Traveler (Hydro)
★★★★★

Traveler (Hydro)

Hydro Sword Tier B Sub-DPS
Reflects patch 6.7 (2026-07-06) — the meta store re-ranks every patch, never edited by hand.
Is Traveler (Hydro) worth building?

To be honest, Hydro Traveler is the weakest of the Traveler forms — damage isn't great and the playstyle feels clunky — but it still has a niche in Bloom teams or any team that needs cheap Hydro application. Splendor of Tranquil Waters is great if you have it, otherwise a Favonius Sword is fine for a support role. Don't invest heavily expecting a main DPS; treat this as a cheap utility pick for reaction teams.

Building Traveler (Hydro) — just follow the numbers

Traveler (Hydro) Build

Community consensus, patch 6.7 — free-to-play option included
Main & sub stats
SandsATK% / Elemental Mastery
GobletHydro DMG Bonus
CircletCRIT Rate / CRIT DMG

Priority substats: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG › ATK% / Elemental Mastery › Energy Recharge

Talent priority

E > Q — Skill is the main damage and Hydro application source; Normal Attacks aren't needed.

Teams for Traveler (Hydro)

Nilou Bloom
Traveler (Hydro)
Traveler (Hydro)
Nilou
Nilou
Nahida
Nahida
Baizhu
Baizhu

The Traveler keeps applying Hydro to trigger Bloom with Nilou, Nahida strengthens the Bountiful Cores, and Baizhu heals without interrupting the flow.

Vaporize Support
Traveler (Hydro)
Traveler (Hydro)
Xiangling
Xiangling
Bennett
Bennett
Furina
Furina

The Traveler applies Hydro so Xiangling keeps triggering Vaporize, Furina stacks up Salon Solitaire fervor, and Bennett heals and buffs ATK.

Traveler (Hydro)'s talents

Foreign Stream
Normal Attack
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.
Aquacrest Saber
Unleashes a torrent that can cleanse the world.

Press
Sends a Torrent Surge forward that will deal Hydro DMG to opponents it comes into contact with.

Hold
Enter Aiming Mode and constantly fire off Dewdrops in the direction in which you are aiming, dealing Hydro DMG to opponents they hit.
When the skill ends, it will send a Torrent Surge forward that will deal Hydro DMG to opponents it comes into contact with.
Suffusion: When using the Hold configuration of this skill, if the Traveler's HP is higher than 50%, the DMG dealt by Dewdrops will increase based on the Traveler's Max HP, and the Traveler will lose a fixed amount of HP every second.

Arkhe: Pneuma
At certain intervals, after using Torrent Surge, this skill will unleash a Spiritbreath Thorn that pierces opponents, dealing Pneuma-aligned Hydro DMG.

You studied the ripples in the water with Paimon.
Rising Waters
Unleashes a slow-moving floating bubble that deals continuous Hydro DMG to nearby opponents.

You studied the ebb and flow of the tides with Paimon.
Spotless Waters
After the Dewdrop fired by the Hold Mode of the Aquacrest Saber hits an opponent, a Sourcewater Droplet will be generated near to the Traveler. If the Traveler picks it up, they will restore 7% HP.
1 Droplet can be created this way every second, and each use of Aquacrest Saber can create 4 Droplets at most.
Clear Waters
If HP has been consumed via Suffusion while using the Hold Mode Aquacrest Saber, the Torrent Surge at the skill's end will deal Bonus DMG equal to 45% of the total HP the Traveler has consumed in this skill use via Suffusion.
The maximum DMG Bonus that can be gained this way is 5,000.
Foreign Aqualis
Draw new strength from journeys past. For every element you have resonated with, you gain additional buffs.

Additionally, when nearby party members' current HP increases or decreases by 5%, Traveler will receive 1 stack of Blade of Many Waters. You can gain 1 stack of Blade of Many Waters this way once every 4s, max 3 stacks. After obtaining 3 stacks of Blade of Many Waters, performing a Charged Attack will consume all stacks of Blade of Many Waters and transform into the special Charged Attack: Tidebound.

Charged Attack: Tidebound
· Each Charged Attack hit deals increased Hydro DMG. Increase in DMG is equal to 150% of Traveler's ATK,
· When Traveler's HP is no less than 50%, 10% of Traveler's Max HP will be consumed to increase DMG inflicted by each Charged Attack hit by 100% of Traveler's ATK.
· When Traveler's HP is lower than 50%, one instance of healing equal to 25% of Traveler's Max HP will be restored upon hitting an enemy.
· Charged Attack: Tidebound can be triggered up to once every 15s.

