Quick Answer: Aino is Genshin Impact's first 4-star Hydro Claymore character, obtainable for free through the Archon Quest Song of the Welkin Moon: Act I in Version 6.0. She excels as an off-field Hydro support with low energy requirements (50 cost Burst) and specializes in enabling Nod-Krai team mechanics and reaction-based compositions.
Aino Character Overview: Genshin's First Hydro Claymore
Character Background and Unique Position
Here's something I never thought I'd write: we finally have a Hydro Claymore user. Aino breaks new ground as Genshin's first character to wield this combination, and honestly? It's about time.
This 4-star from the Nod-Krai region carries the title Clinky-Clank Gadgets-A-Gogo – which sounds ridiculous until you meet her. Born September 21, she's an orphan prodigy who founded the Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop and creates advanced machinery like Ineffa. Her constellation Cistellula Mira reflects her mechanical expertise, positioning her as an off-field support specialist designed around the innovative Nod-Krai Moonsign mechanic system.
What makes her special isn't just the weapon type. It's how she integrates with the new regional mechanics in ways that feel genuinely fresh.
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Base Stats and Scaling Analysis
At Level 90, Aino's numbers tell a clear story:
Base HP: 11,201 | Base ATK: 242 | Base DEF: 607
Ascension Stat: 96 Elemental Mastery
That ATK stat? Yeah, it's low. But here's the thing – it doesn't matter. Her Elemental Mastery ascension stat screams reaction enabler, and that's exactly what she is. Don't try to force her into a DPS role; she's built for team utility from the ground up.
Moonsign Mechanic Integration
This is where things get interesting. Aino's entire kit revolves around Nod-Krai's Moonsign system:
Force Limit Analysis Passive: Automatically bumps party Moonsign level by 1
Nascent Gleam (1 Nod-Krai unit): Makes Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Burgeon reactions actually CRIT with 15% CRIT Rate and 100% CRIT DMG
Ascendant Gleam (2 Nod-Krai units): Supercharges Aino's Burst with faster firing and larger AoE
The Nascent Gleam effect alone changes how reaction teams function. Suddenly, your Bloom cores can crit. Wild stuff.
How to Unlock Aino for Free: Complete Event Guide
Archon Quest Requirements
Getting Aino is refreshingly straightforward – no limited-time events or gacha luck required. Just story progression:
Travel to Nasha Town in the Nod-Krai region
Navigate to The Flagship Tavern (follow those quest markers)
Progress through questline until you reach the Clink-Clank Krumkake Workshop
Complete dialogue sequence with Aino's introduction
Receive free character copy – she's automatically added to your roster
Simple. Clean. No FOMO involved.
Release Timeline
July 18, 2025: First trailer appearance in Version 5.8 Sunspray Summer Resort
September 30, 2025: Playable release in Version Luna I
September 30 - October 21, 2025: Featured on Discerner of Enigmas and The Lone Light Knocks at Night banners
After her banner period ends, she joins the standard wish pool. So even if you miss her featured rate-up, constellation hunting remains possible.
Aino Pre-Farming Guide: Materials and Locations
Ascension Materials Comprehensive Checklist
Level 90 demands 420,000 Mora plus a shopping list that'll keep you busy:
Hydro Gemstone Requirements:
1x Varunada Lazurite Sliver, 9x Fragment, 9x Chunk, 6x Gemstone
Regional Specialty Collection:
168x Portable Bearing (Lempo Isle exclusive – start farming early)
46x Precision Kuuvahki Stamping Die (Knuckle Duckle boss drops)
Enemy Material Farming:
18x Broken, 30x Reinforced, 36x Precision Drive Shaft (those Landcruiser enemies in Nod-Krai)
Pro tip: Start collecting Portable Bearings now. Regional specialties always become the bottleneck.
