Kaeya
Kaeya is a free story character, best as a Cryo enabler for Freeze teams rather than a main carry. He isn't top tier, so don't over-invest: a Favonius Sword to ease the team's energy, or a Sacrificial Sword for extra Cryo application, is plenty. Get enough Energy Recharge to burst on cooldown first, then crit, and 4pc Blizzard Strayer is the easiest set for a Freeze comp. A great early-game stopgap that you'll eventually swap for a stronger Cryo unit.
Ranking & buildright on this page
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Kaeya Build
Mistsplitter Reforged
Primordial Jade Cutter
Favonius Sword
Lion's Roar
Sacrificial Sword-
4pc
Blizzard Strayer -
4pc
Emblem of Severed Fate -
4pc
Gilded Dreams
Priority substats: Energy Recharge › CRIT DMG / CRIT Rate › ATK%
Q > E > NA — Burst is his main Cryo application and damage, Skill next, Normal Attacks nearly skippable in a support role.
Teams for Kaeya
Ayaka acts as the main Cryo DPS, Kaeya and Shenhe apply Cryo and buffs, and Kokomi keeps enemies wet to sustain the Freeze.
Bennett lays down a Pyro base, Kaeya applies Cryo to trigger big Reverse Melt damage, and Rosaria and Kazuha add extra buffs.
Kaeya's talents
Ceremonial Bladework
Performs up to 5 rapid strikes.
Charged Attack
Consumes a certain amount of Stamina to unleash 2 rapid sword strikes.
Plunging Attack
Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.
Frostgnaw
Kaeya seems affable, but his nature is that of unyielding ice.
Glacial Waltz
These icicles will follow the character around and deal Cryo DMG to opponents in their path for the ability's duration.
A winsome smile, genial words, and the merciless hoarfrost that lies beneath... These are all Kaeya's weapons.
Cold-Blooded Strike
Glacial Heart
Frostgnaw may only produce a maximum of 2 additional Elemental Particles per use.
Hidden Strength
Not stackable with Passive Talents that provide the exact same effects.
Combat Rotation
- Open with Frostgnaw (E) to apply Cryo DMG to the frontline and tag enemies for reactions.
- Fire off a few Normal Attacks to gather Elemental Particles and build Energy toward the 60-cost Burst.
- When Energy hits 60, unleash Glacial Waltz (Q): three orbiting icicles deal continuous Cryo DMG for 8 seconds.
- Swap to the main DPS while the icicles are still active so they can trigger Melt, Superconduct, or Freeze off Kaeya's Cryo application.
- Re-cast Frostgnaw as soon as its 6-second cooldown is up whenever you rotate back to Kaeya, keeping constant Cryo uptime.
- Repeat the Frostgnaw-into-swap loop between allies' cooldowns; recharge Energy for the next Glacial Waltz off Frostgnaw's frequent hits and particle drops.
Kaeya constellations
The CRIT Rate of Kaeya's Normal and Charge Attacks against opponents affected by Cryo is increased by 15%.
While Glacial Waltz is in effect, for each opponent defeated, its duration is increased by 2.5s, up to a maximum of 15s.
Increases the Level of Frostgnaw by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
Triggers automatically when Kaeya's HP falls below 20%:
Creates a shield that absorbs damage equal to 30% of Kaeya's Max HP. Lasts for 20s.
This shield absorbs Cryo DMG with 250% efficiency.
Can only occur once every 60s.
Increases the Level of Glacial Waltz by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
Glacial Waltz will generate 1 additional icicle, and will regenerate 15 Energy when cast.
Base Stats (Lv90)
Character Profile
- Region: Mondstadt
- Voice Actors: JP 鳥海浩輔 · EN Josey Montana McCoy · KR Jung Joo-won · CN 孙晔
Other Cryo characters
Ascension materials
Total ascension materials to reach level 90 (talent books not included).
Talent scaling by level
Ceremonial Bladework
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hit DMG | 53.8% | 106% | 135% |
| 2-Hit DMG | 51.7% | 102% | 130% |
| 3-Hit DMG | 65.3% | 129% | 164% |
| 4-Hit DMG | 70.9% | 140% | 178% |
| 5-Hit DMG | 88.2% | 174% | 222% |
| Charged Attack DMG | 55.0%+73.1% | 109%+145% | 138%+184% |
| Charged Attack Stamina Cost | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Plunge DMG | 63.9% | 126.4% | 153.1% |
| Low/High Plunge DMG | 128%/160% | 253%/316% | 306%/382% |
Frostgnaw
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 191% | 344% | 406% |
| CD | 6.0s | 6.0s | 6.0s |
Glacial Waltz
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 77.6% | 140% | 165% |
| CD | 15.0s | 15.0s | 15.0s |
| Duration | 8.0s | 8.0s | 8.0s |
| Energy Cost | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Advanced frame data (official)
Elemental application ICD, gauge units and interruption resistance — official numbers rarely published anywhere.
