Bennett has long been hailed as one of the most versatile and invaluable characters in *Genshin Impact*. Since the game's inception, he has remained a staple in numerous team compositions due to his robust support capabilities. However, with the introduction of Iansan in *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, set to launch on March 26, many players are wondering if she could serve as the new Bennett replacement. Let's delve into the details to see if Iansan lives up to this title.
It's no secret that *Genshin Impact* players often jest that HoYoverse unintentionally created overpowered support characters like Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling. This has led to the development of new characters with more targeted roles, encouraging players to diversify their teams. Iansan, a 4-Star Electro Polearm character from Natlan, is the latest addition to this roster. Her kit bears striking similarities to Bennett's, prompting discussions about whether she could be his replacement.
How Does Iansan’s Kit Compare to Bennett’s in Genshin Impact?
Iansan's primary role is as a support character, much like Bennett, focusing on providing damage buffs and healing. Her Elemental Burst, "The Three Principles of Power," is central to her support capabilities, akin to Bennett's Burst. However, the mechanics differ significantly. While Bennett's Burst creates a field that characters must remain within to benefit, Iansan's Burst summons a Kinetic Energy Scale that follows the active character, boosting their ATK based on her Nightsoul Points.
The ATK bonus from Iansan's scale scales differently depending on her Nightsoul Points. If she has fewer than 42 out of a maximum of 54, the bonus is based on both her Nightsoul Points and ATK. With 42 or more Nightsoul Points, the bonus scales solely off her ATK, emphasizing the need to build her with ATK in mind. Additionally, the active character must move to maintain the buff, as the scale tracks distance traveled and restores Nightsoul Points accordingly.
In terms of healing, Bennett outshines Iansan significantly. Bennett's field can heal up to 70% of the active character's HP, while Iansan's healing capabilities are less potent, and she cannot heal herself. This makes Bennett the clear winner in the healing department.
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 can be a significant factor depending on your team's composition.
For exploration, Iansan offers unique advantages. She can use Nightsoul Points to sprint without consuming stamina and jump longer distances, providing a different dynamic to exploration compared to Bennett. However, for Pyro teams, Bennett remains superior due to Elemental Resonance, which grants a +25% ATK buff and Pyro infusion.
Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?
Iansan can be seen as Bennett's counterpart, sharing similarities in appearance and function. Rather than replacing him, she offers a strong alternative, particularly for secondary teams in the Spiral Abyss that require a similar support role. Iansan's Kinetic Scale eliminates the need to stay within a fixed field for buffs, unlike Bennett's Burst, encouraging a more dynamic playstyle.
If you're interested in trying out Iansan, you can do so during Phase I of *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, launching on March 26.
*Genshin Impact is available to play now.*
