After over four years since its release, Genshin Impact has finally introduced an Anemo shielder named Lan Yan. With her release, Electro and Hydro remain the only elements without shielders at the time of writing. This article aims to review Lan Yan’s constellations and determine just how much of a difference they make.
Most 4-star characters perform exceptionally well at Constellation 0, with only a few exceptions. Fortunately, Lan Yan is among the better-performing characters. Being both a Catalyst user and an Anemo unit already makes her a solid choice in Genshin Impact, and she only becomes better as you unlock her constellations.
Constellations enhance various aspects of characters in Genshin Impact. In Lan Yan’s case, her constellations improve her shield and supporting ability. In this guide, we will discuss all of Lan Yan’s constellations and evaluate their effectiveness.
Genshin Impact: Lan Yan’s Constellations Explained
Constellation 1: “As One Might Stride Betwixt the Clouds”
Effect: After triggering Elemental Absorption from the Passive Talent “Four Sealing Divination Charms,” this instance of Lan Yan’s Elemental Skill Swallow-Wisp Pinion Dance will produce another Feathermoon Ring when thrown at opponents.
You must first unlock the Passive Talent “Four Sealing Divination Charms.”
Lan Yan’s first constellation adds an extra layer of utility to her Elemental Skill, Swallow-Wisp Pinion Dance. This skill not only creates an Anemo shield but also enables a follow-up attack called Feathermoon Ring when Lan Yan is mid-air.
When her shield comes into contact with Hydro, Pyro, Electro, or Cryo, it gains elemental absorption, increasing its resistance to the absorbed element. With Constellation 1, this interaction triggers an additional Feathermoon Ring, effectively boosting her Elemental Skill’s offensive potential. While the skill’s base damage remains modest, this constellation provides a noticeable improvement in her overall combat capabilities.
Constellation 2: “Dance Vestments Billow Like Rainbow Jade”
Effect: While the Swallow-Wisp Shield is active, when your active party member’s Normal Attacks deal damage, 40% of the shield’s damage absorption will be restored, up to its original maximum. This effect can occur once every 2 seconds.
Lan Yan’s second constellation significantly enhances her shield’s sustainability, especially for characters that rely on Normal Attacks. Whenever a party member deals Normal Attack damage, her shield restores 40% of its absorption every two seconds.
This makes Lan Yan particularly effective when paired with Normal Attack DPS characters like Keqing, Ayaka, or Arlecchino. However, this effect does not extend to other forms of attacks, such as Charged or Elemental Skills, which limits its versatility in some team compositions.
Constellation 3: “On White Wings Pierce Through Cloud and Fog”
Effect: Increases the Level of Swallow-Wisp Pinion Dance by 3. Maximum upgrade level is 15.
Lan Yan’s third constellation increases the level of her Elemental Skill by 3, enhancing its shield strength and improving its damage absorption capabilities. While this is a welcome upgrade, it does not drastically change her playstyle or effectiveness, making it more of a quality-of-life improvement. Players may find stopping at Constellation 2 a more practical choice if Primogems are limited.
Constellation 4: “With Drakefalcon’s Blood-Pearls Adorned”
Effect: After Lan Yan uses her Elemental Burst Lustrous Moonrise, the Elemental Mastery of all nearby party members increases by 60 for 12 seconds.
Lan Yan’s fourth constellation provides a valuable team-wide Elemental Mastery buff upon casting her Elemental Burst, Lustrous Moonrise. This buff is highly beneficial for reactions like Vaporize, Melt, Overloaded, and Electro-Charged, especially with the recent buffs to certain reaction types.
With a 15-second cooldown on her Elemental Burst and a 12-second duration for the Elemental Mastery buff, the downtime is minimal at just three seconds, provided Lan Yan has enough Energy Recharge. This constellation adds significant value to reaction-based teams, making it one of her most impactful upgrades.
Constellation 5: “Having Met You, My Heart is Gladdened”
Effect: Increases the Level of Lustrous Moonrise by 3. Maximum upgrade level is 15.
Lan Yan’s fifth constellation permanently increases the level of her Elemental Burst by 3. This upgrade boosts her burst’s damage scaling and overall effectiveness. If you plan to build Lan Yan as a DPS, the additional scaling provided by this constellation is particularly appealing.
Constellation 6: “Let Us Away on Slyphic Wing, the Silvered Ornaments to Ring”
Effect: Swallow-Wisp Pinion Dance gains 1 additional charge.
Lan Yan’s sixth constellation is a game-changer for her kit. It provides an additional charge to her Elemental Skill, Swallow-Wisp Pinion Dance. This enables her to create an extra shield or refresh an existing one, greatly enhancing her utility and survivability.
The additional charge also generates more Energy particles, making it easier to maintain uptime on her Elemental Burst. This constellation solidifies her role as a reliable shielder and support, making it an ideal investment for players seeking to maximize her potential.
Optimal Constellation Level for Lan Yan
Lan Yan performs well at Constellation 0, but her support potential improves significantly with additional constellations. Constellations 2 and 4 provide the most notable enhancements, with Constellation 6 adding a quality-of-life improvement that boosts her overall effectiveness. For most players, stopping at Constellation 2 or 4 offers a good balance of utility and resource investment.
How to Unlock Lan Yan for Free
Lan Yan is a 4-star Anemo character from Liyue. She is available during the Lantern Rite event’s 4-star Character Selector, which occurs annually. Players can claim one free Liyue character, including Lan Yan, during this event.
If your other Liyue 4-star characters are already at Constellation 6, this is an excellent opportunity to add or upgrade Lan Yan in your roster.
Genshin Impact: Lan Yan Constellation FAQ
Is Lan Yan viable without constellations?
Yes, Lan Yan is perfectly viable at C0. Her constellations enhance her abilities but are not essential for her utility.
Which Lan Yan constellation makes the biggest difference?
Constellation 6 is her strongest upgrade, providing an additional skill charge. Constellation 2 is also highly valuable for Normal Attack-based teams.
How many Lan Yan constellations should I aim for?
While Lan Yan is perfectly fine at C0, Constellations 2 and 4 are worth aiming for if you want to improve her support capabilities. Constellation 6 is a fantastic final upgrade for players willing to invest further.