This is simply because Dendro Traveler applies more Dendro which triggers more reactions. Still, Collei has good Dendro application, so she’s a viable option for most Dendro teams – not remarkable, but she works. Note: This is about meta only. If you like Collei regardless of her power level, don’t let this stop you from playing her.
Pros & Cons
Collei Strengths
Collei and Dendro Traveler are currently the only dedicated off-field Dendro applicators in-game. And although Traveler often outshines Collei, she’s still a great option for this role – especially for a second team that needs Dendro or in overworld content. This is thanks to her consistent off-field Dendro application from her skill, burst, and passives. So she easily slots into most teams that need off-field Dendro. Collei currently has a niche in teams that use Dendro and Pyro units. This is simply because Dendro Traveler isn’t optimal in these teams – their burst ends prematurely when affected by Pyro after cast. So they’re unfavorable in most teams that use Pyro. In contrast, Burning, Burgeon, and other Dendro-related reactions actually extend Collei’s burst duration.
Collei Weaknesses
Collei has relatively high energy Requirements because of her low field time. This doesn’t let her catch a lot of energy particles to charge her burst. So she mostly relies on building enough Energy Recharge to get her burst every rotation. 200% Energy Recharge is a safe and comfortable amount to build, but this can be reduced further by using a Favonius Warbow or Sacrificial Bow on her. Dendro Traveler simply has more consistent off-field Dendro application in their burst. So they’re the better option in every team except for Burning or Burgeon teams. And this is just because they don’t work well with Pyro – still, they’re great everywhere else. Plus it’s significantly easier to get Traveler constellations. You’re bound to get them as you play the game. However, they do have their fair share of differences. Collei is generally better for shorter team rotations, while Traveler is better for slightly longer rotations.
Are Collei’s Constellations Good?
Collei has pretty good constellations, and they’re nice buffs to her supporting abilities. C2 is her best early constellation thanks to its additional Dendro application and decent damage gain. So if you’re planning to pull for cons, C2 is a great place to stop. You’ll naturally get her constellations while playing the game or pulling from banners anyway. Here’s a closer look at each one.
C1: Deepwood Patrol
When in the party and off-field, her Energy Recharge is increased by 20%. C1 is an overall nice constellation that slightly decreases Collei’s energy requirements.
C2: Through Hill and Copse
Collei’s ascension passive called ‘Floral Sidewinder’ is changed to this: Her skill grants the character a Sprout effect that deals 40% of Collei’s ATK as Dendro damage to nearby opponents for 3s. If any of your party members triggers a Dendro-related reaction, the Sprout effect will be extended by 3s. This extension effect can only be triggered once. If another Sprout effect is triggered during its initial duration, the initial Sprout will be removed. Collei’s 1st ascension passive must first be unlocked for this constellation to take effect. C3 basically increases Collei’s off-field Dendro application. It’s a very nice constellation to have.
C3: Scent of Summer
Increases her elemental skill talent level by 3. This is a really small increase in Collei’s skill damage.
C4: Gift of the Woods
Casting her burst will increase nearby characters’ (except Collei) Elemental Mastery by 60 for 12s. This is a great and easy-to-access buff for Collei’s teammates. It’s basically always a team DPS increase.
C5: All Embers
Increases her elemental burst talent level by 3. This is a decent boost to Collei’s personal damage.
C6: Forest of Falling Arrows
When her skill hits, it creates a small Cuilein-Anbar that deals 200% of Collei’s ATK as Dendro damage. Each skill cast can only trigger this effect once. This increases both Collei’s Dendro application and damage. It’s a nice constellation to have.
