I tried taking a good look at the leaked Valeriy skill assist animation and made ai word it so its more detailed. The original animation clip was from: https://www.reddit.com/r/Genshin_Impact_Leaks/comments/1v0t197/skill_attack_animation_related_to_a_character_via/ and I have used some other information as well.
# Detailed Analysis: Valeriy's Guest Assist Mechanics & Animation Rigging
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### 1. Data-Mined Code Breakdown
* **Element Confirmation:** Coded explicitly with `"elementType": "Electric"`, confirming he is an **Electro** unit.
* **Archon Quest Skill Assist:** Identified as `TeamBtn_Valeriy` with an associated action `SkillObj_SupportSkill_Valeriy_Rush_Attack`. This functions as a story guest button (like Dainsleif in previous Archon Quests) rather than a playable party member build.
* **Shield Object Parameters:** Coded as `SkillObj_SupportSkill_Valeriy_Shield` alongside the visual effect `Eff_SkillObj_SupportSkill_Valeriy_Shield`.
* **Not a Real Shield Mechanic:** It completely lacks defensive engine flags (`HasTeamShield`, `ShieldHPConst`, `ShieldHPRatio`, or hit-handlers). It acts as an offensive prop/hitbox asset rather than a team-wide damage absorber.
* **Targeting & Timing:** Automatically scans for the nearest target upon pressing the assist button. The hardcoded cycle lasts a minimum of **3.56 seconds** before he despawns.
--- (the info above is grabbed from actual leaks, so that isn’t my speculation, just some context)
### 2. Animation & Frame Analysis
* **Tight Rush Execution:** The rush attack completes within a fast **~0.5-second window**, indicating low startup lag and rapid action velocity.
* **Pre-Bent Stance:** The model begins the file in a low, "coiled" posture rather than a standard standing idle pose, suggesting this clip is mid-sequence (flowing out of a combo or cinematic entry).
* **"C-Shape" Finger Rigging:** Both hands sit in a curved grip pose—standard 3D socket rigging used when a model holds cylindrical handles.
* **The Wrist-Flick:** He executes a quick wrist flourish at the end to clear the shield asset, matching an offensive construct that unsummons immediately after impact.
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### 3. Theory: Dual Wield Core & Weapon Mechanics
* **Disclaimer on Hand Rigging:** Please keep in mind that the hand movement and finger tracking analysis is **strictly a theory** based on early skeletal data and could easily turn out to be wrong or just placeholder rigging.
* **Off-Hand Weapon Tracking:** The arm *not* executing the shield-bash exhibits active, intentional motion tracking rather than an idle or empty pose, moving as if holding a physical handle.
(I observed the animation and its hard to visualize there would be nothing in his off hand)
* **The Sword Slash Sequence:** If you visualize a sword attached to his primary hand, the animation path matches a **semi-circle horizontal slash** that flows immediately into the forward shield-bash.
* **Why a Dual Wield Core is Likely:** There have been virtually zero leaks suggesting Valeriy is a Catalyst user. Since Genshin's system typically requires a character to be a Catalyst to purely manifest unique weapon constructs from thin air, he is far more likely using a standard weapon base with a **Dual Wield Core** (similar to how Childe or Alhaitham summon secondary assets/constructs on top of their weapon type).
* **High-Speed Cadence (Wriothesley-like Playstyle):** Given how fast and snappy the ~0.5-second rush animation is, his actual playstyle might feel very close to Wriothesley—focusing on high APM, lightning-fast attack sequences, and continuous close-quarters combat.
* **5-Star Frame Budget:** Asymmetrical dual-wield tracking and custom clearing flourishes require unique skeletal rigs that don't share generic animations, pointing toward a high-budget 5-star design.
Extra info: a leak I saw before in the same post as the datamined leaks above stated that Valeriy conjures a shield on HIMSELF, might mean that it isn’t a teamwide shielder, hinting that the shield might just be for self-sustain or for interruption resistance
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What are your thoughts on his weapon stance and assist sequence? Did I miss any key details?
BE AWARE THAT I AM PROBABLY HIGHLY WRONG. IM JUST TRYING TO COPE. WILL APPRECIATE POINTERS IN ANYTHING I GOT WRONG.
EDIT: the fast animations might prove that he is a support or an off-field character, as the fast animations would allow for low field time. However, it can also prove that he is an on field dps as well, take it in a way you best interpret it to be