For Cryo users in Genshin Impact, the rumored introduction of Citlali might shake you up from where you are sitting right now.

According to a recent leak, Citlali's ability kit shares striking similarities with Layla's, a fan-favorite Cryo character. The new 4-Star Cryo Catalyst character will be a game-changer for the Version 5.3 meta.

Since Cryo-based teams often struggle to maintain relevance, this might be the perfect time for Citlali to showcase the kind of business she has to show off.

 New 'Genshin Impact' Leak Tells About Citlali's Role

On Reddit, Citlali is expected to fulfill the role of a Shield Support character in Genshin Impact. Her Elemental Skill will reportedly generate a shield, while her Elemental Burst will apply Cryo damage even when she is off-field. This ability kit immediately draws comparisons to Layla, another Cryo character known for her shielding capabilities. 

However, Citlali's use of a Catalyst and her origin from Natlan set her apart, offering distinct advantages that could make her a valuable addition to any team.

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Why Citlali Could Outshine Layla?

While Layla has been a reliable choice for players seeking Cryo support, Citlali's kit may offer more versatility. As a Catalyst user, Citlali can equip the highly sought-after Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers, providing significant buffs to her teammates. 

What's more, GameRant says that her status as a Natlan character allows her to utilize the new Artifact Set introduced in Version 5.0, potentially giving her an edge in both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Cryo Characters in the Current Meta

Cryo characters have seen fluctuating popularity in Genshin Impact's evolving meta. The rise of Hyperbloom teams in Sumeru shifted attention away from Cryo-centric compositions, making it challenging for these characters to maintain their place in high-tier play. 

Wriothesley's introduction offered some relief, bringing new mechanics that aligned well with Fontaine's hit point fluctuation system. However, the Cryo element still faces stiff competition from other playstyles, particularly in terms of elemental reactions and team synergies.

What Citlali's Debut Means for Cryo Teams

Citlali's arrival in Version 5.3 could signal a resurgence for Cryo teams. Her ability to provide shielding, coupled with the potential to support her team from off-field, aligns well with the needs of players looking to build more robust and versatile Cryo-based strategies.

The fact that she is a 4-Star character also makes her more accessible to a broader range of players, increasing her potential impact on the meta.

Citlali's Impact on Future Updates

Citlali's debut is anticipated to coincide with Mavuika's in Genshin Impact's Version 5.3 Event Banner. As a member of the Mictlan Tribe of Natlan, Citlali's lore and abilities are expected to tie closely with the upcoming map expansion, offering players new challenges and opportunities to explore. 

While full details of her kit will only be available once beta testing begins in late November 2024, the excitement surrounding her release suggests that Citlali could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Cryo characters in Genshin Impact.

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