Bennett has long been hailed as one of the most versatile and essential support characters in *Genshin Impact*. Since his introduction at the game’s launch, he has remained a staple in countless team compositions due to his powerful ATK buffs and reliable healing. However, with the arrival of Version 5.5 on March 26, players are buzzing about a potential new contender—4-Star Electro Polearm character Iansan. Some are even calling her the “Bennett replacement.” But is this comparison accurate? Let’s dive into their kits and find out.
Why Is Bennett So Powerful?
Bennett is known for his incredible Elemental Burst, *Fantastic Voyage*, which creates a field that grants massive ATK buffs and heals party members based on his HP. At C6, he can also provide Pyro infusion to the active character's Normal Attacks. These features make him indispensable in many teams, especially those relying on Pyro DPS or requiring strong support utility.
Enter Iansan: The New Support Contender
Iansan is a Natlan-native support character introduced in *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5. Like Bennett, she provides ATK-based buffs through her Elemental Burst, *The Three Principles of Power*. However, instead of a stationary field, Iansan summons a Kinetic Energy Scale that follows the active character, scaling ATK based on her Nightsoul Points and movement. This mechanic encourages dynamic gameplay, rewarding players who frequently reposition or move vertically and horizontally during combat.
Iansan vs. Bennett: Key Differences
- Movement-Based Buffing: Iansan’s Kinetic Energy Scale requires movement to maintain optimal performance, while Bennett’s field passively benefits anyone within its radius.
- Healing Capabilities: Bennett’s healing scales off his HP and can restore up to 70% of a character’s max HP, making him far superior in this department. Iansan lacks self-healing and offers more limited healing overall.
- ATK Scaling Mechanics: When Iansan has at least 42 Nightsoul Points (out of 54), her ATK buff scales purely off her own ATK, encouraging an ATK-focused build. Bennett’s buff scales directly with his own max ATK and remains consistently high regardless of positioning.
- Infusion Effects: Bennett at C6 grants Pyro infusion to the active character’s attacks, which can be crucial for certain team comps. Iansan does not offer any form of elemental infusion.
- Exploration Utility: Iansan can sprint longer distances without stamina consumption when using her Nightsoul Points, giving her an edge over Bennett in exploration scenarios.
Team Composition Considerations
For Pyro-heavy teams, Bennett still holds the advantage thanks to Elemental Resonance, which boosts ATK by 25% and grants Pyro infusion. However, Iansan shines in flexible team setups where mobility and sustained ATK buffs are preferred over static fields. Her ability to encourage active playstyle makes her ideal for Spiral Abyss lineups that benefit from constant movement and precise positioning.
Is Iansan a Replacement for Bennett?
While Iansan shares several similarities with Bennett—both in appearance and mechanics—she isn’t a direct replacement. Instead, she serves as a strong alternative, particularly in situations where Bennett’s fixed field might limit mobility. Think of her as a counterpart rather than a successor, offering a fresh playstyle while retaining key support functionalities like ATK boosting and healing, albeit in a different format.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to diversify your support options or need a mobile alternative to Bennett, Iansan is definitely worth pulling for. She brings a unique twist to the table with her movement-based scaling and exploration advantages. However, if you already have Bennett—especially a higher constellation version—he will likely remain your go-to support in most combat scenarios.
Ready to try out Iansan for yourself? Jump into Phase I of *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, launching on March 26, and see how she fits into your team!
Genshin Impact is available now on PC, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
