Is Iansan the New Bennett Replacement in Genshin Impact?

In the world of *Genshin Impact*, Bennett has long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and valuable characters available since the game's inception. His enduring popularity and utility in numerous team compositions make him a staple in many players' rosters. However, with the introduction of Iansan in *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, launching on March 26, there's a buzz about whether she could serve as a new "Bennett replacement." Let's dive into how these two characters stack up against each other.

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

Iansan, a new 4-Star Electro Polearm wielder from Natlan, is primarily designed as a support character, much like Bennett. Her Elemental Burst, "The Three Principles of Power," provides damage buffs and healing, echoing Bennett's utility. However, Iansan's approach is distinct. Instead of a static field, she summons a Kinetic Energy Scale that follows the active character, boosting their ATK based on her Nightsoul Points.

The effectiveness of Iansan's ATK bonus depends on her Nightsoul Points. If she has fewer than 42 out of a maximum of 54, the bonus scales with both her Nightsoul Points and ATK. With 42 or more, the bonus scales solely off her ATK, emphasizing the need to build her with ATK in mind. A unique aspect of Iansan's kit is that the active character must move to maintain the buff, as the scale tracks distance traveled and restores Nightsoul Points accordingly.

While both characters offer healing, Bennett's ability to restore up to 70% of the active character's HP significantly outshines Iansan's healing capabilities. Additionally, Bennett can heal himself, whereas Iansan cannot. In terms of elemental infusion, Bennett at C6 can infuse Pyro into the active character's Normal Attacks, a feature Iansan lacks, which could be a disadvantage depending on your team's needs.

For exploration, Iansan offers unique advantages. She can use Nightsoul Points to sprint without consuming stamina and jump longer distances, providing a different dynamic to gameplay. However, for Pyro-based teams, Bennett remains superior due to Elemental Resonance, which grants a +25% ATK buff and Pyro infusion.

Should You Choose Iansan or Bennett in Genshin Impact?

Iansan can be seen as Bennett's counterpart, sharing similarities in appearance and function. Yet, she doesn't replace him outright but serves as a strong alternative, particularly for secondary teams in challenging content like the Spiral Abyss. Iansan's Kinetic Scale encourages active movement, offering a fresh gameplay experience compared to Bennett's stationary field.

If you're interested in trying out Iansan, you'll have the opportunity during Phase I of *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, available from March 26.

*Genshin Impact is available to play now.*