Durin has arrived as a 5-star Pyro Sword character in Genshin Impact, bringing a unique dual-state mechanic that allows him to switch between a supportive buffer and a heavy-hitting sub-DPS. Whether you want to boost your team’s damage or unleash a torrent of off-field Pyro attacks, Durin has the flexibility to fit right in. This guide covers everything you need to know about his best builds, weapons, artifacts, and teams.

Durin Genshin Impact Abilities

Durin’s kit revolves entirely around his Essential Transmutation mechanic, which allows him to shift between his White and Dark forms. Mastering this switch is the key to maximizing his potential. Check out his core skills:

Basic Attack: Radiant Wingslash – His normal attacks are a standard sequence of four sword strikes. While they look flashy, you will rarely use these for damage unless you are driving reactions in a specific on-field build. However, they play a crucial role in activating his form changes.

Elemental Skill: Binary Form: Convergence and Division – This is the heart of Durin’s gameplay. When you activate his skill, he undergoes transmutation. This changes his next move and determines which state he enters for the next 30 seconds. If you press the Elemental Skill button again, you activate Transmutation: Confirmation of Purity. This deals AoE Pyro damage, restores energy, and enters the Confirmation of Purity (White Form).

This state is best for support. If you use a Normal Attack instead, you activate Transmutation: Denial of Darkness. This unleashes three consecutive Pyro strikes, restores energy, and enters the Denial of Darkness (Dark Form). This state is for personal damage.

Elemental Burst: Principle of Purity: As the Light Shifts – Your Elemental Burst changes based on which form you are currently in. In the White Form, Durin summons the Dragon of White Flame. This entity follows your active character and deals periodic AoE Pyro damage to nearby enemies. It is fantastic for applying Pyro for reactions like Vaporize or Melt while keeping your main DPS safe.

Durin Genshin Impact Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Dual Role Flexibility: He can seamlessly switch between providing team buffs and dealing significant off-field damage.
• Hexerei Synergy: Durin is a core part of the “Hexerei” mechanic, massively boosting team performance when paired correctly.
• Easy Damage Scaling: His damage focuses heavily on his Elemental Burst, making it straightforward to build for high uptime and impact.
• Universal Buffer: Even outside of specialized teams, his passive damage bonuses make him a valuable slot-in for many compositions.

Weaknesses

• Team Restrictions: To unlock his full potential, he heavily relies on Hexerei teammates. While usable elsewhere, he loses some of his luster without them.
• Frontloaded Damage: Most of his damage comes from his Elemental Burst procs. If you miss your window or have energy issues, his contribution drops significantly.

Best Artifacts for Durin in Genshin Impact

When farming artifacts for Durin, your goal is to push his stats high enough to trigger his passive benefits while maintaining enough Crit to make his dragon bites hurt. Check out our top artifact recommendations for Durin:

• A Day Carved from Rising Winds – This is typically his undisputed best-in-slot set. The 2-piece bonus provides a nice 18% ATK bump, but the 4-piece set is where it shines. It increases his ATK by 25% after using an attack. More importantly, if you have completed the specific condition known as Witch’s Homework, this buff upgrades to grant an additional 20% Crit Rate, even when Durin is off-field. This allows you to focus more on Critical Damage in your substats.
• Noblesse Oblige – If you are running Durin purely as a support in a team that lacks an ATK buffer, Noblesse Oblige is a solid alternative. The 20% Burst damage bonus helps his personal output, and the team-wide ATK buff after his Burst benefits your main carry.
• Emblem of Severed Fate – If you are struggling to get his Burst back on cooldown, Emblem is a comfortable safety net. It solves his energy issues and converts that extra Energy Recharge into Burst damage.

Best Weapons for Durin in Genshin Impact

Durin is a sword user who craves Attack and Critical stats. His weapon choices largely depend on whether you want him to carry the damage or facilitate the team. Check out our top weapon recommendations for Durin:

• Athame Artis – This is his signature 5-star weapon and his best option. It provides a massive Crit Rate substat and increases Critical Damage specifically for Elemental Bursts. Its passive effect grants an ATK bonus to the wielder and nearby party members. Crucially, if your party has the Hexerei: Secret Rite status active, these buffs are increased by 75%, making it a powerhouse weapon for his intended teams.
• Freedom-Sworn – This is the premier support option, especially for reaction-based teams. The high Elemental Mastery substat is great for Burgeon or Vaporize setups, and the passive provides a team-wide buff to Attack and Normal/Charged/Plunging attack damage.
• Wolf-Fang – For players looking for a 4-star option, the Battle Pass weapon Wolf-Fang is excellent. It provides Crit Rate and increases both Skill and Burst damage. Since Durin’s dragon attacks hit multiple times, he can easily stack the weapon’s passive to keep his Crit Rate high.
• Lion’s Roar – This is a strong Free-to-Play friendly option if you have high refinements. The passive increases damage against enemies affected by Pyro, which Durin maintains easily. It is a simple, raw damage stat stick.

Best Teams for Durin in Genshin Impact

Durin’s flexibility allows him to slot into many compositions, but he performs best when playing with his fellow witches or in reaction-heavy environments. Players can get the best use out of him by using any of the following team synergies:

• Hexerei Teams – The synergy between Hexerei characters cannot be overstated. Characters like Mona, Klee, and Fischl are his best partners. Mona is exceptional for a Dark Form Durin. Her Omen debuff amplifies his massive burst damage, and her Hydro application allows him to Vaporize his hits. Klee and Durin form a chaotic duo. They activate Pyro Resonance for free ATK, and Durin’s off-field damage helps clean up enemies that Klee’s bombs scatter.
• Overload Teams – Durin breathes new life into Overload compositions. A team consisting of Arlecchino as the main DPS, Durin and Fischl as sub-DPS units, and Chevreuse for support is devastating. Chevreuse shreds Pyro and Electro resistance, while Durin and Fischl create a constant stream of Overload explosions that juggle enemies and deal heavy damage.
• Burgeon Teams – If you want to try something different, Durin works surprisingly well as a Burgeon trigger. Pair him with Neuvillette or Ayato for Hydro application, and a Dendro unit like Nahida or Emilie. Durin’s AoE Pyro attacks will hit the Dendro Cores generated by your Hydro and Dendro characters, detonating them for massive green numbers. For this team, ensure Durin is built with full Elemental Mastery.

For a more immersive experience, enjoy playing Genshin Impact on PC or Mac with BlueStacks.