Genshin Impact Skirk Guide (5.7): Release Date, Ascension Materials, Best Weapons & Team Builds

Genshin Impact’s Version 5.7 introduces one of the most mysterious and powerful characters yet—Skirk, the enigmatic mentor of Tartaglia (Childe). As a 5-star Cryo sword user with deep ties to the Abyss and the "Primordial Sea," Skirk brings not only major developments to the lore but also groundbreaking gameplay mechanics centered around a unique zero-energy system.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: her backstory, combat abilities, talent scaling mechanics, best builds, team compositions, and a full list of ascension and talent materials to help you prepare for her release.

Character Overview

- Name:  Skirk

- Element:  Cryo

- Weapon Type:  Sword

- Rarity:  5-Star

- Affiliation:  The Abyss / Primordial Sea

- Debut:  Tartaglia’s backstory

- Voice Actors:  Xie Ying (CN), Mamiko Noto (JP), Cat Protano (EN), Seo Da-hye (KR)

Unlike most characters who belong to one of Teyvat’s seven nations, Skirk comes from the depths beyond the known world. Her design and lore are deeply tied to Abyssal energy and a forgotten cosmic order.

Lore and Story Background

Skirk is not just another character from Teyvat — she originates from the boundary between the Abyss and the Primordial Sea, realms untouched by the Archons. As a disciple of the infamous "Wicked Knight" Surtlroch, she inherited forbidden sword techniques and a will to defy Celestia’s order.

She once trained a young Tartaglia after he fell into the Abyss at age 14, recognizing the mark of the Abyss left by the Devouring Whale on his soul. During a short but intense three-month period, she taught him powerful combat techniques that awakened his Foul Legacy.

Skirk views the divine order with contempt, claiming:

“The Gnoses are nothing but remnants of the Third Descender, twisted by the Heavenly Principles into shackles of control.”

Her disdain for the Archons positions her as a major figure in the growing resistance against Celestia, hinting at future storylines where Teyvat’s cosmic hierarchy may be challenged.

Gameplay Mechanics and Talent System

Skirk introduces a new level of complexity in gameplay with her zero energy system and dual-mode combat style, offering players both a front-line DPS and a unique sub-DPS alternative.

Dual Combat Modes (Leaked)

-  A Mode (On-Field): Skirk stays on the field, dealing rapid Cryo-infused attacks at high frequency.

-  Q Mode (Off-Field): Activating her Elemental Burst causes her to leave the field while still triggering powerful Cryo bursts periodically from the background.

Zero Energy Core Mechanic

Skirk’s elemental energy never charges. This seemingly restrictive mechanic allows her to activate special effects tied to her lack of energy, significantly boosting her damage output and making her ideal for unique team setups.

This creates a brand-new playstyle compared to traditional rotation-based teams, requiring careful planning and synergy.

Best Artifact Set: Echoes of the Deep Gallery

Coming in Version 5.5, this set is tailored for Skirk’s unique playstyle:

- 2-Piece: +15% Cryo DMG Bonus

- 4-Piece: Increases Normal Attack and Burst DMG by 60% when energy is at 0

This set is ideal for both her on-field and off-field configurations, maximizing her potential without the need for energy recharge.

Team Composition Strategies

Skirk can flexibly fill the role of a main Cryo DPS, a background burst support, or a freeze enabler, depending on the team:

Freeze DPS

- Skirk + Kamisato Ayaka + Kokomi + Kazuha

- Strong Cryo application combined with Hydro support for perma-freeze setups

Burst Rotation (Off-field)

- Skirk (Q Mode) + Tartaglia + Yelan + Bennett

- Powerful off-field Cryo damage to complement Hydro burst damage

Quick-Swap Team

- Skirk + Rosaria + Wanderer + Furina

- Optimized for fast rotations and coordinated elemental reactions

Use Cryo resonance where possible to boost crit rate and take advantage of Skirk’s naturally high Cryo uptime.

Skirk Ascension and Talent Materials

Start farming now to get her to level 90 and triple crown-ready on day one.

Ascension Materials

Gemstones: Shivada Jade Sliver ×1, Fragment ×9, Chunk ×9, Gemstone ×6

Local Specialty: Riftborn Pearl ×168 (From Natlan’s Atocpan region)

Enemy Drops:

- Clockwork Meka Parts: Gear ×18, Spiral Gear ×30, Power Gear ×36

Weekly Boss Drop: Eye of Dreaming ×46

Mora: 420,000

Talent Materials

Teachings of "Strife":

- Teachings ×9, Guide ×63, Philosophies ×114

Enemy Drops:

- Gear ×18, Spiral Gear ×66, Power Gear ×93

- Weekly Boss Drop: Eye of Dreaming ×18

- Crowns of Insight: ×3

- Mora: 7,050,100

Weapon Ascension Materials

Nightwind Series: Prophecies ×5, Premonitions ×14, Divinations ×14, Revelations ×6

World Materials: Refracted Bud ×23, Confusing Leaf ×27, Illusory Ringleaf ×41

Whistle Drops: Sentinel's Wooden Whistle ×15, Warrior's Iron Whistle ×23, King's Gold Whistle ×27

Mora: Over 1,500,000

Farming Efficiency Tips

To maximize your farming efforts before her banner drops:

- Prioritize Clockwork Meka enemy routes in Fontaine

- Farm Riftborn Pearl in Natlan’s Atocpan area

- Challenge The Game Before the Gate weekly boss for Eye of Dreaming

- Use Resin wisely and plan your days for material overlap

Estimated Release Date and Banner Info

Likely Patch: 5.7 late phase

Expected Release: Mid-June 2025

Banner Type: 5-star limited event banner

Skirk is expected to headline a banner, with a signature weapon featured in the weapon event wish.

Final Thoughts: Is Skirk Worth Pulling?

Absolutely. Skirk breaks the mold of conventional Genshin Impact characters by introducing a completely new mechanic that rewards mastery, planning, and creativity. Her lore significance, visual design, and combat flexibility make her one of the most exciting characters to date.

If you’re a fan of high-skill ceiling gameplay and deep lore integration, Skirk is a must-pull and a perfect fit for any serious player’s roster.