Kaeya Guide and Best Builds in Genshin Impact

Who is Kaeya

Character Overview

Kaeya is a 4-star Cryo character in Genshin Impact who wields a Sword. Every player receives him for free during the early stages of the game, making him one of the first permanent party members. Despite being a free character, Kaeya remains a strong and reliable Cryo Sub DPS thanks to his consistent Cryo application, excellent Energy generation, and flexible playstyle.

His Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, continues to deal Cryo damage even after Kaeya leaves the field, allowing the active character to trigger powerful Elemental Reactions such as Freeze, Melt, and Superconduct. This makes him an excellent off-field damage dealer who fits into many different team compositions.

Outside of combat, Kaeya serves as the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt. Behind his confident personality and charming smile lies one of the most mysterious stories in Genshin Impact. His true origin is connected to Khaenri’ah, making him an important character in the game’s overall lore and future storyline.

Basic Information

Rarity: ★★★★.

Element: Cryo.

Weapon: Sword.

Region: Mondstadt.

Birthday: November 30.

Constellation: Pavo Ocellus.

Role: Sub DPS / Support.

Abilities

Normal Attack: Ceremonial Bladework

Kaeya performs up to five consecutive sword strikes that deal Physical DMG. While his Normal Attacks are smooth and effective, they are not the main source of damage in most modern Kaeya builds.

If you are playing Kaeya as a Cryo Sub DPS or Support, you can leave this talent for last. However, players who prefer a Physical DPS build should prioritize upgrading his Normal Attack since it becomes his primary source of damage.

Elemental Skill: Frostgnaw

Kaeya unleashes a blast of freezing air in front of him, dealing Cryo DMG to nearby enemies. The skill has a short cooldown, making it one of the most reliable Cryo application abilities among 4-star characters.

Frostgnaw also generates a good amount of Elemental Energy, allowing Kaeya to recharge his Elemental Burst quickly. Thanks to its low cooldown and fast animation, this skill is ideal for quick swaps and maintaining Cryo application throughout combat.

Elemental Burst: Glacial Waltz

Kaeya summons three rotating icicles that continuously orbit the active character, dealing Cryo DMG to nearby enemies. The burst remains active even after switching characters, making it the core of Kaeya’s Sub DPS playstyle.

Glacial Waltz provides consistent off-field Cryo application and works exceptionally well in Freeze, Melt and Superconduct teams. Its relatively low Energy Cost allows Kaeya to use his Burst frequently, especially when paired with another Cryo character or sufficient Energy Recharge.

Talent Priority

Cryo Sub DPS / Support

Elemental Burst → Elemental Skill → Normal Attack

This is the recommended talent order for most players. Kaeya’s Burst contributes the majority of his damage, while Frostgnaw provides additional Cryo application and Energy generation.

Physical Main DPS

Normal Attack → Elemental Burst → Elemental Skill

Players using Kaeya as an on-field Physical DPS should level his Normal Attack first, since most of his damage comes from sword attacks. His Burst and Skill remain valuable for triggering Superconduct and adding Cryo damage.

Best Builds

Cryo Sub DPS Build

This is Kaeya’s strongest and most versatile build. It focuses on maximizing the damage of his Elemental Burst while providing continuous Cryo application for Elemental Reactions.

Main Goal: Deal consistent off-field Cryo damage while supporting the team’s reaction damage.

Main Stats

Sands: ATK% or Energy Recharge.
Goblet: Cryo DMG Bonus.
Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG.

Substats Priority

CRIT Rate → CRIT DMG → Energy Recharge → ATK% → Elemental Mastery.

Aim for approximately 140–180% Energy Recharge, depending on your team composition. Teams with another Cryo character generally require less Energy Recharge.

Freeze Build

Kaeya performs exceptionally well in Freeze teams thanks to his consistent Cryo application and low Burst cost. His rotating icicles continuously apply Cryo while Hydro characters keep enemies Frozen.

Main Goal: Maintain permanent Freeze uptime while dealing reliable Cryo damage.

Main Stats

Sands: ATK%.
Goblet: Cryo DMG Bonus.
Circlet: CRIT DMG or CRIT Rate.

When using the full Blizzard Strayer artifact set, Kaeya gains a significant amount of CRIT Rate against Frozen enemies, allowing players to invest more heavily into CRIT DMG.

Physical DPS Build

Although less popular in the current meta, Physical Kaeya remains an excellent option for early and mid-game players.

