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As one of the latest elements added to Genshin Impact, Dendro had a lot of catching up to do, and it seems now it’s mostly done with its roster of characters. Being added a bit later to the game, however, the Genshin Impact Dendro Element can be confusing since it now allows for three-element reactions.
Coupled with the deluge of new Dendro characters, we have a recipe for intimidation both for new and returning players. So naturally, players looking to ease themselves into the Genshin Impact Dendro Element aspect of the game will want a guide to check out whether the grass is greener in Sumeru or something. That’s what we’re here for.
What is the Dendro Element & Dendro Damage in Genshin Impact?
Dendro, one of the seven Genshin Impact Elements, is associated with nature and wisdom. Hence, the green color for the Dendro icon.
The prefix “dendro-” itself is an Ancient Greek word for tree, which, in many folklore and cultures, is considered a sign of wisdom that comes with age. That’s why Dendro Archon, Nahida, and all the other Archons before here (and after her) will almost always embody a wise character trait.
Moreover, most of the denizens of the Dendro nation or Sumeru, which is Nahida’s domain, are associated with scholarly upbringings and endeavors. Sumeru, after all, is home to the most prestigious university in Teyvat and is emanating with knowledge and academic pursuits.
Most Dendro characters, for that matter, carry an air of sophistication and elegance about themselves, as is evident for Baizhu, Alhaitham, Tighnari, Nahida, and even Kirara.
How Does Dendro Work In Genshin Impact?
Dendro, by itself, won’t cause any reaction with effect. It will brand enemies with the Dendro status like most Genshin Impact Elements.
This allows you to mix in other Elements with Dendro for more potent Elemental Reactions with varying utilities. Here’s a primer on how Dendro Elemental reactions work.
And here’s a quick summary as well:
- Bloom (Dendro + Hydro) – Creates Dendro Cores which can combine with other Elements.
- Hyperbloom (Dendro Core + Electro) – Transforms Dendro Cores into homing Dendro DMG projectiles.
- Burgeon (Dendro Core + Pyro) – Detonates the Dendro Core, dealing area Dendro DMG.
- Quicken (Dendro + Electro) – Applies a debuff to enemies called Quicken, setting them up for Spread or Aggravate.
- Spread (Quicken + Dendro) – Makes Dendro attacks that triggered Spread deal additional damage.
- Aggravate (Quicken + Electro) – Makes Electro attacks that triggered Aggravate deal additional damage.
- Burning (Dendro + Pyro) – Applies an area Pyro damage over time effect.
Dendro Elemental Resonance
You can pair up two (or more) different Dendro characters in the team or party in order to achieve a permanent passive buff called Elemental Resonance. Dendro Elemental Resonance has the following effect:
- Sprawling Greenery: Elemental Mastery increased by 50. After triggering Burning, Quicken, or Bloom reactions, all nearby party members gain 30 Elemental Mastery for 6s. After triggering Aggravate, Spread, Hyperbloom, or Burgeon reactions, all nearby party members gain 20 Elemental Mastery for 6s. The durations of the aforementioned effects will be counted independently.
It’s great for an Elemental Reaction team that capitalizes on Dendro Reactions.
Dendro Artifact Set
Like most Genshin Impact Elements, there’s only one artifact set that focuses on increasing one of the seven Elements in Teyvat.
For the Dendro Element, that would be the Deepwood Memories set, which you can farm in the Spire of Solitary Enlightenment Domain in Avidya Forest, Sumeru.
Deepwood Memories has the following effects:
- 2-Piece Bonus: Dendro DMG Bonus +15%
- 4-Piece: After Elemental Skills or Bursts hit opponents, the targets’ Dendro RES will be decreased by 30% for 8s. This effect can be triggered even if the equipping character is not on the field.
The bonuses are straightforward but with due consideration for a lot of Dendro characters since a lot of them will be under the support role and will thus need to be switched out constantly, with Alhaitham as a notable exception.
Dendro Characters in Genshin Impact
The number of Dendro characters in the game isn’t as high compared to the more active Elements such as Pyro or Cryo, but that will certainly be remedied more as Genshin Impact adds more content.
At the moment, these are the Dendro characters starting with the 5-stars.
5-Star Dendro Characters
Alhaitham (5-star, Sword)
Currently one of the best (if not the best) hypercarry DPS in the game, Alhaitham came as quite a surprise. Lorewise, he’s also a genius and is one of the smartest characters in Sumeru. And he got the body that Itto should have had, much to the fans’ dismay.
Baizhu (5-star, Catalyst)
Baizhu was a long and eagerly awaited character, and now that he’s here, he’s proven himself to be one of the best support characters in the game. He generates a shield like Zhongli and provides off-field damage.
Nahida (5-star, Catalyst)
Any Archon character is a must-have, Nahida included. The damage boost she gives to just about any team is more than substantial. A lot of players and teams have even come to rely on it. Grab her if you can.
Tighnari (5-star, Bow)
Billy Eilish here is an effective sub-DPS, though not on the same level as Yelan or Xingqiu. He still works great in Dendro Reaction teams, and that character design is quite unique and eye-catching.
4-Star Dendro Characters
Collei (4-star, Bow)
Collie existed long before Genshin Impact even became a full game, so fans who have read the manga will surely appreciate her appearance in Sumeru. She’s an effective free character and works well as an alternative if you don’t have Nahida.
Kaveh (4-star, Claymore)
Kaveh, Alhaitham’s boy-toy (in fan’s heads and hearts, at least) generated a bit of an outrage since a lot of players thought he was supposed to be a 5-star character, especially with how he looks like Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle. Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk.
Kirara (4-star, Sword)
Kirara, Sumeru’s resident furry girl, is one of the latest support characters to be added to the game. She’s not exactly game-changing, so there’s no pressure to build her up and obtain her unless you’re into cat-girls.
Yaoyao (4-star, Polearm)
Like Kirara, Yaoyao is someone you build and obtain only if you like the character well enough, as there are more robust and more attainable Dendro support characters. If you have plenty of trashy HP artifacts, however, she can make good use of those.
