Iansan: The Potential New Bennett Replacement in Genshin Impact

Bennett is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and effective characters in Genshin Impact. Despite being available since the game's launch, he continues to be a staple in numerous team compositions. However, with the introduction of Iansan in Genshin Impact Version 5.5, set to launch on March 26, many players are questioning whether she could be the new "Bennett replacement."

Genshin Impact enthusiasts often note that HoYoverse may have unintentionally created overpowered support characters like Bennett, Xingqiu, and Xiangling, prompting the development of new characters with more specialized roles. Iansan, a 4-Star Electro Polearm character from Natlan, is poised to debut and is being dubbed the "Bennett replacement" due to similarities in their kits. Let's delve into how Iansan's abilities stack up against Bennett's.

How Does Iansan’s Kit Compare to Bennett’s in Genshin Impact?

Iansan, hailing from Natlan, is designed as a support character who enhances team damage and provides healing. Her Elemental Burst, "The Three Principles of Power," serves as a key mechanism for boosting other characters, much like Bennett's. However, while Bennett's buffs require characters to remain within a designated field, Iansan's approach differs. She summons a Kinetic Energy Scale that follows the active character, boosting their ATK based on her Nightsoul Points.

If Iansan's Nightsoul Points are below 42 out of a maximum of 54, the ATK bonus scales with both her Nightsoul Points and ATK. Once she reaches 42 or more Nightsoul Points, the bonus increases and is solely based on her ATK, suggesting that building her with a focus on ATK is optimal.

The unique aspect of Iansan's Kinetic Energy Scale is its requirement for movement. Both vertical and horizontal movements are logged, and every second, the distance traveled contributes to restoring Nightsoul Points to Iansan.

Bennett's field, on the other hand, offers substantial healing, restoring up to 70% HP to the active character, a feature where he significantly outshines Iansan. Additionally, Iansan cannot heal herself, unlike Bennett, making him the clear winner in the healing department.

Another key difference lies in elemental infusion. Bennett, at C6, can infuse Pyro into the Normal Attacks of the active character, a feature Iansan does not have. The significance of this depends on your team's composition.

In terms of exploration, Iansan offers unique advantages. She can use Nightsoul Points to sprint without consuming stamina and jump longer distances, enhancing mobility. However, for Pyro-based teams, Bennett remains the preferable choice due to Elemental Resonance, which provides a +25% ATK buff and Pyro infusion.

Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?

Iansan can be seen as a sibling to Bennett, given their similar appearances and roles. However, rather than replacing him, she serves as a robust alternative, particularly useful for secondary team compositions in Spiral Abyss that require a similar support role.

Iansan's primary advantage is the elimination of the need to stay within a fixed field for buffs, humorously referred to as "Circle Impact" by the Genshin Impact community. Her Kinetic Energy Scale encourages active movement, offering a dynamic gameplay style distinct from Bennett's static field.

If you're interested in trying out Iansan, you can do so in Phase I of Genshin Impact Version 5.5, launching on March 26.

Genshin Impact is available to play now.