Genshin Impact Manekin Build Guide: Best Weapons & Artifacts
Manekin arrives in Genshin Impact’s Miliastra Wonderland update. Get the best builds, artifacts, and team synergies for every element.
Manekin Build Guide: Optimize Every Element in Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact's rollout of the Miliastra Wonderland region introduces a genuinely unique character—the Manekin. As of version 5.3 (global release: 2025-10-23), players can unlock this customizable, multi-element sword user after progressing in the Wonderland questline. Manekin's core appeal lies in their versatility: they can switch between Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, and Pyro alignments, adapting to nearly any combat need. This guide covers the best Manekin builds, weapons, and artifact sets for each element, helping players maximize the character’s all-around utility without wasting resin or resources.
Why Now? Manekin is the first character since Traveler who seamlessly changes element via the Statue of the Seven, adding vast depth to roster planning and free-to-play team flexibility. But their same skillset across elements means optimal builds must be tailored for each alignment if you want to unlock their full support or driver potential.
At a Glance
- Available: After unlocking Miliastra Wonderland in patch 5.3 (2025-10-23, UTC+8)
- Elemental Switching: Uses Traveler’s current element; swap at any Statue of the Seven
- Weapon: Sword (all elements share the same kit)
- Best Roles: Elemental driver, on-field reaction enabler, budget DPS
- Standout Artifacts: Viridescent Venerer, Heart of Depth, Flower of Paradise Lost, Nighttime Whispers, Deepwood Memories, Crimson Witch
Step-by-Step: How to Change Manekin’s Element
- Reach a Statue of the Seven in the region matching the desired element.
- Interact with the Statue, select "Resonate" to switch the Traveler’s element.
- Confirm selection.
- Manekin’s element will automatically update in the open world and domains (no separate unlock or reset needed).
Note: Platform/region differences not stated in official materials. Changing elements is instantaneous and free of charge.
Best Builds By Element
Each alignment pushes Manekin toward a niche defined by current meta elemental reactions and artifact support. Here’s a tailored breakdown for every role.
Anemo Manekin: Reaction Driver & Debuffer
- Playstyle: On-field driver for Swirl comps (Hydro, Pyro, Electro partners), quickswap flexibility.
- Recommended Sets:
- 4pc Viridescent Venerer: Reduces enemy RES, crucial for reaction teams.
- 4pc Desert Pavilion Chronicle: Slightly higher personal DPS if you lack VV.
- Weapons:
- Mistsplitter Reforged, Haran Geppaku Futsu (for crit/ATK boosts)
- Iron Sting (F2P; solid EM option)
- Main Stats:
- Sands: Elemental Mastery or ATK%
- Goblet: Elemental Mastery or ATK%
- Circlet: Crit Rate / Crit DMG
- Substats: Crit DMG, Crit Rate, ATK%, Elemental Mastery, Energy Recharge
Sample Table: Anemo Manekin Build
| Weapons | Artifact Sets | Main Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Mistsplitter Reforged | 4VV (priority) | EM or ATK% / Crit stats |
| Haran Geppaku Futsu | 4 Desert Pavilion | |
| Primordial Jade Cutter | ||
| Iron Sting (F2P) |
Geo Manekin: Niche DPS Option
- Playstyle: Lacks top-tier synergy, best used for on-field DPS with tailored Geo builds.
- Recommended Sets:
- 4pc Nighttime Whispers in the Echoing Woods (boosts Geo normal/plunging damage)
- 4pc Shimenawa's Reminiscence (if previous set unavailable)
- Weapons:
- Uraku Misugiri (Geo synergy), Summit Shaper, standard Crit/ATK swords
- Main Stats:
- Sands: ATK%
- Goblet: Geo DMG
- Circlet: Crit DMG or Crit Rate
- Substats: Crit DMG, Crit Rate, ATK%, Energy Recharge
Electro Manekin: Hyperbloom/Burgeon Driver
- Playstyle: Specializes in reaction comps—build pure Elemental Mastery for Hyperbloom/Burgeon.
- Recommended Sets:
- 4pc Flower of Paradise Lost (boosts Dendro-core reactions)
- 4pc Gilded Dreams, 4pc Thundering Fury (alternatives)
- Weapons:
- Light of Foliar Incision, Freedom-Sworn, Xiphos' Moonlight, Iron Sting (all strong for EM stacking)
- Main Stats:
- Sands: Elemental Mastery
- Goblet: Elemental Mastery
- Circlet: Elemental Mastery or Crit Rate
- Substats: Elemental Mastery, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, Energy Recharge
Dendro Manekin: Bloom/Burgeon Enabler
- Playstyle: Effective as an on-field Dendro applier for Nilou/Burgeon comps.
