Genshin Impact's in-game trading card game mode, Genius Invokation TCG, has been a hit since it first landed in Version 3.3. Its constant stream of updates only aids its popularity, with brand-new Character and Support cards being added with almost every new update of Genshin Impact.
With the Version 3.6 update came three brand new Character Cards for players to sink their teeth into. One of them, Arataki Itto, has already found a solid place in the Genshin Impact meta. He has several very strong team builds and is fairly simple to use, but despite his relative accessibility to all sorts of Genius Invokation players, it might not be that easy to figure out exactly how to play him. For details on Itto, his team builds, and tips on how to play him, read on.
Itto's Card & Skills
To be able to use Itto's card during battle, players should invite Itto to a TCG duel by using a Match Invitation Letter at the invitation board in The Cat's Tail Tavern over in Mondstadt. After the player defeats Itto and completes all three objectives in a Friendly Fracas match with him, they will be rewarded with his Character Card and his Talent Card.
Normal Attack: Fight Club Legend
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Primary Dice |
1 Geo |
|---|---|
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Secondary Dice |
2 Unaligned |
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Effect |
Deals 2 Physical DMG |
Elemental Skill: Masatsu Zetsugi: Akaushi Burst!
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Primary Dice |
|
|---|---|
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Effect |
Deals 1 Geo DMG. Summons Ushi. Gains Superlative Superstrength. |
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Special Effect |
Ushi (Summon)
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Superlative Superstrength (Status)
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Elemental Burst: Royal Descent: Behold, Itto the Evil!
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Primary Dice |
3 Geo |
|---|---|
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Energy Cost |
3 Energy |
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Effect |
Deals 5 Geo DMG. Gains Raging Oni King. |
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Special Effect |
Raging Oni King
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Itto's Talent Card: Arataki Ichiban
Arataki Ichiban is a very good Talent Card, adding even more DMG to Itto's already powerful move set. While it might initially seem weak as it only focuses on his Normal Attack, Fight Club Legend, it will boost both his subsequent Normal Attacks and his Elemental Skill. It's so good that it's recommended to include both cards that players will receive of it in the card deck. Players will want to benefit from as often as they can during a match.
Best Itto Decks
Primarily, Itto works great in decks that are Geo-focused, as well as in decks that help shield Itto or build up Energy faster to let him use his Burst as quickly as possible. As such, characters like Noelle (who features in his surprisingly difficult Friendly Fracas match) and Ningguang are very useful in helping with both Geo resonance and shielding Itto from damage. Characters with other Elements like Mona, Sara, and Kokomi also work great thanks to their ability to quickly set up a shield, a summon, or a heal while they build up Energy.
Itto + Mona + Stonehide Lawachurl
This Hyper Carry deck has already seen a lot of use in competitive Genius Invokation TCG play, and for good reason. Though it requires a certain amount of set-up and is unusual for its usage of a Monster Card instead of a Character Card, it's incredibly powerful and can wipe out opposing teams without trouble.
Open the match by setting up with Mona's Elemental Skill to set up Hydro attacks and her shield. Then, focus on trying to build up Itto's Superlative Strength. Use Ushi or take advantage of cards like Liu Su or Calx's Arts to gain more energy instead of using Itto's Normal Attacks. Once the player has enough Energy to use Itto's Burst, they should do so, and then focus on using as many Normal Attacks as possible during a fresh round with plenty of dice to use.
Using a card like Grand Narukami Shrine or Paimon to make more dice is also a great idea here. After using up all the dice in the current round, use Mona to shield where needed. Alternatively, use the Stonehide Lawachurl to either deal enough damage to wipe out an opponent, or save Mona and Itto from taking too much damage.
Itto + Noelle + Ningguang
This triple Geo team is fantastic for extra protection during the match, and benefits from the Geo resonance between the three characters. In this team, all players really need to do is use Ningguang and Noelle as shielders and occasional damage dealers. Most of the focus is on aiding Itto in gaining his Burst and using as many Normal Attacks as possible. Ningguang in particular is a little more expendable, giving players more wiggle room in how much damage they can take while still having their team last as long as possible.
Itto + Xingqiu + Noelle
Though Xingqiu was one of the few unlucky characters to be nerfed in the most recent Genius Invokation TCG update, it wasn't enough to stop him from working well alongside Itto. This team once again allows Itto to shine in his role of main damage dealer, while giving him enough backup to make sure he'll last throughout the match. Noelle's shield keeps him from taking too much damage, while Xingqiu's Elemental Skill and especially his Elemental Burst can help to add an immense amount of extra damage to Itto's Normal Attacks.
Recommended Action Cards
Regardless of the team that Itto is being used in, it's essential that the player makes ample use of Food Cards. Itto benefits hugely from being buffed by Food Cards, whether they focus on healing or damage. One great Food Card for most teams (but particularly Itto) is Minty Meat Rolls. The buff will feed even further into Itto's already great Physical DMG.
The Grand Narukami Shrine and Paimon cards also work well in any Itto build. They are useful in creating more dice for players to use, which is perfect for Itto's Normal Attack-focused gameplay. More dice ensure that Itto benefits as much as possible from his Normal Attack, particularly after it has been buffed by his Elemental attacks or other Support Cards in the deck. Liu Su can also be hugely helpful in any team that revolves around quickly swapping between characters, as seen in the Hyper Carry Mona and Lawachurl team mentioned above, alongside Calx's Arts.
Cards focusing on weapons and Geo buffing are also essential for players who want to make Itto even more of a powerhouse. The Elemental Resonance: Woven Stone card is a must for any Itto team that takes advantage of multiple Geo characters in one team, as it costs nothing to use and provides one free Geo die to the player. Similarly, Itto (and any team including Noelle as a support character) will also benefit from the Wolf's Gravestone Weapon Card to help buff their attacks even further.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.