Layla
Who is Layla?
Layla is a 4★ Cryo Sword shielder from Sumeru who provides strong HP-scaling shields, consistent off-field Cryo application via Shooting Stars, and 4pc Tenacity of the Millelith teamwide ATK buffs. She is a budget Cryo shielder particularly useful for characters that cannot receive healing (Arlecchino, Hu Tao), Freeze teams, and Mono Cryo. Her C2 massively reduces her ER requirement. Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/layla-quickguide/
Kit Summary
Creates a Night Star field that generates a Cryo shield (scaling with HP); generates Shooting Stars when the active character's Normal Attacks hit — her off-field Cryo application source.
Snapshot AoE Cryo and deploys a Starlight Slugs field that periodically fires Cryo, generating Night Stars and dealing off-field damage.
At 4 accumulated Night Stars, they fire as a homing Shooting Stars volley. Shield loss cancels pending stars.
Build Guide
🔮 Best Relic / Echo Set
4pc Tenacity of the Millelith (BiS support — strongest shield + 20% ATK teamwide buff with reliable uptime). 4pc Blizzard Strayer (Freeze/Mono Cryo — adds CRIT Rate). 4pc Emblem of Severed Fate (Burst DMG + ER). 4pc Noblesse Oblige (ATK buff fallback). Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/layla-quickguide/
⚔ Best Light Cone / Weapon
Support: Key of Khaj-Nisut (5★ — best shield via HP%); The Dockhand's Assistant (4★); Favonius Sword (ER + team Energy); Freedom-Sworn (Vapemelt teams). Personal damage: Primordial Jade Cutter (5★); Harbinger of Dawn (3★ — "performs similarly to most 5-star options" if passive maintained — best F2P). Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/layla-quickguide/
📊 Substats Priority
👥 Best Teams
Flex shielder for no-heal DPS: Layla + Arlecchino/Hu Tao + Hydro + Pyro
Freeze: Layla + Hydro DPS (Neuvillette/Ayato) + Cryo + Anemo
Mono Cryo / Physical: Layla + Cryo DPS + Cryo + Anemo
F2P Verdict
Harbinger of Dawn (3★, free) is her best F2P weapon — its passive makes it "perform similarly to most 5-star options" for damage. For shield support use Favonius Sword (ER) or The Dockhand's Assistant. Build 4pc Tenacity of the Millelith for the teamwide ATK buff. C2 is highly recommended: it restores 1 Energy per Shooting Star volley, reducing ER requirements by ~40%+ and making her rotation much smoother. Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/layla-quickguide/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Layla good for beginners?
Yes — she is a straightforward HP-scaling shielder on the standard banner; her best F2P weapon is even a 3-star. Source: KQM.
What is the best free weapon for Layla?
Harbinger of Dawn (3★) — its passive makes it competitive with 5-star swords if HP is kept above 90%. Favonius Sword for ER-focused builds. Source: KQM.
Why is C2 so important for Layla?
C2 makes her Shooting Stars restore 1 Energy each — reducing her ER requirement by 40%+ and enabling much more comfortable rotations. Source: KQM.
What teams want Layla specifically?
Characters that cannot receive healing (Arlecchino, Hu Tao), Freeze teams, and Mono Cryo/Physical teams where Cryo aura from her Burst is valued. Source: KQM.