The TCG mode in Genshin Impact, known as the Genius Invokation, is a thrilling and dynamic game mode that was introduced in version 3.3. Success in this fast-paced card game relies heavily on strategic decision-making and a bit of luck. Similar to the core gameplay of Genshin Impact, players can use elemental reactions and character abilities to gain an advantage, making it crucial to have a cohesive team and complementary cards for optimal performance. Although the initial playable character cards were limited, subsequent updates have expanded the roster, adding new cards such as Klee and Beidou in version 3.4 update and, Eula, Kokomi, and Sara in 3.5 update. This allows for more experimentation and enjoyment for players, and gives the premise that players can expect to see more of their favorite characters being implemented in this game mode.
The recently introduced Sara character in the Genius Invokation TCG serves as a support for Electro-user characters, mirroring her role in the actual Genshin Impact gameplay. Her Elemental Skill functions similarly to Fischl's, where she summons a creature that deals damage at the end of the turn and provides a damage buff to other Electro characters in the party. However, there are distinctions between their gameplay and team compositions. While Sara can substitute for Fischl in Electro teams, Fischl remains a viable choice for any team that necessitates Electro application.
Sara Card & Skills
To obtain the Sara Card and Sara's Talent Card in the Genius Invokation TCG, players can send a duel invitation to Sara through The Cat's Tail tavern's invitation board, just like many other character cards. These cards can be earned by successfully completing challenge objectives in a Friendly Fracas match.
Normal Attack: Tengu Bowmanship
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Primary Dice |
1 Electro |
|---|---|
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Secondary Dice |
2 Unaligned |
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Effect |
Deals 2 Physical DMG. |
Elemental Skill: Tengu Stormcall
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Primary Dice |
3 Electro |
|---|---|
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Effect |
Deals 1 Electro DMG, summons 1 Tengu Juurai: Ambush. |
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Special Effect |
Tengu Juurai: Ambush Summon End Phase: Deal 1 Electro DMG, applies Crowfeather Cover to friendly active character. Has 1 usage. Crowfeather Cover: The character with this attached deals +1 Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG. Usage(s): 2 |
Elemental Burst: Subjugation - Koukou Sendou
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Primary Dice |
4 Electro |
|---|---|
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Energy Cost |
2 Energy |
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Effect |
Deals 1 Electro DMG, summons 1 Tengu Juurai: Stormcluster. |
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Special Effect |
Tengu Juurai: Stormcluster Summon: End Phase: Deal 2 Electro DMG, applies Crowfeather Cover to friendly active character. Usage(s): 2 |
Sara's Talent Card: Sin of Pride
Sara's Elemental Burst is a potent ability that not only summons a unique Electro damage-dealing summon but also applies the Crowfeather Cover buff, similar to her Elemental Skill. When used, Sara's talent card increases the damage buff by an additional point. While her Burst is strong and only requires 2 Energy to activate, her talent card may not be suitable for every team composition. In most cases, players would benefit more from the talent cards of their primary Electro DPS, such as Keqing, as the Crowfeather Cover buff has a short duration. Having Sara's talent card in the deck might unnecessarily clutter it and prevent players from drawing more needed cards.
Best Sara Decks
Sara is a character in the TCG who is primarily oriented towards Electro-support. However, her team compositions are currently limited due to the lack of Main-DPS characters in the game. While players can technically use Sara instead of Fischl in some team compositions as an off-field Electro damage character, her true potential cannot be fully utilized in such teams. It is best to pair Sara with Keqing or Cyno team compositions to take advantage of Electro resonance and buff their attacks, which can help with dice and energy management.
Players should note that choosing between Keqing and Cyno is a matter of personal preference, as they play differently. Keqing is easier to master and more accessible than Cyno, making her a better choice for beginners. Moreover, players can utilize either of these characters in various team compositions depending on their desired Elemental Reaction. However, for a team composition that utilizes Sara, a Quicken-focused deck is the best option to realize her full potential. Generally speaking, the team compositions will utilize Sara and Keqing or Cyno, combined with an off-field Elemental enabler support of choice.