Combat Rotation

  1. Stand off-field and quick-tap E (Aquacrest Saber - Press mode) to send a Torrent Surge that deals Hydro DMG and applies Hydro to enemies.
  2. If you need sustained application or extra damage, hold E (Hold mode) for up to 6 seconds to fire continuous Dewdrops; above 50% HP the Suffusion mechanic boosts damage but drains HP over time, so be careful at low HP.
  3. Once you've built up 80 energy, unleash Q (Rising Waters), a slow floating bubble that deals continuous Hydro DMG for 4 seconds, applying Hydro steadily to enemies.
  4. Swap immediately to your main DPS while the Q bubble is still active to trigger elemental reactions (Vaporize/Freeze/Bloom depending on your team).
  5. Let the main DPS attack and use their own skill while E (10s CD) and Q (20s CD) are on cooldown.
  6. Once E is off cooldown, swap back to Traveler-Hydro, tap Press E to reapply Hydro, then swap out again - no need to Hold unless you want extra damage.
  7. Prioritize rotating Q every 20 seconds to keep Hydro application uptime consistent for the whole team.
  8. Avoid holding E for long when your HP is low, since the Suffusion mechanic drains HP over time.

Traveler (Hydro) constellations

C1
Swelling Lake

Picking up a Sourcewater Droplet will restore 2 Energy to the Traveler.
You must first unlock the Ascension Talent "Spotless Waters."

C2
Trickling Purity

The Movement SPD of Rising Waters' bubble will be decreased by 30%, and its duration increased by 3s.

C3
Turbulent Ripples

Increases the Level of Aquacrest Saber by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.

C4
Pouring Descent

When using Aquacrest Saber, an Aquacrest Aegis that can absorb 10% of the Traveler's Max HP in DMG will be created and will absorb Hydro DMG with 250% effectiveness. It will persist until the Traveler finishes using the skill.
Once every 2s, after a Dewdrop hits an opponent, if the Traveler is being protected by Aquacrest Aegis, the DMG Absorption of the Aegis will be restored to 10% of the Traveler's Max HP. If the Traveler is not presently being protected by an Aegis, one will be redeployed.

C5
Churning Whirlpool

Increases the Level of Rising Waters by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.

C6
Tides of Justice

When the Traveler picks up a Sourcewater Droplet, they will restore HP to a nearby party member with the lowest remaining HP percentage based on 6% of said member's Max HP.

Compare all 6 constellations of Traveler (Hydro) side by side →

Base Stats (Lv90)

HP
10,875
ATK
212
DEF
683
Ascension Stat
ATK 24%

Character Profile

  • Voice Actors: JP 堀江瞬 & 古賀葵 · EN Zach Aguilar & Various Artists · KR Lee Kyeong-tae & Kim Ka-ryoung · CN 鹿喑 & 多多poi

Other Hydro characters

Ascension materials

Total ascension materials to reach level 90 (talent books not included).

FAQ about Traveler (Hydro)

What is the best weapon for Traveler (Hydro)?
Go with Splendor of Tranquil Waters. See the Build section above for full alternatives.
What are Traveler (Hydro) base stats at Lv90?
See the Base stats (Lv90) table on this page — numbers straight from the developer.

Wish banner history

The Traveler is the player's default character and does not appear on limited Wish banners.

See the full Genshin Impact banner history

Release date

Released: Jul 23, 2023

The exact release version could not be confirmed.

See the Genshin Impact version history

Voice Lines & Comments

Official HoYoverse Fetter voice-lines — the character introducing themselves, commenting on allies, sharing likes and their birthday.

Thoughts About Other Characters

Bennett

Traveler: I've heard that Albert, being the leader of Barbara's fan club... Traveler: ...Sometimes gets bumps and bruises on purpose so he can go to the Cathedral to see her. Paimon: Paimon feels the Knights of Favonius should keep a closer watch on weirdos like that. Traveler: But it seems that a month later, Albert discovered that Bennett was managing to see Barbara far more than he was. Traveler: Well... Bennett does have the natural advantage when it comes to getting injured, after all. Paimon: What is this, a "let's bother Barbara" contest?

