Introduction
Since her initial appearances as a wise and slightly eccentric non-playable character, Cloud Retainer has captivated the hearts of Genshin Impact players worldwide. More than just a crane gliding gracefully through the skies of Liyue, she represents a deep connection to the region’s rich history and a profound sense of mentorship for some of its most beloved characters. Long before she became a summonable entity in the world of Teyvat, fans eagerly awaited the opportunity to harness the power and wisdom of this enigmatic adeptus.
This article delves deep into the world of Cloud Retainer, exploring her compelling background, dissecting her unique abilities and talents, examining the optimal equipment and builds to maximize her potential, and uncovering the most effective team compositions that leverage her distinct skill set. Whether you’re a seasoned Genshin Impact veteran or a newcomer eager to learn about this fascinating character, this guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of Cloud Retainer’s role and impact within the game. Learn how this support unit can be optimized to her full potential!
Lore and Background: A History Etched in the Clouds
Cloud Retainer is not merely an entity that appears on the battlefield. Her story is intrinsically woven into the tapestry of Liyue, the nation steeped in geo energy and ancient traditions. Initially encountered as a voice echoing from her abode in the mountains, players were immediately intrigued by her intelligence and somewhat quirky disposition. It became apparent that this was no ordinary bird; she was an adeptus, a being of immense power and knowledge, who had watched over Liyue for centuries.
Her true form, a majestic crane, embodies grace and longevity, mirroring her role as a protector and mentor. Her dwelling, often referred to as Cloud Retainer’s Abode, is a testament to her inventive nature, filled with intricate mechanisms and wondrous creations. The adepti, beings blessed with extraordinary powers, serve as guardians of Liyue, and Cloud Retainer stands among the most respected and influential of their number.
A critical aspect of Cloud Retainer’s lore is her relationship with Ganyu and Shenhe. She took both women under her wing, essentially adopting them and guiding them on their paths. These relationships reveal a nurturing and caring side to her personality, contrasting with her often-intellectual demeanor. Her dedication to these adopted daughters highlights her capacity for compassion and her commitment to shaping the future of Liyue.
Furthermore, her interactions with the Qixing, the governing body of Liyue, demonstrate her continued involvement in the nation’s affairs. Although she maintains a degree of detachment, she remains a valuable advisor, offering her wisdom and perspective when needed. All these aspects paint a portrait of a character that is far more complex than initially meets the eye.
Of important note is Cloud Retainer’s relationship with Xianyun. The new 5-star character is actually Cloud Retainer’s human form, meaning you can actually use Cloud Retainer and Xianyun together to get the true dual-personality experience.
Abilities and Talents: Mastering the Winds
Cloud Retainer’s abilities are as unique and inventive as her personality. Her skillset focuses on support and crowd control, providing valuable utility to her team. Understanding her talents is crucial to maximizing her effectiveness in combat and exploration.
Her Elemental Skill allows her to summon a platform of wind, launching her and other characters into the air. This ability is invaluable for exploration, allowing players to reach high places and traverse difficult terrain. In combat, it can be used to reposition characters, evade enemy attacks, or set up plunging attacks.
Cloud Retainer’s Elemental Burst unleashes a powerful wave of energy that buffs the attack of the on-field party members by healing them and buffing their attacks. This ability makes her a valuable asset in prolonged fights, providing sustained healing and consistent damage output. The attack buffs will allow you to defeat even the most difficult of bosses.
Her passive talents further enhance her utility. One of her passive talents increases the attack of her party members. Another will increase her own attack. Understanding these talents allows players to strategically utilize her skills and maximize their impact on the battlefield.
When leveling her talents, you should prioritize her Elemental Burst. This will help ensure that her healing output will be strong enough to save the party. Next, focus on her Elemental Skill as her party wide buffs are a great help. Her normal attack talents are far less important, and should be leveled last.
Builds and Equipment: Harnessing Her True Potential
To truly unlock Cloud Retainer’s potential, selecting the right weapons and artifacts is paramount. The optimal build depends on your desired playstyle, whether you want to focus on maximizing her healing or enhancing her support capabilities.
When it comes to weapons, several options stand out. The best in slot weapon choices include weapons that buff her Attack to give her the greatest healing buffs possible. These options will greatly improve her healing output. This is only a recommended weapon though, and other 4 and 5-star weapons will work with Cloud Retainer as well.
Artifacts play a crucial role in shaping Cloud Retainer’s effectiveness. Different artifact sets cater to different playstyles. For a more support-focused approach, you can equip her with artifacts that boost her healing power. This is achieved by providing energy recharge and boosting her attack and attack percentage. Aiming for a main stat of attack and energy recharge will help maximize her utility.
Team Compositions: A Symphony of Synergies
Cloud Retainer truly shines when integrated into a team that complements her abilities. Understanding her synergies with other characters is essential for creating effective and dynamic team compositions. Her supportive nature allows her to seamlessly fit into various team archetypes.
Cloud Retainer’s abilities particularly synergize well with characters who deal high damage with normal attacks. This character type benefits immensely from her attack buffs, resulting in a significant increase in overall damage output. Experimenting with different character pairings is crucial for discovering the optimal team composition for your playstyle.
Examples of strong team compositions include teams focused on the Vaporize, Freeze, and Electro-Charged reactions. These teams benefit from her support and damage amplification, creating a harmonious and powerful synergy. Specific character pairings can further enhance the effectiveness of these teams. With the right team, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Weighing the Scales
Like any character, Cloud Retainer possesses both strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these aspects is crucial for making informed decisions about her role in your team and how to best utilize her abilities.
Her versatility as a support character is one of her greatest strengths. Her ability to heal, buff, and reposition makes her a valuable asset in various situations. She will make her party much more resilient while also buffing their attack values. Her exploration utility is another notable advantage, allowing players to reach previously inaccessible areas.
However, Cloud Retainer is not without her weaknesses. Potential energy recharge issues can limit her ability to consistently use her Elemental Burst. Her effectiveness is also dependent on specific team compositions, requiring careful planning and character selection. By acknowledging these limitations, players can mitigate their impact and maximize her overall performance.
Relative to other support characters, Cloud Retainer does measure up. She provides a unique blend of healing, support, and exploration capabilities that set her apart from many of her peers. However, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a support character for your team.
Tips and Tricks: Mastering the Adepti’s Wisdom
To truly master Cloud Retainer, a few key tips and tricks can greatly enhance her effectiveness in combat and exploration.
During combat, always aim for a rotation that allows the entire party to benefit from her buffs. This requires careful timing and strategic use of her abilities. Another good tip is to be mindful of the terrain. Do not be afraid to use her Elemental Skill for exploration. These tricks can give you the edge you need to succeed in Teyvat.
Players should use her to buff the main damage dealers. With the right buffs in place, you’ll be able to defeat the most difficult of bosses.
Unfortunately, Cloud Retainer is not that strong in the Abyss. This is due to the fact that there are enemies with attacks that bypass shields. If you do take her to the abyss, you need to create a solid rotation and be aware of your energy.
Conclusion: A Crane Soaring Above the Clouds
Cloud Retainer is a character who enriches the world of Genshin Impact. She is a versatile and valuable asset. Her utility and personality make her a fan favorite.
Her ability to buff characters and make it easier to explore the map, sets her apart from other characters in the game. This character will be a great benefit to your roster of characters and will provide a fun and engaging experience. So, try her out and find the best ways to enjoy this Adepti!
