Theorylytics
Hu Tao

pyro · Polearm

Hu Tao

Main DPS

VS
Lyney

pyro · Bow

Lyney

Main DPS

Hu Tao vs Lyney

The close-quarters Vaporize master vs. the Mono-Pyro tactical sniper

TL;DR — Quick Pick

Pick Hu Tao if…

  • If you have Yelan and Xingqiu for the premier Double Hydro core
  • When you want a high-reward melee playstyle
  • If you prefer reactions over raw elemental damage

Pick Lyney if…

  • In Mono-Pyro teams with Bennett and Kazuha/Xiangling
  • When you can maintain distance and safe shooting positions
  • If you enjoy a tactical, burst-heavy playstyle
Verdict

Hu Tao is the superior reaction-based carry, dominating in single-target Vaporize scenarios. Lyney is a powerhouse in Mono-Pyro, offering higher frontline burst and slightly better AoE at the cost of being vulnerable while aiming.

At a Glance

Hu Tao
Stat
Lyney
Polearm
Weapon
Bow
Charged Attack Melee
Playstyle
Charged Shot Ranged
Vaporize / Double Hydro
Ideal Team
Mono-Pyro
High (Jump Cancels)
Difficulty
High (Aiming)
LowWinner
Energy Reliance
Moderate
High
Self-Sustain
High
Excellent
Single Target
Excellent
Poor
AoE
ModerateWinner

Strengths & Weaknesses

Hu Tao

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

Lyney

Strengths
  • Able to taunt enemies with the Grin-Malkin Hat from his Elemental Skill.
  • Grin-Malkin Hat can easily be refreshed using both Lyney's Charged Attacks and Elemental Burst.
  • Powerful Pyro DMG with a unique Pyro-focused kit.
Weaknesses
  • Can be easily staggered while aiming, so shields or Interruption RES are important.
  • While Lyney's kit is designed around Mono-Pyro gameplay, many teams now favor stronger reaction-based setups instead.

Shared Team Members

ZhongliZhongli

With Hu Tao

Zhongli's Jade Shield is a staple for Hu Tao, providing the interruption resistance and safety she needs to perform her Charged Attack combos at low HP. His 20% universal RES shred also provides a significant damage boost to her Pyro-infused attacks.

With Lyney

Zhongli provides Lyney with the essential shield needed to charge his Prop Arrows without being interrupted by enemy attacks. The universal RES shred and Geo resonance also contribute to Lyney's overall damage and survivability in Mono-Pyro teams.

KazuhaKazuha

With Hu Tao

Kazuha provides Hu Tao with a large Pyro DMG bonus through his Swirl reactions and shreds enemy Pyro RES with the Viridescent Venerer set. His grouping also helps Hu Tao's Elemental Burst hit more enemies, making her more effective in multi-target scenarios.

With Lyney

Kazuha is a cornerstone of Lyney's Mono-Pyro teams, providing a massive Pyro DMG buff and shredding enemy RES to maximize Lyney's explosive damage. His crowd control pulls enemies into Lyney's AoE attacks, ensuring high efficiency during his on-field windows.

Best Builds (Signature)

Hu Tao

Weapon

Staff of Homa

Artifacts

Crimson Witch of Flames

Sands

ATK%

Goblet

DMG%

Circlet

CRIT Rate

Substats

CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK% > ER%

Lyney

Weapon

The First Great Magic

Artifacts

Marechaussee Hunter

Sands

ATK %

Goblet

Pyro DMG

Circlet

CRIT DMG

Substats

CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG > ATK % > Energy Recharge

Who Should You Pull?

Hu Tao
Pull Hu Tao if…
  • If you have Yelan and Xingqiu for the premier Double Hydro core
  • When you want a high-reward melee playstyle
  • If you prefer reactions over raw elemental damage
Hu Tao Full Guide
Lyney
Pull Lyney if…
  • In Mono-Pyro teams with Bennett and Kazuha/Xiangling
  • When you can maintain distance and safe shooting positions
  • If you enjoy a tactical, burst-heavy playstyle
Lyney Full Guide