Main Goal: Deal sustained Physical DMG with Normal Attacks while triggering Superconduct to reduce enemy Physical RES.

Main Stats

Sands: ATK%.
Goblet: Physical DMG Bonus.
Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG.

This build keeps Kaeya on the field for longer periods and relies on Normal Attacks as the primary damage source.

Recommended Stats

For most Cryo builds, aim for:

CRIT Rate: 60–80%.
CRIT DMG: 140–200%+.
Energy Recharge: 140–180%.
ATK: As high as possible after reaching your Energy Recharge requirements.

These values provide a balanced build that allows Kaeya to deal consistent damage while maintaining high Burst uptime.

Best Weapons

Best 5-Star Weapons

Mistsplitter Reforged

Kaeya’s best weapon for maximizing Cryo damage. It provides a high amount of CRIT DMG while its passive significantly increases Elemental DMG Bonus. This sword is ideal for Freeze and Melt teams where Kaeya is used as a Sub DPS.

Primordial Jade Cutter

An excellent alternative that grants a large amount of CRIT Rate and increases ATK based on Max HP. It offers stable damage and makes building Kaeya much easier.

Skyward Blade

A strong choice for players who need additional Energy Recharge. It allows Kaeya to cast his Elemental Burst more consistently while also providing respectable offensive stats.

Best 4-Star Weapons

Favonius Sword

One of Kaeya’s best support weapons. It greatly improves Energy generation for both Kaeya and his teammates, making Burst rotations significantly smoother.

Amenoma Kageuchi

An excellent craftable weapon that restores Energy after using Kaeya’s Elemental Burst. It is one of the best free-to-play options available.

The Black Sword

Provides CRIT Rate and increases Normal Attack damage. This weapon performs particularly well in Physical DPS builds.

Festering Desire

A powerful event-exclusive sword that increases Elemental Skill damage and CRIT Rate while also providing Energy Recharge. It remains one of Kaeya’s strongest options if you already own it.

Harbinger of Dawn

A surprisingly effective three-star weapon for Sub DPS Kaeya. As long as Kaeya stays above 90% HP, it provides an impressive amount of CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG.

Best Free-to-Play Weapons

Amenoma Kageuchi is the best craftable weapon for most players thanks to its balanced offensive stats and Energy restoration.

Favonius Sword is the preferred choice when your team needs additional Energy generation.

Harbinger of Dawn remains one of the strongest budget options for players who can reliably keep Kaeya healthy while he stays off the field.

Best Artifacts

Blizzard Strayer

This is Kaeya’s best artifact set in Freeze teams.

2-Piece Bonus: Increases Cryo DMG Bonus by 15%.

4-Piece Bonus: Increases CRIT Rate against enemies affected by Cryo and grants an additional CRIT Rate bonus against Frozen enemies.

Because of the large amount of free CRIT Rate provided by this set, players can focus more heavily on building CRIT DMG.

Noblesse Oblige

An excellent support option if no other teammate is using the full set.

2-Piece Bonus: Increases Elemental Burst DMG.

4-Piece Bonus: Using an Elemental Burst increases all party members’ ATK for a short duration.

This set is particularly effective when Kaeya’s primary role is supporting the team’s main damage dealer.

Emblem of Severed Fate

One of the strongest options for maximizing Elemental Burst damage.

2-Piece Bonus: Increases Energy Recharge.

4-Piece Bonus: Increases Elemental Burst DMG based on Energy Recharge.

This set performs especially well when Kaeya requires higher Burst uptime or is the only Cryo character in the team.

Pale Flame

The preferred artifact set for Physical DPS Kaeya.

2-Piece Bonus: Increases Physical DMG Bonus.

4-Piece Bonus: Increases ATK after Elemental Skill hits while further boosting Physical DMG.

Choose this set only if Kaeya is played primarily as an on-field Physical damage dealer.

Best 2-Piece Combinations

If you do not have a complete artifact set yet, these combinations work very well:

2 Blizzard Strayer + 2 Noblesse Oblige — Cryo DMG Bonus and Elemental Burst DMG.

2 Blizzard Strayer + 2 Gladiator’s Finale — Cryo DMG Bonus and ATK%.

2 Pale Flame + 2 Bloodstained Chivalry — Physical DMG Bonus for Physical Kaeya builds.

Artifact Stat Priority

Main Stats

Sands: ATK% or Energy Recharge.
Goblet: Cryo DMG Bonus (Physical DMG Bonus for Physical builds).
Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG.

