As a veteran Genshin Impact player, I've been closely following the developments around Skirk, Childe's master and a formidable swordswoman from the Abyss who was introduced during Fontaine's conclusion. With her expected playable debut approaching in Version 5.7, I've been analyzing what role she might take in the game's evolving meta—and I'm convinced she should be a Cryo sub-DPS rather than a main DPS, despite what some leaks suggest.

The Current State of Cryo in Genshin Impact

The Cryo element in 2025 remains somewhat unbalanced in its character distribution. While we have powerful main DPS units like Ganyu, Ayaka, and Wriothesley, and solid support characters like Shenhe, Diona, Layla, and Citlali, there's a glaring gap in the sub-DPS category. Currently, only Kaeya and Rosaria occupy this role—both 4-star characters who primarily serve for Cryo application rather than dealing significant off-field damage.

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This imbalance is what makes me believe Skirk would be most valuable as a Cryo sub-DPS. But why does this matter so much?

Why Genshin Impact Desperately Needs a Cryo Sub-DPS

Have you ever tried building a competitive Melt team without relying on the same two 4-star Cryo units? It's nearly impossible. The game desperately needs characters who can:

  1. Apply Cryo consistently from off-field

  2. Deal significant damage while doing so

  3. Enable new team compositions

Kaeya and Rosaria, while serviceable, lack the firepower that a premium 5-star unit could bring to this role. They primarily set up reactions rather than contributing meaningful damage themselves. With a powerful Cryo sub-DPS like Skirk could be, we'd see:

  • Revitalized Melt compositions

  • New Superconduct teams

  • Enhanced Freeze comps that don't rely solely on main DPS Cryo characters

  • More versatility for Swirl and even Shatter reactions

The Problem with Making Skirk a Main DPS

If Skirk were to be released as a Cryo main DPS, she would likely powercreep Wriothesley, who established himself as the strongest Cryo DPS and just had his first rerun in Version 5.4. This would be particularly unfair to players who invested in him recently, only to see him potentially outclassed a few patches later.

But as a sub-DPS, Skirk would fill a different niche entirely—complementing rather than competing with existing Cryo main DPS characters. She could revolutionize team compositions similar to how Mavuika's introduction as a Pyro sub-DPS in 2024 renewed teams that previously relied exclusively on Xiangling.

The Tsaritsa Factor

Of course, we can't discuss Cryo characters without considering the looming presence of the Tsaritsa. The Cryo Archon's eventual release (likely in 2026 with Snezhnaya) could follow the pattern established by recent Archons like Raiden, Nahida, Furina, and Mavuika—all of whom can function as off-field sub-DPS characters.

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If the Tsaritsa does follow this design philosophy, she might eventually powercreep Skirk. However, with Snezhnaya still on the horizon and Genshin Impact's roadmap reportedly extended by a full year, Skirk would have plenty of time to shine before facing competition from the Cryo Archon.

Potential Kit for Skirk as a Sub-DPS

What might Skirk's kit look like if she were designed as a Cryo sub-DPS? I envision:

  • Skill: A deployable sword technique that deals periodic Cryo DMG (similar to Albedo's skill but with Cryo)

  • Burst: A powerful slash followed by lingering ice blades that attack enemies over time

  • Passive: Something that enhances her off-field damage based on her mastery as Childe's teacher

This would allow her to fulfill her lore as a master swordswoman while providing the off-field utility that Cryo teams desperately need.

The Impact on the Meta

If Skirk were released as a Cryo sub-DPS, she would:

  1. Create new team composition possibilities

  2. Rejuvenate underused reaction types

  3. Add value to existing Pyro, Electro, and Hydro main DPS characters

  4. Fill a gap in the roster that has existed since the game's launch

Isn't it time we had a 5-star Cryo character who can deal significant damage from off-field?

People Also Ask

Will Skirk be released in Version 5.7?

According to current leaks, Skirk is expected to be released in Version 5.7, though as with all leaks, this information should be taken with a grain of salt until officially confirmed by HoYoverse.

Is Skirk definitely going to be a Cryo character?

While leaks suggest Skirk will be a 5-star Cryo character, nothing is confirmed until her official release. HoYoverse has been known to change character elements during development.

How does Skirk know Childe?

Skirk is Childe's master who taught him how to fight during his time in the Abyss. This training is what transformed Childe from an ordinary boy into the formidable Harbinger we know today.

Could Skirk work well with Wriothesley?

If Skirk were designed as a Cryo sub-DPS, she likely wouldn't synergize particularly well with Wriothesley due to the lack of reaction potential between two Cryo characters. However, they could potentially work together in specific team compositions that focus on Cryo resonance.

FAQ

Q: Wouldn't another Cryo main DPS be more impactful for the meta?

A: While it might seem that way initially, we already have several strong Cryo main DPS characters. What's truly missing is a powerful Cryo sub-DPS that can enable new team compositions and reaction strategies.

Q: How would Skirk compare to existing characters like Kaeya and Rosaria?

A: As a 5-star character, Skirk would likely offer significantly higher damage output and more consistent Cryo application than these 4-star alternatives, while potentially bringing unique mechanics that reflect her lore as a master swordswoman.

Q: Could Skirk work in Freeze teams?

A: Absolutely! A Cryo sub-DPS Skirk would be excellent in Freeze teams, allowing Hydro characters like Neuvillette or Furina to take the on-field DPS role while Skirk provides off-field Cryo application and damage.

Q: Would Skirk being a sub-DPS diminish her importance in the lore?

A: Not at all. Many of the game's most powerful and significant characters are sub-DPS units, including Archons like Raiden Shogun and Nahida. Being a sub-DPS doesn't mean less power—it often means more versatility and longevity in the meta.

Q: When will we get official confirmation about Skirk's kit?

A: Based on HoYoverse's typical pattern, we can expect official drip marketing about a month before her release, with detailed kit information following in the beta test for her version.

As we await more concrete information about Skirk's eventual release, I remain hopeful that HoYoverse recognizes the opportunity to fill this crucial gap in the Cryo roster. The game would benefit tremendously from having Skirk occupy the Cryo sub-DPS role that has remained vacant among 5-star characters since Genshin Impact's launch.