"Iansan: The New Bennett Replacement in Genshin Impact?"

Bennett is widely recognized as one of the most valuable characters in Genshin Impact. Despite being available from the game's launch, he remains a key component in numerous team compositions. However, with the introduction of Iansan in Genshin Impact Version 5.5 on March 26, many players are wondering if she could serve as a new Bennett replacement.

Genshin Impact enthusiasts often mention that HoYoverse unintentionally created overpowered support characters like Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling, leading to the development of new characters with more specialized roles. Iansan, a 4-Star Electro Polearm character from Natlan, is set to debut and is being dubbed the "Bennett replacement" due to similarities in their kits. Let's dive deeper into the comparison.

How Does Iansan's Kit Compare to Bennett's in Genshin Impact?

Iansan's primary role is support, focusing on DMG buffs and healing, much like Bennett. Her Elemental Burst, The Three Principles of Power, mirrors Bennett's by buffing other characters. However, Iansan's approach is unique. Instead of a stationary field, she summons a Kinetic Energy Scale that follows the active character and boosts ATK based on her Nightsoul Points.

If Iansan has fewer than 42 out of 54 maximum Nightsoul Points, her ATK bonus scales with both her Nightsoul Points and ATK. At 42 or more Nightsoul Points, the ATK bonus increases and scales solely off her ATK, making it beneficial to focus on her ATK stat when building her.

A unique feature of Iansan's scale is that it requires the active character to move to restore Nightsoul Points based on the distance traveled. This movement-based mechanic distinguishes her from Bennett.

While both characters offer healing, Bennett excels in this area, restoring up to 70% of the active character's HP, whereas Iansan's healing is less potent, and she cannot heal herself.

Another key difference is elemental infusion. At C6, Bennett can infuse Pyro into the Normal Attacks of the active character, a feature Iansan lacks with Electro infusion. This could be a disadvantage depending on your team composition.

For exploration, Iansan has some advantages. She can use Nightsoul Points to sprint without consuming stamina and jump longer distances, offering unique mobility benefits. However, for Pyro-based teams, Bennett remains superior due to Elemental Resonance, providing a +25% ATK buff and Pyro infusion.

Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?

Iansan and Bennett share striking similarities, leading some to call her his "long-lost sister." Rather than replacing him, Iansan presents a strong alternative, particularly for secondary team comps in the Spiral Abyss that require a similar support role.

Iansan's Kinetic Scale eliminates the need for the "Circle Impact" strategy, where players must stay within Bennett's stationary field to benefit from his buffs. Instead, Iansan encourages active movement, offering a fresh gameplay dynamic.

You can try out Iansan in Phase I of Genshin Impact Version 5.5, launching on March 26.

Genshin Impact is available to play now.