Everything You Should Know About Citlali Genshin Impact - Our Beloved Granny
With the highly anticipated Genshin Impact 5.3 update just around the corner, players are abuzz with excitement for the debut of Citlali, a 5-star Cryo Catalyst user. As one of the elders of the Masters of the Night-Wind, Citlali brings a unique mix of shielding and Cryo damage capabilities that could redefine Freeze and Melt team strategies. Whether you're a veteran or a new adventurer, this guide will cover everything about Citlali’s kit, signature weapon, constellations, and more!
A Glimpse into Her Role:
Citlali, despite her youthful appearance, is affectionately referred to as “granny” by her peers due to her extensive experience and wisdom. As a Shielder Support, Citlali is designed to protect her allies with powerful shields while debuffing enemies and applying Cryo damage. With her Elemental Mastery scaling mechanics, Citlali thrives in Freeze and Melt team compositions, where her skills can both enhance damage output and ensure the safety of your team.
Release Date:
Citlali will debut during Phase 1 of Version 5.3, which is scheduled for January 1. She will share her banner phase with another new character, Mavuika, the pyro archon. For the first time in Genshin Impact history we are getting two new 5 star characters on same event which is not a good news for F2P players. So we hope you'll get the perfect one for your team whether it is Citlali or Mavuika. We'll cover about Mavuika on a different article, so stay tuned!
Should You Pull for Citlali?
If you're seeking a versatile Cryo Shielder Support, Citlali offers incredible utility with her ability to debuff enemies, efficiently apply Cryo, and sustain Freeze or Melt teams. Her unique mechanics make her a valuable addition to any roster, especially for players who prefer a mix of support and off-field damage.
However, this decision becomes more challenging with the arrival of Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, who brings unmatched offensive power and team synergy. Adding to the dilemma, the Chronicled Wish Banner also includes highly anticipated character reruns like Shenhe, further complicating the choice.
Factors to Consider
1. Utility and Playstyle
- Citlali: Ideal for players who value support and reaction-based team setups.
- Mavuika: A powerhouse DPS who excels in aggressive, Pyro-centric compositions.
2. Availability of Future Reruns
- Mavuika: As the Pyro Archon, she is likely to receive multiple reruns, including a probable one within Version 5.
- Citlali: Cryo characters tend to have longer gaps between reruns. For example, we had to wait for ages to get a rerun of Shenhe, and Wriothesley is yet to receive his first rerun.
3. Banner Priorities
If you’ve been waiting for Shenhe or other featured characters on the Chronicled Wish Banner, they might take precedence depending on your team needs.
Our Recommendation
We suggest testing both Mavuika and Citlali in their respective trial runs to determine which fits your playstyle and team composition better. While both are top-tier characters, the limited availability of Cryo supports like Citlali makes her a rare opportunity for Freeze or Melt team enthusiasts.
For those focused on long-term planning, Mavuika's guaranteed future reruns may make Citlali the wiser choice if you're undecided. Whatever decision you make, consider your roster needs and preferences carefully to make the most out of this banner.
Citlali’s Kit:
Citlali’s abilities reflect her mastery over Cryo and the mystical arts of her tribe. Let’s dive into her kit,
Normal Attack: Shadow-Stealing Spirit Vessel. Perform up to three Cryo-infused strikes.
Charged Attack: Release a Frost Star to deal Cryo DMG after consuming stamina.
Plunging Attack: Unleash AoE Cryo DMG upon impact from a mid-air plunge.
Elemental Skill: Dawnfrost Darkstar
Citlali summons the Tzitzimitl: Itzpapa, a creature tied to her tribe’s legacy, while deploying an Opal Shield. This shield absorbs Cryo DMG with 250% efficiency and scales with Citlali’s Elemental Mastery.While Itzpapa is active, Citlali gains Nightsoul Points, which can unleash a Frostfall Storm for sustained AOE Cryo DMG. The Nightsoul's Blessing state grants Citlali additional mechanics to interact with the battlefield dynamically.
