Candace
Candace is a budget Hydro support, great for newer players or anyone without a 5-star Hydro unit. Her whole value sits in her Burst: it applies Hydro to drive reactions and grants a Normal Attack DMG boost to your main DPS. Since her Burst is energy-hungry, stack high Energy Recharge (~180%) and hold the Favonius Lance to fuel both herself and the team. A 4pc Emblem of Severed Fate is the standard, or 4pc Noblesse Oblige if the team wants an ATK buff. She's no top pick, but she's a perfectly solid stopgap while your roster is thin.
Ranking & buildright on this page
2
Farmingopen tool
3
Damage Calculatoropen tool
4Build a teamready-made comps
Candace Build
-
1
Favonius Lance Best -
2
"The Catch" -
3
Prototype Starglitter -
4
Black Tassel -
5
Kitain Cross Spear
Emblem of Severed Fate
Noblesse ObligePriority substats: Energy Recharge › HP% › CRIT Rate
Q > E > NA — the Burst is her entire buff and Hydro value, so level it first; Skill and Normals are near-skippable.
Teams for Candace
Candace applies Hydro to spawn Bloom seeds, Nahida provides the Dendro base, and Kuki triggers Hyperbloom to dump damage.
Candace's talents
Gleaming Spear - Guardian Stance
Performs up to 4 consecutive spear strikes.
Charged Attack
Consumes a certain amount of Stamina to lunge forward, dealing damage to opponents along the way.
Plunging Attack
Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.
Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum
Tap
Rushes forward with her shield, dealing Hydro DMG to opponents in front of her.
Hold
Raises her shield to block incoming attacks from nearby opponents, forming a barrier that absorbs DMG based on her Max HP and absorbs Hydro DMG 250% more effectively. This barrier lasts until the Elemental Skill is unleashed.
After holding for a certain period of time, Candace will finish charging, and when the skill button is released, the skill duration expires, or when the barrier is broken, she will perform a leaping strike that deals Hydro DMG to opponents in front of her.
The oath of the guardians is more stalwart yet than the shields they inherit.
Sacred Rite: Wagtail's Tide
Prayer of the Crimson Crown
This effect has the following properties:
·Characters deal increased Elemental DMG with their Normal Attacks.
·Whenever a character takes the field, they will unleash a rippling wave of water that deals Hydro DMG to nearby opponents. There is a limited number of waves that can be triggered in the duration of this skill.
·Sword, Claymore, and Polearm-wielding characters under this effect will obtain a Hydro Infusion.
This secret rite has been passed down through Candace's clan from generation to generation. Though the old faiths have become lost over the years, the sands still protect the heirs of the ancient realm.
Aegis of Crossed Arrows
Celestial Dome of Sand
To Dawn's First Light
Not stackable with Passive Talents that provide the exact same effects.
Combat Rotation
- Open with a tap of the Elemental Skill (E) - dash forward dealing AoE Hydro DMG.
- If you need defense, hold the Skill to raise a shield that absorbs DMG based on Max HP (absorbing Hydro DMG 250% more effectively); once fully charged, released, or broken it unleashes a leaping strike.
- Cast the Elemental Burst (Q) - costs 60 Energy - for AoE Hydro DMG scaling off Max HP and grants the Prayer of the Crimson Crown to the active character for 9 seconds.
- Immediately swap to your main DPS while the buff is up - the character taking the field triggers a Hydro wave that damages nearby enemies.
- If your main DPS wields a Sword, Claymore, or Polearm, they gain a Hydro Infusion during the buff - chain Normal Attacks to trigger elemental reactions.
- Keep swapping characters in and out during the 9s window to proc more Hydro waves (the number of triggers is limited).
- Once the buff ends, bring Candace back to reapply Hydro with a Normal Attack or Skill tap before her Energy regenerates for the next Burst.
- Repeat the loop - since the Burst has a 15s cooldown but needs 60 Energy, the real cycle speed depends on Energy Recharge, so prioritize ER to fire the Burst every rotation.
Candace constellations
The duration of Prayer of the Crimson Crown effect triggered by Sacred Rite: Wagtail's Tide is increased by 3s.
When Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum hits opponents, Candace's Max HP will be increased by 20% for 15s.
Increases the Level of Sacred Rite: Wagtail's Tide by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
Shortens the Hold CD of Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum to be the same as that of the Tapping CD.
Increases the Level of Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
When characters (excluding Candace herself) affected by the Prayer of the Crimson Crown caused by Sacred Rite: Wagtail's Tide deal Elemental DMG to opponents using Normal Attacks, an attack wave will be unleashed that deals AoE Hydro DMG equal to 15% of Candace's Max HP.
This effect can trigger once every 2.3s and is considered Elemental Burst DMG.
Base Stats (Lv90)
Character Profile
- Region: Sumeru
- Voice Actors: JP 柚木涼香 · EN Heather Gonzalez · KR Jun Young-soo · CN 张琦
Other Hydro characters
Ascension materials
Total ascension materials to reach level 90 (talent books not included).
Talent scaling by level
Gleaming Spear - Guardian Stance
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hit DMG | 60.8% | 120.2% | 145.6% |
| 2-Hit DMG | 61.1% | 120.9% | 146.5% |
| 3-Hit DMG | 35.5%+43.4% | 70.2%+85.7% | 85.0%+103.9% |
| 4-Hit DMG | 94.9% | 187.7% | 227.4% |
| Charged Attack DMG | 124.2% | 245.5% | 297.5% |
| Charged Attack Stamina Cost | 25.0 | 25.0 | 25.0 |
| Plunge DMG | 63.9% | 126.4% | 153.1% |
| Low/High Plunge DMG | 128%/160% | 253%/316% | 306%/382% |
Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shield DMG Absorption | 12.0% Max HP+1156 | 21.6% Max HP+2542 | 25.5% Max HP+3178 |
| Basic DMG | 12.0% Max HP | 21.6% Max HP | 25.5% Max HP |
| Charged Up DMG | 19.0% Max HP | 34.3% Max HP | 40.5% Max HP |
| #Press CD | 6.0s | 6.0s | 6.0s |
| Hold CD | 9.0s | 9.0s | 9.0s |
Sacred Rite: Wagtail's Tide
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 6.6% Max HP | 11.9% Max HP | 14.0% Max HP |
| Duration | 9.0s | 9.0s | 9.0s |
| DMG Bonus | 20.0% | 20.0% | 20.0% |
| Wave Impact DMG | 6.6% Max HP | 11.9% Max HP | 14.0% Max HP |
| Wave Instances | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| CD | 15.0s | 15.0s | 15.0s |
| Energy Cost | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Advanced frame data (official)
Elemental application ICD, gauge units and interruption resistance — official numbers rarely published anywhere.
Gleaming Spear - Guardian Stance
| Hit | Gauge | ICD | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Attack 1-Hit | 1U | 2.5s/3 Hits | 60.08 |
| Normal Attack 2-Hit | 1U | — | 59.76 |
| Normal Attack 3-Hit A | 1U | — | 38.08 |
| Normal Attack 3-Hit B | 1U | — | 38.08 |
| Normal Attack 4-Hit | 1U | — | 94.8 |
| Charged Attack | 1U | 0.5s | 120 |
| Plunging Attack Collision | 0U | — | 25 |
| Low Plunge | 1U | — | 100 |
| High Plunge | 1U | — | 150 |
Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum
| Hit | Gauge | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|
| Press | 1U | 150 |
| Hold | 1U | 300 |
Sacred Rite: Wagtail's Tide
| Hit | Gauge | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 1U | 300 |
| Wave Impact DMG | 1U | 300 |
| Extra Attack (C6) | 1U | 300 |
FAQ about Candace
What is the best weapon for Candace?
How much Mora to max out Candace?
What are Candace base stats at Lv90?
