Introduction

General information

Sethos is a medium-sized male character from Sumeru, with an Electro vision and a Bow as his weapon.

At Lv.90, his base stats are 9787 HP, 227.26 ATK, and 559.67 DEF.

His special Ascension stat is EM, which increases by 96 at the 6th Ascension.

Ascension and Talent materials

• Vajrada Amethyst jewels
• Trishiraite
• Cloudseam Scale (dropped by Solitary Suanni)
• Faded Red Satin, Trimmed Red Slik, and Rich Red Brocade (dropped by Eremites)
• Praxis Talent Books (avaliable on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)
• Daka's Bell (Shouki no Kami, the Prodigal Challenge Reward)

Talents

(Stats are fixed at Lv.9)

► Normal Attack: Royal Reed Archery

• Normal Attack

Performs up to 3 consecutive shots with a bow.

• Charged Attack

Performs a more precise Aimed Shot with increased DMG.

While aiming, the power of Electro will accumulate on the arrowhead before the arrow is fired. Has different effects based on how long the energy has been charged:

·Charge Level 1: Fires off an arrow carrying the power of lightning that deals Electro DMG.

·Charge Level 2: Fires off a Shadowpiercing Shot which can pierce enemies, dealing Electro DMG to enemies along its path. After the Shadowpiercing Shot is fully charged, Sethos cannot move around.

• Plunging Attack

Fires off a shower of arrows in mid-air before falling and striking the ground, dealing AoE DMG upon impact.

1-Hit DMG: 96.66%.

2-Hit DMG: 43.72% + 48.89%.

3-Hit DMG: 135.93%.

Aimed Shot: 80.58%.

Aimed Shot Charge Level 1: 210.8%.

Shadowpiercing Shot DMG: 238% ATK + 228.75% Elemental Mastery.

Plunge DMG: 104.41%.

Low/High Plunge DMG: 208.77% / 260.76%.

► Elemental Skill: Ancient Rite: The Thundering Sands

Gathers the might of thunder, dealing AoE Electro DMG and quickly retreating. If this attack triggers Electro-Charged, Lunar-Charged, Superconduct, Overloaded, Quicken, Aggravate, Hyperbloom, or Electro Swirl reactions, Sethos recovers a certain amount of Elemental Energy.

Skill DMG: 196.52%.

Energy Regeneration: 12.

Cooldown: 8 s.

Particles generation: 2 Electro particles.

► Elemental Burst: Secret Rite: Twilight Shadowpiercer

Perform a secret rite, entering the "Twilight Meditation" state, during which Sethos's Normal Attacks will be converted into enemy-piercing Dusk Bolts: Deal Electro DMG to opponents in its path, with DMG increased based on Sethos's Elemental Mastery.

Sethos cannot perform Aimed Shots while in this state.

DMG dealt by Dusk Bolts is considered Charged Attack DMG.

This effect will be canceled when Sethos leaves the field.

Dusk Bolt DMG Increase: 333.47% Elemental Mastery.

Twilight Meditation Duration: 8 s.

Cooldown: 15 s.

Energy Cost: 60.

► Passive Talent (A0): Thoth's Revelation

Displays the location of nearby resources unique to Sumeru on the mini-map.

► Passive Talent (A1): Black Kite's Enigma

When Aiming, the charging time is decreased by 0.285s based on each point of Sethos's current Elemental Energy. Charging time can be reduced to a minimum of 0.3s through this method and a maximum of 20 Energy can be tallied. If a Shadowpiercing Shot is fired, consume the tallied amount of Elemental Energy; if it is a Charge Level 1 shot, then consume 50% of the tallied amount of Elemental Energy.

► Passive Talent (A4): The Sand King's Boon

Sethos gains the "Scorching Sandshade" effect, increasing the DMG dealt by Shadowpiercing Shots by 700% of Sethos's Elemental Mastery.

The Scorching Sandshade effect will be canceled when any of the following conditions are met:

· 5s after a Shadowpiercing Shot first hits an opponent.

· After 4 Shadowpiercing Shots strike opponents.

When a Shadowpiercing Shot affected by Scorching Sandshade first hits an opponent, Sethos will regain Scorching Sandshade after 15s.

