Skirk Build Guide - Genshin Impact
Skirk is the new 5★ Cryo Sword DPS featured in Phase 1 of Version 5.7, running from June 18 – July 8, 2025. A master of Freeze teams and fluid combat, Skirk is an on-field DPS who scales extremely well in the right team compositions — especially with Escoffier and Furina.
With her unique Serpent’s Subtlety mechanic replacing standard Energy for her Burst, she offers flexible playstyles between Normal Attack spam and powerful Burst nukes. In this guide, we discussed her team comps, best weapons, best artifacts, and her combat mechanics and more!
But before anything,
Should You Pull For Skirk or Shenhe?
Skirk and Shenhe are featured together, and both are phenomenal Cryo units — but they serve very different roles.
Let's break it down so you can make the best decision based on your playstyle, team comps, and Primogems!
🔹 Who is Skirk?
Role: Main Cryo DPS (On-field)
Strengths: Unique resource system (Serpent’s Subtlety), dual Elemental Burst modes, massive scaling in Freeze/Cryo-Hydro teams
Best With: Furina, Escoffier, Shenhe, Kokomi, Yelan
C0 Viability: Excellent. Fully functional and strong at C0.
✅ Pull Skirk if you want a main Cryo DPS who, scales heavily with Hydro-Cryo support, and is fun with a dynamic playstyle.
🔹 Who is Shenhe?
Role: Cryo Buffer (Support)
Strengths: Flat Cryo DMG bonus to entire team, reduces enemy Cryo and Phys resistance, AoE crowd control via Skill & Burst
Best With: Ayaka, Ganyu, Wriothesley, Skirk
C0 Viability: Strong at C0, her buffs scale mostly with base ATK.
✅ Pull Shenhe if you already have a Cryo DPS (like Ganyu, Ayaka, or Skirk) and want to supercharge their damage.
Ideal Situation: Pull Both
If you can afford it, getting both Skirk and Shenhe is one of the best Cryo team investments in the entire game. Shenhe’s support makes Skirk hit significantly harder, and Skirk gives you a flexible, on-field Cryo DPS that Shenhe can empower beautifully.
Should You Pull for Skirk’s Signature and Constellations??
Pull if you love Skirk and want the maximum damage. Otherwise, use strong existing 5★ swords or refined 4★ options.
Skirk is one of the best C0 units in recent updates. You can comfortably skip constellations unless you're a heavy spender or love her gameplay.
🔹 Skirk Overview
Attribute | Details |
Element | Cryo |
Weapon | Sword |
Rarity | ★★★★★ |
Role | On-field Cryo DPS |
Best Teams | Freeze (Cryo + Hydro) with Escoffier, Furina |
Tier Ranking
Without Escoffier: S Tier DPS
With Escoffier: SS Tier(2nd best DPS after Mavuika)
Skirk’s Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ Strengths
Easy and smooth combat with strong Cryo-infused attacks
Doesn’t require Energy Recharge
Can switch between sustained DPS or Burst damage
Excellent interruption resistance
Water-walking ability in Elemental Skill mode
❌ Weaknesses
Locked into Freeze team comps
Loses massive value without Cryo/Hydro teammates
Relies heavily on Serpent’s Subtlety and Void Rift uptime
Hard to slot into general teams (e.g., mono Cryo or Melt comps)
🔼 Skirk Max Level 90 Stats
Stat | Value |
HP | 12,417 |
ATK | 359 |
DEF | 806 |
CRIT DMG | 88.4% |
⚔️ Best Weapons for Skirk
Skirk prefers CRIT and ATK-based swords, especially those that synergize with her low Energy playstyle.
🏆 Weapon Tier List
Rank | Weapon | Rarity | Bonus Stat | Notes |
⭐ Best | Azurelight (Signature) | ★★★★★ | CRIT Rate 22.1% | Boosts ATK and CRIT DMG significantly when Energy is 0. |
2 | Mistsplitter Reforged | ★★★★★ | CRIT DMG 44.1% | Excellent Elemental DMG scaling. Best general-purpose alternative. |
3 | Primordial Jade Cutter | ★★★★★ | CRIT Rate 44.1% | High CRIT Rate and ATK scaling via HP. |
4 | Haran Geppaku Futsu | ★★★★★ | CRIT Rate 33.1% | Good for Normal Attack focused builds. |
⭐ F2P | Calamity of Eshu (Event) | ★★★★ | ATK% | Great when shielded; easy to use in Freeze teams. |
⭐ BP | The Black Sword (Battle Pass) | ★★★★ | CRIT Rate 27.6% | High Normal/Charged damage, self-sustain via healing. |
⭐ Craftable | Finale of the Deep | ★★★★ | ATK% | Decent ATK boost and conditional damage gain. |
🎭 Best Artifact Sets for Skirk
Her best set revolves around maximizing Cryo DMG, Normal Attack, and Serpent’s Subtlety synergy.
