A lot of the fun in Genshin Impact's combat comes from the various smooth and satisfying animations with a lot of the characters' Elemental Bursts. While some 4-star animations are clean and crisp, the animations for the 5-star characters stand out the most, since they basically get their own mini cutscene whenever their Burst is cast. Even though a lot of 5-star Burst animations are good, there is definitely a stand-out for each Element in Genshin Impact.
An Elemental Burst in Genshin Impact is the game's version of an ultimate ability: a strong, special ability only able to be cast every once in a while. These abilities usually are the deciding factor of what kind of playstyle and role the character will fill, but there are exceptions. These abilities can range from healing to large bursts of damage.
A lot of love and care definitely goes into the animations of every character's abilities. The characters are the soul of Genshin Impact, so it's been important to HoYoverse to make each and every one stand out. A lot of Burst animations are very satisfying to cast, like Yunjin's Burst which makes a satisfying sound when cast, as well as Barbara, whose own tiny cutscene makes her Burst animation seem very 5-star-like. However, some Elemental Burst animations are clearly the best.
Anemo's Best Elemental Burst In Genshin Impact - Xiao
Xiao's Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil, has a short scene of Xiao putting on his Yaksha mask whenever it is cast. The player can see Xiao somewhat trembling with power as he squeezes his fist, which represents all of the strength and suffering that Xiao feels whenever he dons his Yaksha mask. The Burst animation in Genshin Impact does a good job in its short amount of time of showing the player exactly what Xiao is going through whenever his Burst is cast, and the emotional and physical price he must pay every time he puts on the mask for his Burst. Bane of All Evil's animation also radiates a surge of power which is sure to make the player feel stronger whenever they cast the Burst on this character since they are about to deal a massive amount of damage to the enemy.
Cryo's Best Elemental Burst In Genshin Impact - Shenhe
Shenhe's Elemental Burst, Divine Maiden's Deliverance, shows Shenhe in Genshin Impact unleashing her Talisman Spirit to damage the enemy. This animation is short, sweet, and beautiful. It not only shows the grace with which Shenhe carries herself but is also a tiny window into her backstory.
There is a somewhat sorrowful expression on Shenhe's face during the animation of this ability, which, along with the accompaniment of her Talisman Spirit, represents that deep loneliness that Shenhe has felt throughout her life. Although this animation is very brief, it provides a lot of insight for the player into the character of Shenhe. It may even help them feel a deeper connection to her.
Electro's Best Elemental Burst In Genshin Impact - Raiden Shogun
The Raiden Shogun exudes nothing but power in everything that she does, and her Elemental Burst is no exception. Her Burst, Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu, plays a short scene of the Raiden Shogun in Genshin Impact pulling her katana, the Musou no Hitotachi, from her chest before massively slicing through the enemy with it. The emotionless expression on the Raiden Shogun's face as well as the animation of the sword cutting through the fabric of reality really does an outstanding job of showing the player just how powerful the Raiden Shogun is, and how unfeeling the puppet is while slicing her enemies to ribbons. The emotional connection that the player learns about the Musou no Hitotachi in the Raiden Shogun's story quest also benefits this animation and makes the sword feel that much more important as well.
Geo's Best Elemental Burst In Genshin Impact - Arataki Itto
Arataki Itto is a massively popular character, and not only is it because of his fun gameplay, but also because of the playful and lighthearted personality that Itto brings to the table. Itto's prideful yet soft-hearted nature is present everywhere in his gameplay and the fun he expresses during the animation of his Elemental Burst, Royal Descent: Behold, Itto the Evil! does an amazing job at hyping up his gameplay. The colorful background and smile on Itto's face as he announces "Who wants some of this?" gives a thrill to the combat loop of Genshin Impact, and passively makes it feel much more fun than it already is.
Hydro's Best Elemental Burst In Genshin Impact - Sangonomiya Kokomi
Even though Kokomi is a soft-hearted, sweet, and gentle character in Genshin Impact, her Elemental Burst does a good job of expressing another side of her. Her Burst, Nereid's Ascension, shows players the power that she possesses behind her kind face. During this animation, Kokomi robes herself in a Ceremonial Garment made of water, and the world around her slightly darkens as if she has drowned it.
Since there is still a little bit of mystery hanging around Enkanomiya and Watatsumi Island in Genshin Impact, this mysteriousness is well represented by Kokomi. Her Burst animation reminds players that she and her ancestors come from a world way down deep. It's also incredibly fun to watch.
Pyro's Best Elemental Burst In Genshin Impact - Hu Tao
Hu Tao is another character in Genshin Impact whose popularity not only comes from her strong gameplay but also her quirky personality. Her Elemental Burst, Spirit Soother, shows Hu Tao smiling with a cute ghost before striking the enemy with it. This cheerful animation not only reminds players of Hu Tao's cheerful personality but also has a satisfying feeling, as the strike looks strong on-screen and also has a massive damage output.
Every Elemental Burst in Genshin Impact is unique, and each one helps to tell the story of the character that casts them. Other characters, like Kaedehara Kazuha and Yae Miko, also have beautiful Burst animations that are small windows into their character. Since the quality of Elemental Burst animations in Genshin Impact continues to rise, it can only be expected that the Elemental Bursts from future Sumeru characters will be just as thrilling if not more.