Shenhe
Shenhe is one of the strongest supports for any Cryo main DPS like Ayaka, Ganyu, or Eula, lifting their damage to another level thanks to the flat bonus from her Icy Quill. The key investment is ATK and enough Energy Recharge (~200%) to burst every rotation, since her buffs scale with her ATK. In Freeze teams put her on Blizzard Strayer; otherwise 4pc Noblesse Oblige for the team ATK buff is standard. Without Calamity Queller, the 4-star Favonius Lance or The Catch is already plenty. If you're raising any Cryo DPS, pulling Shenhe is almost always worth it.
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Shenhe Build
Calamity Queller
Favonius Lance
"The Catch"
Engulfing Lightning
Kitain Cross Spear-
4pc
Noblesse Oblige -
4pc
Blizzard Strayer -
2pc+2pc
Noblesse Oblige +
Gladiator's Finale
Priority substats: Energy Recharge › ATK% › CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG
E > Q > NA — the Skill holds most of her buffs so level it first; Burst next for more damage and RES shred.
Teams for Shenhe
Shenhe stamps Icy Quill and shreds RES for Ganyu's Cryo arrows, Kazuha groups enemies, and Kokomi sustains Freeze.
Shenhe directly buffs Cryo damage for Ayaka, while Kokomi and Kazuha keep locking in Freeze very safely.
Shenhe's talents
Dawnstar Piercer
Performs up to 5 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.
Spring Spirit Summoning
Grants all nearby party members the Icy Quill effect and deals Cryo DMG in different ways based on whether it is pressed or held.
Press
Rushes forward together with a Talisman Spirit, dealing Cryo DMG to opponents along the path.
Hold
Commands the Talisman Spirit to deal AoE Cryo DMG.
Icy Quill
When Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks, Elemental Skills, and Elemental Bursts deal Cryo DMG to opponents, the DMG dealt is increased based on Shenhe's current ATK.
The Icy Quill's effects will be cleared once its duration ends or after being triggered a certain number of times. When held rather than pressed, the Icy Quill's effect lasts longer and can be triggered more times.
When one Cryo DMG instance strikes multiple opponents, the effect is triggered multiple times based on the number of opponents hit. The number of times the effect is triggered is calculated independently for each party member with the Icy Quill.
The power of the spirits is no falsehood. Burdened with her orders, the divine maiden hurries on!
Divine Maiden's Deliverance
The Talisman Spirit then creates a field that decreases the Cryo RES and Physical RES of opponents within it. It also deals periodic Cryo DMG to opponents within the field.
The way of the adepti is not defined only by the mysterious and fantastical. Only by observing the changes in the heavens and the earth, and understanding the laws of cause and effect in this realm, may its essence be understood.
Deific Embrace
Spirit Communion Seal
· Press: Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG increased by 15% for 10s.
· Hold: Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack DMG increased by 15% for 15s.
Precise Comings and Goings
Combat Rotation
- Before engaging, use Elemental Skill (hold) to unleash an AoE Cryo attack and grant the whole party the Icy Quill buff (bonus Cryo DMG scaled off Shenhe's ATK) — hold it when setting up off-field for a longer-lasting effect.
- As soon as 80 Energy is available, unleash her Burst, Divine Maiden's Deliverance: it creates a field that lowers enemies' Cryo and Physical RES and deals continuous AoE Cryo DMG for 12 seconds (20s cooldown).
- Immediately switch to your main Cryo or Physical DPS and keep them inside the Burst field to gain an extra 15% Cryo DMG Bonus (Deific Embrace passive).
- Let the main DPS attack continuously (Normal/Charged Attacks or Elemental Skill) for the full 12 seconds to make the most of both the Icy Quill buff and the RES-shred field.
- Once Icy Quill's charges or duration run out, swap back to Shenhe and tap (rather than hold) her Skill if it's off cooldown, instantly boosting the team's next Skill/Burst DMG.
- Repeat the Skill → Burst → DPS loop every 20 seconds once the Burst is off cooldown; make sure Energy Recharge is high enough since the 80-Energy cost is fairly demanding.
- Favor tapping the Skill mid-combat for the immediate Skill/Burst DMG buff to your DPS, and only hold it when setting up buffs off-field for a longer duration.
- Close out the rotation with the main DPS's attacks to spend any remaining Icy Quill triggers before the buff expires.
Shenhe constellations
Spring Spirit Summoning can be used 1 more time.
Divine Maiden's Deliverance lasts for 6 seconds longer. Active characters within the skill's field deal 15% increased Cryo CRIT DMG.
