Hu Tao: Complete Gameplay and Build Guide

Hu Tao is one of the strongest single-target Pyro DPS characters in Genshin Impact, known for her high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Using her HP-consuming skill to enter the Paramita Papilio state, she converts her attacks into powerful Pyro strikes that scale heavily with Max HP. When paired with Vaporize reactions, Hu Tao delivers some of the highest damage numbers in the game.

Core Playstyle

Hu Tao relies on controlled HP management. Her Elemental Skill reduces her current HP to increase her attack power, enabling her to unleash extremely powerful charged attacks. The key to mastering Hu Tao is maintaining low HP while staying alive, using proper dodging, shields or invincibility frames to avoid fatal damage. Her gameplay revolves around weaving charged attacks, applying Pyro consistently and triggering Vaporize with a fast Hydro applier.

Best Weapons

Staff of Homa is Hu Tao’s signature weapon, perfectly matching her HP-scaling kit and giving huge Crit Damage. Dragon’s Bane is a strong 4-star option that benefits reaction-focused builds. Deathmatch provides Crit Rate for consistency, while Blackcliff Pole offers solid Crit Damage if stacks are maintained. For free-to-play players, White Tassel remains a surprisingly effective budget choice due to its high charged attack speed synergy.

Best Artifact Sets

The most effective artifact setup is 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames, maximizing her Vaporize and Pyro DoT damage. Another competitive option is 2-piece Crimson Witch + 2-piece HP or EM, depending on your build. Recommended main stats are HP% or EM on Sands, Pyro DMG Bonus on Goblet and Crit Damage or Crit Rate on Circlet. Substats should prioritize Crit, HP% and Elemental Mastery.

Team Compositions

Hu Tao shines in Vaporize teams. The ideal Hydro partners are Xingqiu and Yelan, whose off-field Hydro application aligns perfectly with her charged attacks. Adding Zhongli provides shielding, resistance shredding and comfort for low-HP gameplay. Alternatively, Anemo supports like Kazuha or Sucrose amplify her Pyro damage through Viridescent Venerer shred and EM boosts.

Double Hydro teams allow Hu Tao to focus fully on optimized charged attacks, while single Hydro plus Anemo provides strong swirl-driven utility. Hu Tao rarely needs Bennett, since she cannot benefit from large Attack boosts while using her HP-scaling state.

Optimal Rotation

A standard Hu Tao rotation focuses on maximizing her Paramita Papilio window. Start with Hydro support skills, activate Hu Tao’s Skill to enter her Pyro state, then perform charged attack chains while maintaining stamina for dodging. Trigger Vaporize on every charged attack for maximum damage. Finish with her Burst when she is at low HP to benefit from the bonus scaling and self-healing utility.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Hu Tao excels at single-target damage, making her a top performer in Abyss boss floors. Her high scaling, strong internal buffs and reaction consistency allow her to deal massive DPS even with moderate investment. However, her low-HP playstyle requires careful positioning and awareness. Against enemies with erratic movement or interruption, she benefits greatly from shields and grouping supports.

Conclusion

Hu Tao remains one of the most powerful Pyro DPS characters in Genshin Impact. Her charged attack-focused playstyle, HP-scaling mechanics and reaction-driven rotations create unmatched single-target burst potential. With proper Hydro support, strong weapon choices and well-optimized artifacts, Hu Tao consistently delivers top-tier performance in all combat scenarios.