Theorylytics
Diluc

pyro · Claymore

Diluc

Main DPS

VS
Hu Tao

pyro · Polearm

Hu Tao

Main DPS

Diluc vs Hu Tao

Steady Pyro claymore vs. the queen of Vaporize

TL;DR — Quick Pick

Pick Diluc if…

  • If you find Hu Tao's stamina management frustrating
  • When facing multiple enemies where his Burst excels
  • In a Dragonstrike or Xianyun plunge-focused team

Pick Hu Tao if…

  • For boss-slaying and single-target speedruns
  • When you have Yelan or Xingqiu to enable constant Vapes
  • If you enjoy the 'high risk, high reward' HP-drain playstyle
Verdict

Hu Tao remains the superior choice for raw single-target damage and meta relevance. Diluc is a more comfortable, general-purpose carry who has found a second life in Plunge-centric teams.

At a Glance

Diluc
Stat
Hu Tao
Claymore
Weapon
Polearm
Infused Normals/Plunge
Primary DMG
Charged AttacksWinner
HighWinner
Ease of Play
Low (Stamina/HP)
Moderate
Peak Damage
Extremely HighWinner
GoodWinner
Multi-Target
Poor
Low
Sustainability
Self-managingWinner
High
Field Time
Strict WindowsWinner
Universal
Synergy
Hydro-reliant

Strengths & Weaknesses

Diluc

Strengths
  • Pyro Infusion will not be lost if you swap characters and swap back to Diluc.
  • Great Shield breaking having both Pyro and Blunt DMG.
  • Elemental Burst only costs 40 Energy.
Weaknesses
  • Low damage compared to other Main DPS, especially Pyro characters.
  • First Ascension Passive increases Charged Attack damage which is rarely used.
  • Diluc's best weapons are simply stat sticks and not tailored for him.

Hu Tao

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

Shared Team Members

YelanYelan

With Diluc

Yelan provides Diluc with the consistent off-field Hydro application required to Vaporize his triple-cast Skill and Pyro-infused Normal attacks. Her 'Exquisite Throw' Burst also grants a ramping DMG bonus that significantly boosts Diluc's damage throughout his field time. This synergy creates a high-pressure offensive rotation that excels in single-target and multi-target combat.

With Hu Tao

Yelan is an incredible support for Hu Tao, offering the Hydro application needed for consistent Vaporized Charged Attacks while providing a massive ramping DMG bonus. Her high personal damage from her Burst complements Hu Tao's single-target focus, and the Hydro resonance from this pairing boosts Hu Tao's HP and damage. This duo is a staple for high-end Hu Tao compositions.

Best Builds (Signature)

Diluc

Weapon

Wolf's Gravestone

Artifacts

Marechaussee Hunter

Sands

ATK % / Elemental Mastery

Goblet

Pyro DMG

Circlet

CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG

Substats

CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK % > Elemental Mastery > Energy Recharge

Hu Tao

Weapon

Staff of Homa

Artifacts

Crimson Witch of Flames

Sands

ATK%

Goblet

DMG%

Circlet

CRIT Rate

Substats

CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK% > ER%

Who Should You Pull?

Diluc
Pull Diluc if…
  • If you find Hu Tao's stamina management frustrating
  • When facing multiple enemies where his Burst excels
  • In a Dragonstrike or Xianyun plunge-focused team
Diluc Full Guide
Hu Tao
Pull Hu Tao if…
  • For boss-slaying and single-target speedruns
  • When you have Yelan or Xingqiu to enable constant Vapes
  • If you enjoy the 'high risk, high reward' HP-drain playstyle
Hu Tao Full Guide