Shikanoin Heizou in Genshin Impact: Best Builds for Weapons and Artifacts, Skills, Talents and Leveling Up

With the 2.8 update in Genshin Impact, a new hero has been introduced — Shikanoin Heizou. This four-star character wields the Anemo (wind) element. In this guide, we will explain how to quickly level up the hero, how to play as him, and in which team he will be most effective.

The first banner featuring this character appeared on July 13, 2022. But at the moment, we do not know when the developers decide to add him to the game again. Stay tuned for news so you don't miss the banner with this hero!

Looking at Shikanoin Heizou, he might seem just a cheerful and unrestrained young man. But in reality, he is the best detective of the Tenryou Commission. He has a sharp mind, impeccable logic, and developed intuition, thanks to which Heizou solves even the most complicated and tangled cases. However, the guy often prioritizes personal interest above the tasks of the commission. Not everyone likes this approach. However, Heizou gets the job done, and that's what matters.

Heizou's main advantage is the ability to apply the Anemo status to several opponents at once. The damage from this element is not high, but in combination with other elements (Pyro, Cryo, Electro, and Hydro), a Swirl reaction occurs, increasing damage to enemies. To inflict injuries on as many opponents as possible at once, use the elemental burst. It will allow you to pull enemies towards each other.

Fudou Style Combat (normal attack). It consists of a series of 5 strikes. Each of them deals Anemo damage. The charged version of this move is stronger than the normal one but consumes stamina. The plunging attack deals AoE damage.

Heartstopper (elemental skill). A powerful punch that causes a gust of wind. If you hold down the button that activates the elemental skill, you will deal additional damage and receive the Deviation effect. It increases the damage of the attack until the next use of the skill. This bonus can stack up to 4 times. At the fourth level, the True Judgement effect occurs, increasing the damage and area of effect of the elemental skill. The cooldown of this ability is 10 seconds.

Hurricane Strike (Elemental Burst). Heizo creates a whirlwind on the battlefield that pulls enemies in and deals Anemo damage. If the enemy is under the effect of another element (Cryo, Electro, Hydro, or Pyro), they will be afflicted with the Eye of the Storm. After a few seconds, it explodes and deals damage of the corresponding element. No more than 4 enemies can be under the effect of the Eye at the same time. The cooldown of the Elemental Burst is 12 seconds.

One of Heizou's passive skills allows him to run longer, which can be useful while traveling through the open world of the game. In addition, he can increase elemental mastery and, consequently, the attack of allied characters in the team.

For a new constellation, you need the Luck of this particular character. To get it, you need to pull the character again during wishes. Below are all the constellation upgrades for the character.

When your character reaches level 20, their progression will halt. To continue developing your hero, you will need the following materials:

Onikabuto beetles can be found in the open world of the game. Refer to our map for guidance.

Vayuda Turquoise slivers, fragments, chunks, and the precious version of this resource drop from the bosses Maguu Kenki, Anemo Hypostasis, and Stormterror. The location of Anemo Hypostasis is indicated on the map.

A Vayuda Turquoise fragment can be crafted from 3 slivers, a chunk from 3 fragments, and the precious turquoise from 3 chunks.

All types of insignias are dropped by Treasure Hoarders. The locations where they can be found are indicated on the map. The Silver Raven Insignia can be made from 3 Treasure Hoarder Insignias, and the Golden Raven Insignia from 3 Silver Raven Insignias.

The Runic Fang is obtained as a reward for defeating the Ruin Serpent.

To level up your hero's talents, you will need the following materials:

Teachings, guides, and philosophies of Transience can be obtained in the Violet Court domain.

The Meaning of Aeons can be found after defeating the boss Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto. The location where it can be found is indicated on the map.

The Crown of Insight is given for participating in various time-limited events. You will receive one such item when you reach level 11 of the Frostbearing Tree.

When choosing a weapon, your main task is to increase damage from Swirl (the combination of the Anemo element with Pyro, Cryo, Electro, or Hydro elements). Therefore, when selecting a weapon, pay close attention to the Elemental Mastery stat.

Mappa Mare

Initially, we recommend choosing the four-star catalyst Mappa Mare. It increases Elemental Mastery by 24-110 units. Upon triggering an elemental reaction, you will receive a bonus to elemental damage of 8-16% of the base, stacking up to two times and lasting for 10 seconds.

Mappa Mare can be crafted. You will need the following resources:

Northlander Catalyst Billet is a reward for defeating Stormterror, Signora, Wolf of the North, Childe, Azhdaha, and Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto. We have dedicated separate guides to the first three, and the locations of the others are indicated on the map.

Crystal Chunks can be found in the open world of the game.

To find White Iron Chunks, refer to our map.

Ceremonial Memories

An alternative weapon choice for Shikanoin is the four-star catalyst Ceremonial Memories. It increases Elemental Mastery by 48-221, and upon hitting an enemy with an elemental skill, it instantly resets the skill's cooldown with a 40-80% chance. The effect can occur once every 30-16 seconds. This weapon can only be obtained through the Divine Ode to the Starlight prayer.

The best artifact set is Viridescent Venerer:

Viridescent Venerer can be obtained in the Valley of Remembrance. We have indicated the location of this domain on the map.

An alternative option is Noblesse Oblige:

Noblesse Oblige can be obtained in the Clear Pool and Mountain Cavern domain. The location is indicated on the map.

Another alternative option is The Exile.

This artifact set is only suitable for those who do not use the Ceremonial Memories weapon.

This set can be found in two domains — Clear Pool and Mountain Cavern and Peak of Vindagnyr. The location of the first site has been indicated on the map above.

Heizou is a hero primarily designed to increase the damage of the main DPS character. Your goal is to achieve the Swirl status, which results from combining Shikanoin's Anemo attacks with the elements of other heroes (Cryo, Hydro, Pyro, or Electro).

Team Composition Focused on Pyro Element:

Attack enemies with the element of the main DPS character, then use the Windblume Ode to gather enemies in one spot and apply the Anemo status. After that, use the Heartstopper Strike active skill. It's recommended to use it four times in a row to achieve the True Heart effect.

While the skill is recharging, switch to another character or use the elemental burst again. Geo characters will allow you to protect yourself from enemy attacks, and healers will help recover lost health.

Team Composition Focused on Cryo:

With this team composition, thanks to the combination of Cryo and Hydro attacks, you can freeze enemies. After that, attack them with the main character and create the Swirl effect using Heizou's elemental skill and burst. Healers will help recover lost health.

Team Composition Focused on Electro:

Barbara or Kokomi, besides providing healing, apply Hydro status to enemies. Electro characters first cause the Overloaded effect, followed by Superconduct. Shikanoin's elemental burst and skill allow for the Swirl reaction, further increasing damage to enemies.