After the release of Inazuma, Sub-DPS and Supports in Genshin Impact have been quite niche, where they only work in a specific team. For example, Kujou Sara is highly niche for Electro characters. This is an apparent contrast to the original characters, like Bennett and Xingqiu, who fit with practically everyone (and are still a major meta).
However, it's not just new characters that are underused. Some of the original too, haven't gotten the love that they deserve. For the Sub-DPS role, Travelers in Genshin Impact might want to give these units a chance. On the perfect hand, they can easily prove their worth.
9 Chongyun
The majority of Chongyun’s damage comes from his Elemental Burst. Chongyun’s Burst has low Energy and cooldown. It allows him to continuously cast it upon enemies, dealing some decent damage. However, his Elemental Skill should be used with caution. Not all characters can match well with the Banisher of Evil.
Chongyun shines when used with characters that are unaffected by his Frost Field such as Ayaka, or characters that can override his Cryo infusion (like Hu Tao). His Constellations further improve his supportive and Burst capabilities. Making him a viable Sub-DPS with the right team.
8 Aloy
Without Constellations, it feels like Aloy is lost in the world of Genshin Impact. When it comes to damage, she is also limited.
Aloy throws Freeze Bombs with her Elemental Skill. These Bombs will split into smaller Bomblets, which will explode when enemies touch them (or after a short delay). When the Bomb or Bomblet hits an opponent, Aloy gains one stack. After achieving four stacks, she infuses her arrows with Cryo. This requirement is tough to fulfill, where it's only effective with Anemo characters like Sucrose and Kazuha.
On the other hand, her Elemental Burst has a large AOE with some massive Cryo damage. Aloy can just enter and leave the field every now and then, having done her job as a Sub-DPS.
7 Rosaria
Rosaria can be a good main DPS, Sub-DPS, or Support. For Sub-DPS, the Favonius Nun can deal great off-field damage with her Elemental Burst. For this role, Rosaria is best used on damage build, which means equipping her with 4-Blizzard Strayer. However, when she casts her Burst, she inherits 15% of her Critical Rate to the rest of the team. This means using 4-Blizzard Strayer is ineffective for the Critical Rate inheritance.
Therefore, players can either build the Nun on full damage (4-Blizzard Strayer with low Critical Rate) or make her partially a Support (4-Noblesse Oblige with high Critical Rate). Either way, Rosaria is an amazing unit to have in a team.
6 Kaeya
While some players fully understand the potential Kaeya bears, most of the player-base, unfortunately, overlooked the Cavalry Captain. He is viable to be the main DPS or a Sub-DPS. He can deal great Physical damage when it’s his job to carry the team.
As a Sub-DPS, Kaeya can provide continuous Cryo application to considerably improve the team's Elemental Reactions. He can also be a Battery, considering he has one of the best Energy regeneration in the game. It makes him viable to support characters that rely on their Burst while he is still dealing enough damage.
5 Mona
When it comes to Hydro Vision, not many characters can compete damage-wise. Most Hydro characters lean into the supportive role, and that includes Mona. Without her Constellations, Mona is a Sub-DPS that can score significant numbers with her Elemental Burst. She also buffs the whole team’s damage against enemies who ate her Burst.
The Astrologist provides minor protection with the Illusory Phantom of her Skill. The Phantom taunts the enemies, taking their attention off the players. After her Elemental Skill is over, Mona generates a lot of Elemental Particles, making her a decent Battery.
4 Keqing
It’s understandable that Electro is a weak Element in Genshin Impact. Electro Elemental Reactions are far less effective in terms of damage. Instead, they offer various effects. For example, Superconduct reduces enemies' Physical Resistance. The underwhelming reactions cause most Electro characters to be seen as weak. Unfortunately, Keqing is one of them.
However, the Yuheng can actually make a satisfying Sub-DPS. She has a good Elemental Burst with a decent AOE and low Energy requirement. It allows Keqing to spam her Burst, especially if paired with another Electro unit.
3 Albedo
In version 2.3, Albedo has his own rerun. In Genshin Impact 1.2, a lot of players decide to skip his banner because he is seen as underwhelming. But almost one year later, players understand his potential and are willing to give The Chief Alchemist a shot in the team.
Albedo does not disappoint as a Sub-DPS. His Elemental Skill leaves a Geo construct with a large AOE. Every 2s, when an enemy in the AOE gets hit, Albedo's Skill will damage the opponent. This ability has a 100% uptime, allowing the Geo unit to endlessly deal off-field damage.
2 Noelle
Noelle is highly viable as a Sub-DPS, but only after getting her final Constellation. With her C6, the character converts 50% of her defense to attack when her Elemental Burst is active. If players build Noelle on damage build (Def/Geo/Crit), the Favonius Maid will not be a waste of field time.
The best part about Noelle's Elemental Burst is that her Geo infusion will not disappear if she is swapped out. Furthermore, with enough Energy Recharge or Battery, this Geo unit can have 100% Elemental Burst uptime.
1 Kokomi
Just like a typical Hydro character, Kokomi is a Support (a healer, to be exact). However, she also possesses some Sub-DPS abilities with her Elemental Burst. Unfortunately, the damage Kokomi deals is considered underwhelming, even with her best-in-slot weapon, Everlasting Moonglow.
This is probably why in version 2.3, Genshin Impact has a new artifact set, Ocean-Hued Clam. This set is the savior for Kokomi, where it significantly raises her overall DPS, even when she's off-field.
Other than decent damage, the Watatsumi Priestess also offers great Hydro application. Which will help with Elemental Reactions.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.