Is Varesa in Genshin Impact Luna III worth playing?

Genshin Impact’s Luna III update 6.2, released in December 2025, brought back Varesa, a 5-star champion that uses Electro Catalyst. Is Genshin Impact’s Varesa worth your investment?

Varesa’s strengths in Genshin Impact

Top Lightning damage: Varesa is among the strongest Lightning damage units, competing against meta carries like Clorinde and Raiden. Her high Plunge Attack damage multiplier, especially with Aggravate or Overload reactions, makes her a force to be reckoned with in Spiral Abyss and endgame content.

Versatile squad: She is suitable for many types of formations, including:

• Overload lineup: Combine with Chevreuse (ideally C6), Iansan and Mavuika to deal large area damage.
• Enhanced Formation: Combined with Dendro-type units like Nahida or Baizhu, amplifying the damage of Plunge attacks through powerful reactions.
• Lightning-type squad: Combine with Hydro-type characters like Fennina or Ineffa to continuously activate AoE effects.
• Plunge-focused lineup: Combine with Xianyun (C2 or higher) to increase the damage of Plunge Attack, although this setup relies more on direct damage than reaction.

Free Player Friendly: Varesa works well at C0 level and does not necessarily require the Vivid Notions signature weapon. Alternatives like Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds, The Widsith or Kagura’s Verity are viable, and 4-star supports (Iansan, Chevreuse) can all be obtained from the banner.

Discoverability: Her high movement speed rivals that of Yelan, making her excellent at traversing the volcanic terrain of Natlan and other open world areas.

Unique and interesting gameplay: Varesa’s “trampling” Plunge Attacks and fun animations add a playful touch that will appeal to players who enjoy dynamic and eye-catching combat.

Varesa’s weakness in Genshin Impact

Depends on teammates: Although versatile, to reach its full potential, Varesa needs specific support like Iansan or Chevreuse for the Overload squad or Xianyun for the Plunge squad. Without these supports, her damage may not be superior to other Lightning DPS units.

Targeting issues: Varesa’s Plunge Attacks can be difficult to control in multi-enemy situations, as she can switch targets unpredictably, especially in boss battles with additional monsters. The lack of a target locking mechanism in Genshin Impact further exacerbates this problem.

Energy management: Her special move Elemental Burst requires around 120-130% Mana Regen, depending on the composition, which can complicate builds if not combined with mana-generating supports like Fischl or Iansan.

Invest in Constellation: Although C0 is already strong, her C2 (Beyond the Edge of Light) significantly increases her damage by allowing her to use Special Moves more often, and C1 increases the damage of her Dive Attack after activating her Special Move. Chasing constellations can be costly, especially as effectiveness tapers off after C2.

Competition from other DPS units: Players with Mavuika, Arlecchino, or Neuvillette may find Varesa’s damage less effective, as these units are dominating the meta. Additionally, upcoming characters like Columbina could change the priorities for reflex-based lineups.

Is Genshin Impact’s Varesa worth the investment?

You should invest in Varesa if:

• You need a Lightning DPS that offers high damage and versatility.
• You have her supports: Possessing Iansan, Chevreuse, or Xianyun (especially in higher constellations) will maximize her potential, making her a meta pick.
• You like her playstyle: Her unique Plunge-focused combat and exploration utility are big draws for players who prioritize fun over the meta.
• F2P players or early stage players

You should skip Varesa if:

• You’ve got strong DPS units
• Save for Columbina being short on Primogems, it might be wiser to prioritize her.
• Without key supports like Iansan or Chevreuse, Varesa’s performance may not be worth the money, especially for reaction-focused squads.