If you’re looking for a character who combines dark humor, explosive Pyro power, and a touch of poetic philosophy, meet Hu Tao—the quirky director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and Genshin Impact’s most delightfully unhinged Pyro DPS. With her ghostly companions, charged attack playstyle, and obsession with the afterlife, Hu Tao has carved her place as one of the game’s most iconic (and meme-worthy) characters. Let’s unravel why she’s a must-have for players who love high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Who Is Hu Tao?
Element: Pyro 🔥
Weapon: Polearm
Affiliation: Wangsheng Funeral Parlor (Liyue)
Voice Actor: Brianna Knickerbocker (EN), Rie Takahashi (JP)
As the 77th director of Liyue’s oldest funeral parlor, Hu Tao is a master of balancing life and death—with a side of chaotic mischief. Her playful antics (like pranking Zhongli or composing cursed poetry) hide a profound understanding of mortality, shaped by her role guiding souls to the afterlife. Her story quest, Yet the Butterfly Flutters Away, reveals her wisdom beneath the whimsy, making her far more than just a pyro prankster.
Gameplay Breakdown
1. Skills & Playstyle
- Normal Attack: Secret Spear of Wangsheng
Hu Tao’s charged attack consumes stamina to dash through enemies, infusing her spear with Pyro. - Elemental Skill: Guide to Afterlife (E Skill)
- Consumes 30% HP to enter the Paramita Papilio state, converting HP to ATK and infusing attacks with Pyro.
- The lower her HP, the deadlier her damage.
- Elemental Burst: Spirit Soother (Q Skill)
- Unleashes a giant flaming spirit that heals Hu Tao based on enemies hit.
- Perfect for clutch healing while nuking crowds.
2. Why Play Hu Tao?
- Pyro Powerhouse: Top-tier single-target DPS, especially against bosses.
- Risk-Reward Mechanic: Thrives at low HP (below 50%), rewarding skilled play.
- Versatility: Works in vaporize, melt, or mono-Pyro teams.
Team Synergy
Hu Tao’s best teams maximize her Pyro reactions and sustain:
- Vaporize Core: Pair with Xingqiu/Yelan (Hydro) for consistent vaporize triggers.
- Shield Support: Zhongli or Thoma keeps her alive during low-HP play.
- Flex Slot: Add Kazuha/Sucrose for Pyro resistance shred or Albedo for off-field damage.
Hu Tao’s Charm: Beyond the Meta
- Personality: Her mischievous dialogue (“Would you like a discount coffin?”) and obsession with ghosts make her endlessly entertaining.
- Design & Animations: Fluttering butterflies, ghostly trails, and her iconic “boo!” idle animation add flair.
- Lore Connections: Ties to Zhongli, Qiqi, and the balance between life/death deepen Liyue’s worldbuilding.
Should You Pull for Hu Tao?
Pros:
- Unrivaled single-target Pyro DPS.
- Fun, dynamic playstyle with HP management.
- F2P-friendly (craftable White Tassel or Dragon’s Bane work well).
Cons:
- Requires stamina management and shield support.
- Less effective in AoE scenarios without grouping.
If you enjoy high-skill gameplay and a character with personality as fiery as her element, Hu Tao is a gem. She’s not just a DPS—she’s a philosophy lesson wrapped in Pyro chaos.
Pro Tips
- Artifacts: 4-piece Crimson Witch or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (prioritize HP%/Pyro/Crit).
- Weapons: Staff of Homa (BIS), Deathmatch, or Dragon’s Bane.
- Rotation: Use E Skill → Charged Attack spam → Q Burst for healing.
Call to Action:
Are you a Hu Tao main, or planning to pull for her in her next rerun? Share your favorite ghostly prank or build in the comments!
