The landscape of Genshin Impact's meta continues to evolve with each update, and as we move deeper into 2025, the importance of powerful sub-DPS characters has never been more pronounced. These off-field damage dealers form the backbone of many top-tier team compositions, providing consistent elemental application and supplementary damage while your main DPS takes center stage. Let's dive into the most up-to-date Genshin Impact Sub-DPS character ranking for players looking to optimize their teams.
What Makes a Great Sub-DPS Character?
Sub-DPS units excel at dealing significant damage while not actively on the field. They typically deploy skills or bursts that continue to function after switching to another character. The best sub-DPS characters share several key traits:
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Consistent off-field damage output
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Reliable elemental application for reactions
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Energy efficiency and manageable cooldowns
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Synergy with various team compositions
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Scaling potential with constellations and weapons
SS-Tier Sub-DPS Characters
These characters represent the absolute pinnacle of off-field damage dealing in Genshin Impact's current meta.
Emilie
The newest Fontaine addition continues to dominate the sub-DPS meta with her exceptional Hydro application and grouping capabilities. Her Elemental Skill not only deals competitive damage but also generates substantial energy particles, making her burst uptime nearly perfect. As a core member of Freeze teams, she offers flexibility similar to Chevreuse but with greater adaptability.
Nahida
The Dendro Archon maintains her position as one of the game's premier sub-DPS options. Her consistent Dendro application enables powerful reaction-based teams, and her ability to provide Bloom CRITS adds another dimension to her support capabilities. Her recent adjustments in patch 6.2 have only strengthened her position.
Fischl
Despite being one of the game's oldest 4-star characters, Fischl continues to excel in 2025's meta. Her C6 constellation allows Oz to have virtually 100% uptime, providing exceptional Electro application and off-field damage. Her recent synergy with newer characters from Natlan has only expanded her team-building options.
S-Tier Sub-DPS Characters
These characters deliver outstanding off-field performance with minor limitations compared to SS-tier options.
Chiori
Introduced in version 4.5, Chiori has established herself as a premier Geo sub-DPS. Her off-field damage potential is exceptional, and her unique scaling with both DEF and CRIT stats makes her artifact building flexible. Her Elemental Skill provides consistent Geo damage over an extended duration.
Yae Miko
The elegant Electro catalyst user remains a potent off-field damage dealer. Her Elemental Skill deploys three turrets that deal Electro DMG at regular intervals. With her 2023 buffs still in effect, she's become more energy-efficient and easier to play. Her best performance comes in Aggravate teams with Dendro supports.
Xingqiu
The hydro swordsman refuses to leave the meta even in 2025. His rain swords provide both damage reduction and consistent Hydro application, making him invaluable for vaporize and electrocharged teams. His constellations, particularly C2 and C6, continue to provide substantial power spikes.
A-Tier Sub-DPS Characters
These characters remain highly effective sub-DPS options with specific niches or strengths.
Kuki Shinobu
Following her adjustments in version 5.4, Kuki has found her place as both a healer and off-field Electro applicator. Her Elemental Skill provides consistent Electro damage while healing the active character, freeing up a slot that would typically be occupied by a dedicated healer.
Xiangling
The free Pyro polearm user continues to be relevant in 2025's meta. Her Pyronado remains one of the game's most powerful bursts for off-field Pyro application and damage. She performs best when paired with other Pyro units who can battery her high energy requirements.
Kachina
The Natlan bow user introduced in version 5.8 has quickly established herself as a solid Pyro sub-DPS. Her Elemental Burst massively amplifies reaction damage, though its small AoE requires careful positioning. Her constellations significantly boost her performance, with C4 solving most of her energy issues.
B-Tier and Below
Characters like Albedo, Beidou, and Collei still provide valuable off-field damage but with more significant limitations or narrower team building options. They can still perform well in specific compositions or with higher constellation levels.
Building Your Sub-DPS
When building a sub-DPS character, focus on these priorities:
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Energy Recharge - Ensure burst uptime
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CRIT Rate/DMG - Maximize damage potential
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Elemental Mastery - For reaction-based sub-DPS
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ATK%/DEF%/HP% - Based on character scaling
Team Composition Strategies
The most effective teams in Genshin Impact typically feature:
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One main DPS (on-field carry)
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One or two sub-DPS characters
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One or two support/utility characters
Popular combinations include:
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Freeze teams: Cryo main DPS + Hydro sub-DPS + Anemo support
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National team variants: Xiangling + Xingqiu/Yelan + Bennett + flex
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Hyperbloom: Electro sub-DPS + Dendro applicator + Hydro enabler
Conclusion
As Genshin Impact continues to evolve in 2025, sub-DPS characters remain crucial to team building. The meta has shifted to favor characters who can provide both consistent elemental application and significant damage contribution while off-field. When building your teams, consider how your sub-DPS characters synergize with your main carry and support units.
Remember that character preference and playstyle should ultimately guide your choices - even B or C-tier characters can perform exceptionally well with proper investment and team synergy. The Genshin Impact Sub-DPS character ranking provides a guideline, but your enjoyment of a character should always be the priority.
What's your favorite sub-DPS character in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!