Bennett is renowned as one of the most versatile and valuable characters in *Genshin Impact*. Since the game's inception, he has maintained a strong presence and is a staple in numerous team compositions. With the introduction of Iansan in *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, slated for release on March 26, speculation abounds about whether she might be the new "Bennett replacement." Let's dive into how Iansan's abilities stack up against Bennett's and determine if she truly fills his shoes.
How Does Iansan's Kit Compare to Bennett's in Genshin Impact?
Iansan, hailing from Natlan, is primarily a support character designed to boost team damage and provide healing, much like Bennett. Her Elemental Burst, "The Three Principles of Power," is crucial for amplifying the damage output of her teammates. Unlike Bennett, who requires teammates to remain within his field to benefit from his buffs, Iansan takes a different approach. She deploys a Kinetic Energy Scale that tracks your active character and enhances their ATK based on her Nightsoul Points.
If Iansan's Nightsoul Points are below 42 out of a possible 54 in *Genshin Impact*, the ATK bonus scales with both her Nightsoul Points and her ATK. Once she reaches or exceeds 42 Nightsoul Points, the ATK bonus escalates and relies solely on her ATK, making ATK-focused builds essential for maximizing her potential.
A unique aspect of Iansan's mechanics is that the active character must be in motion for the Kinetic Scale to function effectively. Both vertical and horizontal movements contribute to the distance logged by the scale, which in turn restores Nightsoul Points to Iansan based on the distance traveled.
When it comes to healing, Bennett outshines Iansan significantly, restoring up to 70% of the active character's HP, while Iansan's healing capabilities are notably weaker. Moreover, Iansan cannot heal herself, a feature Bennett possesses, giving him a clear edge in this area.
Another key difference lies in elemental infusion. At C6, Bennett can infuse Pyro into the Normal Attacks of the active character, a feature absent in Iansan's kit. This can be a significant factor depending on your team's elemental composition.
For exploration purposes, Iansan offers unique advantages. She can utilize Nightsoul Points to sprint or jump extended distances without consuming stamina. However, for teams built around Pyro elements, Bennett remains the superior choice due to Elemental Resonance, which grants a +25% ATK buff and Pyro infusion.
Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?
Iansan shares striking similarities with Bennett, both in appearance and functionality, leading some to label her as his "long-lost sister." Yet, she doesn't outright replace Bennett; instead, she presents a strong alternative, particularly for secondary team compositions in challenging content like Spiral Abyss, where a support similar to Bennett is needed.
Iansan's standout feature is the liberation from the need to remain stationary within a field to receive buffs, a gameplay aspect humorously dubbed "Circle Impact" by the *Genshin Impact* community. Her Kinetic Scale encourages dynamic movement, offering a fresh gameplay experience compared to Bennett's static field.
If you're intrigued by Iansan and wish to explore her capabilities, you can experience her during Phase I of *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, set to launch on March 26.
*Genshin Impact is available to play now.*