📊 Artifact Set Comparison
Set Name | Effect | Notes |
Finale of the Deep Galleries (BiS) | 2-PC: Cryo DMG +15%4-PC: +60% Normal & Burst DMG with 0 Energy | Skirk’s best-in-slot set, synergizes perfectly with her Energy-free kit. |
Marechaussee Hunter | 2-PC: Normal/Charged ATK +15%4-PC: +CRIT Rate on HP change | Great with Furina in Freeze teams. |
Blizzard Strayer + Gladiator’s Finale | 2-PC + 2-PC: Cryo DMG + ATK% | Beginner-friendly hybrid option if you haven’t farmed Deep Galleries yet. |
📌 Artifact Main Stats & Substats
Slot | Main Stat |
Sands | ATK% |
Goblet | Cryo DMG% |
Circlet | CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG (Balance 1:2 ratio) |
Recommended Substats Priority
CRIT Rate ≥ CRIT DMG > ATK% > Flat ATK
(Do not prioritize Energy Recharge or Elemental Mastery)
Talent Priority & Her Combat Style
Priority | Talent | Importance |
1️⃣ | Elemental Skill – Havoc: Warp | Core of her kit, grants Serpent’s Subtlety and Seven-Phase Flash mode |
2️⃣ | Elemental Burst – Havoc: Ruin / Extinction | Major damage source, converts Subtlety into burst slashes |
3️⃣ | Normal Attack – Havoc: Sunder | Good only if focusing on Normal Attack playstyle |
Key Mechanic: Serpent’s Subtlety
What is Serpent’s Subtlety?
A unique combat resource that replaces Elemental Energy for her Burst and fuels her special Cryo-infused combat mode.
🔹 How to Gain Serpent’s Subtlety:
Using Elemental Skill (Havoc: Warp) → +45 stacks
Absorbing Void Rifts through specific actions (explained below)
Dual Playstyles: Burst Nuker vs. Cryo Infused DPS
Playstyle 1: Normal Attack Focus (Sustained DPS)
This mode uses her Tap Elemental Skill to transform her into a Cryo-infused melee DPS.
Action | Effect |
Tap Elemental Skill | Enters Seven-Phase Flash mode and gains 45 Serpent’s Subtlety |
Seven-Phase Flash Mode | - Normal/Charged/Plunging Attacks become Cryo-infused- Increased AoE and Interruption Resistance- Consumes Serpent’s Subtlety over time- Enables Special Burst (Havoc: Extinction) |
Best For: Long fights, consistent damage, Freeze team synergy
Can walk on water and absorb Void Rifts for extra Subtlety
Ends when Subtlety runs out or timer expires
Playstyle 2: Elemental Burst Focus (Nuke DPS)
This mode is used when you’ve stockpiled Subtlety and want a powerful burst of damage.
Action | Effect |
Activate Havoc: Ruin | Spend ≥50 Subtlety to deal rapid slashes (up to +12 bonus stack scaling) |
Not available during Flash mode | Will instead trigger Havoc: Extinction |
Best For: Boss phases, short burst windows
Massive AoE Cryo damage based on total Subtlety
Requires Cryo/Hydro team for optimal Subtlety gain
🔄 Special Elemental Burst: Havoc: Extinction
Used only during Seven-Phase Flash.
Feature | Effect |
Does NOT consume Subtlety | Can be used without building Energy or Subtlety |
Grants "All Shall Wither" | Normal Attacks deal increased DMG every 0.1s for up to 10 hits |
Absorbs nearby Void Rifts | Each Rift = bonus damage and +8 Subtlety stacks |
Best For: Extending Flash DPS window and ramping up NA damage
Unique synergy with Void Rift passives
Passive Talents Breakdown
1️⃣ Reason Beyond Reason
Creates Void Rifts when Cryo-related reactions are triggered nearby. These can be absorbed to gain more Subtlety.
Trigger | Result |
Frozen / Superconduct / Cryo Swirl / Cryo Crystalize | Creates Void Rift near enemy (CD: 2.5s) |
Absorption Methods | - Charged Attacks in Flash mode- Special Burst (Havoc: Extinction)- Holding Elemental Skill |
Effect | +8 Serpent’s Subtlety per Rift |
Important: Only 3 Rifts can exist at once. Absorbing them correctly is key to high uptime!
2️⃣ Return to Oblivion
Increases Skirk’s damage based on how many Hydro or Cryo teammates are in the party.
Team Setup | Damage Multiplier |
1 Hydro + 1 Cryo | Enables passive |
2 Cryo + 2 Hydro | Max bonus |
Buff per Stack (max 3) | - Normal Attack in Flash: 110% → 120% → 170%- Havoc: Ruin: 105% → 115% → 160% |
Takeaway: Full Cryo/Hydro teams are mandatory to unlock Skirk's full potential!
3️⃣ Mutual Weapons Mentorship
If the party has at least 1 Cryo and 1 Hydro member, and all members are either Hydro or Cryo, then:
➡️ All party members’ Elemental Skill levels +1
A fantastic boost for teams that include Furina, Escoffier, Shenhe, etc.
