In *Genshin Impact*, Bennett has long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and powerful characters available since the game's inception. His utility in various team compositions has made him indispensable for many players. However, with the introduction of Iansan in Version 5.5, launching on March 26, many are wondering if she could be the new "Bennett replacement." Let's delve into how Iansan's abilities stack up against Bennett's and whether she truly stands as a viable alternative.
How Does Iansan’s Kit Compare to Bennett’s in Genshin Impact?
Iansan, hailing from Natlan, serves primarily as a support character, much like Bennett, focusing on providing damage buffs and healing. Her Elemental Burst, "The Three Principles of Power," is central to her support role, akin to Bennett's burst. However, Iansan's approach differs significantly. Instead of a static field, she summons a Kinetic Energy Scale that follows the active character, boosting their ATK based on her Nightsoul Points.
The effectiveness of Iansan's ATK bonus depends on her Nightsoul Points. If she has fewer than 42 out of a maximum of 54, the bonus scales with both her Nightsoul Points and her ATK. Above 42 points, the bonus scales solely off her ATK, emphasizing the need for an ATK-focused build. Additionally, the Kinetic Scale encourages movement, as it logs distance traveled and restores Nightsoul Points accordingly.
When it comes to healing, Bennett outshines Iansan by a wide margin, capable of restoring up to 70% of the active character's HP within his field. Iansan also heals, but less effectively and cannot heal herself, unlike Bennett. Moreover, while Bennett at C6 can infuse Pyro into the active character's Normal Attacks, Iansan lacks any form of elemental infusion, which could be a disadvantage depending on your team composition.
For exploration, Iansan offers unique advantages. She can use Nightsoul Points to sprint and jump longer distances without consuming stamina, providing a different dynamic than Bennett, who remains the better choice for Pyro teams due to Elemental Resonance granting a +25% ATK buff and Pyro infusion.
Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?
Iansan can be seen as Bennett's counterpart, sharing similarities in both appearance and functionality. However, she doesn't replace him outright but rather offers a strong alternative, particularly for second teams in challenges like the Spiral Abyss, where a support similar to Bennett is needed.
One of Iansan's key advantages is the freedom of movement her Kinetic Scale provides, eliminating the need to stay within a fixed field as with Bennett's Burst. This encourages a more dynamic playstyle, allowing players to move around actively while still receiving buffs.
If you're interested in trying out Iansan, you'll have the opportunity during Phase I of *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, which launches on March 26.
*Genshin Impact is available to play now.*