Elemental Burst: Edict of Entwined Splendor
Citlali calls upon starry allies to create an ice storm, dealing massive AoE Cryo DMG. This Burst also restores Nightsoul Points and summons Spiritvessel Skulls that explode, delivering additional Cryo DMG.
Passive Talents:
Mamaloaco's Frigid Rain: Decreases Hydro and Pyro resistance of enemies affected by Frozen or Melt reactions while restoring Nightsoul Points.
Itzpapalotl's Star Garments: Enhances the damage of Frostfall Storm and Ice Storm based on Citlali’s Elemental Mastery.
Night Realm's Gift: Grants Citlali special mobility and interaction abilities when exploring Natlan, enabling her to reach new heights and access unique resources.
Signature Weapon: Starcaller’s Watch
Citlali’s signature weapon, Starcaller’s Watch, complements her shielding and supportive role. It provides a significant boost to Elemental Mastery and activates the "Mirror of Night" effect, increasing the active character’s damage when shields are active.
Weapon Stats:
Elemental Mastery boost: +100 to +200.
DMG increase to nearby opponents: +28% to +56%.
Effect cooldown: 14 seconds.
This weapon ensures Citlali can amplify her team’s potential while maintaining a strong shield presence.
F2P Friendly Weapon Options
Mappa Mare (Craftable, 4-star)
- Effect: Increases Elemental Mastery and grants an Elemental DMG bonus after triggering reactions.
- Why it’s good: Ideal for boosting reaction-based damage and fits well in teams reliant on Elemental synergy.
Sacrificial Fragments (4-star)
- Effect: High Elemental Mastery and a chance to reset the cooldown of her Elemental Skill.
- Why it’s good: Allows more frequent skill usage, enabling consistent energy generation and reactions.
Best Artifacts
To maximize Citlali’s support and reaction potential, choose artifacts that boost Elemental Mastery (EM) and energy regeneration.
Best Set: Cinder City
The Cinder City set is ideal for Citlali, especially in Natlan-themed teams. It enhances:
- Energy Regeneration: Ensures her Burst is always ready.
- Party Buffs: Strengthens teammates, particularly in reaction-heavy setups.
Alternative Sets
- Gilded Dreams: Boosts EM, great for reaction-based teams.
- 2-Piece Combinations: Any two sets offering +80 EM (e.g., Wanderer’s Troupe, Flower of Paradise Lost) work well if full sets are unavailable.
Artifact Main Stats
- Sands: Elemental Mastery
- Goblet: Cryo DMG Bonus or EM
- Circlet: Elemental Mastery
Substats Priority
- Energy Recharge: For faster Burst uptime
- Elemental Mastery: To amplify reaction damage
With this setup, Citlali becomes a top-tier reaction enabler and energy-efficient support for your team.
Constellations: Unlocking Citlali’s Full Potential
Citlali’s constellations elevate her abilities, making her a formidable force on the battlefield.
Radiant Blades of Centzon Mimixcoah:
Grants bonus damage to allies when Citlali uses her shield and enhances her mid-air mechanics.
Heart Devourer's Travail:
Boosts Elemental Mastery for the entire team and adds enhanced resistance-shredding capabilities.
Cloud Serpent's Feathered Crown:
Increases the level of Dawnfrost Darkstar by 3.
Death Defier's Spirit Skull:
Summons additional Spiritvessel Skulls for devastating Cryo DMG and energy restoration.
Nemontemi's Hex:
Increases the level of Edict of Entwined Splendor by 3.
Teoiztac's Secret Pact:
Enhances Itzpapa’s Opal Fire state, granting team-wide bonuses and amplifying Citlali’s damage output.
Team Synergy:
Citlali’s Ideal Compositions:
Citlali shines brightest in Freeze and Melt teams, where her shields and Cryo application provide unparalleled support. Here are some recommended teams,
Freeze Team: Pair Citlali with Hydro applicators like Kokomi or Yelan and a Cryo DPS like Ayaka for consistent Frozen reactions. You can replace yelan or kokomi with Kazuha for balancing the team.
Melt Team: Use Pyro characters like Bennett or Xiangling alongside a main DPS like Diluc to capitalize on her resistance-shredding capabilities.
Apart from that you can even make Cryo support or Mono Cryo teams as your preferences. Always keep in your mind that it is totally up to you to decide how you should combine characters and enjoy the gameplay!
Citlali Ascension and Talent Materials: Everything You Need to Build Her
If you’re planning to pull for Citlali, you’ll want to start preparing her materials in advance. From leveling her to 90 to maxing her talents and signature weapon, here’s a complete breakdown of everything you’ll need to fully unleash Citlali’s potential.
Total Materials for Ascension and Talents
To Ascend Citlali to Level 90:
Shivada Jade Sliver: x1
Shivada Jade Fragment: x9
Shivada Jade Chunk: x9
Shivada Jade Gemstone: x6
Juvenile Fang: x18
Seasoned Fang: x30
Tyrant’s Fang: x36
Talisman of the Enigmatic Land: x46
Quenepa Berry: x168
Mora: 420,000
To Max One Talent to Level 10:
Teachings of Kindling: x3
Guide to Kindling: x21
Philosophies of Kindling: x38
Denial and Judgment: x6
Juvenile Fang: x6
Seasoned Fang: x22
Tyrant’s Fang: x31
Crown of Insight: x1
Mora: 1,652,500
Total Resources Needed for Full Build
Shivada Jade Sliver: x1
Shivada Jade Fragment: x9
Shivada Jade Chunk: x9
Shivada Jade Gemstone: x6
Juvenile Fang: x24
Seasoned Fang: x52
Tyrant’s Fang: x67
Talisman of the Enigmatic Land: x46
Quenepa Berry: x168
Teachings of Kindling: x3
Guide to Kindling: x21
Philosophies of Kindling: x38
Denial and Judgment: x6
Crown of Insight: x1
Mora: 3,745,100
Materials for Citlali’s Signature Weapon: Starcaller’s Watch
To enhance Starcaller’s Watch from level 0 to 90, here’s what you’ll need:
Delirious Decadence of the Sacred Lord: x5
Delirious Desolation of the Sacred Lord: x14
Delirious Demeanor of the Sacred Lord: x14
Delirious Divinity of the Sacred Lord: x6
Shard of a Shattered Will: x23
Locus of a Clear Will: x27
Sigil of a Striding Will: x41
Sentry's Wooden Whistle: x15
Warrior's Metal Whistle: x23
Saurian-Crowned Warrior's Golden Whistle: x27
Farming Tips for Citlali:
Pre-Farm Local Specialties: Quenepa Berry farming might take time due to respawn rates. Start collecting them early to avoid last-minute stress.
Focus on Boss Materials: Prioritize farming Shivada Jade gems, and Fangs from relevant bosses to ensure you have enough materials when Citlali releases.
Double Drops on Talent Books: Use your Resin on Talent Domains during bonus drop events to save time and resources.
Weekly Boss Runs: Regularly defeat The Knave and other bosses like Childe for essential materials.
Final Thoughts:
Citlali’s arrival in Genshin Impact 5.3 brings a fresh dynamic to team-building and combat strategies. With her elegant design, intricate lore, and versatile gameplay, she’s poised to become a fan favorite. Whether you’re a collector or a strategist, don’t miss the chance to add this enigmatic Cryo Catalyst wielder to your team.
Are you excited about pulling for Citlali? Share your thoughts and favorite team ideas with us. As team Ifomex, we are always excited to hear from you ! Wish you lots of luck with pulls!
Citlali Character Teaser : https://youtu.be/wzW7ovdmnsg?si=NVjHAFWSruDAgc0a