Reviewed October 25, 2026. This is a planning framework, not a current-cycle tier list or a set of tested replacement builds. Character-specific substitutions still need review against the current kit, gear, and encounter.
Open the two-team planner →Step 1
Name the job before the character
Write down what the missing slot does: damage during a specific window, elemental application, healing, shielding, buffs, or debuffs. A matching element or Path is only a starting point. Replacing one job may leave another uncovered.
Step 2
Protect the second team
Reserve the supports your other side needs before filling flexible slots. If both drafts depend on the same character, compare which side has an alternative. The roster planner blocks duplicate characters and interchangeable forms across both teams.
Step 3
Check timing and resource demands
In Genshin, review field time, cooldowns, energy needs, and how the proposed rotation applies elements. In Star Rail, write out the opening turns and skill-point costs, then check speed order and ultimate availability. Do not assume a replacement follows the original rotation.
Step 4
Check the actual encounter
Read this cycle's enemies, rules, and objectives in game. Record any damage, survival, cleansing, or weakness coverage the replacement needs to provide. A team that works elsewhere may require a different plan here.
Step 5
Test one swap at a time
Keep the rest of your setup steady. Record the failed action, survival issue, or missed damage window, then repeat with the proposed replacement. Save the result in your plan notes so a successful change is reproducible.
A useful substitution note
Needed job: __. Candidate: __. Changed rotation or turn order: __. Cost to the other team: __. Test stage: __. What improved or failed: __.
Use current in-game descriptions as the final reference. Catalog references: genshindev and StarRailRes. Official game news: Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail.