Theorylytics
Mona

hydro · Catalyst

Mona

Support

VS
Aino

hydro · Claymore

Aino

Support

Mona vs Aino

Venerable damage buffer vs. heavy Hydro claymore frontline

TL;DR — Quick Pick

Pick Mona if…

  • When the team needs a massive DMG% buff for a short window
  • When you need a Hydro applicator that doesn't take field time
  • When using Freeze compositions like Ganyu/Ayaka

Pick Aino if…

  • When you want a durable Hydro Main DPS who can lead from the front
  • When building a team around Claymore-based poise breaking
  • When you have access to Nod-Krai specific support units
Verdict

Mona is a support staple for many veteran accounts, providing unique damage amplification that Aino lacks. Aino serves as a more traditional Hydro carry, offering higher personal damage output at the cost of team-wide buffing.

At a Glance

Mona
Stat
Aino
Catalyst
Weapon
Claymore
5-Star
Rarity
5-Star
Support
Role
Main DPS
Quick intervalsWinner
Hydro App
Heavy impact
Alternate SprintWinner
Mobility
Standard
Quickswap / Burst
Playstyle
On-field Brawler
ER Focus (Emblem)
Artifact Needs
HP/Crit Focus
High (TTDS)Winner
F2P Friendly
Moderate

Strengths & Weaknesses

Mona

Strengths
  • Devastating on Freeze teams.
  • Great quickswap gameplay.
  • Low investment.
Weaknesses
  • Technical gameplay.
  • Can be built for DPS, but it is very expensive.

Aino

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

Shared Team Members

KazuhaKazuha

With Mona

Kazuha can Swirl Hydro to reduce enemy RES via the Viridescent Venerer set, amplifying the damage of Mona's Stellaris Phantasm. His grouping ability also ensures that enemies are tightly packed within Mona's Omen bubble for maximum AOE efficiency.

With Aino

Kazuha provides a significant Hydro DMG bonus based on his Elemental Mastery, which directly increases the power of Aloy's Hydro-infused normal attacks. His crowd control also keeps enemies gathered, making it easier for her to hit multiple targets with her Skill.

Best Builds (Signature)

Mona

Weapon

Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers

Artifacts

Celestial Gift

Sands

Energy Recharge

Goblet

ATK %

Circlet

CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG

Substats

Energy Recharge > CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG

Aino

Weapon

Favonius Greatsword

Artifacts

Silken Moon's Serenade

Sands

Elemental Mastery / Energy Recharge

Goblet

Elemental Mastery

Circlet

Elemental Mastery / CRIT Rate W/ Favonius

Substats

Energy Recharge to requirements > Elemental Mastery > CRIT Rate (Favonius)

Who Should You Pull?

Mona
Pull Mona if…
  • When the team needs a massive DMG% buff for a short window
  • When you need a Hydro applicator that doesn't take field time
  • When using Freeze compositions like Ganyu/Ayaka
Mona Full Guide
Aino
Pull Aino if…
  • When you want a durable Hydro Main DPS who can lead from the front
  • When building a team around Claymore-based poise breaking
  • When you have access to Nod-Krai specific support units
Aino Full Guide