Theorylytics
Ayato

hydro · Sword

Ayato

Main DPS

VS
Neuvillette

hydro · Catalyst

Neuvillette

Main DPS

Ayato vs Neuvillette

Rapid Hydro slashes vs. the unstoppable Hydro beam

TL;DR — Quick Pick

Pick Ayato if…

  • In teams that require fast Hydro application for Hyperbloom/Vape
  • If you need a flexible Hydro Burst that works off-field
  • When you prefer a more traditional sword-based playstyle

Pick Neuvillette if…

  • When you want the most powerful and self-sufficient carry in the game
  • To trivialize content with massive AoE beam damage
  • If you want a character that requires almost no support to clear Abyss
Verdict

Neuvillette represents the new peak of Hydro powercreep, offering superior damage, range, and self-sustain compared to Ayato. Ayato remains a solid, flexible unit, but Neuvillette is objectively the stronger primary damage dealer.

At a Glance

Ayato
Stat
Neuvillette
Sword
Weapon Type
Catalyst
Normal Attacks (Skill)
Damage Source
Charged Attack (Beam)Winner
Medium Circular
AoE Range
Large Linear/PierceWinner
None
Self-Sustain
Extremely HighWinner
High
Team Reliance
Very Low (Can solo)Winner
Hold button
Ease of Play
Hold button + HoverWinner
Echoes/Glad
Artifacts
Marechaussee HunterWinner
Fast (on-field)Winner
Hydro App
Moderate (on-field)

Strengths & Weaknesses

Ayato

Strengths
  • Strong, consistent damage output in both multi-target and single-target scenarios
  • Valuable on-field and off-field Hydro application
  • Wide variety of team compositions
Weaknesses
  • 12s Skill cooldown resulting in 24–25s rotations which do not sync well with most other characters’ cooldowns
  • Free-to-play weapon selection that performs significantly worse than other options
  • Lack of front-loaded damage without Constellations

Neuvillette

Strengths
  • Strong Hydro damage
  • Versatile team options
Weaknesses
  • Requires investment
  • Best teams use limited 5-stars

Shared Team Members

FurinaFurina

With Ayato

Furina provides Ayato with Hydro Resonance and a powerful ramping DMG bonus that enhances his Shunsuiken slashes. Her off-field damage and Hydro application complement Ayato's wide AOE, making them a formidable duo in multi-target scenarios.

With Neuvillette

Furina is Neuvillette's best-in-slot support, as Neuvillette's constant HP fluctuations rapidly stack her Fanfare for maximum DMG bonuses. Hydro Resonance also directly increases Neuvillette's damage, which scales entirely with his Max HP.

KazuhaKazuha

With Ayato

Kazuha provides Ayato with the grouping necessary to maximize the AOE impact of his Skill and Burst. His Hydro DMG bonus and VV shred are essential for Ayato to reach his full potential as a primary Hydro driver.

With Neuvillette

Kazuha is vital for Neuvillette to group enemies for his Charged Attacks and to provide the necessary Hydro RES shred. The additional Hydro DMG bonus from Kazuha's passive further amplifies Neuvillette's already high damage output.

Best Builds (Signature)

Ayato

Weapon

Haran Geppaku Futsu

Artifacts

Echoes of an Offering

Sands

ATK%

Goblet

Hydro DMG%

Circlet

CRIT Rate / DMG

Substats

CRIT Rate ≥ CRIT DMG > ATK% > HP%

Neuvillette

Weapon

Tome of the Eternal Flow

Artifacts

Marechaussee Hunter

Sands

HP %

Goblet

Hydro DMG

Circlet

CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG

Substats

HP % > CRIT Rate > CRIT DMG > Energy Recharge

Who Should You Pull?

Ayato
Pull Ayato if…
  • In teams that require fast Hydro application for Hyperbloom/Vape
  • If you need a flexible Hydro Burst that works off-field
  • When you prefer a more traditional sword-based playstyle
Ayato Full Guide
Neuvillette
Pull Neuvillette if…
  • When you want the most powerful and self-sufficient carry in the game
  • To trivialize content with massive AoE beam damage
  • If you want a character that requires almost no support to clear Abyss
Neuvillette Full Guide