Genshin Impact Kuki Shinobu, or just Shinobu for short, is one of two new characters released in the 2.7 version updates. She’s the new four-star character debuting alongside Yelan, a five-star Hydro, and is currently available in Arataki Itto's rerun banner.
This guide covers what we know about Kuki, including her place in Inazuma society, her weapon, element, and what her abilities are.
If you’re looking for more Genshin Impact, check out our list of up-to-date Genshin Impact codes, along with what we know about Yelan and the best way to build Raiden Shogun and Ayato's materials if you got lucky in the 2.5 and 2.6 banners.
What is the best Shinobu Build in Genshin Impact?
Shinobu is billed as a support character, with a strong attack to go along with it. Her Sanctifying Ring talent for instance sacrifices some of her HP to create a pulsing Electro ring to deal constant damage, as well as restoring HP to active characters. As for her normal attacks, they're average compared to other Electro users, but with the right weapon, she can be formidable.
Best Kuki Shinobu Weapon
| Weapon | Additional Stat | Passive Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom-Sworn | Elemental Mastery 43 | Increases DMG by 10%. Party members will obtain Millennial Movement: Song of Resistance for 12s. |
| Primordial Jade Cutter | CRIT Rate 9.6% | HP increased by 20%. Additionally, provides an ATK Bonus based on 1.2% of the wielder's Max HP. |
| Lion's Roar | ATK 9.0% | Increases DMG against enemies affected by Pyro or Electro by 20%. |
The best weapon you can equip Kuki with is the Freedom-Sworn, however, this is available in the Epitome Invocation wish, so can be tricky to obtain. This sword is recommended thanks to its Sigils of Rebellion, which occur after Elemental Reactions on the field. These will give party members an attack and damage buff.
Best Kuki Shinobu Artifacts
| Artifact set | Two-Piece Effect | Four-Piece Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vermillion Hereafter | Attack +18% | After using an Elemental Burst. this character will gain the Nascent Light effect, increasing their ATK by 8% for 16s. When the character's HP decreases, their ATK will further increase by 10%. This increase can occur this way maximum of 4 times. This effect can be triggered once every 0.8s. Nascent Light will be dispelled when the character leaves the field. If an Elemental Burst is used again during the duration of Nascent Light, the original Nascent Light will be dispelled. |
| Thundering Fury | Electro damage bonus +15% | Increases damage caused by Overloaded, Electro-Charged and Superconduct by 40%. Triggering such effects decreases Elemental Skill CD by 1s. Can only occur once every 0.8s. |
The new Vermillion Hereafter set is excellent for Kuki Shinobu. The four-piece effect comes into play and raises attack when the user's HP drops, and Shinobu's HP will always drop after using the skill. Keeping her HP below 50% to maximize the Burst's effect makes this build even better, since there's only a small amount of risk involved. The Skill will heal Shinobu anyway, so she won't be vulnerable for long.
Thundering Fury is a more traditional approach focused on getting the most out of Shinobu's Electro damage, making it good for Burst-centered builds.
Who is Kuki Shinobu In Genshin Impact?
Shinobu is the deputy leader of the Arataki Gang and a surprisingly well-connected leader at that. Under Kuki's guidance, the Arataki gang began branching out into legal guidance and business consultation. She's also said to have close ties with the Tenryou Commission, and Kujou Sara has occasionally helped direct commissions Kuki's way.
Kuki Shinobu is being voiced by Kira Buckand, and Kaori Mizuhashi for the English and Japanese versions.
What is Shinobu's Weapon And Element in Genshin Impact?
Kuki is a sword wielder, and holds an Electro Vision. She is the third Inazuma character to do so. Her affiliation with the Arataki Gang means she may require Onikabuto Beetles as well, though information about the specifics is still very light.
What are Shinobu's Abilities in Genshin Impact?
Shinobu's abilities allow her to be a healer character, similar to an Electro Qiqi, while also dealing damage.
Elemental Skill - Sanctifying Ring
Uses some of Kuki's HP to generate a ring of Electro. The ring deals Electro damage every 1.5 seconds and heals the active character.
Elemental Burst - Goei Narukami Kariyama Rite
Kuki thrusts her sword into the ground, generating an Electro barrier that deals damage to all inside it. The barrier lasts longer if Kuki has 50% HP or less.
What are Shinobu's Materials?
The materials needed to ascend Kuki are:
- Naku Weed
- Spectral Husk and Nucleus
- Runic Fang
- Vajrada Amethyst
Runic Fangs drop from the new serpent boss in the Chasm, so be sure to prepare your team accordingly to take it on.
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