Substats Priority

CRIT Rate → CRIT DMG → Energy Recharge → ATK% → Elemental Mastery.

Focus on maintaining balanced CRIT stats while ensuring enough Energy Recharge to cast Glacial Waltz every rotation.

Ascension and Talent Materials

Character Ascension Materials

To fully ascend Kaeya, you will need the following materials:

Shivada Jade Sliver
Shivada Jade Fragment
Shivada Jade Chunk
Shivada Jade Gemstone
Hoarfrost Core
Calla Lily
Treasure Hoarder Insignia
Silver Raven Insignia
Golden Raven Insignia
Mora

Where to Farm Materials

Shivada Jade can be obtained from Cryo bosses and crafted through Alchemy.

Hoarfrost Core is dropped by the Cryo Regisvine.

Calla Lily grows throughout Mondstadt, mainly near lakes and rivers.

Treasure Hoarder Insignias are dropped by Treasure Hoarders across Teyvat.

Mora can be obtained from Blossoms of Wealth, events, quests, and other in-game activities.

Talent Materials

To fully level Kaeya’s talents, you will need:

Teachings of Ballad
Guide to Ballad
Philosophies of Ballad
Treasure Hoarder Insignia
Silver Raven Insignia
Golden Raven Insignia
Spirit Locket of Boreas
Crown of Insight
Mora

Talent Upgrade Priority

If resources are limited, prioritize Kaeya’s talents in the following order:

Elemental Burst → Elemental Skill → Normal Attack

Players using a Physical DPS build should level Normal Attack first.

Constellations

C1 — Excellent Blood

Increases the CRIT Rate of Kaeya’s Normal and Charged Attacks against enemies affected by Cryo.

This constellation mainly benefits Physical DPS builds, while Cryo Sub DPS Kaeya gains only a modest improvement.

C2 — Never-Ending Performance

Defeating enemies during Glacial Waltz extends its duration.

This is one of Kaeya’s strongest constellations when fighting multiple enemies, allowing his Burst to remain active for a much longer time.

C3 — Dance of Frost

Increases the level of Frostgnaw.

A straightforward damage increase for Kaeya’s Elemental Skill.

C4 — Frozen Kiss

When Kaeya’s HP falls below a certain threshold, he automatically gains a Cryo shield.

Although situational, this constellation improves his survivability during difficult encounters.

C5 — Frostbiting Embrace

Increases the level of Glacial Waltz.

Since Kaeya’s Burst is his primary source of damage, this constellation provides a noticeable overall damage increase.

C6 — Glacial Whirlwind

Adds an additional icicle to Glacial Waltz and restores Energy whenever the Burst is activated.

This is Kaeya’s strongest constellation, significantly increasing both his Cryo damage and Burst consistency.

Best Constellations

Kaeya performs well even at C0, but his strongest constellations are:

C2 — Longer Burst duration in multi-target encounters.

C5 — Higher Elemental Burst damage.

C6 — Additional Burst damage and improved Energy generation.

Together, these constellations greatly enhance Kaeya’s effectiveness as a Cryo Sub DPS while maintaining excellent Burst uptime.

Best Team Comps

Freeze Team

Kaeya — Cryo Sub DPS.
Xingqiu — Hydro applicator.
Sucrose — Crowd control and Cryo RES reduction through Viridescent Venerer.
Diona — Shield, healing and Cryo Resonance.

This is one of Kaeya’s strongest and most comfortable teams. Xingqiu continuously applies Hydro while Kaeya’s Burst keeps enemies Frozen. Sucrose groups enemies together and reduces their Elemental RES, while Diona provides defensive utility and activates Cryo Resonance.

Melt Team

Kaeya — Cryo Sub DPS.
Xiangling — Off-field Pyro DPS.
Bennett — ATK buffer and healer.
Sucrose — Elemental Mastery support and RES shred.

This composition focuses on Melt reactions while maintaining excellent Burst uptime. Bennett greatly increases the team’s damage, Xiangling provides continuous Pyro application, and Kaeya supplies consistent Cryo damage.

Superconduct Team

Kaeya — Physical Main DPS.
Fischl — Off-field Electro DPS.
Mika — Physical DMG support and healer.
Yun Jin — Normal Attack buffer.

This team is designed specifically for Physical Kaeya. Superconduct reduces enemy Physical RES, allowing Kaeya’s Normal Attacks to deal significantly higher damage.

