So, you're diving into the world of Genshin Impact and aiming to build a powerful team without relying on character constellations? Awesome! You're in the right place. This Genshin Impact C0 DPS tier list will guide you through the best damage dealers you can snag and effectively use, even at constellation zero (C0). We're talking about characters who can carry your team through the Spiral Abyss and obliterate enemies in the open world, all without needing extra copies of themselves. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the C0 DPS Landscape

Before we jump into the tiers, let's clarify what we mean by C0 DPS. In Genshin Impact, constellations provide significant boosts to a character's abilities. However, not everyone wants to, or can afford to, pull multiple copies of a character. A C0 character is one you have at their base level, with no constellation upgrades. A good C0 DPS character excels at dealing substantial damage without these upgrades, relying on their base kit, talents, and your strategic team compositions. This tier list focuses on characters who shine in this regard, providing excellent damage output with smart play and investment. When assessing the characters, we're looking at factors like their ease of use, damage potential, energy requirements, and how well they fit into various team comps. We also consider how accessible they are to obtain, understanding that some 5-star characters are harder to come by than others. So, whether you're a free-to-play player or just saving your Primogems, this guide is tailored to help you make informed decisions about your team's main damage dealer. Remember, this list is subjective and based on general community consensus and extensive gameplay experience. Your personal experience may vary depending on your playstyle, weapon choices, and artifact luck. However, this should provide a solid starting point for building a formidable C0 DPS team in Genshin Impact.

The Tier List

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Remember that this tier list is subjective and based on a combination of factors, including damage output, ease of use, team synergy, and overall versatility at C0. Things can change with updates and meta shifts, so stay flexible and adapt your strategies!

Tier S: The Absolute Powerhouses

These are the cream of the crop – the characters who bring insane damage to the table even at C0. They often have kits that are complete right out of the box and can fit into a variety of team compositions, making them incredibly valuable assets.

• Hu Tao: This pyro polearm user is a damage dealing machine when built correctly. Her playstyle revolves around managing her HP, which can be a bit risky, but the payoff is immense. At C0, she still deals tons of damage with her charged attacks when her HP is below 50%. Pair her with Xingqiu for vaporize reactions, and you've got a recipe for destruction. Her damage output is so high that she remains a top-tier choice for tackling challenging content. The key to mastering Hu Tao at C0 is understanding her elemental skill, Guide to Afterlife, which converts her attack based on her max HP and infuses her weapon with Pyro. This is where most of her damage comes from, so maximizing her HP and crit stats are crucial. While her C1 allows for more fluid charged attacks, her C0 is more than sufficient for clearing most content. Also, consider her team compositions carefully. Xingqiu is almost a must-have for vaporize, and a shielder like Zhongli can help mitigate the risk of playing with low HP. Experiment with different supports to find the best synergy for your Hu Tao.
• Ganyu: As a cryo bow user, Ganyu's charged attacks are devastating. Her Frostflake Arrows deal massive AoE damage, making her excellent for clearing groups of enemies. At C0, her damage is already outstanding, and she can be used in melt or freeze compositions. Her versatility and sheer power make her a top-tier DPS choice. To fully utilize Ganyu's potential, focus on building her crit rate and crit damage. Her passive talent, Undivided Heart, further enhances her crit rate after firing a Frostflake Arrow, making her even more potent. In terms of team comps, she works well with supports like Xiangling for melt reactions or Mona for freeze comps. Her elemental burst also provides continuous Cryo application, which is beneficial for enabling reactions and controlling the battlefield. While some may argue that her playstyle can be a bit repetitive, the sheer damage output she provides at C0 is undeniable. Ganyu is a reliable and powerful DPS character who can carry your team through various challenges.

Tier A: Excellent Choices

These characters might need a bit more investment or specific team compositions to shine, but they are still fantastic DPS options at C0. They offer strong damage potential and can be very rewarding to play.

• Ayaka: Another cryo sword user, Ayaka boasts high burst damage and excellent mobility. Her alternate sprint allows her to traverse water and apply cryo to enemies. At C0, she can deal significant damage with her elemental burst and infused normal attacks, especially in freeze teams. Her kit is relatively complete at C0, making her a solid choice for players looking for a reliable cryo DPS. To optimize Ayaka's performance, focus on energy recharge and crit stats. Her elemental burst is her primary source of damage, so ensuring she can consistently cast it is crucial. In freeze teams, pair her with characters like Kokomi, Kazuha, and Shenhe for maximum effectiveness. Her alternate sprint can be a bit tricky to get used to, but mastering it will significantly improve her mobility and cryo application. While some may prefer her constellations, Ayaka at C0 is still a formidable DPS character capable of dealing impressive damage in the right team compositions.
• Tartaglia (Childe): This hydro bow user has a unique playstyle, switching between ranged and melee stances. At C0, he can deal substantial hydro damage with his melee stance, especially when paired with characters who can enable vaporize or electro-charged reactions. He requires good team coordination to maximize his potential, but he's a very rewarding DPS to play. His elemental skill, Foul Legacy: Raging Tide, is the core of his damage output, transforming his bow into hydro blades. Managing his cooldown is essential to avoid being stuck in melee stance for too long. To maximize his damage, focus on building his attack, crit rate, and crit damage. Xiangling is an excellent support for enabling vaporize reactions, while Fischl can provide off-field electro application for electro-charged reactions. Childe's unique playstyle may not be for everyone, but those who invest the time to learn him will find him to be a powerful and versatile DPS character at C0.
• Alhaitham: This Dendro sword user is all about spreading Dendro reactions. He's a main DPS who shines in teams built around Catalyze (Quicken, Aggravate, Spread) and other Dendro-related reactions. At C0, Alhaitham has a solid damage output thanks to his mirrors and coordinated attacks. Team him up with Electro and Hydro characters to create a reaction-based team, and watch the enemies melt (or bloom)! Mastering Alhaitham involves understanding how his Chisel-Light Mirrors work. These mirrors are the source of his coordinated attacks and Dendro infusion, so managing them effectively is crucial. To maximize his damage, focus on building his elemental mastery, crit rate, and crit damage. Characters like Raiden Shogun, Yae Miko, and Nahida are excellent supports for enabling Dendro reactions. Alhaitham's playstyle is engaging and rewarding, making him a great choice for players who enjoy reaction-based teams. While his constellations can further enhance his damage, Alhaitham at C0 is already a powerful DPS character capable of dealing impressive damage in the right team compositions.