Talent Book Requirements
Maxing all talents to Level 10 is expensive:
Domain Materials: 9x Teachings, 63x Guide, 114x Philosophies of Elysium (Lightless Capital domain – Tuesday/Friday/Sunday)
Weekly Boss Materials: 18x Silken Feather (The Knave weekly boss)
Total Cost: 4,957,500 Mora, 3x Crown of Insight
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Aino Abilities Breakdown: Skills and Talents
Elemental Skill: Musecatcher Analysis
This skill feels weird at first – and I mean that in the best way.
Cooldown: 10 seconds | Particle Generation: 3 Elemental Particles on hit
Gauge Application: 1U Hydro for both throw and explosion
Internal Cooldown: Standard 2.5s/3 hits
She throws a device forward that drags her along for the ride, ending with AoE Hydro damage. Hold the button for aiming mode if you need precision positioning. It's part mobility tool, part damage dealer, part particle generator.
Elemental Burst: Precision Hydronic Cooler
Meet the Cool Your Jets Ducky – yes, that's the actual name. This thing provides consistent off-field Hydro application:
Duration: 14 seconds | Cooldown: 13.5 seconds (basically permanent uptime)
Energy Cost: 50 (ridiculously low)
Damage Scaling: ATK% base + 50% EM conversion from A4 Passive
Under Ascendant Gleam conditions, this Burst becomes significantly more aggressive. The difference is night and day.
Passive Talent Synergies
Modular Efficiency Protocol (A1): Enables Burst enhancement under Ascendant Gleam. Structured Power Booster (A4): Converts 50% of EM into Burst damage. Force Limit Analysis: Auto-increases party Moonsign level. Miniaturized Detection Sensor: Shows Nod-Krai resources on mini-map (quality of life win).
That A4 passive is why EM stacking works so well on her.
Best Artifacts for Aino: Sets and Stats Priority
Optimal Artifact Set Analysis
Silken Moon's Serenade (4-piece) - Best-in-Slot:
2-piece: +20% Energy Recharge
4-piece: Elemental damage increases party EM by 60/120 based on Moonsign level, buffs Lunar Reaction damage
This set was practically designed for her. The synergy is almost unfair.
Alternative Options:
4pc Noblesse Oblige: Classic 20% ATK team buff post-Burst
4pc Flower of Paradise Lost: Specialized for Bloom teams
4pc Instructor: Budget option for massive team EM buffing
Main Stat and Substat Optimization
Primary Stat Priority:
Sands: Energy Recharge or EM | Goblet: EM | Circlet: EM or CRIT Rate (for Favonius synergy)
Substat Hierarchy:
Energy Recharge to requirement (150-200% solo, 110-130% Double Hydro)
EM maximization (aim for 700-900+)
CRIT Rate if running Favonius
Don't overthink it. EM good, ATK bad. Simple as that.
Aino Weapon Recommendations: Tier List and Analysis
Top-Tier Support Weapons
Favonius Greatsword (4-star) - Universal Best: Solves energy problems for everyone. Requires CRIT Rate investment, but the particle generation is unmatched. This weapon single-handedly enables smooth rotations.
Flame-Forged Insight (4-star Event) - Reaction Specialist: Perfect synergy weapon providing EM and flat energy restoration on reaction triggers. If you have this from the event, use it. The synergy is chef's kiss.
Strong Alternative Options
Master Key (4-star Craftable): ER + EM combo with F2P accessibility. Makhaira Aquamarine (4-star Gacha): EM main stat plus ATK buffing based on EM values.
Here's something refreshing: no 5-star Claymore serves as her definitive best-in-slot. Her weapon optimization remains highly accessible for everyone.
Aino Team Compositions: Meta Teams and Synergies
Lunar-Charged Team Compositions
Premium Nod-Krai Core:
Flins (Main DPS) + Ineffa (Sub-DPS/Enabler) + Aino (Hydro Support) + Sucrose/Kazuha (Anemo Support)
This maximizes Aino's Moonsign synergies while giving Flins consistent Hydro for Lunar-Charged reactions. At C6, Aino provides up to 35% reaction damage amplification. Absolutely bonkers numbers.
