Shenhe is among the top Cryo Support characters in Genshin Impact who works to optimize Cryo DMG for her allies based on her ATK scaling mechanism. Her optimal performance is achieved with teams built around Cryo DPS characters such as Ayaka, Ganyu, or Wriothesley and bears a massive damage boost. The best artifact sets, weapons, and build strategy are covered here in this guide.
Best Artifact Sets for Shenhe
1. Noblesse Oblige (Best-in-Slot Support Set)
Noblesse Oblige is the best support set to equip if Shenhe is being utilized as a team support:
- 2-piece bonus: +20% Elemental Burst DMG
- 4-piece bonus: Adds 20% ATK to all allies for 12s when using Elemental Burst
This set complements Shenhe’s support role. Her Elemental Burst not only inflicts damage but also provides team ATK buff from the 4-set, complementing Cryo DPS performance even more.
(Tip: In order to always trigger the 4-set bonus, Shenhe needs to have sufficient Energy Recharge to enable her to Burst every cycle.)
2. ATK% Hybrid Sets (For Buff Optimization)
If you don’t have a best-in-slot Noblesse or you’ve already got someone in your party using it, you can fall back to a 2-piece ATK% set:
- 2-piece Gladiator’s Finale
- 2-piece Shimenawa’s Reminiscence
- OR 2-piece Vermillion Hereafter
All of them give +18% ATK, and it also works directly on the Cryo DMG buff Shenhe provides to the rest of the party. These hybrid sets don’t offer utility buffs like Noblesse, though.
Recommended Artifact Stats for Shenhe
- Sands: Energy Recharge or ATK%(depending on how much she can Burst)
- Goblet: ATK%(maxing ATK%)
- Circlet: ATK%%(do the same, maxing ATK%)
- Sub-stats to value: Energy Recharge > ATK% > Flat ATK
Maxing Energy Recharge (usually 180–220%) is a must to have sustained Burst uptime. After that, dump all the rest into ATK%.
Top Shenhe Weapons
1. Deathmatch Swords (Best-in-Slot)
Deathmatch Swords is specifically designed for Shenhe and provides the greatest value:
- Base ATK: Extremely high
- Sub-stat: ATK%
- Passive: Boosts Elemental DMG and provides extra ATK% when using Elemental Skill
It significantly boosts Shenhe’s ATK, scaling linearly from the Cryo buff strength. It is the best weapon to enhance her team support.
2. Engulfing Lightning
Even though not specifically designed for Shenhe, Engulfing Lightning is an adequate second-best choice:
- Sub-stat: Energy Recharge
- Passive: Transforms Energy Recharge to ATK%
This spear helps Shenhe maintain her Burst uptime and gain her ATK through its passive. It’s especially good if your team lacks energy or does not have a dedicated battery.
3. Top 4-Star Polearm Picks
Tamayura-tei no Ohanashi (Event Weapon)
- Grants Energy Recharge
- Passive increases ATK% after Elemental Skill
Best for a support Shenhe who needs recharge and buff scaling.
Lithic Spear
- Gains ATK% depending on the number of Liyue teammates
- Works effectively if your team has people like Xiangling, Yelan, or Zhongli
Situational, but amazingly powerful with 2+ Liyue allies.
Alternative Possible Picks
Any weapon that increases ATK%- or Energy Recharge- is generally fine on Shenhe:
- Favonius Lance: Energy Recharge and particle generation, but lower ATK scaling
- Wavebreaker’s Fin: High Base ATK and Burst Cost-scaling passive
- Prototype Starglitter: A free version that supports Energy Recharge but is weaker in overall ATK potential
Shenhe is a dedicated support that shines with Cryo-dedicated team comps. Her function is Cryo DMG scaling, and the higher her ATK, the stronger she is as a support. Your build should prioritize Energy Recharge to keep her Burst on at all times, then stacking ATK% via artifacts and gear.
Best Shenhe Build Summary:
- Artifacts: 4pc Noblesse Oblige > 2pc ATK% sets
- Weapon: Calamity Queller > Engulfing Lightning > Tamayura-tei no Ohanashi / Lithic Spear
- Main Stats: ER / ATK% Sands, ATK% Goblet, ATK% Circlet
It’s a good investment, and Shenhe is impossible to beat as a Cryo enabler. It caps Ayaka and Ganyu.
