|---|
| Sands | EM > ATK% (with Bennett/high ATK weapons use EM) |
| Goblet | Pyro DMG Bonus (always) |
| Circlet | Crit Rate or Crit DMG (maintain 1:2 ratio) |
Substat Priority: Crit Rate = Crit DMG > EM (100-200) > ATK% > Energy Recharge (115-120%)
A crucial optimization tip: with Bennett in your team or weapons like Wolf's Gravestone providing massive ATK buffs, Elemental Mastery sands often outperform ATK% by 8-12% in Vaporize teams. Use Genshin Optimizer to determine the exact breakpoint for your specific build.
1. Wolf's Gravestone - The Classic Choice
Wolf's Gravestone remains Diluc's most consistent weapon, providing massive ATK values that benefit both his Pyro-infused normal attacks and elemental reactions. The party-wide ATK buff adds roughly 15% team DPS in typical rotations.
2. Redhorn Stonethresher - Crit Scaling King
Despite the DEF scaling seeming counterintuitive, Redhorn's massive Crit DMG substat makes it incredibly valuable. In teams with Bennett providing ATK buffs, Redhorn often outperforms Wolf's Gravestone by 5-8%.
3. Beacon of the Reed Sea - Balanced Stats
Excellent for achieving balanced crit ratios, particularly valuable if you're struggling with Crit Rate substats. Performs within 3-5% of Wolf's Gravestone in most scenarios.
1. Serpent Spine (Battle Pass) - Budget King At R5, Serpent Spine actually outperforms many 5-star options, providing 27.6% Crit Rate and up to 50% DMG bonus. The damage taken increase is negligible with proper shielding or Xianyun's healing.
2. Rainslasher - Reaction Specialist Only use in pure Vaporize teams where enemies are consistently affected by Hydro. The 165 EM and 36% increased damage against Hydro-affected enemies make it surprisingly competitive in specific compositions.
3. Mailed Flower - F2P Plunge Option The event weapon from Version 4.2 provides EM and increases Elemental Skill and Burst DMG. Solid transitional weapon for plunge attack builds while working towards better options.
Diluc + Xianyun + Furina + Bennett
This is currently Diluc's highest damage ceiling team, leveraging multiple multiplicative buffs:
Rotation: Furina ED Q → Bennett EQ → Xianyun EP Q → Diluc E Q N1 E N1 E plunge spam
Diluc + Xingqiu + Sucrose/Kazuha + Bennett
The tried-and-true composition that's carried Diluc mains since launch:
Rotation: Bennett Q → Sucrose E → Xingqiu EQ → Diluc Q N2 E N2 E N2 E
Diluc + Xianyun + Ganyu/Rosaria + Bennett
Melt reactions provide 2x multiplier compared to Vaporize's 1.5x:
Diluc + Chevreuse + Fischl/Yae + Bennett/Thoma
With Chevreuse's introduction, Overload teams became viable:
Diluc + Kaeya + Barbara/Noelle + Anemo Traveler
Completely accessible team using only guaranteed characters:
Unlike many DPS characters where you can ignore certain talents, Diluc benefits significantly from leveling all three abilities:
For plunge attack builds specifically, prioritize Normal Attack and Elemental Skill equally, as plunge damage scales with Normal Attack talent level while Searing Onslaught provides burst windows.
Resource Investment Guide:
Let me break down each constellation's practical impact:
C1: Conviction (15% DMG to enemies >50% HP)
C2: Searing Ember (Stacking ATK and ATK Speed on taking damage)
C3: Fire and Steel (+3 Elemental Skill levels)
C4: Flowing Flame (40% bonus damage on sequential Skill use)
C5: Phoenix, Harbinger of Dawn (+3 Burst levels)
C6: Flaming Sword, Nemesis of Dark (Enhanced Normal Attacks after Skill)
Verdict: C2 and C6 are the only constellations worth specifically pursuing. Given Diluc's status as a standard banner character, I'd recommend waiting for natural constellation gains rather than pulling specifically for him.