Talents priority

Sethos has two gameplay styles: one focused on Normal Attacks (dealing Charged Attack DMG) empowered by his Burst, and another centered solely on Charged Attacks.

Both playstyles require leveling up the Normal Attack talent. However, only the NA-centric style requires leveling the Burst, as it boosts Charged Attack damage.

That said, since the Skill is ideally used twice per rotation, it's still worth leveling for its additional team contribution.

The NA-based playstyle deals more damage, but requires more on-field time, while the CA-style is simpler and allows greater flexibility in rotations.

Combo (NA-style): EQ + (N + N + D/J) x5 + NNE

Combo (CA-style): C + E + CC(C) + (E)

C6 tip: To fully benefit from this constellation, add an extra Charged Attack at the beginning of any combo.

Constellations

► C1: Sealed Shrine's Spiritsong

The CRIT Rate of Shadowpiercing Shot is increased by 15%.

► C2: Papyrus Scripture of Silent Secrets

When any of the following conditions are met, Sethos gains a 15% Electro DMG Bonus for 10s that may stack twice, with each stack duration counted independently:

· Consuming Elemental Energy through Aimed Shots; you must first unlock the Passive Talent "Black Kite's Enigma" to trigger this condition.

· Regaining Elemental Energy by triggering Elemental Reactions using Ancient Rite: The Thundering Sands.

· Using Secret Rite: Twilight Shadowpiercer.

► C3: Ode to the Moonrise Sage

Increases the Level of Normal Attack: Royal Reed Archery by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

► C4: Beneficent Plumage

When a Shadowpiercing Shot or Dusk Bolt strikes 2 or more opponents, all nearby party members gain 80 Elemental Mastery for 10s.

► C5: Record of the Desolate God's Burning Sands

Increases the Level of Secret Rite: Twilight Shadowpiercer by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

► C6: Pylon of the Sojourning Sun Temple

After Shadowpiercing Shot strikes an opponent, the Elemental Energy consumed by the Passive Talent "Black Kite's Enigma" will be returned. This effect can be triggered up to once every 15s. You must first unlock the Passive Talent "Black Kite's Enigma."

Builds

Weapons

When building Sethos, prioritize stats in this order: (ER) > CRIT > Electro DMG ≥ Charged Attack DMG > EM > ATK.

ER is essential, but it’s generally more efficient to bring a battery unit to help him rather than overinvesting in ER stats, so you can focus on personal damage instead.

Astral Vulture's Crimson Plumage

(CRIT DMG & Charged Attack DMG buffer - BiS)

Base ATK: 608 - CRIT DMG 66.2%

For 12s after triggering a Swirl reaction, ATK increases by 24%-48%. In addition, when 1/2 or more characters in the party are of a different Elemental Type from the equipping character, the DMG dealt by the equipping character's Charged Attacks is increased by 20%/48%-40%/96% and Elemental Burst DMG dealt is increased by 10%/24%-20%/48%.

Hunter's Path

(CRIT Rate & Electro DMG & flat Charged Attack DMG buffer)

Base ATK: 542 - CRIT Rate 44.1%

Gain 12%-24% All Elemental DMG Bonus. Obtain the Tireless Hunt effect after hitting an opponent with a Charged Attack. This effect increases Charged Attack DMG by 160%-320% of Elemental Mastery. This effect will be removed after 12 Charged Attacks or 10s. Only 1 instance of Tireless Hunt can be gained every 12s.

Aqua Simulacra

(DMG & CRIT DMG buffer)

Base ATK: 542 - CRIT DMG 88.2%

HP is increased by 16%-32%. When there are opponents nearby, the DMG dealt by the wielder of this weapon is increased by 20%-40%. This will take effect whether the character is on-field or not.

Slingshot

(DMG & CRIT Rate buffer - Best F2P option)

Base ATK: 354 - CRIT Rate 31.2%

If a Normal or Charged Attack hits a target within 0.3s of being fired, increases DMG by 36%-60%. Otherwise, decreases DMG by 10%.