Voice actors
- 日本語: 柚木涼香
- English: Heather Gonzalez
- 中文: 张琦
- 한국어: Jun Young-soo
Ascension & Talent Materials
Ascension by phase
| Unlocks Lv | AR | Mora | Ascension & Talent Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv 40 | AR 15 | 20,000 | |
| Lv 50 | AR 25 | 40,000 | |
| Lv 60 | AR 30 | 60,000 | |
| Lv 70 | AR 35 | 80,000 | |
| Lv 80 | AR 40 | 100,000 | |
| Lv 90 | AR 50 | 120,000 |
Talent — one skill to Lv10
Teachings of Admonition
×3
Faded Red Satin
×6
Guide to Admonition
×21
Trimmed Red Silk
×22
Philosophies of Admonition
×38
Rich Red Brocade
×31
Tears of the Calamitous God
×6
Crown of Insight
×1
Multiply by 3 for all three skills. · Mora: 1,652,500
Total Mora to max out: 5,377,500
Official name in other languages
Wish banner history
Release date
Released: Sep 26, 2022 · Version 3.1
Voice Lines & Comments
Birthday
Happy birthday! It's amazing to think that you were born on this day, years ago in the past. Do you have a birthday wish? If it involves going somewhere dangerous, let me join you — I'll be your guard. Or if you're looking to rest and revitalize, come to Aaru Village, and I'll serve you the finest meats and drinks we have.
Self-Introduction
Hello
Welcome, weary Traveler from afar. Nights in the desert are cruel. You should rest here tonight. Sleep soundly, and know that I am watching over you.
About Candace: Eye Color
...Strange? I'm not sure what you mean, both amber and blue are fairly common eye colors, I believe...
About Candace: Aaru Village
Aaru Village is where I was born and grew up. Even back when I was too young to understand anything else about the world, the one thing I knew for sure was that one day, I would take over from my grandfather as sworn protector of our village... Today, I am grateful to now hold this duty. It is what I was born to do.
About Candace: Parents
My father was a scholar from the Akademiya. He originally came to Aaru Village on a research trip, and then he met my mother... As for her, unfortunately I only know what my father has told me. The day I was born, she began her journey into the eternal night...
More About Candace: I
You want to know more about me? ...I can't promise you a great story, but if you insist... Okay, let's wait until nightfall. We can sit by the fireside and I'll tell you all you wish to know.
More About Candace: II
We are a people whose god is no longer with us. Lies pose no threat to us... the threat we face is the prospect of no tomorrow. The path before us is paved with barbs, there is pain in every step — yes, we tread forward clinging to a lie, but perhaps... perhaps there is more virtue in this than in selfishly embracing the truth, and death along with it...
More About Candace: III
Even now, there are those who hold on to a belief that King Deshret will be resurrected. But it's not possible. The past is but grains of sand, scattered to the four winds. The best we can do is to let go, and leave the wind to carry them to their final resting place.
More About Candace: IV
My shield? Well, according to what people outside the village say, it has the blessing of Bennu. With this shield in hand, all the grains of sand are my eyes and ears, and the desert is ready to do my bidding... Their imaginations can get a little carried away sometimes. But anyway, that aside, the main thing for me is it always works like a charm.
More About Candace: V
I'd really love to look into your future with my amber eye, if I could... Something tells me everything would be golden... somewhere between the color of sunlight and honey. A color filled with hope. Your journey will be a smooth road ahead. I give it my blessing.
About Us: Hosting Guests
You will always be an honored guest of Aaru Village, no matter the day or time of your visit. If ever you tire of your journey, know that here, you can always find rest. Aaru Village welcomes you with open arms... as do I.
About Us: Treasure in the Chest
They say in every person's heart is a precious box, into which they place the things they treasure, so that they may guard them for their entire life. My heart harbors many treasures... Care to guess what those might be?
Thoughts About Other Characters
Layla
An eccentric girl who always seems to be in a trance...? Yes, I believe I've seen her before — near the Wall of Samiel. I couldn't make sense of what she was saying, nor the calculation she wrote down, but she seemed to be in a much better mood after she'd finished. Perhaps this is her way of relieving stress.
Alhaitham
A truly unusual scholar, unlike any other I've ever met. He sees and thinks about things in his own unique way... I only hope he never wields his sharp mind against the peace of Aaru Village.
Cyno
In the past, it was rare to see the Akademiya's General Mahamatra on this side of the Wall of Samiel, but recently he has been showing up here all the time. I believe that the Eremites have some truly terrifying stories to tell about him...