Increases the Level of Spring Spirit Summoning by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
When characters under the effect of Icy Quill applied by Shenhe trigger its DMG Bonus effects, Shenhe will gain a Skyfrost Mantra stack:
· When Shenhe uses Spring Spirit Summoning, she will consume all stacks of Skyfrost Mantra, increasing the DMG of that Spring Spirit Summoning by 5% for each stack consumed.
· Max 50 stacks. Stacks last for 60s.
Increases the Level of Divine Maiden's Deliverance by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
When characters trigger Icy Quill's effects using Normal and Charged Attack DMG, it does not count toward the Trigger Quota.
Base Stats (Lv90)
Character Profile
- Region: Liyue
- Voice Actors: JP 川澄綾子 · EN Chelsea Kwoka · KR Lee Hyeon-jin · CN 秦紫翼
Other Cryo characters
Ascension materials
Total ascension materials to reach level 90 (talent books not included).
Talent scaling by level
Dawnstar Piercer
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hit DMG | 43.3% | 85.5% | 103.6% |
| 2-Hit DMG | 40.2% | 79.6% | 96.4% |
| 3-Hit DMG | 53.3% | 105.4% | 127.7% |
| 4-Hit DMG | 26.3%+26.3% | 52.0%+52.0% | 63.0%+63.0% |
| 5-Hit DMG | 65.6% | 129.7% | 157.2% |
| Charged Attack DMG | 110.7% | 218.8% | 265.1% |
| 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% |
Spring Spirit Summoning
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #Press Skill DMG | 139% | 251% | 296% |
| Hold Skill DMG | 188.8% | 339.8% | 401.2% |
| DMG Bonus | 45.7% ATK | 82.2% ATK | 97.0% ATK |
| #Press/Hold Duration | 10.0s/15.0s | 10.0s/15.0s | 10.0s/15.0s |
| #Press/Hold Trigger Quota | 5/7 | 5/7 | 5/7 |
| #Press CD | 10.0s | 10.0s | 10.0s |
| Hold CD | 15.0s | 15.0s | 15.0s |
Divine Maiden's Deliverance
| Lv 1 | Lv 10 | Lv 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 101% | 181% | 214% |
| RES Decrease | 6.0% | 15.0% | 15.0% |
| DoT | 33.1% | 59.6% | 70.4% |
| Duration | 12.0s | 12.0s | 12.0s |
| CD | 20.0s | 20.0s | 20.0s |
| Energy Cost | 80 | 80 | 80 |
Advanced frame data (official)
Elemental application ICD, gauge units and interruption resistance — official numbers rarely published anywhere.
Dawnstar Piercer
| Hit | Gauge | ICD | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Attack 1-Hit | 1U | 2.5s/3 Hits | 46.08 |
| Normal Attack 2-Hit | 1U | — | 43.44 |
| Normal Attack 3-Hit | 1U | — | 56.31 |
| Normal Attack 4-Hit A | 1U | — | 27.88 |
| Normal Attack 4-Hit B | 1U | — | 27.88 |
| Normal Attack 5-Hit | 1U | — | 73.6 |
| Charged Attack | 1U | 0.5s | 120 |
| Plunging Attack Collision | 0U | — | 25 |
| Low Plunge | 1U | — | 100 |
| High Plunge | 1U | — | 150 |
Spring Spirit Summoning
| Hit | Gauge | ICD | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press DMG | 1U | 0.1s | 100 |
| Hold DMG | 2U | — | 200 |
Divine Maiden's Deliverance
| Hit | Gauge | ICD | Interruption res. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill DMG | 1U | — | 250 |
| DoT | 1U | 2.5s/3 Hits | 50 |
FAQ about Shenhe
What is the best weapon for Shenhe?
How much Mora to max out Shenhe?
What are Shenhe base stats at Lv90?
Voice actors
- 日本語: 川澄綾子
- English: Chelsea Kwoka
- 中文: 秦紫翼
- 한국어: Lee Hyeon-jin
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 Prosperity
×3
Whopperflower Nectar
×6
Guide to Prosperity
×21
Shimmering Nectar
×22
Philosophies of Prosperity
×38
Energy Nectar
×31
Hellfire Butterfly
×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: Jan 4, 2022 · Version 2.4
Voice Lines & Comments
Birthday
I've been told that birthdays are important occasions for most people. They give presents to celebrate the anniversary of the other person's birth. Material possessions aren't really my thing, but... The view of the starry night sky in the mountains is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. I've frozen this lake and turned it into a mirror, so you can appreciate the reflection of the fleeting clouds and distant stars right up close. This is my way of celebrating your birthday... Hope you like it.
