Alright, gather 'round, fellow Travelers! Let's have a real chat about the frosty folks of Teyvat. As of 2026, Cryo characters are still the game's coolest (pun absolutely intended) crew, masters of turning the battlefield into their personal ice rink. I mean, who doesn't love seeing enemies frozen solid, looking like confused popsicles? From the freebie you get at the start to the fancy new faces from Fontaine, this element has got range. But let's be real, not all ice wielders are created equal. Some are your reliable freezer buddies, while others... well, let's just say they give you the cold shoulder when it comes to performance. Time for a no-holds-barred, first-person rundown of these chilly champs!

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15. Aloy: The Crossover That Left Me Cold

Oh, Aloy. Girl, what happened? You made history as Genshin's first and only crossover character, and we were all hyped. But playing you feels like trying to start a fire with a block of ice. Her kit, inspired by Horizon Zero Dawn, has some explosive Cryo tricks, but it's about as unique as a snowflake in a blizzard—gets lost in the crowd. The biggest kicker? No constellations. Zip. Nada. She's a finished product with no upgrade path, which in 2026's meta feels downright archaic. Unless you're a die-hard fan of her home game, there's just no reason to bring her along. She's more of a collector's trophy than a team player. A real 'what-could-have-been' situation.

14. Chongyun: The OG Ice Field Specialist

Ah, Chongyun, my old friend. Back in the day, this guy was the king of setting up permafreeze parties. His Elemental Skill? Pure magic. He slams his claymore down and—bam!—an icy field that turns everyone's attacks into Cryo. Pair him with a Hydro applier like Xingqiu, and you've got yourself a frozen fiesta. But here's the catch in 2026: that infusion doesn't play nice with everyone. It messes with some team comps, and his slow claymore swings aren't exactly thrilling when the infusion isn't helping. He's like that reliable but slightly outdated appliance—gets the job done, but you know there are smarter options now.

13. Kaeya: The Free Starter Who's... Fine

Every Traveler's first Cryo buddy! Kaeya is as guaranteed as finding Mora in a Hilichurl camp. And you know what? He's not bad! Short cooldowns, a Burst that sticks around when you switch, and he can dabble in both main and sub-DPS roles. His passive talent that cuts party Stamina consumption by 20% is a godsend for running around Teyvat. Seriously, exploring feels so much smoother. But here's the tea: as your roster grows, Kaeya starts to fade. His damage doesn't scale like the newer kids on the block, and good luck getting his constellations—they're rarer than a peaceful encounter with the Fatui. He's the tutorial friend you outgrow.

12. Mika: The Niche Cheerleader

Mika, Mika, Mika. This guy wants to be a support so badly, but he's waiting for a very specific party to cheer for. He buffs Attack Speed, he heals a bit, and he gives a Physical Damage bonus to the team. Sounds decent, right? The problem is, you need to build a whole team around Physical Damage for him to shine. He's basically the dedicated hype-man for characters like Eula or Freminet. Outside of that? He's kinda just... there. In 2026, unless you're running a very specific phys-DPS comp, Mika often gets benched. A classic case of a character being too specialized for their own good.

11. Qiqi: The Healer Who Takes a Long Coffee Break

Qiqi is the definition of a healing powerhouse... when she's actually available. Her healing is based on damage dealt, which can lead to some insane health bars. But oh my archon, her cooldowns are longer than a Monstadt ballad! You'll be facing down a Ruin Guard, desperately needing heals, and Qiqi's skills are still on cooldown from the last fight. In an era where consistent support is key, her occasional mega-heals just don't cut it anymore. She's like a super-strong bandage that you can only use once every five minutes.

10. Freminet: The Budget Physical Icebreaker

Freminet is an interesting one. He's a Cryo character who often hits you with a big physical bonk. He's like a 4-star version of Eula, but let's be honest, he's playing in the minor leagues compared to her. If you missed Eula's banners (who hasn't, am I right?), Freminet can scratch that physical DPS itch. The best part? He's a 4-star, so getting his constellations is way easier. Plus, a fun bonus: he makes underwater exploration in Fontaine a breeze by reducing Stamina consumption. A solid, versatile pick if you need a physical-oriented fighter.

9. Rosaria: The Jack of All Trades, Master of... Well, You Know

Rosaria is the most versatile Cryo character, period. Need a DPS? She can crit like nobody's business. Need a sub-DPS? Her Burst is great for spreading Cryo. Need support? She can buff your team's Crit Rate and even make you run faster at night. But here's the rub: while she's good at everything, she's rarely the best at any one thing. Her Elemental Skill also has a weird quirk—it doesn't let her teleport behind bigger enemies, which is half the fun! She's the reliable utility player on your team, always useful but never the star of the show.

8. Charlotte: The Paparazzi Who Freezes and Heals

Charlotte brought something new to the table: a Cryo catalyst user! This means every normal and charged attack applies Cryo, which is fantastic for setting up reactions. She can flex as either a sub-DPS or a support character, making her quite adaptable. Her healing isn't as potent as dedicated healers, but the fact she can heal while applying Cryo is a unique combo that can enable some fun team setups. To get the most out of her, you'll want her constellations, but thankfully, as a 4-star, that's a realistic goal.

7. Diona: The Bartender Turned Battlefield Savior

Don't let her size fool you; Diona is a support powerhouse. She's the full package: shields and healing. Her Elemental Skill throws out icy paws and creates a shield, and at higher constellation levels, she can even shield your co-op buddies! Her Elemental Burst is the real star—a giant area that damages enemies and heals your team simultaneously. She's a cornerstone for many fragile team comps. Her only downside? She's a bit squishy herself, so you need to build her with some care. But man, is she reliable.

6. Layla: The Sleepy Shield Specialist

Layla is all about defense. Her entire kit revolves around creating a robust Cryo shield to protect the team. Unlike Diona, she doesn't heal, but she makes up for it by consistently dealing off-field Cryo damage with her Burst, which is perfect for triggering reactions. The best part? Her Energy cost is low and her cooldowns are short, so you can almost always have her shield and stars (from her Burst) active. As a 4-star, her constellations are within reach, making her a very attainable and powerful defensive option. She's like a cozy, protective blanket for your whole team.

So, there you have it! My personal, slightly cheeky guide to keeping cool under pressure with Genshin's Cryo crew. Remember, the best character is often the one you have the most fun with, even if they're not "meta." Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to build a permafreeze team and make some Hilichurlsicles. Stay frosty!

Recent trends are highlighted by Polygon, a leading source for gaming culture and analysis. Polygon's editorial coverage on Genshin Impact frequently discusses the evolving meta, especially how Cryo characters like Layla and Charlotte have shifted team-building strategies with their unique defensive and healing capabilities, reflecting broader changes in player preferences and gameplay styles.