Razor

Paimon: Traveler, you know what a brush is, right? Traveler: Of course! Kinda like pens but with animal hair at one end for calligraphy, right? Paimon: That's correct! They say that finely-made brushes sell for high prices among Liyue's merchants! Traveler: So, would you like to make some too? Paimon: Uh-huh! But wild wolves are too fierce, so we should use Razor's fur to make brushes instead! Paimon: Razor's fur is all downy and soft. It'll definitely make great wolf-fur brushes! We could make lots of Mora like this! Traveler: Brushes made like that would conduct electricity. I'm not sure we could use them. Traveler: Besides, Razor isn't a wolf, nor are wolf-fur brushes made from actual wolves' fur... Paimon: Huh? Why are they called wolf-fur brushes, then? Traveler: Well, does Cider Lake look like it's full of cider to you? Paimon: Hmm. You have a point.

Klee

Paimon: Klee's a really interesting kid. Paimon: All the Knights seem to like her a lot, too. You could even say they spoil her. Traveler: I wonder who makes the better mascot: Paimon or Klee? Traveler: Oh wait, I forgot. Paimon's not a mascot, Paimon's emergency— Paimon: Hey! Paimon knows exactly what you're going to say. That joke stopped being funny a long time ago.

Fischl

Paimon: Fischl makes a very unique impression, doesn't she? Traveler: How so? Paimon: Well, she travels together with a talking raven, for starters. Traveler: Well, I'm traveling with you. It's not all that different. Traveler: Still, Oz can also translate for Fischl. You, on the other hand... Paimon: What!? Paimon's way better than some bird! Traveler: Haha, how so? Paimon: Well, um... uh... at least Paimon doesn't need wings to fly!

Beidou

Paimon: How do you become as popular and cool as Captain Beidou? Traveler: With enough experience...? Paimon: Paimon's already seen lots of things from adventuring together with you! Traveler: One also needs to experience trials and setbacks... Paimon: Paimon almost drowned that one time... Traveler: ...Maintain an inspirational disposition... Paimon: Uh-huh! Paimon's always rooted for you! Traveler: One must also have a... mature outlook towards problems. Paimon: Hey! Are you just trying to say that Paimon can't make it?

Ningguang

Paimon: How does a person become as rich... no, as super rich as Lady Ningguang? Traveler: Is that the only impression she gives you? Riches? Paimon: Well, there's the huge Jade Chamber, too! But isn't that also made of Mora? Traveler: Well, you need an excellent mind... Paimon: Well... Paimon's really good at giving people nicknames! Traveler: You need to be very familiar with the workings of the markets... Paimon: A serving of Fisherman's Toast goes for 1,025 Mora, and no discounts — even on rainy days. Traveler: You also need to be willing to work really hard... Paimon: Okay then... so, how do you make friends with a really rich person? Traveler: Wait, you're giving up already!?

Gorou

Paimon: Hmm... Traveler: What are you mulling over, Paimon? Paimon: Traveler, do you remember Gorou's fluffy ears? Paimon: Paimon really wants something like that... Or maybe horns similar to the ones Ganyu has. Ganyu's horns are pretty cute as well. Paimon: Traveler, do you have any ideas? Traveler: Let me see, hmm... Oh, I found something! Paimon: Really? Aw, Traveler, Paimon always knew you were reliable! Traveler: Ta-da! I present to you the Tusk of Monoceros Caeli! Paimon: Paimon doesn't need that! Paimon: *sigh* If Paimon can't have Gorou's fluffy ears, then maybe at least something like his fluffy tail... Traveler: Bubadada! Here you go — Tail of Boreas! Paimon: ...Not that! Also, combining those two is definitely not the look Paimon is going for!

Kaedehara Kazuha

Paimon: Kazuha is a free spirit, wouldn't you say? Traveler: Yeah, he seems to be a bit of a loner too. Paimon: Being able to explore the world at his leisure while savoring the beauty of everything around him. That doesn't sound too shabby... Paimon: Traveler, you aren't thinking of sneaking off to go on a solo adventure, right? Traveler: Aw, I would never leave you, Paimon. Paimon: Paimon's really happy to hear that. Here... Hee—hee, have this... Traveler: Monthly food expenses... 300,000 Mora!? Paimon: Hey! Wait! Traveler, Where are you going? Traveler: I suddenly feel like going solo. Maybe it's not a bad idea after all. Paimon: Please don't go! Wait for Paimon!