Self-Introduction
Hello
My name is Shenhe. I was born fated to bear the curse of calamity, so I am prone to bring harm to the people around me. The adepti urged me to bind my soul with red ropes to keep my homicidal nature at bay. If you are able to walk alongside me without fear... Hah, very well. Now, give me your hand.
About Shenhe: Instinct
For all the training I've had — honing my body and mind, learning the adepti arts — I've mostly been guided by my own instincts. It just comes down to self-preservation. I'm not trying to save the world, so if I wipe out some evil presence and it happens to benefit you, don't thank me. It's just a force of habit.
About Shenhe: Different
If I treat people kindly, they call me an adeptus, and if I put them in their place, they call me a witch. Heh... The one thing you'll never hear them call me is "human." They all seem to agree that I'm fundamentally... different from them.
More About Shenhe: I
Please don't pay any heed to the way most people refer to me. I am not an adeptus, and don't possess any divine abilities. I was born in a branch family of a clan of exorcists, and grew up in the mountains far away from Liyue Harbor. I am but an adeptus' disciple, nothing more, nothing less.
More About Shenhe: II
When faced with delinquents who are just out to cause trouble, most people will try to reason with them. This course of action perplexes me. Removing the root of the problem and disposing of these ill-intentioned fools seems like the obvious course of action. Why do common folks prefer the labor-intensive route?
More About Shenhe: III
I am the apprentice of multiple adepti and have trained alongside them. After a certain point, however, they stopped teaching me new techniques and started focusing on how to control my intense homicidal urges. Oh, don't be nervous... Yes, craters have been left in the ground, and giant trees have been uprooted. But these things only ever happen in the mountains, far away from civilization, and certainly have never affected innocent lives. Besides, I can control myself now.
More About Shenhe: IV
My father's intent was to trade my flesh and blood for my mother's life. After he abandoned me in that cave, I still held out hope that he'd come back to rescue me. One day went by. Then two days, three days... I used every ounce of energy in my body to fight off that monster. But as I collapsed on the ground, I finally realized that the day I was waiting for would never come. To this day, I don't know which one it is... Was I abandoned because I'm cursed, or is it the way I've been treated in life that has cursed me?
More About Shenhe: V
Once, I secretly left the mountain and returned to my childhood village without telling my master. But it was deserted, and my father had long since passed away. I suddenly realized that the bond between my relatives and I had been completely severed. And nothing that I'd ever cared about in the past could ever have a future. Ever since then, I have abandoned everything related to the mortal world... That is, until I met you.
About Us: Manners
I rarely leave the mountains, so I was never taught proper manners. When a conflict arises, I just take care of it the way that comes naturally to me. But if you don't approve of my methods, please do let me know. Even if I don't fully understand your reasoning, I will always defer to you.
About Us: Red Ropes
My master gave me these red ropes in order to restrain my impulses. But during our journey together, I feel I have finally grasped the key to all of this. Somehow, controlling my strength — knowing when to restrain myself, and when to unleash — it comes more naturally to me now. I think that what saves me from myself is not my red ropes... but you. If you understand what that means to me, please stay by my side.
Thoughts About Other Characters
Ningguang
I have no use for the wealth that ordinary people desire. But in the hands of Lady Ningguang, wealth becomes a means of solving complex issues of the kind that no weapons could ever hope to resolve. She understands the unwritten rules of human society, she knows what's in people's hearts... Master once told me that even the adepti aren't able to achieve this. I hold her and her work in high regard.
Beidou
I find I don't need to worry about etiquette with her, and unlike with some people, I don't need to rely on non-verbal cues to discern the true meaning of what she's saying. That makes me a lot more comfortable. The only problem is... Well, there are too many people around her all the time, and I heard there's also many crew members on her ship... I need you to go with me. It's the only way I can cope with so many people.
Yun Jin
Yun Jin performs... It's called "Liyue opera," isn't it? I like this particular type of social interaction. You can get to know about the other person's background without having to actually interact with them one on one. If she ever includes your story in one of her performances, I'm sure the result will end up being quite incredible. I'm looking forward to it.
Ganyu
I've heard many stories about her from my master. She's really quite different from how I originally imagined her... But don't worry, I'll be keeping this to myself. Speaking of Ganyu, her work in Liyue Harbor is unbelievably busy... It seems that there is a price to pay for those who want to integrate into the mortal world.
Chongyun
It's hard for me to believe that... I still have living relatives in this world. If he has any difficulties with his training, I am more than willing to help enlighten him. However, he will need to meet me alone in the mountains. Their family is too... sociable. I wouldn't know how to turn down their invitations without being impolite.
Xingqiu
I've seen him lean over to you and whisper things in your ear. If he dares threaten you, I will make sure he... Hmm? You mean it's just an in-joke between friends? Genuinely...?