The First Great Magic

(ATK & CRIT DMG & Charged Attack DMG buffer)

Base ATK: 608 - CRIT DMG 66.2%

DMG dealt by Charged Attacks increased by 16%-32%. For every party member with the same Elemental Type as the wielder (including the wielder themselves), gain 1 Gimmick stack. For every party member with a different Elemental Type from the wielder, gain 1 Theatrics stack. When the wielder has 1/2/3 or more Gimmick stacks, ATK will be increased by 16%/32%/48%-32%/64%/96%. When the wielder has 1/2/3 or more Theatrics stacks, Movement SPD will be increased by 4%/7%/10%-12%/15%/18%.

Polar Star

(CRIT Rate & ATK buffer)

Base ATK: 608 - CRIT Rate 33.1%

Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG increased by 12%-24%. After a Normal Attack, Charged Attack, Elemental Skill or Elemental Burst hits an opponent, 1 stack of Ashen Nightstar will be gained for 12s. When 1/2/3/4 stacks of Ashen Nightstar are present, ATK is increased by 10/20/30/48%-20/40/60/96%. The stack of Ashen Nightstar created by the Normal Attack, Charged Attack, Elemental Skill or Elemental Burst will be counted independently of the others.

Thundering Pulse

(CRIT DMG & ATK buffer)

Base ATK: 608 - CRIT DMG 66.2%

Increases ATK by 20%-40% and grants the might of the Thunder Emblem. At stack levels 1/2/3, the Thunder Emblem increases Normal Attack DMG by 12/24/40%-24/48/80%. The character will obtain 1 stack of Thunder Emblem in each of the following scenarios: Normal Attack deals DMG (stack lasts 5s), casting Elemental Skill (stack lasts 10s); Energy is less than 100% (stack disappears when Energy is full). Each stack's duration is calculated independently.

Scion of the Blazing Sun

(CRIT Rate & Charged Attack DMG buffer)

Base ATK: 565 - CRIT Rate 18.4%

After a Charged Attack hits an opponent, a Sunfire Arrow will descend upon the opponent hit, dealing 60%-120% ATK as DMG, and applying the Heartsearer effect to the opponent damaged by said Arrow for 10s. Opponents affected by Heartsearer take 28%-56% more Charged Attack DMG from the wielder. A Sunfire Arrow can be triggered once every 10s.

Skyward Harp

(CRIT Rate & DMG buffer)

Base ATK: 674 - CRIT Rate 22.1%

Increases CRIT DMG by 20%-40%. Hits have a 60%-100% chance to inflict a small AoE attack, dealing 125% Physical ATK DMG. Can only occur once every 4-2 s.

Amos' Bow

(ATK & Charged Attack DMG buffer)

Base ATK: 608 - ATK 49.6%

Increases Normal Attack and Charged Attack DMG by 12%-24%. After a Normal or Charged Attack is fired, DMG dealt increases by a further 8%-16% every 0.1 seconds the arrow is in the air for up to 5 times.

Song of Stillness

(DMG & ATK buffer)

Base ATK: 510 - ATK 41.3%

After the wielder is healed, they will deal 16%-32% more DMG for 8s. This can be triggered even when the character is not on the field.

Cloudforged

(EM buffer)

Base ATK: 510 - Elemental Mastery 165

After Elemental Energy is decreased, the equipping character's Elemental Mastery will increase by 40-80 for 18s. Max 2 stacks.

Artifacts

4pc Wanderer's Troupe

(EM & CA DMG buffer - BiS for CA gameplay)

2 Piece: Increases Elemental Mastery by 80.

4 Piece: Increases Charged Attack DMG by 35% if the character uses a Catalyst or Bow.

4pc Desert Pavilion Chronicle

(NA SPD & CA DMG buffer - BiS for Ultimate gameplay)

2 Piece: Anemo DMG Bonus +15%.

4 Piece: When Charged Attacks hit opponents, the equipping character's Normal Attack SPD will increase by 10% while Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack DMG will increase by 40% for 15s.

4pc Thundering Fury

(Electro-related Reactions DMG & Electro DMG buffer)

2 Piece: Electro DMG Bonus +15%

4 Piece: Increases DMG caused by Overloaded, Electro-Charged, Superconduct, and Hyperbloom by 40%, and the DMG Bonus conferred by Aggravate is increased by 20%, and the DMG caused by Lunar-Charged by 20%. When Quicken or the aforementioned Elemental Reactions are triggered, Elemental Skill CD is decreased by 1s. Can only occur once every 0.8s.

