A Cryo Support · Claymore

Best Chongyun Build for 2026

Chongyun is a Tier A cryo support in Genshin Impact. Best weapon: Skyward Pride. Best artifacts: Blizzard Strayer (4pc) / Noblesse Oblige (4pc). Best F2P weapon: Prototype Archaic (craftable). Strongest team: Chongyun + Xiangling + Bennett + Xingqiu. Rating: 7/10.

Best Build Overview

Slot
Recommendation
Best Weapon
Skyward Pride
F2P Weapon
Prototype Archaic (craftable)
Artifact Set
Blizzard Strayer (4pc) / Noblesse Oblige (4pc)
Main Stats
ATK Sands, Cryo DMG Goblet, CRIT Circlet
Substat Priority
CRIT > ATK% > ER
Talent Priority
Elemental Skill > Burst
Rating
7/10

Why This Build Works

Chongyun's Skill (Chonghua's Layered Frost) infuses Sword/Claymore/Polearm melee NAs with Cryo and gives +8% NA SPD (Steady Breathing); on field expiry Rimechaser Blade shreds Cryo RES 10% for 8s. His 40-cost Burst comes up constantly. He enables Freeze/Melt for melee carries.

Key Stat Threshold

ER 140-170% (cheap 40-cost Burst); Sacrificial Greatsword to double-cast and close the 5s field gap; ATK%/Cryo/CRIT; Noblesse Oblige for team ATK. Level Skill > Burst.

Current Meta Status

Tier B (5.x/6.x): a niche Cryo enabler for melee carries (Eula, physical Razor, Ayaka Freeze). Outclassed as a Cryo unit by Shenhe/Rosaria/Kaeya for most teams; infusion only hits melee weapons.

Best Chongyun Teams in 2026

Cryo field enabler for melt and freeze teams.

Strongest Team

Chongyun + Xiangling + Bennett + Xingqiu

Best F2P Team

Chongyun + Kaeya + Barbara + Sucrose

↳ Full Chongyun team guide — all comps, F2P options & slot replacements → ↳ Chongyun best weapon & artifact ranking →

Rotation Guide

E (Cryo field) -> Q (burst) -> swap to reaction DPS

Entry vs Endgame Build

Entry Level Build
Prototype Archaic (craftable)

Focus on main stat correctness. Set bonuses matter less than having correct main stats.

Endgame Build
Skyward Pride

Optimize substats for perfect ratio. Sacrifice HP/DEF for more offensive stats.

Summary: Is Chongyun Worth Building?

Chongyun converts normal attacks to Cryo and enables consistent reverse melt reactions. With the right investment, Chongyun performs at a 7/10 level in current content.

When NOT to use this character

Infusion only affects Sword/Claymore/Polearm, Catalyst/Bow are unaffected, and self-infused carries override it; 15s CD vs 10s field leaves a gap; weak personal damage. Outclassed by Kaeya/Rosaria as battery.

Community Controversy

Noblesse support vs Emblem sub-DPS vs Blizzard Strayer Freeze; and whether his infusion is worth a slot vs just using a Cryo carry (Kaeya/Rosaria), plus C2 CDR overlap issues.

In-Depth Guide

Chongyun is the Cryo claymore whose skill turns melee characters into Cryo units - a unique enabler role. His skill (Spirit Blade: Chonghua's Layered Frost) creates a field that infuses the normal attacks of sword, claymore and polearm characters with Cryo, letting Pyro carries like Hu Tao, Diluc or Ganyu trigger Melt on every hit. His burst (Spirit Blade: Cloud-Parting Star) deals AoE Cryo and creates a second field that slows enemies and applies Cryo. That infusion is his whole identity. As a support he wants 4pc Noblesse Oblige to buff the team; as a DPS he runs 4pc Blizzard Strayer for Freeze. Stats are ATK% Sands, Cryo DMG Goblet, CRIT Circlet, with Energy Recharge around 150-180% for his 80-cost burst. Wolf's Gravestone and Serpent Spine are his best weapons, with R5 Lithic Blade and Sacrificial Greatsword as budget options. His best teams are Melt comps where he enables a Pyro carry, Superconduct Physical teams, and Freeze cores. Where he struggles: his infusion can clash with other elements (you generally cannot run him alongside another melee Cryo infuser), his field has a radius limit, and his own damage is modest compared to dedicated Cryo DPS. He is a specialist tool, excellent when his infusion is exactly what the team needs.
Updated August 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Chongyun build in 2026?

The best Chongyun build in 2026 uses Skyward Pride with Blizzard Strayer (4pc) / Noblesse Oblige (4pc). Main stats: ATK Sands, Cryo DMG Goblet, CRIT Circlet. This setup maximizes their damage and keeps their rotation smooth.

Is Chongyun good in the current meta?

Yes — Chongyun scores 7/10 as a cryo support, and fits into Chongyun + Xiangling + Bennett + Xingqiu.

What is the best F2P weapon for Chongyun?

The best free-to-play weapon for Chongyun is Prototype Archaic (craftable). It provides competitive damage without requiring the weapon banner, making it a great budget option.

What is the best Chongyun team in 2026?

The strongest Chongyun team in 2026 is Chongyun + Xiangling + Bennett + Xingqiu. Chongyun + Kaeya + Barbara + Sucrose is the best budget alternative.

What are the best artifact main stats for Chongyun?

Prioritize ATK Sands, Cryo DMG Goblet, CRIT Circlet on Chongyun's artifacts to maximize performance.

Who are the best teammates for Chongyun?

Chongyun + Xiangling + Bennett + Xingqiu

More Chongyun Guides

Chongyun Best Build Guide Chongyun Best Team Guide All Cryo Characters → 🏠 All Characters →