- Recommended Sets:
- 4pc Flower of Paradise Lost, 4pc Gilded Dreams, 4pc Deepwood Memories
- Weapons:
- Light of Foliar Incision, Sapwood Blade, Iron Sting (max EM)
- Main Stats:
- Sands/Goblet/Circlet: Elemental Mastery (or Crit Rate for extra personal DPS in niche setups)
Hydro Manekin: Vaporize/Flex DPS
- Playstyle: Limited on-field DPS, best run in Vaporize or as a driver in flexible comps.
- Recommended Sets:
- 4pc Heart of Depth (Hydro damage)
- 4pc Nymph’s Dream (stronger, but higher clear cost)
- Weapons:
- Mistsplitter Reforged, Haran Geppaku Futsu, Wolf-Fang, The Black Sword, Iron Sting
- Main Stats:
- Sands: ATK%
- Goblet: Hydro DMG
- Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG
Pyro Manekin: Burgeon/Melt Tech
- Playstyle: Flexible—either pure EM build for Burgeon teams or DPS/stat stacking for Melt.
- Recommended Sets:
- 4pc Flower of Paradise Lost, 4pc Gilded Dreams, 4pc Crimson Witch of Flames
- Weapons:
- Same as Electro/Dendro recommendations above
- Main Stats:
- Sands: Elemental Mastery
- Goblet: Elemental Mastery
- Circlet: Elemental Mastery or Crit Rate
Team Synergies and Budget Options
-
F2P/Low-Spend Priority:
- Iron Sting and Sapwood Blade are craftable and effective for EM builds in Anemo, Electro, Dendro, or Pyro.
- Lions’ Roar is a solid 4-star for Vaporize/Overload (Pyro/Hydro fits).
- Mix-and-match 2pc Artifact bonuses (EM, ATK%, elemental DMG) until you farm consistent 4pc sets.
-
Best Partners:
- Anemo: Any reaction carry (Xiangling, Yelan, Fischl)
- Electro/Dendro: Nilou, Nahida, Raiden, Xingqiu
- Hydro/Pyro: Bennett, Xiangling, Yelan, Kazuha
- Geo: Albedo for resonance, but overall least synergistic
-
Comp Table Example:
Element Role Best Comps Notes Anemo Driver Yelan-Xingqiu/Fischl/Xiangling Swirl + VV shred Electro Hyperbloom Nahida-Xingqiu-Kuki Shinobu Max EM, trigger reactions Dendro Bloom Nilou-Xingqiu/Yelan On-field core generation Hydro Vape Xiangling-Bennett Focus on DMG output
Preparation Checklist: Daily/Weekly Tasks
- Unlock all Statue of the Seven nodes (across Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan as applicable) for free elemental resonance.
- Gather weapon ascension materials per top weapon choice (refer to in-game material sources, as weekly/daily cadence varies by region and update).
- Clear artifact domains on the right rotation (see current domain schedule in-game; prioritize Viridescent, Paradise Lost, Heart of Depth, etc.)
- Collect enhancement ores and character level-up resources ahead of time.
- Resin Management: Save resin for 4pc set farming once you settle on a main element.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Q: Can Manekin be switched during combat?
– A: Not stated in official materials. Element switch requires a Statue of the Seven, which is only accessible out of combat and in the overworld.
Q: Will Manekin benefit from Traveler’s constellations?
– A: No. Manekin is a standalone unit and does not share constellation/equipment progress with the Traveler.
Q: Are there platform-exclusive differences or time-gated unlocks?
– A: Not stated in official materials for patch 5.3. Unlock appears universal post-Miliastra Wonderland region access.
Q: Does Manekin consume pity or banner currency?
– A: No. Manekin is a free character and has no impact on event or limited banner pity (Confirmed in 5.3 notes).
What to Watch Next
While Manekin offers unparalleled elemental flexibility, their same-kit limitation means they’re rarely the main DPS in high-investment teams. Instead, they are an ideal option for players with sparse or underbuilt elemental rosters, and for experimenting with team reactions in Spiral Abyss or open world content without needing multiple 5-stars. Once comfortable with a primary element, focus on farming full 4-piece sets—especially Viridescent for Anemo or Flower of Paradise Lost for Electro/Dendro/Pyro.
For ongoing updates, including banner reruns, event schedules, and team compositions in Genshin Impact patch 5.3 and beyond, check the Miliastra Wonderland guide or hunt in-game for official notices on future Manekin upgrades.
Visual Enhancements (For Editors)
- Character menu screenshot showing Manekin's element change interface (alt: "Character select screen displaying Manekin's elemental alignment toggle").
- Artifact inventory grid highlighting optimal 4pc set layouts (alt: "Artifact inventory with recommended Manekin sets equipped").
- Team lineup suggestion diagrams for each core comp (alt: "Party setup screen with Manekin in main driver slot").