Iansan: The New Bennett Replacement in Genshin Impact?

Bennett remains a cornerstone character in *Genshin Impact*, celebrated for his versatility and effectiveness since the game's inception. His enduring utility has sparked discussions about potential replacements, with the introduction of Iansan in Version 5.5 raising questions about her role. Dubbed a potential "Bennett replacement," Iansan's debut on March 26 has gamers eager to compare her capabilities to Bennett's well-established prowess.

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

Iansan, a new 4-Star Electro Polearm character from Natlan, brings a support-focused kit to the table, echoing Bennett's ability to provide DMG buffs and healing. Her Elemental Burst, "The Three Principles of Power," is central to her support role. Unlike Bennett, who requires characters to stay within his field to benefit from his buffs, Iansan introduces a more dynamic approach with her Kinetic Energy Scale. This scale follows the active character, enhancing their ATK based on Iansan's Nightsoul Points. The scale's effectiveness hinges on movement, rewarding players for keeping their characters in motion, which contrasts with Bennett's static field.

Iansan's ATK bonus scales differently depending on her Nightsoul Points. Below 42 points, the bonus is influenced by both Nightsoul Points and ATK, whereas above 42 points, it scales purely off her ATK, incentivizing players to focus on building her ATK. However, her healing capabilities are less robust compared to Bennett's, who can restore up to 70% HP and even heal himself, a feature Iansan lacks. Additionally, while Bennett at C6 can infuse Pyro into Normal Attacks, Iansan does not offer Electro infusion, which may impact team synergy depending on your composition.

Iansan shines in exploration scenarios, utilizing Nightsoul Points to sprint and jump further without stamina consumption. However, Bennett's advantage in Pyro teams due to Elemental Resonance remains a compelling reason to favor him in certain lineups.

Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?

While Iansan shares striking similarities with Bennett, she doesn't replace him but rather offers a viable alternative, particularly for secondary teams in challenges like the Spiral Abyss. Her unique mechanic of encouraging movement with the Kinetic Energy Scale provides a fresh gameplay experience compared to Bennett's stationary field. For players looking to diversify their team strategies without sacrificing the core support functions Bennett offers, Iansan presents an intriguing option.

You can explore Iansan's capabilities starting in Phase I of *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, launching on March 26. Whether you choose Iansan or stick with Bennett depends on your team's needs and your preferred playstyle.

*Genshin Impact is available to play now.*