Aino, Nod Krai’s Free Character, is a Decent Addition to Genshin Impact

New nation means a new free 4-Star unit.  In the case of Nod Krai, that unit is Aino, the boss of the Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop.  Though she isn’t available to be pulled yet, you do get a free version of her as part of the Achon Quest.  As a Hydro, and considering the limited pool of Nod Krai characters, Aino is very important for Lunar-Based reactions.  However, being a 4-Star, it’s highly likely she will be replaced as the roster fills out.  That said, she is still a useful character, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of her kit for the time being.

How Does Aino Work

Aino is a 4-Star Hydro Claymore Support whose sole purpose is to provide the Hydro half of Lunar-Charged and Lunar-Bloom reactions while also adding to the Moonsign level.  That said, she can be used in other situations, though with somewhat reduced efficiency.  As should be noted, it should be noted that she is the FIRST Hydro Claymore character.  Took them bloody long enough.

One Duck of Rule Them All

All of Aino’s power is wrapped up in her Elemental Burst.  Her Normal Attacks are pointless, her Skill is little more than a battery, but her Burst provides good Hydro application with almost permanent uptime.  It does, however, have 2 major issues.  The damage is less than stellar, and it’s a static field, which means that enemies can move out of it.

Both of her Combat Passives are focused on improving her Burst.  The 1^st increases the frequency of its attacks, while the 2^nd increases its damage by 50% of her EM.  As for her Utility Passive, she marks Nod Krai specific resources on the mini-map.

Star Power

While Aino is decent at C0, her constellations are pretty helpful.  C1 gives the party extra EM, C2 makes her Burst do more damage, C4 improves her Energy restoration, and C6 increases the damage of both Lunar and Non-Lunar versions of Electro-Charged and Bloom.  If you plan on using Aino, make sure to pull for her when she comes out during the 2^nd phase of 6.0.

What to Build on Aino

Energy Recharge is very necessary if you want to make sure that her Burst is constantly up.  Elemental Mastery and Attack increase her damage.  Anything else is just personal preference.

Her best artifact set right now is the Silken Moon’s Serenade, though Emblem of Severed Fate can work in a pinch.  For weapons, Skyward Pride is the best 5-Star option, with Flame-Forge Insight or Master Key being the best 4-Star choices.

Who Synergizes with Aino

Right now, since the number of Nod Krai units is limited, she works well with Ineffa, Lauma, and Flins (when he comes out).  You will definitely need her for Lauma.  Flins only needs her if you don’t have Ineffa.  Once we get more Nod Krai characters, however, it’s like that Aino will go the way of most 4-Stars.