Bloom and Hyperbloom Integration
Nilou Bloom Teams: Nilou + Nahida + Aino + Baizhu/Yaoyao Hyperbloom Compositions: Nahida + Kuki Shinobu + Aino + Alhaitham/Kaveh
Aino's Burst provides the Hydro application needed for Bountiful Core generation while Silken Moon's Serenade buffs team EM. Clean synergy all around.
Vaporize Team Applications
Arlecchino Synergy: Arlecchino + Aino + Bennett + Ineffa/Sucrose
Here's where Aino's slower Hydro application becomes a feature, not a bug. She won't steal reactions from fast Pyro DPS characters, allowing consistent Vaporize triggers.
Aino Constellation Guide: Investment Priority
Early Constellation Analysis (C1-C3)
C1: +80 EM to Aino and active party for 15 seconds after Skill/Burst use. C2: Extra water ball every 5 seconds during Burst (25% ATK + 100% EM scaling). C3: Standard +3 Burst levels.
C1 is genuinely excellent for team buffing. C2 adds nice damage but isn't game-changing.
High-Impact Constellations (C4-C6)
C4: Skill restores 10 Energy on hit (10s cooldown). This dramatically reduces ER requirements. C6: Post-Burst increases party's reaction damage by 15% (+20% with Ascendant Gleam) for 15 seconds.
C4 is a quality-of-life game-changer. C6 transforms her into the premier reaction buffer with up to 35% damage amp. If you're going deep on Aino, these are your targets.
Common Aino Building Mistakes and Optimization Tips
Artifact and Stat Pitfalls
Energy Recharge Miscalculation: Stop over-investing in ER without considering team comp. Double Hydro needs way less (110-130%), and C4 reduces requirements further.
ATK/CRIT Investment Errors: Her multipliers are terrible. Don't chase personal damage stats. EM investment provides far more team value.
Team Building Optimization
Moonsign Level Misunderstanding: You need 2 Nod-Krai characters for Ascendant Gleam's Burst enhancement. Team composition matters more than you think.
Rotation Timing Issues: 13.5s cooldown with 14s duration = near-permanent uptime when managed correctly. Don't overthink the rotation.
Resource Management Strategy
Talent Priority: Burst > Skill > Normal Attack. Don't level Normal Attack beyond 6 unless you hate Mora.
FAQ
How do I unlock Aino for free in Genshin Impact? Complete the Archon Quest Song of the Welkin Moon: Act I by traveling to Nasha Town in Nod-Krai, progressing to The Flagship Tavern, and continuing until you reach the Clink-Clank Krumkake Workshop.
What materials does Aino need for full ascension? 420,000 Mora, Varunada Lazurite gems (1 Sliver, 9 Fragments, 9 Chunks, 6 Gemstones), 168 Portable Bearings from Lempo Isle, 46 Precision Kuuvahki Stamping Dies from Knuckle Duckle boss, and Drive Shaft materials from Landcruiser enemies.
Which artifact set works best for Aino? Silken Moon's Serenade 4-piece is best-in-slot, providing 20% Energy Recharge and team-wide Elemental Mastery buffs based on Moonsign level.
What weapon should I use for Aino? Favonius Greatsword excels as universal best choice for energy management, while Flame-Forged Insight provides perfect synergy for reaction teams. Both 4-star options outperform most 5-star alternatives.
How does Aino compare to other Hydro supports? Aino offers slower but more consistent Hydro application than Xingqiu or Yelan, with lower energy requirements (50 cost Burst) and unique Nod-Krai synergies for reaction enabling and team buffing.
Which constellations are worth investing in for Aino? C1 provides excellent team-wide EM buffing, C4 dramatically reduces energy requirements, and C6 transforms her into a premier reaction buffer with up to 35% damage amplification.