Sara + Keqing + Collei
The team that utilizes Keqing and Collei aims to focus on the Quicken reaction, which will boost Keqing's damage even further. This reaction creates a buff that boosts the next Dendro or Electro damage instance. In the beginning, players may find the deck slower, considering that Collei is only able to summon an off-field Summon with her Elemental Burst. However, her Elemental burst requires only 2 Energy and 3 Dendro dice, meaning that players should focus on getting Collei's Burst early game, preferably in the first or second turns. This is possible if players use energy-generating action cards, including the Elemental Resonance, High Voltage. If players start with lucky cards and dice rolls in the beginning, they can essentially get her Summon as quickly as possible before switching to Sara for her summon on the next turn. As the support within this team heavily relies on Summons, players might find themselves in an inconvenient situation if the enemy is utilizing the Send Off card.
Generally speaking, this Deck relies on swapping between characters quite often, and as such, they will not struggle against teams that utilize Swirl or Overload reactions often, and can have an easier time swapping around, particularly due to Keqing's passive ability to summon Lightning Stiletto once she uses her Elemental Skill. This not only allows her to get Electro Infusion but also swaps her back to her right away. This allows for great opportunities for quick swaps between Sara and Keqing, especially when cards that allow for quick swaps or less dice usage are utilized well. One downside of this deck is that it doesn't utilize any healers and heavily relies on finishing up the opponent's characters as quickly as possible. Otherwise, if they are facing a stalling or defensive deck, they might not perform very well. As such, healing cards are highly recommended in this team composition.
Sara + Cyno + Mona
The primary strategy of this team composition is to use the Electro-Charged reaction to gradually reduce the opponent's HP while building up energy to unleash Cyno's Elemental Burst and effectively utilize his passive stacks. To start, players can use Mona and Sara's summons before switching to Cyno, who needs to build Pactsworn Pathclearer stacks to increase his damage. Once both Sara and Mona's summons are active, players can switch to Cyno and focus on activating his Elemental Burst as quickly as possible. Similar to the Quicken deck, this combination of cards can enable Cyno's burst to be activated quickly, as he only needs 2 Energy. As before, cards that allow for additional energy generation are crucial to dealing maximum damage. Cyno's burst should ideally be activated by Turn 2, followed by his Elemental Skill, as at 4 stacks, he receives a strong DMG buff.
In comparison to the Keqing Deck, this deck doesn't rely on quick swaps as often, and it also can't utilize them as easily as Keqing can. Nevertheless, since the main purpose of this deck is to have Mona and Sara's summons active, quick swaps are not as necessary, and players can primarily focus on swapping when necessary to refresh the summons. However, similar to the other deck, this deck is also susceptible to cards such as Send Off, and it might struggle against defensive and stalling decks as it doesn't utilize any shield or healing characters. Players who are interested in utilizing Summons less can swap out Mona for Xingqiu. Otherwise, for those interested in other elemental reactions, Ganyu for Superconduct or Xiangling for Overload can also be fun options.
Recommended Action Cards
Because Sara's team options are currently limited, the primary focus of action cards should be to increase damage for the team's main DPS, either Keqing or Cyno. Therefore, players should consider including either Keqing or Cyno's talent card in the team, rather than Sara's, since utilizing Sara's burst will not be the primary focus in the early game. As Sara is primarily used with other Electro characters, players should ensure to utilize both Electro Elemental Resonance cards to activate bursts more quickly and gain additional dice.
Using cards that allow for quick swaps, such as Katheryne, Leave It To Me or The Crane Returned, can be highly beneficial when combined with cards that do not consume dice, such as Changing Shifts or Dawn Winery. Additionally, cards that generate additional dice, like Timmy or Liben, can be helpful. Since many Sara teams do not include a healer, using a copy of the I Haven't Lost Yet card can help turn the tide by allowing the active character to gain extra energy and an additional dice. Lastly, players should use healing or defensive cards whenever necessary to ensure that they do not lose their main DPS character. In general, players should pay attention to generally popular and strong action cards, as they can be perfectly utilized in Sara Decks.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.