Diona vs Layla
The multi-purpose kitten vs. the pure shield star
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Diona if…
- When your team needs a healer and a shielder in one slot
- In Reaction teams where her C6 EM buff is massive
- As a battery for energy-hungry Cryo units like Eula
Pick Layla if…
- If you only care about maximum shield strength and uptime
- In teams that use Tenacity of the Millelith effectively
- When you don't need healing and want a simpler defensive unit
Diona is the more versatile 'Swiss army knife' of the two, while Layla provides a significantly stronger and more consistent shield. Choose Diona for utility and Layla for pure protection.
At a Glance
Strengths & Weaknesses
Diona
- Very good Cryo Battery.
- Easy to build since she scales mostly on HP.
- Good support, her shield is strong if you invest in it.
- Low personal damage; primarily played as an off-field support.
- Very slow Cryo application.
- Requires a lot of Energy.
Layla
- Strong Cryo damage
- Versatile team options
- Requires investment
- Best teams use limited 5-stars
Shared Team Members
With Diona
Diona provides Ganyu with a sturdy Cryo shield and healing, which are essential for protecting her while she charges her 'Frostflake Arrows' in Melt or Freeze teams. Her 'Icy Paws' generate a significant amount of Cryo particles, helping Ganyu maintain 100% uptime on her large AoE Burst. This pairing also grants Cryo Resonance, giving Ganyu a welcome 15% CRIT Rate bonus against affected enemies.
With Layla
Layla offers Ganyu a near-100% uptime Cryo shield that is one of the strongest in the game, ensuring Ganyu is never interrupted while aiming her shots. Her 'Night Star' projectiles provide consistent off-field Cryo application, which can help maintain Freeze or trigger certain weapon passives. This synergy is particularly valuable for Ganyu players who prioritize complete safety and consistency in their rotations.
Best Builds (Signature)
Weapon
Sacrificial Bow
Artifacts
Noblesse Oblige
Sands
HP %
Goblet
HP %
Circlet
HP % > Healing Bonus > CRIT Rate (only if Favonius Warbow)
Substats
Energy Recharge > HP % > HP > CRIT Rate (only if Favonius Warbow)
Weapon
Key of Khaj-Nisut
Artifacts
Tenacity of the Millelith
Sands
ATK%
Goblet
DMG%
Circlet
CRIT Rate
Substats
Energy Recharge Until Breakpoint > HP % > CRIT Rate with Favobius > HP
Who Should You Pull?
- When your team needs a healer and a shielder in one slot
- In Reaction teams where her C6 EM buff is massive
- As a battery for energy-hungry Cryo units like Eula
- If you only care about maximum shield strength and uptime
- In teams that use Tenacity of the Millelith effectively
- When you don't need healing and want a simpler defensive unit