how to build ningguang: a long-ass thread bc my queen deserves more attention

to demonstrate her power, this is my current ningguang one-cycling the cryo regisvine without bennett, food or any supports (save for noelle's shield to trigger geo resonance)

so, first off, why build ningguang?
ning is a strong single-target dps that can either be run as a main dps, or a sub dps where you swap in, use her E and ult and then swap out for amazing damage. all depends on your preferred playstyle.

her main team-building strength is her flexibility. sure, she favours certain characters in her team (albedo, bennett) but she'll always have some synergy with the character, allowing her to be a good choice for any team comp!

now let's move onto weapons: she performs well with any 5* (though memory of dust and lost prayers both outperform atlas), but she is a bit more picky when it comes to 4*. the ones you want on her are, as follows...

1st: the best 4* catalyst is solar pearl, by far. its ability synergizes incredibly well with ningguang, as she can get a stack of both effects incredibly quickly, and capitalize on it very well, due to her rapid-fire type attacks. the crit rate% is also incredibly valuable.

2nd: widsith is the second best 4* catalyst, though it limits your build options (you're basically forced into sub dps ningguang), its effect and substat are both nothing to scoff at, usually allowing for very high burst damage,, unless your buff lands on elemental mastery.

3rd: the 3rd best 4* catalyst is eye of perception! its base atk scaling is lacking, but atk% substat is quite handy, and its effect is good for prolonged fights with a main dps ningguang, especially if paired with bennett and/or at higher refinement ranks!

honorable mention: the mappa mare is the best f2p option for ningguang, in case you dont have any of the above listed 4* or 5* catalysts! the additional elemental damage from its ability is very handy, especially with a turret such as fischl or xiangling for elemental reactions!

as for her artifacts, it depends. if you're going with a main dps ningguang, you can go with a 2 set gladiator's, 2 set petra! if you're going with a sub dps ningguang, 2 set noblesse and 2 set petra work much better, as her ult will be the greatest source of damage!

the artifact stats are simple, as they do not vary (mostly)! for sands, you want atk%, for goblet, you want geo damage bonus, and for the circlet, you want crit damage% or crit rate%, whatever gets you closer to a 1:2 ratio between crit rate:crit damage!

as for the talent upgrading order, it depends. if you are a main dps ningguang, you want normal atk>ult>E, if you are a sub dps ning, you want ult>E>normal atk (stays at 6), BUT if you have her c6 and are running her as a sub dps, the order goes as ult>normal atk>E!

speaking of constellations, here's a quick guide on what each one provides!: c1 is VERY good and turns ningguang into a very good dps against hordes aswell (though still unoptimal)

c2 provides you with double E damage, double energy recovery and 100% uptime of your E (as long as you play around the 4s cooldown)
c4 is worthless, not worth going for
c6 is incredibly good on her since it amplifies what she's already good at, being a boss killer.

and finally, her team comps. i won't recommend full team comps because quite frankly she works with nearly anyone as long as you build your dps well, but i'll give pointers on who works the best with her!

albedo: he is VERY VERY good with her as he provides extra geo particles, geo resonance, and if you're building him with ATK, ningguang will have his burst ready before its cooldown is over, though DEF albedo is also very, very good.

fischl: fish is an amazing turret in general and, just like with anyone else she will be a great addition to ningguang's team! ningguang can also take advantage of her c6 to create electro shields every single time you hit an enemy while oz is out, synergizing with geo resonance!

zhongli pairs very well with ningguang, as she will leave his burst ready before his cooldown is over, much like with albedo. there is a slight mechanical issue with zhongli, as his steele might sometimes block your projectiles! he still remains as a top tier support, however!

benny is just amazing in general and one of the best units in the game, he pairs very well with ningguang as you want to stay still with ningguang and rapid-fireyour enemies down, and his AoE burst allows you to do exactly that while remaining healthy and gaining HUGE atk buffs!

and that's all for this post! remember, you can build your characters however you like, this is just my advice on how to build an abyss-viable ningguang, just like mine! thank you for reading this whole thread!