Ceremonial Bladework
| Hit | Gauge | ICD | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Attack 1-Hit | 1U | 2.5s/3 Hits | 27.3 |
| Normal Attack 2-Hit | 1U | — | 23.4 |
| Normal Attack 3-Hit | 1U | — | 44.1 |
| Normal Attack 4-Hit | 1U | — | 56.7 |
| Normal Attack 5-Hit | 1U | — | 110.6 |
| Charged Attack 1-Hit | 1U | — | 45 |
| Charged Attack 2-Hit | 1U | — | 45 |
| Plunging Attack Collision | 0U | — | 25 |
| Low Plunge | 1U | — | 100 |
| High Plunge | 1U | — | 150 |
Frostgnaw
| Hit | Gauge | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 2U | 140 |
| Skill DMG (Against Water) | 4U | — |
Glacial Waltz
| Hit | Gauge | ICD | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activation Knockback | — | — | 400 |
| Skill DMG | 1U | 2.5s/3 Hits | 25 |
FAQ about Kaeya
What is the best weapon for Kaeya?
How much Mora to max out Kaeya?
What are Kaeya base stats at Lv90?
Voice actors
- 日本語: 鳥海浩輔
- English: Josey Montana McCoy
- 中文: 孙晔
- 한국어: Jung Joo-won
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 Ballad
×3
Treasure Hoarder Insignia
×6
Guide to Ballad
×21
Silver Raven Insignia
×22
Philosophies of Ballad
×38
Golden Raven Insignia
×31
Spirit Locket of Boreas
×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
Based on recorded banner data, this character has never been rate-up featured on a limited wish banner.
Release date
Released: Sep 27, 2020 · Version 1.0
Voice Lines & Comments
Birthday
Today is a day worth celebrating, I hope this day can bring you true happiness.
Self-Introduction
Hello
Kaeya, Knight of Favonius. Please allow me to join you on your journey. Guarding you on your journey sounds far more entertaining than any of the usual Favonius stuff.
About Kaeya
Is the Abyss Order causing you trouble? If there's anything bothering you, you know you can talk to me.
More About Kaeya: I
The title of Cavalry Captain is nothing to get excited about. Now that I think about it, the Grand Master took all the cavalry from Mondstadt so there's none left for me to captain...
More About Kaeya: II
There are a total of ten captains within the Knights of Favonius. But truth be told, not all of them have what it takes to be leaders.
More About Kaeya: III
My eye? My eye is fine. There's nothing unusual about hiding one's body parts from view. It's the same reason I wear pants... or any other item of clothing, for that matter.
More About Kaeya: IV
Khaenri'ah, huh? You sure know a lot! The legacy of Khaenri'ah is long gone. The sinners are all that's left, and they're not worth mentioning.
More About Kaeya: V
I didn't realize we'd known each other for so long now. Time flies! You know, following you on your journey might just be the most fun I've had in my whole life. I hope it stays that way.
About Us: Employment Relationship
If you ever need me, let me know. Let's not make this a transaction relationship.
About Us: Strength
Oh? Well, if you're concerned about keeping things professional, maybe you can find more use for me on the front lines. How 'bout it, boss? Haha, just don't feel intimidated by what I can do.
Thoughts About Other Characters
Jean
What? The Acting Grand Master? You need to give her your full support.
Lisa
Oh Lisa. Hmm... You'd better not forget to return your books on time. I made that mistake once and boy was she angry. My arm is still numb from last time...
Amber
That Outrider is a clever and righteous knight. Be careful not to step out of line in front of her.
Diluc
Diluc? He was cute as a young lad. But nowadays he just seems to be in a world of his own... Overall, not much fun to hang out with.
Klee
Klee. Seems she has failed to elude the Acting Grand Master's investigative skills, despite the pointers I gave her... Haha, I'm kidding, no need to go reporting me or anything.
Albedo
Albedo, eh? Calm, collected, and incredibly talented. He's the type everybody likes, some even more so than others. What, you into him as well?
Diona
Have you tried one of Diona's drinks? Oh right, you're still underage. Haha, such a shame, it truly is — to not be able to revel with you in such bliss. Hehe, I guess all we can do is wait for you to be old enough.
Varka
Now that you mention him, it is a shame there is no one in the Knights of Favonius to inherit the Grand Master's approach to his work. *sigh* I must say I really do appreciate people like him.
Fischl
Hmm? You think Fischl having one eye covered is very fitting given her title of Prinzessin der Verurteilung. Hahaha, if that's the case, that must also make me a descendant of some kind of former royal lineage, no?
Noelle
I was entrusted by the Acting Grand Master to work in the background to support Noelle. But there hasn't been much for me to concern myself with — she has a good head on her shoulders. Quite the relief.