Before Xianyun's release, high-skill players utilized "Dragonstrike" - using hitlag momentum to gain enough height for plunge attacks:
While largely obsolete with Xianyun, mastering this technique provides options in team compositions without her.
Standard Vaporize: Q → N2 E → N2 E → N2 E → N4
Plunge Attack: Q → N1 E → Plunge → N1 E → Plunge → N1 E → Plunge spam
Burst Damage: E → Q → N1 E → N1 E
Current Abyss cycles favor AOE damage and elemental shield breaking - both Diluc strengths:
Diluc's claymore breaks ore deposits and his Pyro element handles various puzzles:
Diluc performs excellently against:
Struggles against:
With the 2025 anniversary offering free 5-star selection through October 21, here's my recommendation framework:
Pick Diluc if:
Skip Diluc if:
Minimum Investment (Abyss 12 viable):
Optimal Investment (Maximized potential):
In the current October 2025 meta, Diluc occupies a unique position:
He's not competing with Neuvillette or Alhaitham for raw numbers, but offers consistent, reliable damage with lower skill requirements than most modern DPS characters.
Follow these creators for advanced Diluc gameplay:
Absolutely, especially with Xianyun support. While he's not top-tier meta, his ease of use, versatility, and recent plunge attack buffs make him viable for all content. His free availability during the anniversary makes him an excellent option for newer accounts.
With Bennett or high ATK weapons (Wolf's Gravestone), EM sands typically provide 8-12% more damage in reaction teams. Without external ATK buffs, stick with ATK% sands. Use optimizer tools for precise calculations.
Yes! Classic Vaporize teams with Xingqiu remain completely viable, clearing Abyss 12 with 30-35 second times per chamber. Xianyun enables his highest ceiling but isn't mandatory.
Generally no - the passive improvement from refinements is minimal (3-4% DPS increase per refinement). Save duplicates for other claymore users unless Diluc is your absolute main.
Aim for 60% minimum, ideally 70%+ for consistent damage. Remember Diluc gets 24.2% from ascension, making this easier to achieve than other characters.
In single-target scenarios with optimal teams, C0 Gaming slightly edges out C0 Diluc. However, Diluc's AOE capabilities, easier execution, and standard banner availability make him more accessible long-term.
With his 40-cost burst and particle generation from triple skill casts, 115-120% ER suffices with Bennett. Solo Pyro teams need 130-135%. Prioritize offensive stats over excessive ER.
While possible, Diluc's kit doesn't synergize well with Dendro reactions. His Pyro application is too fast for controlled Burgeon, and he can't trigger Hyperbloom at all.
Viable but suboptimal - roughly 25-30% less damage than Vaporize teams. Consider for comfort in corrosion-heavy content with Bennett, Xianyun, and Kazuha.
Only crown if he's your favorite character. The damage increase from 9→10 is marginal (6-7%) compared to the resource cost. Invest those crowns in support talents for better returns.
Looking ahead to Version 6.1 and beyond:
The plunge attack meta is still evolving, and Diluc's position may improve further with future supports designed around this mechanic.
Diluc in October 2025 represents Genshin Impact's evolution - a launch character revitalized through new mechanics and team synergies. While he'll never reclaim his Version 1.0 throne, the combination of accessibility, versatility, and the revolutionary plunge attack playstyle ensures his continued relevance.
Whether you're claiming him free during the anniversary event or building your long-held C6, Diluc offers a uniquely satisfying gameplay experience. His straightforward mechanics hide surprising depth, and the variety of viable teams prevents staleness. In a meta increasingly dominated by complex rotations and strict timing windows, sometimes the simple pleasure of unga-bunga claymore strikes enhanced by massive plunge multipliers is exactly what you need.
The Darknight Hero may work in the shadows, but with proper investment and team support, his damage numbers shine brighter than ever. Welcome to the dawn of Diluc's renaissance - may your plunges be high and your Vaporizes consistent!