Kamisato Ayaka

Paimon: Hmmm... Traveler: Paimon, you look so serious today. Paimon: That's because Paimon's thinking about serious things. Paimon: Paimon's jealous of people from wealthy and influential families. They have an endless supply of Mora and mountains of delicious food to eat... Traveler: I can't disagree. Those are exactly the things you're fond of. Paimon: But after getting to know Ayaka better, Paimon realized that a young lady from a noble family can also have her share of hardships. Paimon: She needs to shoulder her clan's duties and responsibilities. She works so hard and has very little time for herself. Paimon: Ayaka must be exhausted, she should try to relax a bit... Paimon: Ah, that's right! Let's invite Ayaka to the next festival! Paimon: If she got an invite from us, there's no way she'd refuse. Traveler: Yeah, I'd like to go to another festival with her. Paimon: Besides, if Ayaka's around, she can pick up the tab for us... Traveler: ...I should've seen that coming...

Yoimiya

Paimon: Do you think Yoimiya's dad's poor hearing is related to fireworks? Paimon: He's been making and testing fireworks for many years now, and being exposed to the sound of gunpowder explosions on a daily basis... Paimon can see how that might've worn down his ears... Paimon: Yikes! Since Yoimiya is inheriting her family business, does that mean she'll have trouble hearing other people in the future, just like her dad? Paimon: Paimon won't let that happen! Let's think of some way to help her! Traveler: Do you have any suggestions, Paimon? Paimon: Uh... Um... Paimon: Paimon could follow Yoimiya around and cover her ears whenever needed... Traveler: Then you'd need to leave me. Paimon: ...Without Paimon, you'd lose your guide. Paimon wouldn't leave you like that! Paimon: But... What should we do for Yoimiya... Traveler: Actually, she can simply wear earplugs while working with fireworks. Paimon: Oh yeah! Paimon didn't think of that solution! You're so smart! Traveler: Heh... That was the first thing that came to my mind, but I wanted to give you an opportunity for a mental workout. Paimon: Eh? So you knew this whole time, but didn't tell Paimon? Paimon: How could you! You bully!

Sangonomiya Kokomi

Paimon: Did you know, Traveler? That Sangonomiya Kokomi, she's Watatsumi Island's Divine Priestess. Paimon: In other words, she's the ruler of Watatsumi Island! The whole of Watatsumi Island is controlled by her. Paimon: Paimon also wants to become a big shot like her... Traveler: What will you do after you become a big shot? Paimon: Then, Paimon will deliver justice. For example... Ahem. Paimon: The suspect in question, known as the Traveler, ate two Dango for lunch and only gave one to the victim, Paimon. This is a serious violation of article thirty seven, "Fairness and Justice," of the "Paimon Decree." Traveler: Oh... may I ask how Your Excellency Paimon plans to resolve this issue? Paimon: Of course. As compensation for your wrongdoings, you will have to make even more Dango for Paimon, hee-hee!

Source: official HoYoverse Fetter (friendship) voice-lines — Genshin Impact

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths
  • Can restore HP for the team via Spotless Waters.
  • The core mechanic (via Aquacrest Saber) scales with HP — HP% is also an easy-to-find substat, and the character usually comes with high survivability too.
Weaknesses
  • Since it scales with HP (via Aquacrest Saber), it can't share ATK%-geared artifacts with other DPS — needs a separate HP-focused artifact/weapon set.
  • 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★ (Sword) — only available on limited/character-specific banners, not on the standard wish.

Role Rankings

Auto-assessed from the OFFICIAL skill descriptions — not copied from any other site's tier list.
On-Field DPS
Not this character's job
Scanned 6 skills — no sign of this role in the official skill text.
Off-Field DPS
Not this character's job
Scanned 6 skills — no sign of this role in the official skill text.
Support
Not this character's job
Scanned 6 skills — no sign of this role in the official skill text.
Exploration
Not this character's job
Scanned 6 skills — no sign of this role in the official skill text.

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.

1 / 1 characters
No character matches your search.
Character Weapon Artifact Set Main Stats Substat Priority Where To Farm
Traveler (Hydro)B
Option 1
Option 2
Sands: ATK% / Elemental Mastery
Goblet: Hydro DMG Bonus
Circlet: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG
CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG › ATK% / Elemental Mastery › Energy Recharge
Up next for you…

Full profile

A traveler from another world who had their only kin taken away, forcing them to embark on a journey to find The Seven.

  • Birthday (day/month): 0/0
Tap the wrong field…