Rosaria
Ahaha, you want to know about the secrets of Sister Rosaria? That... I cannot tell you. Though my impression of her is not bad — certainly better than a certain someone whose name I won't bother to mention. She's honest with herself. She casts off that which she has no time for and she doesn't feign motivation for affairs that do not interest her.
Sucrose
Sucrose may not be much of an extrovert in public, but as they say — it's always the quiet ones... Apparently, her laboratory is home to quite the eclectic range of implements and her experiments are more than just intellectually stimulating... All hearsay, of course. You don't seriously think I would go snooping around a fair lady's private quarters, do you?
Collei
Oh, Collei? Oho, now there's a name I haven't heard in a while... You came to the right person! Let me tell you her whole story, starting right from the very beginning, with all the delicious details!
Mika
When I first met Mika, he seemed like the nervous type, so I decided to joke around with him a little. I didn't count on that making him even more nervous... His smile looked as if it were plastered onto his face, and in the end, he even wrote me a letter of apology. Tsk-tsk. Does taking everything so seriously run in the Schmidts' blood?
Dahlia
Do you know if he drinks a lot of wine as part of church ceremonies? Because his alcohol tolerance is through the steeple. The first time we got to know each other was when I lost to him in a drinking contest. Well, the Anemo Archon loves his wine, so it's fitting that his spokesperson is such a devoted advocate for the wonders of alcohol... Things like that are what give the City of Freedom its charm.
Lohen
That Lohen kid hasn't come to me for a forged signature in a while. I wonder if he's already mastered the art? He's certainly smart enough... Give it a while, and I'll write him a letter in the Grand Master's handwriting. Then we'll see how much he's learned...
Hobbies & Personality
Kaeya's Hobbies
Wine tasting is an art form. Mondstadt's wine is a gift from the Anemo Archon. It's only right that one should learn how to appreciate it.
Kaeya's Troubles
Lonely? Me? Not with someone here nagging me all the time, that's for sure.
Favorite Food
Sparkling wine is a specialty of Mondstadt. Mix it with three parts Dandelion Wine and the bitterness disappears completely. This concoction is known as "Death After Noon." Delectable.
Least Favorite Food
I can't believe that some people actually drink grape juice... If they had a little more patience, they would find it ferments into the most exquisite wine. Hmph. So unromantic.
Feelings About Ascension
Feelings About Ascension: Intro
Hmm. Not bad.
Feelings About Ascension: Building Up
You always seem to be around to give me a hand. Thanks.
Feelings About Ascension: Climax
Hmm, seems I'm getting stronger. I say, how is it you seem happier than me about it?
Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion
We were just traveling partners. I never thought I'd have you to thank for getting me to this point. Seems I really should respond in kind. Let us carry on, partner. The road ahead is still long.
Receiving a Gift
Receiving a Gift: I
Ho! This is quite exceptional... You are full of surprises.
Receiving a Gift: II
You should serve this with wine, it would really add the finishing touch.
Receiving a Gift: III
Ew... *Ahem* I'm just a slow eater... I'll finish it, don't worry.
Source: official HoYoverse Fetter (friendship) voice-lines — Genshin Impact
Strengths & Weaknesses
- At Lv90, Kaeya already gets +26,7% Energy Recharge baked into the ascension stat line — no artifacts needed for this part.
- Can shield the team via Frozen Kiss.
- The core mechanic (via Cold-Blooded Strike) scales with ATK — the standard stat line on most damage weapons, no build pivot needed.
- 4★ (Sword) — obtainable via the standard wish/banner, no need to pull on a limited banner.
- Since it scales with ATK (via Cold-Blooded Strike), it competes for high-ATK weapons/ATK% pieces with other ATK-based DPS on the team — no niche-stat advantage.
- The ascension stat isn't CRIT Rate/DMG — this kit isn't built to carry the team's main damage, fitting a support/sub-DPS role better than a main carry.
- The Frozen Kiss mechanic only triggers once the character's own HP drops below a certain threshold — you must risk low HP to get the effect.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
KaeyaB
|
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
|
Sands: Energy Recharge / ATK%
Goblet: Cryo DMG Bonus
Circlet: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG
|
Energy Recharge › CRIT DMG / CRIT Rate › ATK% |
Tier List→
Teams→
Full profile
An accomplished swordsman and a strategic thinker in the Knights of Favonius, rumored to hail from beyond Mondstadt.
- Affiliation: Knights of Favonius
- Birthday (day/month): 11/30
- Specialty dish: Fruity Skewers
- Namecard: Kaeya: Pavo Ocellus — Namecard style. The pattern of peacock feathers resembles eyes that never shut. Can we really say that this Pavo Ocellus is missing an eye...?
- Outfits (skins): Sailwind Shadow