Understanding Genshin Impact's Overload Reaction: An Analysis

Genshin Impact's elemental reactions play a crucial role in the combat and strategy of the game. One such reaction is Overload, triggered when Pyro and Electro elements interact. This article aims to go into the mechanics of the Overload reaction. And provide a comprehensive understanding based on existing data and in-game testing.

Overload Reaction Mechanics

Overloaded is the reaction obtained when applying Electro to a target already affected by Pyro or vice versa. This results in a powerful explosion dealing area-of-effect (AoE) Pyro damage within a 5-meter radius, with a knockback. Overloaded is considered a Blunt Attack, enhancing its effectiveness against specific enemy shields.

Damage Calculation of Overload

The damage done by Overloaded is calculated as 2 times the Level Multiplier. This damage depends on the level and Elemental Mastery of the character causing the reaction, as well as the target's Pyro Resistance. Overloaded damage disregards the target's DEF and does not trigger Critical Hits.

Artifact Sets Enhancing Overloaded Damage

Two artifact sets prove beneficial for maximizing Overloaded damage:

1. Thundering Fury (4-5★):

   • 2 Piece: Electro DMG Bonus +15%

   • 4 Piece: Increases DMG caused by Overloaded, Electro-Charged, Superconduct, and Hyperbloom by 40%. Elemental Skill CD is decreased by 1s when triggering these reactions.

2. Crimson Witch of Flames (4-5★):

   • 2 Piece: Pyro DMG Bonus +15%

   • 4 Piece: Boosts Overloaded and Burning, and Burgeon DMG by 40%. Increases Vaporize and Melt DMG by 15%. Elemental Skill activation enhances the 2-Piece Set Bonus by 50% for 10s, with a max of 3 stacks.

In-Depth Analysis of Overload

Some key takeaways from the Overload reaction include:

1. Attack Value and Elemental Reaction Damage:

   • Attack value does not impact Elemental Reaction damage.

   • Only the character triggering the reaction matters; the one providing the initial element does not affect the final Overloaded damage.

2. Character Level and Elemental Mastery:

   • Character level influences Elemental Reaction damage.

   • Low Elemental Mastery and character level may result in penalty Elemental Reaction damage and ignore Elemental Mastery bonuses.

3. Optimizing Overloaded Damage:

   • For many enemies, use characters with the highest level to trigger Overloaded.

   • Consider dedicated support characters for triggering Overloaded, focusing on their level and Elemental Mastery.

4. Critical Hit and Elemental Reaction Damage:

   • Elemental Reaction Damage does not crit, providing consistent damage output.

   • Some anomalies, like reverse critical hits, may occur at lower character levels.

Optimizing Gameplay with Overloaded

Players looking to optimize their gameplay with Overloaded reactions should consider the following:

• Use characters with higher levels to trigger Overloaded when dealing with many enemies.

• Dedicate support characters with high Elemental Mastery to trigger Overloaded, as their attack power is irrelevant.

• For single enemies, prioritize using the highest DPS character, as Elemental Reaction Damage may be weaker than average attacks.