8 Characters that Fall from the Grace After Natlan Update Genshin Impact!

The release of Natlan in Genshin Impact has set the stage for an intense discussion around power creep, particularly concerning how it affects older characters. With the introduction of new meta-changing units and mechanics, some previously top-tier characters have seen significant drops in their performance and usage rates. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the data, breaking down which 5-star characters have experienced the sharpest declines in the Natlan meta, and why.

Understanding the Metrics

To evaluate the decline of these characters, we use three essential metrics that provide a clear view of how they’ve fared since the arrival of Natlan:

• Fall from Grace: The raw percentage drop from the peak usage rate of the character to their current usage in the Natlan meta.
• Delta: This measures the percentage loss from their peak usage. For example, if a character drops from 50% to 5%, this shows a -90% delta.
• Post-Natlan Ratio: A comparison of the character’s current usage rate against their pre-Natlan average. A lower ratio indicates a more significant falloff.

Data for this analysis comes from IWinToLose Gaming video focusing on featured 5-star characters (excluding Natlan units).

The Top 8 Power Creep in the Genshin Impact Natlan META

8. Arataki Itto (Geo, Claymore)

• Fall from Grace: -35.8% (peak 40% → 4.2%)
• Delta: -90.5%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 34%

Despite moments of glory during Geo-focused Abyss cycles, Itto’s reliance on mono-Geo teams doesn’t mesh well with the current Natlan meta, which favors AoE-heavy and elemental-focused setups. Even Shenhe’s buffs weren’t enough to maintain his relevance.

7. Cyno (Electro, Polearm)

• Fall from Grace: -36.8% (peak 40.3% → 3.5%)
• Delta: -91.2%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 24.2%

Cyno’s quickened teams have faltered as the meta shifted away from Dendro-friendly lineups. Newer characters like Clorinde and Alhaitham have outclassed him in both Electro and Dendro roles, leaving Cyno in the dust.

6. Albedo (Geo, Sword)

• Fall from Grace: -27.5% (peak 30.2% → 2.7%)
• Delta: -91.2%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 25%

Albedo’s Geo abilities now struggle in a world where new elemental reactions reign supreme. His lack of synergy with fresh supports like Chiori left him on the bench for many players.

5. Yoimiya (Pyro, Bow)

• Fall from Grace: -53.2% (peak 60% → 6.8%)
• Delta: -88.7%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 37.3%

While Yoimiya was once a top-tier single-target DPS, her performance has faltered in the face of newer characters like Arlecchino and Lyney, who bring powerful AoE capabilities. Additionally, her mobility issues make her difficult to use effectively in certain Abyss scenarios.

4. Ayaka (Cryo, Sword)

• Fall from Grace: -62.7% (peak 71% → 8.3%)
• Delta: -88.4%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 25.4%

Ayaka’s freeze teams have struggled against the unfreezable enemies that appear more frequently in the Natlan era. The rise of hypercarry units like Neuvillette has further reduced her viability in the current meta.

3. Sangonomiya Kokomi (Hydro, Catalyst)

• Fall from Grace: -68% (peak 85% → 17%)
• Delta: -87.2%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 18%

Kokomi’s once-dominant healing abilities have been overshadowed by Furina’s AoE Hydro application and buffs. Her single-target nature and lack of crit potential also contribute to her decline.

2. Venti (Anemo, Bow)

• Fall from Grace: -31.2% (peak 33.4% → 2.2%)
• Delta: -93.5%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 18.4%

The dominance of Kazuha and Furina has made Venti’s grouping ability less impactful, especially against heavy enemies that don’t get sucked in. Additionally, new Anemo supports like Xianyun have taken his place as a better utility option.

1. Nilou (Hydro, Sword)

• Fall from Grace: -66.9% (peak 70.7% → 3.8%)
• Delta: -94.6%
• Post-Natlan Ratio: 11.7%

Nilou’s niche role in Bloom teams has become less viable as Neuvillette’s Hydro flexibility has far outpaced her. The rise of single-target Abyss lineups further limits her utility, and her specific setup requirements have become a detriment.

Can These Characters Still Clear Abyss 12?

Absolutely! While the usage rates of these characters have dropped, they can still perform well in Abyss 12, especially with proper team composition and high-quality artifacts. The meta may have shifted, but with the right setups, older characters can still shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is power creep making older characters useless?

A: Not at all! While newer characters are often more flexible, older characters can still excel in specific scenarios. It’s all about the right team composition.

Q: Will Hoyoverse buff these characters?

A: Buffs are unlikely, but new supports or artifacts (like Chiori for Geo) could breathe new life into some of these characters.

Q: Should I pull for meta or favorites?

A: Always prioritize your favorites! Genshin Impact offers plenty of flexibility in Abyss, and creativity in team-building can make even older characters viable.

For those interested in the full Power Creep Video this article is based on:

Natlan’s influence on Genshin Impact has drastically reshaped the meta, with a clear focus on elemental versatility and AoE damage. Older, single-target, or niche characters have struggled to keep up, but they are far from useless. Whether or not these characters continue to see buffs or improvements, loyal players can still find ways to keep their favorite units relevant through strategic team compositions. Power creep may be a factor, but it doesn’t mean the end for older units—it just calls for more creativity and adaptation.