Below is a chart showing the number of characters for each element as of Version 5.7:
1. Elemental Distribution is Uneven
Genshin Impact’s seven elements are: Pyro, Hydro, Electro, Cryo, Anemo, Geo, and Dendro. With Skirk being the 100th character, an even distribution would suggest around 14 characters per element. However, the reality is quite different.
From the chart, it’s clear that Cryo has the highest number of characters with 18, and the most recent Cryo characters have all been particularly powerful. It seems Cryo is experiencing a golden era. Pyro and Electro are tied with 16 characters each. Pyro has consistently been a strong element, regularly introducing overpowered characters. Electro, despite having a similar count, lacks standout presence—Raiden Shogun was a highlight, but many others are fairly average in popularity and impact.
Hydro and Anemo are more balanced, with 14 and 15 characters respectively. It's worth noting that while Chascar possesses an Anemo Vision, their gameplay involves multiple elements—Hydro, Pyro, Electro, and Cryo—making them a unique case.
Geo and Dendro, on the other hand, have the fewest characters. Currently, Geo is seeing a resurgence thanks to the popularity of Xianyun as a top-tier support. Dendro, however, still lacks a truly dominant character. Fans are hoping for a powerful new Dendro release to reinvigorate the element.
2. The Hidden "Eighth Element": Physical
Although Genshin officially has seven elements, there’s an unofficial eighth: Physical damage. A few characters, such as Freminet, Eula, Razor, and Mika, are primarily built around physical damage rather than elemental reactions.
Of course, these characters still possess Visions and therefore belong to an element—Razor is Electro, and the others are mostly Cryo, which partially explains why Cryo has the highest number of characters.
That said, physical builds remain a niche playstyle, used only by a small portion of the player base due to various limitations in the current meta.
That wraps up today’s overview!
Which element are you most excited to see new characters from?
