The MAIN Reason Citlali is a Top-Meta Support!

Like many of you, I initially thought Citlali was purely a top-tier support character. The common wisdom and even initial impressions from her kit often lead players to label her as a 'top-meta support.' However, after countless hours of experimenting and theory-crafting, I discovered something incredible: Citlali has hidden potential as a formidable Main DPS! If you're looking to shake up your gameplay and see some truly impressive damage numbers from a character often overlooked for her offensive capabilities, then this Citlali DPS build guide is for you. Why Consider a DPS Citlali Build? While her support utility is undeniable, focusing on a Citlali DPS build unlocks a whole new playstyle. Her unique scaling and elemental application can contribute significantly to team damage when optimized correctly. It’s incredibly satisfying to see her often-underestimated attacks hit hard, bringing a fresh challenge and excitement to combat. This build transforms her from a background enabler to the star of the show! Artifacts: Unleashing Her True Potential For a truly impactful Citlali DPS build, artifact choice is paramount. In my experience, the 4-piece Shimenawa's Reminiscence set works wonders. The 18% ATK bonus is great, but the 50% Normal/Charged/Plunging Attack DMG for 10 seconds after using an Elemental Skill (at the cost of 15 Energy) is where she shines. This set demands careful energy management, but the damage output is phenomenal. Alternatively, if energy is a major concern, a 2-piece Gladiator's Finale (18% ATK) combined with a 2-piece Shimenawa's Reminiscence (18% ATK) or even 2-piece Emblem of Severed Fate (20% Energy Recharge) for more consistent Burst usage can be strong. Here’s what I aim for in terms of main stats: Sands: ATK% or Energy Recharge (if struggling with Shimenawa's) Goblet: Elemental DMG Bonus (matching her primary damage element) Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG (depending on your sub-stats, aim for a 1:2 ratio) For substats, prioritize Crit Rate/Crit DMG, ATK%, and then Energy Recharge. Weapons: Your Tools for Destruction Choosing the right weapon is crucial for any DPS build. For Citlali, I've found a few standout options: 5-star Options: Weapons like Staff of Homa (high Crit DMG, HP scaling that converts to ATK), Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (Crit Rate, ATK stacking), or Engulfing Lightning (massive ER and ATK conversion) are top-tier choices if you have them. Their high base ATK and powerful passive effects drastically boost her damage. 4-star Options: The Deathmatch (Battle Pass weapon) is fantastic for its Crit Rate and ATK bonus. Blackcliff Pole (Paimon's Bargains) offers Crit DMG and ATK stacking. For F2P players, the Favonius Lance can help with energy if you’re struggling, while Prototype Starglitter (craftable) offers Energy Recharge and Normal/Charged Attack DMG bonus, making it a decent choice. Talent Priority: What to Level First For a DPS Citlali, my talent priority is clear: Normal Attack > Elemental Skill > Elemental Burst. Her Normal and Charged Attacks will be your primary damage sources, especially with a Shimenawa's build. Her Elemental Skill provides crucial buffs or damage instances that complement her attacks, and her Burst, while often seen as a support tool, can still contribute significant damage or utility with proper investment. Team Compositions for DPS Citlali To make your Citlali DPS build truly shine, she needs a strong supporting cast. I like to pair her with off-field DPS characters or characters that provide strong buffs and reactions. A classic example would be a Hydro applicator for Vaporize or Freeze, an Electro character for Electro-Charged, or an Anemo character for Swirl and crowd control. A dedicated buffer/shielder like Bennett (ATK buff, healing) or Zhongli (shield, resistance shred) can also elevate her damage significantly. Experiment with different elemental reactions to find what works best for your playstyle. Gameplay Tips: Mastering DPS Citlali Playing DPS Citlali requires a slightly different approach than her support role. Focus on maximizing her infused Normal and Charged attacks. If you're using Shimenawa's, make sure to use her Elemental Skill before unleashing your main attack combo. Practice her attack strings and integrate her Skill and Burst seamlessly to maintain uptime on buffs and damage. Don't forget to swap to your off-field supports to apply their skills and bursts before returning to Citlali to deal damage. With a bit of practice, you’ll be surprised at how effectively she can carry your team! I hope this guide inspires you to try out a DPS Citlali build. It's a refreshing way to play a beloved character, and the results can be incredibly rewarding!