4pc Gilded Dreams

(EM & ATK buffer)

2 Piece: Increases Elemental Mastery by 80.

4 Piece: Within 8s of triggering an Elemental Reaction, the character equipping this will obtain buffs based on the Elemental Type of the other party members. ATK is increased by 14% for each party member whose Elemental Type is the same as the equipping character, and Elemental Mastery is increased by 50 for every party member with a different Elemental Type. Each of the aforementioned buffs will count up to 3 characters. This effect can be triggered once every 8s. The character who equips this can still trigger its effects when not on the field.

Mixed (EM+80 / ElectroDMG+15% / Marechaussee Hunter)

2 Piece (EM+80): Instructor, Wanderer's Troupe, Gilded Dreams, Flower of Paradise Lost.

2 Piece (ElectroDMG+15%): Thundering Fury.

2 Piece (Marechaussee Hunter): Normal and Charged Attack DMG +15%.

Teams and Rotations

General recommendations

Sethos performs best in Quicken teams with an Electro battery and an off-field Dendro applier.

Quickbloom is also viable if Hydro application is low.

He can be used in Overloaded teams with Chevreuse.

Electro-Charged and Lunar-Charged are technically possible, but Sethos has a single-target focus (with piercing line attacks), making him poorly suited for multi-target scenarios in those team types.

Synergy

Dendro units with strong synergy:

• Nahida (high off-field Dendro application & EM buff)
• Baizhu & Kirara (Dendro application, shields, DMG bonus)
• Dendro Traveler & Collei (application & buffs)
• Tighnari (for CA-based Quick-Swap teams)

Electro batteries:

• Fischl, Lisa, Yae Miko, Ororon, and Ineffa

RES reduction support (VV or Geo alternatives):

• Kazuha (Electro DMG buffer)
• Sucrose (TTDS + EM + Electro DMG buffer)
• Lan Yan (TTDS + Shield)
• Zhongli (Electro RES shred + Shield)
• Xilonen (Electro RES shred + Electro DMG buffer)
• Kachina (can run SHCC to buff Electro DMG)
• Albedo (EM buffer)

Quickbloom enablers:

• Off-field low Hydro application units, currently mainly Furina

Other Hydro options (for Electro-Charged or Lunar-Charged) are usable, but Sethos doesn't particularly benefit from those reactions.

For Overloaded teams:

• Chevreuse is essential
• Bennett can be added
• Depending on the playstyle:
• CA style: Electro battery (usually Fischl)
• NA style: off-field Pyro applier like Xiangling, Mavuika, Thoma, or Dehya
• Bennett can be replaced by a battery unit, or by Ororon if using Mavuika

Sethos - Baizhu - Nahida - Furina

Sethos - Kazuha - Fischl - Nahida

Sethos - Fischl - Kirara - Sucrose

Sethos - Xingqiu - Dendro Traveler - Yaoyao

Sethos - Ineffa - Sucrose - Xingqiu

Final assessment

Positives:

• Flexible playstyles: can be played with Burst-enhanced Normal Attacks or pure Charged Attacks
• Good synergy with Quicken teams (Electro + Dendro), and can also be used in Quickbloom or Overloaded teams (with Chevreuse)
• Piercing Charged Attacks can hit enemies in a line
• Low Energy needs if supported by an Electro battery
• Compatible with many F2P supports
• Has some off-field potential during rotations with minimal field time if built for CA spam

Negatives:

• Weak damage output, even when built and played optimally
• Underwhelming constellations, including C6
• Single-target focused, despite his piercing mechanic
• Needs strong support setup to compensate for his shortcomings
• Easily outperformed by other Electro DPS units, including F2P options
• Limited future scaling unless rebalanced or better synergy options are released

So, is Sethos worth it?

Sethos is an Electro DPS centered on Charged Attack damage. While he offers flexible gameplay and has synergy with many characters, he is not particularly strong as a DPS and falls short even compared to other F2P options. His constellations are underwhelming, offering little incentive to invest further. We do not recommend farming or building Sethos unless you lack other DPS choices. He is essentially a 4-star version of Cyno, with more limitations and lower damage.

Thanks for reading!

And good luck on the version 5.8!