Tier B: Solid Performers

These characters are reliable and can deal good damage at C0, but they might require more specific setups or have some limitations compared to the higher tiers. Still, they can be very effective with the right investment.

• Yoimiya: As a pyro bow user, Yoimiya excels at single-target damage. Her elemental skill infuses her normal attacks with pyro, allowing her to deal consistent damage. At C0, she can be effective against bosses and single enemies, but she may struggle with AoE situations. Building a team around her that can provide support and additional damage is key to maximizing her potential. Yoimiya's damage comes primarily from her infused normal attacks, so focusing on her attack, crit rate, and crit damage is essential. Characters like Xingqiu, Yelan, and Bennett can provide valuable support and enable vaporize reactions. However, her playstyle can be a bit restrictive, as she requires precise timing and positioning to maximize her damage. While some may find her constellations desirable, Yoimiya at C0 is still a viable DPS character for players who enjoy her unique playstyle and focus on single-target damage.
• Keqing: An electro sword user with fast-paced attacks and high mobility. Keqing can be built for electro damage or physical damage, but electro is generally the preferred route these days. At C0, she's a decent DPS, but she really shines with good artifacts and a team built to support her electro damage. Keqing's versatility and engaging playstyle make her a popular choice among players. Her elemental skill, Stellar Restoration, allows her to teleport and deal electro damage, while her elemental burst provides a burst of AoE damage. To maximize her damage, focus on building her crit rate, crit damage, and electro damage bonus. Characters like Fischl, Bennett, and Kazuha can provide valuable support and enhance her electro damage. While she may not be as powerful as some of the top-tier DPS characters, Keqing at C0 is still a solid performer who can clear content with the right investment and team composition.
• Arataki Itto: This Geo claymore user is a beast when it comes to dealing Geo damage. His playstyle revolves around stacking Superlative Superstrength stacks to unleash powerful charged attacks. At C0, he can still deal significant damage, especially in Geo-centric teams. While he benefits greatly from constellations, he is still a viable option for players who enjoy his unique playstyle and powerful charged attacks. To optimize Itto's performance, focus on building his defense, crit rate, and crit damage. His defense is converted into attack through his elemental skill and burst, making it a crucial stat to prioritize. Characters like Gorou, Albedo, and Zhongli are excellent supports for enhancing his Geo damage and providing defensive buffs. Itto's playstyle is engaging and rewarding, making him a great choice for players who enjoy dealing massive Geo damage.

Honorable Mentions

• Razor: A 4-star electro character who can be a very effective DPS early on and even in the mid-game. He's relatively easy to build and play. Razor's simple playstyle and high physical damage make him a popular choice for new players. His elemental burst enhances his attack speed and electro damage, allowing him to deal consistent damage. While he may fall off in the late game compared to 5-star characters, Razor is still a viable DPS option for players who are just starting out or prefer his straightforward playstyle.
• Yanfei: Another 4-star pyro character who can be a surprisingly strong DPS. She uses catalysts, making her ranged and versatile. Yanfei's ranged attacks and pyro application make her a valuable asset in various team compositions. Her charged attacks deal significant damage, especially when paired with characters who can enable vaporize reactions. While she may require some investment to reach her full potential, Yanfei is a solid DPS option for players who enjoy her playstyle and pyro damage.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a C0 DPS in Genshin Impact really depends on your playstyle, team composition, and what you enjoy playing. All the characters listed above can be effective with the right investment and support. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, having fun is the most important thing! Happy adventuring, and may your pulls be ever in your favor! Ultimately, the best C0 DPS for you will depend on your personal preferences and how well you can integrate them into your existing team. Don't be afraid to try out different characters and experiment with various team compositions to find what works best for you. With the right investment and strategy, any of these characters can be a powerful asset to your Genshin Impact team. And remember, the meta is always evolving, so stay flexible and be prepared to adapt your strategies as new characters and updates are released.