Genshin Impact 7.2: Best DPS for Each Element at C0–C2

Genshin Impact has seven elements, and each has its own contenders for the main DPS role. In Version 7.2, which character stands out in each element when you consider both damage and practical performance?

This roundup focuses on C0–C2 characters, with budget-conscious players in mind. C6 showcases and high-Constellation builds are outside its scope. The selections below are this article’s overall judgments for the current environment, taking team support, investment and execution into account—not a claim that every character wins in every encounter.

Best Dendro DPS: Nefer

Nefer leads the Dendro selection with powerful Lunar-Bloom burst damage. Her own damage potential and the amplification available from dedicated supports make a particularly strong combination.

That combination kept her prominent during Nod-Krai and continues to work in Snezhnaya. Within this roundup’s low-Constellation scope, she remains the benchmark for Dendro carries, provided the team supports her Lunar-Bloom playstyle.

Best Electro DPS: Mitya

Mitya is the featured Electro character in the current Version 7.2 banner. His main job is on-field Electro Stellar-Conduct damage, with an off-field role available when the team needs it.

C0 already offers good damage, but C1 and C2 are his biggest selling points. Their substantial upgrades make him especially competitive against other Electro carries at comparable overall 5-star investment. His appeal also extends beyond Electro-only comparisons.

The drawback is execution. Results can vary noticeably between players, so he does not belong in the most effortless, forgiving group of carries. Strong damage does not automatically mean comfortable gameplay for everyone.

Best Geo DPS: Zibai

Zibai stands out for her performance at modest investment. Her Lunar-Crystallize team is an appealing route for players who want strong results without pushing the carry to high Constellations.

Linnea’s arrival further strengthened the team and improved its ability to handle less favorable encounters. Together, they give Zibai a strong position among Geo carries that may last beyond the current patch.

Best Anemo DPS: Vesna

Anemo’s leading carry has changed repeatedly, with Xiao, Wanderer, Chasca and Varka each shaping different stages of the roster. In Version 7.2, the standout is Vesna, the Stellar Swirl carry introduced in Version 7.1.

She combines high damage, flexible mechanics and a strong ability to benefit from support buffs. Her low-Constellation performance is already convincing, while Snezhnaya’s emphasis on Stellar reactions gives her a favorable outlook. Continued strength across the region is a reasonable expectation, rather than a guaranteed future ranking.

Best Hydro DPS: Neuvillette

Neuvillette’s excellent mechanics and flexible teammate choices kept him strong well into Natlan. He remains this article’s Hydro pick, but that does not put him on equal footing with every other element’s leading carry.

As enemy HP rises in Spiral Abyss and Stygian Onslaught, his damage leaves less room for freely changing teammates. He remains useful in exploration, easier Abyss encounters and favorable Stygian stages; less favorable high-pressure encounters expose his limitations more clearly.

More than two years after Mualani’s August 28, 2024 debut, this roundup still settles on Neuvillette for Hydro. The element’s strength as a source of reactions and support should not be confused with the current ceiling of its on-field carries. A future Hydro DPS could make this comparison more interesting.

Best Pyro DPS: Mavuika

Mavuika remains highly competitive despite being an older carry. Her damage still holds up in the current environment, keeping her at the front of the Pyro roster.

Both her established Natlan-focused teams and her Overloaded setups retain a worthwhile ceiling. Good rotations and execution still matter, but she has continued to offer strong results as the surrounding roster and content have changed.

Best Cryo DPS: Sandrone

Skirk spent a long period as a leading Cryo carry in dedicated Hydro–Cryo teams. Snezhnaya’s Stellar-Conduct roster has shifted that competition, and Sandrone is this article’s Cryo pick for Version 7.2.

Odette’s arrival gave Sandrone’s Stellar-Conduct team a substantial lift. Looking ahead, Anastasya’s character reveal makes the Cryo roster especially worth watching. Her expected Version 7.3 arrival could bring further competition, although her release phase and final combat role remain unconfirmed.

Choose for Your Account, Not Just the Element

These seven picks cover different needs: reaction-focused carries, efficient low-investment teams and established characters whose mechanics still have value. Owning all seven gives broad elemental coverage, but the teammates you can supply—and the playstyle you enjoy—matter just as much as the name at the top of each element.

If you are planning a Genshin Impact top-up, prioritize the team you can actually complete rather than trying to collect every elemental pick at once.