Zhongli
That gentleman claims to be a mortal, yet is very familiar with my master, who is an adeptus. Master once said: "If you see him drinking on a stone stool in front of my abode, do not disturb him. Let him sit quietly for a while." And that's precisely what I did.
Baizhu
The quality of his medicinal herbs is as good as it gets, he is also easy-going and considerate of others. By comparison, the little snake on his neck has no filter at all... Haha, don't worry, I didn't lift a finger against it, I won't go as far as getting into a quarrel with a snake.
Hu Tao
I often see her wandering in the woods singing strange songs. Actually, I must have heard all of her songs several times each by now. I'm used to her singing, but I still find it strange. That being said, I don't hate it either.
Xiao
My first impression of him was that he's not one to smile. After meeting him again more recently, however, he's still as reserved as ever, but... he seems a lot more relaxed now. Maybe he... met someone special.
Xianyun
The last time Master and Shuyu came to dine at Wanmin Restaurant, I noticed that Shuyu seemed to have adopted a number of Master's mannerisms. It gave me pause for thought... I grew up under Master's care, too. Is it possible that I have subconsciously picked up a thing or two from her as well...?
Hobbies & Personality
Shenhe's Hobbies
The most important aspect of meditation is stillness. Let go of all agitation, and let the air around you flow into your body. This technique allows me to quickly focus in on myself. I heard from my master that after meditating beyond a certain point, there is no need to adopt the meditation posture anymore. Adepti can meditate even when standing up... I still have much more to improve on.
Shenhe's Troubles
The fear of losing the people most important to me, and the desire to save them... This kind of feeling makes my heart ache, I've never experienced anything like it before. It's a burden, yes, but it's also... something to hold onto.
Favorite Food
I've sampled numerous dishes during my time away from the mountains, but the truth is that I don't really remember how they taste. The only dish I can never forget the flavor of is that bowl of noodles I ate at home, so long ago... I shouldn't have to remember that. Why do I have to remember that?
Least Favorite Food
Chew medicinal herbs for long enough, and you can only taste the bitterness... In all the years I trained under the adepti, I had to abstain from all kinds of things, and to a point, I got used to it. But them... "The common delights of the mortal realm pose no hindrance to the adepti, thus, we may indulge in all manner of dishes as we please"... These are the exact words my master said.
Feelings About Ascension
Feelings About Ascension: Intro
The power I harness... It grows stronger.
Feelings About Ascension: Building Up
If my master were to learn about this, she'd probably have me add some more red ropes...
Feelings About Ascension: Climax
I haven't been training as single-mindedly lately, and yet it's as if I'm growing stronger and stronger without making a conscious effort... I'm left to assume the only way for me to achieve this is by your side.
Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion
I once believed that freeing my mind from all agitation was the only way to overcome. But after everything I've experienced recently, I finally understand... Only when the right things weigh on your mind can the desire to protect awaken inside of you. And that turns your power into something... meaningful.
Receiving a Gift
Receiving a Gift: I
Mmm, this taste... Is it really meant for me?
Receiving a Gift: II
The food you cook is indisputably delicious. I can't refuse it.
Receiving a Gift: III
No matter. I'm used to this kind of flavor, after all.
Source: official HoYoverse Fetter (friendship) voice-lines — Genshin Impact
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Buffs the whole team's DMG/stats via Spirit Communion Seal, with no elemental restriction on party composition.
- The core mechanic (via Spring Spirit Summoning) scales with ATK — the standard stat line on most damage weapons, no build pivot needed.
- Since it scales with ATK (via Spring Spirit Summoning), it competes for high-ATK weapons/ATK% pieces with other ATK-based DPS on the team — no niche-stat advantage.
- The ascension stat is just plain ATK% — no built-in CRIT/EM/DMG Bonus advantage like many other characters, everything has to be rolled from scratch on artifacts.
- 5★ (Polearm) — only available on limited/character-specific banners, not on the standard wish.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ShenheSS
|
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
|
Sands: ATK%
Goblet: ATK%
Circlet: CRIT DMG / ATK%
|
Energy Recharge › ATK% › CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG |
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Full profile
An adepti disciple with a most unusual air about her. Having spent much time cultivating in isolation in Liyue's mountains, she has become every bit as cool and distant as the adepti themselves.
- Affiliation: Cloud Retainer's Abode
- Birthday (day/month): 3/10
- Specialty dish: Heartstring Noodles
- Namecard: Shenhe: Comb — Namecard style. The early onset of white hair is often correlated to one's sorrows. Since "comb" and "scatter" are similarly read in Liyue's language, they believe that combing one's hair is the same as scattering one's misfortunes.
- Outfits (skins): Frostflower Dew