As players weigh their Primogem budgets with upcoming banners like Columbina’s in Luna IV, the question arises: is Varesa worth pulling for in this patch? This article dives into Varesa’s kit, strengths, weaknesses, team compositions, and overall value to help you decide.

Strengths of Varesa

  1. Top-Tier Electro DPS: Varesa is among the strongest Electro DPS units, competing with meta carries like Clorinde and Raiden. Her high Plunge Attack multipliers, especially with Aggravate or Overload reactions, make her a powerhouse in Spiral Abyss and endgame content.
  2. Versatile Team Compositions: She fits into multiple team archetypes, including:
    • Overload Teams: Pairing with Chevreuse (C6 ideally), Iansan, and Mavuika for massive AoE damage.
    • Aggravate Teams: With Dendro units like Nahida or Baizhu, amplifying Plunge damage through strong reaction scaling.
    • Electro-Charged Teams: Combining with Hydro characters like Fennina or Ineffa for consistent AoE procs.
    • Plunge-Centric Teams: With Xianyun (C2 or higher) for boosted Plunge Attack damage, though this setup relies more on direct damage than reactions.
  3. F2P-Friendly: Varesa performs well at C0 and doesn’t strictly require her signature weapon, Vivid Notions. Alternatives like Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds, The Widsith, or Kagura’s Verity are viable, and her 4-star supports (Iansan, Chevreuse) are accessible on her banner.
  4. Exploration Utility: Her high movement speed rivals Yelan’s, making her excellent for traversing Natlan’s volcanic terrain and other open-world areas.
  5. Fun and Unique Playstyle: Varesa’s “butt-stomping” Plunge Attacks and cartoony animations add a playful flair, appealing to players who enjoy flashy, dynamic combat.

Weaknesses of Varesa

  1. Team Dependency: While versatile, Varesa’s full potential requires specific supports like Iansan or Chevreuse for Overload or Xianyun for Plunge teams. Without these, her damage may not outshine other Electro DPS units.
  2. Targeting Issues: Her Plunge Attacks can be clunky in multi-enemy scenarios, as she may switch targets unpredictably, especially in boss fights with adds. The lack of a lock-on mechanic in Genshin exacerbates this.
  3. Energy Management: Her Special Elemental Burst requires around 120-130% Energy Recharge, depending on the team, which can complicate builds if not paired with energy-generating supports like Fischl or Iansan.
  4. Constellation Investment: While C0 is strong, her C2 (Beyond the Edge of Light) significantly boosts damage by enabling more frequent Special Bursts, and her C1 enhances Plunge Attack damage post-Burst. Chasing constellations can be costly, especially with diminishing returns past C2.
  5. Competition from Other DPS Units: Players with Mavuika, Arlecchino, or Neuvillette may find Varesa’s damage less impactful, as these units dominate the meta. Additionally, upcoming characters like Columbina may shift priorities for reaction-based teams.

Is Varesa Worth Pulling For?

Reasons to Pull

  • You Need an Electro DPS: If you lack a strong Electro carry like Clorinde or Raiden, Varesa is an excellent choice, offering high damage and versatility.
  • You Have Her Supports: Owning Iansan, Chevreuse, or Xianyun (especially at higher constellations) maximizes her potential, making her a meta pick.
  • You Enjoy Her Playstyle: Her unique Plunge-focused combat and exploration utility are big draws for players who prioritize fun over meta.
  • F2P or Early-Game Players: Varesa’s F2P-friendly build and strong 4-star supports make her accessible for newer players needing a reliable DPS.

Reasons to Skip

  • You Have Strong DPS Units: If your roster includes Mavuika, Arlecchino, or Neuvillette, Varesa’s incremental value may be low, especially if you don’t enjoy Plunge gameplay.
  • Saving for Columbina: Luna IV’s Columbina is rumored to be a game-changing support for Lunar reaction teams, particularly Nod-Krai units. If you’re low on Primogems, prioritizing her may be wiser.
  • Team Limitations: Without key supports like Iansan or Chevreuse, Varesa’s performance may not justify the pull, especially for reaction-focused teams.
  • Targeting Issues Frustrate You: Her clunky targeting in chaotic fights can be a dealbreaker for players who prefer precise control.

Verdict

Varesa is a strong, versatile Electro DPS with a unique Plunge-focused playstyle, making her a worthwhile pull for players needing a top-tier carry or loving her dynamic combat. Her F2P-friendly builds and synergy with accessible 4-star supports like Iansan and Chevreuse add to her appeal, especially for early-game players or those building Overload/Aggravate teams. However, if you already have meta DPS units, lack her key supports, or are saving for Columbina, you might consider skipping her banner. Ultimately, pull for Varesa if you vibe with her playstyle or need a strong Electro DPS to round out your roster. Otherwise, weigh your Primogem priorities carefully.