📌 Summary: How to Play Skirk Efficiently
Goal | Action |
Start DPS | Tap Elemental Skill → enter Seven-Phase Flash mode |
Maintain DPS | Spam infused Normal Attacks, use Special Burst (Extinction) |
Build Subtlety | Absorb Void Rifts, Hold Skill when needed |
Finish Off | If Subtlety ≥ 50, use Havoc: Ruin for massive AoE damage |
Repeat | Wait for cooldown, re-enter cycle |
Best Team Compositions
Role | Character Options | Notes |
Hydro Enabler | Furina, Yelan, Mona, Xingqiu , Kokomi , Dhalia | Freeze synergy, healing, DMG buff, and Void Rift activation |
Cryo Support | Escoffier ⭐, Rosaria, Shenhe, Layla | Extra Cryo particles, CRIT Rate, RES shred |
Flex (Shield or Buffer) | Citlali, Diona, Charlotte | Shields + healing depending on comfort or survivability needs |
Skirk’s Constellations Guide – Effects & Ratings
Skirk is a unique 5★ Cryo Sword character who already performs exceptionally well at C0. Her Serpent’s Subtlety system and dual Elemental Burst modes make her a flexible and powerful unit without needing Constellation investment.
That said, her Constellations enhance her combat flow, especially when it comes to Void Rift absorption and burst scaling.
Full Constellation Effects Breakdown
🔷 C1 – Far to Fall
Effect: Enhances Reason Beyond Reason Passive
After Skirk absorbs a Void Rift, she summons a Crystal Blade that deals 500% ATK as Cryo DMG (Charged Attack DMG).
Makes Void Rift absorption deal immediate burst damage
Adds offensive power passively without needing much setup
🔷 C2 – Into the Abyss
Gain +10 Serpent’s Subtlety on using Elemental Skill
Elemental Burst (Havoc: Ruin) can scale off +10 extra Subtlety (for bonus DMG)
After using Havoc: Extinction, gain +70% ATK for 12.5s while in Seven-Phase Flash mode
Enhances both Burst and sustained DPS
The ATK bonus after special burst is massive, great for long Cryo-infused combos
🔷 C3 – Serendipitous Sin
Increases Elemental Burst (Havoc: Ruin) level by 3
Max upgrade level: 15
Simple, direct damage boost for her Burst-based playstyle.
🔷 C4 – Fractured Flow
Enhances Return to Oblivion Passive
Each Death’s Crossing stack now gives +10%/20%/40% ATK
Makes Hydro/Cryo team synergies even more rewarding
Boosts both Normal Attack and Burst playstyles
🔷 C5 – End of Wishes
Increases Elemental Skill (Havoc: Warp) level by 3
Max upgrade level: 15
Notes: Helps with faster Subtlety generation and slightly better uptime.
🔷 C6 – To the Source
Unlocks Havoc: Sever mechanic through Void Rift absorption
Each Void Rift grants 1 Havoc: Sever stack (max 3, lasts 15s)
Triggers powerful effects:
Trigger | Effect |
Using Havoc: Ruin | Consume all stacks → 750% ATK Cryo DMG per stack (Elemental Burst DMG) |
3rd or 5th NA Hit (Flash Mode) | Consumes 1 stack → 3x 180% ATK Cryo DMG (Normal Attack DMG) |
When taking DMG | Consumes 1 stack → Reduces damage by 80% and deals 3x 180% ATK Cryo DMG (Charged Attack DMG) |
Amazing mix of offense and defense
Lets her tank hits and deal huge coordinated AoE Cryo damage
Constellation Ratings Summary
⭐ Constellation | ✨ Rating | 🔍 Key Benefits |
C1 – Far to Fall | ★★★ | Turns Void Rift absorption into AoE burst damage |
C2 – Into the Abyss | ★★☆ | Extra Subtlety + Bonus ATK = excellent value |
C3 – Burst Level +3 | ★★☆ | Direct damage increase for Ruin Burst |
C4 – Fractured Flow | ★★☆ | Scales her ATK greatly based on team comp |
C5 – Skill Level +3 | ★☆☆ | Minor improvement to Subtlety uptime |
C6 – To the Source | ★★★★ | New mechanic: Huge Cryo nukes, reactive defense, and synergy with attacks |
Ascension & Talent Materials
🎯 Ascension Materials
Material | Quantity |
Shivada Jade (All Types) | 1 Sliver, 9 Fragment, 9 Chunk, 6 Gemstone |
Skysplit Gembloom | 168 |
Ensnaring Gaze (Weekly Boss) | 46 |
Artificed Dynamic Gear | 36 |
Mechanical Spur Gear | 30 |
Meshing Gear | 18 |
Mora | 420,000 |
📘 Talent Materials
Material | Quantity |
Teachings/Guide/Philosophies of Contention | 9 / 63 / 114 |
Ascended Sample: Knight | 18 |
Crown of Insight | 3 |
Artificed Dynamic Gear | 93 |
Mechanical Spur Gear | 66 |
Meshing Gear | 18 |
Mora | 4,957,500 |
Happy Adventures!!! May your every pull brings you so much luck!!!
More From Ifomex Gaming:
Escoffier Build Guide: https://ifomex.com/articles/genshin-impact-escoffier-guide---the-flavorful-future-of-cryo-meta
Kinich Build Guide: https://ifomex.com/articles/kinich-build-guide---genshin-impact