Best Catalyst Characters Tier List in Genshin Impact (2026)
Catalyst users deal elemental damage with every attack, making them some of the most consistent element appliers in Genshin Impact. From devastating DPS carries to game-changing supports, this weapon class is packed with must-have characters.
Ranking Methodology
Our tier list weighs damage contribution, team value, meta relevance, and C0 performance with accessible weapons. We consider both Spiral Abyss and general gameplay.
S-Tier: Meta-Defining Catalyst Users
Nahida is the undisputed queen of Dendro. Her skill marks enemies with persistent Dendro application, her burst buffs the entire team based on elemental mastery, and she enables virtually every Dendro reaction team. She’s one of the most universally valuable characters in the game.
Neuvillette brought a new level of power to catalyst DPS. His charged attack becomes a sweeping beam of Hydro devastation that scales off HP and heals him simultaneously. He can practically solo content with minimal team support.
A-Tier: Exceptional Performers
Kokomi serves as a premier healer and Hydro applier who never crits but never dies. Her jellyfish provides sustained healing and Hydro application, making her the backbone of Freeze, Bloom, and comfort teams.
Sucrose is a four-star Anemo grouper who shares elemental mastery with her team. She drives Taser and Bloom compositions effectively and remains one of the best budget alternatives to five-star Anemo characters.
Wanderer offers a unique aerial DPS playstyle with his hovering Elemental Skill. He deals strong Anemo damage while floating above enemies, and can absorb elements for additional effects. He’s flashy, fun, and competitively viable.
B-Tier: Dependable Picks
Yanfei is a ranged Pyro DPS with satisfying charged-attack gameplay. She seals enemies with legal fury and Pyro damage, making her an accessible DPS for players who prefer a safer, long-range approach.
Heizou punches through enemies with Anemo-infused melee attacks despite being a catalyst user. His unique close-range martial arts kit is fun and effective for grouping and dealing quick burst damage.
Barbara provides free, accessible healing through her skill and burst. She’s the first healer most players get, and while she’s outclassed by five-star options, she remains a reliable fallback who can also apply Hydro.
C-Tier: Situational Choices
Lisa has powerful Electro scaling on her held skill but suffers from long cast times and fragility. She has niche value as a DEF shredder with her burst but rarely makes the optimal team roster.
Ningguang can deal solid Geo burst damage and generate crystallize shields. She functions as a budget Geo DPS but lacks the reaction potential and team utility that top-tier characters provide.
Final Thoughts
Catalyst characters excel at consistent elemental application, which is the foundation of Genshin Impact’s reaction-based combat. Nahida and Neuvillette sit comfortably among the best characters in the entire game regardless of weapon type, so they should be priority targets for any account.