Free-to-Play Team

Kaeya — Main DPS or Sub DPS.
Barbara — Healing and Hydro application.
Xiangling — Off-field Pyro DPS.
Anemo Traveler — Crowd control and Swirl reactions.

This team is easy to build for new players while providing access to Freeze, Melt and Swirl reactions throughout the early game.

Cryo Resonance Team

Kaeya — Cryo Sub DPS.
Rosaria — Additional Cryo damage and CRIT Rate support.
Xingqiu — Hydro application.
Jean — Healing and Anemo support.

Cryo Resonance increases CRIT Rate against enemies affected by Cryo or Frozen, making this composition highly consistent for sustained Cryo damage.

Rotations

Standard Sub DPS Rotation

Use Kaeya’s Elemental Skill first to generate Energy, then activate Glacial Waltz before switching to your main damage dealer.

Example Rotation:

Support → Anemo Support → Kaeya: Frostgnaw → Kaeya: Glacial Waltz → Main DPS.

Freeze Rotation

Apply Hydro first, then activate Kaeya’s Cryo abilities before switching to your primary damage dealer.

Example Rotation:

Xingqiu: Skill + Burst → Sucrose: Skill → Kaeya: Skill + Burst → Main DPS.

Melt Rotation

Begin with Bennett’s Burst to buff the team, activate Xiangling’s Burst, then switch to Kaeya to trigger Melt reactions.

Example Rotation:

Bennett: Burst → Xiangling: Burst → Sucrose: Skill → Kaeya: Skill + Burst.

Physical DPS Rotation

Trigger Superconduct before attacking with Kaeya’s Normal Attacks.

Example Rotation:

Fischl: Skill → Kaeya: Skill → Mika: Skill + Burst → Kaeya: Normal Attack combo.

FAQ and Tips

Is Kaeya worth building?

Yes. Kaeya remains one of the strongest free 4-star Cryo characters thanks to his reliable Cryo application, strong Burst and excellent flexibility. He performs well from the early game all the way to Spiral Abyss.

Is Kaeya beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. Every player receives Kaeya for free, and his straightforward playstyle makes him an excellent choice for learning Elemental Reactions and team building.

What is Kaeya’s best role?

His strongest role is Cryo Sub DPS. He deals continuous off-field Cryo damage while enabling powerful reactions such as Freeze, Melt and Superconduct.

Can Kaeya be played as a Main DPS?

Yes. Physical Kaeya is a solid option during the early and mid-game, although Cryo Sub DPS builds generally perform better in the current meta.

Which talents should be upgraded first?

Prioritize Elemental Burst, followed by Elemental Skill. Upgrade Normal Attack first only if you are playing Physical Kaeya.

Which artifact set is best?

Blizzard Strayer is the strongest choice for Freeze teams.

Noblesse Oblige works well for support builds.

Emblem of Severed Fate is an excellent option for maximizing Burst damage.

Which weapon is best?

Mistsplitter Reforged is Kaeya’s best overall weapon.

Among four-star options, Favonius Sword, Amenoma Kageuchi and Festering Desire are all excellent choices depending on your build.

Which stats should I prioritize?

Focus on CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, Energy Recharge, ATK% and Cryo DMG Bonus. Most Kaeya builds perform best with approximately 140–180% Energy Recharge.

Is Kaeya good without constellations?

Yes. Kaeya performs very well at C0, making him one of the best free-to-play characters in Genshin Impact.

Which constellations are the most valuable?

C2, C5 and C6 provide the largest overall increase to Kaeya’s performance by improving Burst duration, damage and Energy generation.

Who are Kaeya’s best teammates?

Kaeya works exceptionally well with Xingqiu, Bennett, Xiangling, Sucrose, Diona, Rosaria, Fischl, Mika and Jean.

Kaeya’s Strengths

Reliable off-field Cryo application.
Excellent Elemental Burst uptime.
Strong Energy generation.
Fits into many different team compositions.
Very beginner-friendly.
Powerful free-to-play character.

Kaeya’s Weaknesses

Limited Burst range.
Constellations are difficult to obtain.
Physical builds fall behind premium Main DPS characters in the late game.
Requires well-built artifacts to maximize his damage potential.

Final Thoughts

Kaeya is one of the most versatile free characters in Genshin Impact. His consistent Cryo application, excellent Burst uptime and flexible team options make him an outstanding Cryo Sub DPS for both new and experienced players. While he can still function as a Physical Main DPS, his greatest strength lies in supporting powerful Elemental Reaction teams through reliable off-field Cryo damage.