Dehya
Whenever Dehya brings any of her Eremites to stay at Aaru Village, she always keeps them on their best behavior. I have to say, it makes my life a lot easier. Ah, Dehya... She might look like trouble at first, but the truth is that she's really quite adorable.
Sethos
The sons and daughters of King Deshret are a proud people, and he is no exception. I have heard his tale, of Hermanubis's glory dwelling within a worthy vessel. I also understand he has been active in Sumeru City recently? Apparently, he has spoken to Cyno and other friends of his plans to visit Aaru Village. I look forward to hosting him.
Hobbies & Personality
Candace's Hobbies
I always love taking walks in the village. Seeing that all is still well gives me a sense that... if today is just like yesterday, and yesterday is just like all the days before it... things have always been pleasant here, throughout history.
Candace's Troubles
Every now and then, a few violent thugs make the mistake of trying to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Aaru Village. I do wonder... is chasing them into a monster-infested valley perhaps a little too... merciful? What do you think, do you have any better ideas on how they should be dealt with?
Favorite Food
To me... quantity is more important than taste when it comes to food. Life in the desert uses up more energy than you might think. After a day's work, there's nothing more satisfying than having a filling meal.
Least Favorite Food
I don't hate it, but compared to regular meat, eating fish is a real nuisance... Maybe it's because we don't really eat fish here in the desert, but for whatever reason, I'm just not very good at removing all those prickly little bones... This must sound ridiculous to you.
Feelings About Ascension
Feelings About Ascension: Intro
I feel a newfound strength within me... May it help me to be a better protector.
Feelings About Ascension: Building Up
My shield grows sturdier, and my spear sharper. One is an unstoppable force, the other an immovable object... Oh, but... I would never pit these against each other.
Feelings About Ascension: Climax
I learned to wield the spear and shield knowing that I would one day need them, and today I use these skills to protect the village. So perhaps this new strength I now gain in the present is preparing me for trials that lie ahead in the future.
Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion
I am now capable of venturing ahead of you, and fending off all dangers that would seek to come your way. If you trust me, then I invite you to close your eyes and leave the enemies to me.
Receiving a Gift
Receiving a Gift: I
Mmm, absolutely delightful! This must have taken a lot of time and effort.
Receiving a Gift: II
For someone who spends so much time on the road, your cooking tastes so... homely.
Receiving a Gift: III
Maybe my definition of "edible" is a little too old-fashioned...
Source: official HoYoverse Fetter (friendship) voice-lines — Genshin Impact
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Can shield the team via Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum.
- The core mechanic (via Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum) scales with HP — HP% is also an easy-to-find substat, and the character usually comes with high survivability too.
- 4★ (Polearm) — obtainable via the standard wish/banner, no need to pull on a limited banner.
- Since it scales with HP (via Sacred Rite: Heron's Sanctum), it can't share ATK%-geared artifacts with other DPS — needs a separate HP-focused artifact/weapon set.
- The ascension stat is just plain HP% — no built-in CRIT/EM/DMG Bonus advantage like many other characters, everything has to be rolled from scratch on artifacts.
Role Rankings
Machine-classified by scanning mechanic keywords in the OFFICIAL skill text (not another site's opinion ranking). Characters whose weapon type is inherently elemental (e.g. catalysts, bows) may not show "Does this well" for On-Field even if they can still be played on-field — this is a limit of text-based detection.
| Character | Weapon | Artifact Set | Main Stats | Substat Priority | Where To Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CandaceB
|
Option 1
Option 2
|
Sands: Energy Recharge / HP%
Goblet: HP%
Circlet: HP% / CRIT Rate
|
Energy Recharge › HP% › CRIT Rate |
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Full profile
A descendant of King Deshret with an amber left eye. The defender of Aaru Village.
- Affiliation: Aaru Village
- Birthday (day/month): 5/3
- Specialty dish: Utmost Care
- Namecard: Candace: Gray Heron — Namecard style. The burning winds of the past ruffle the heron's feathers, but the bird has eyes only for the morning star at first light.