In Genshin Impact, a character's power doesn't always mean they're the best at everything. Characters like Raiden Ei or even Zhongli are proof enough of this; a lot of other characters are simply more talented at utilizing their intelligence. Some were intellectually superior due to their age while others are just naturals.
The smartest characters in Genshin Impact either pull the strings or see the strings, perhaps even sever them. It's also worth noting that the game's lore gives them a different value compared to their standing in the meta or the gameplay. So regardless of how many stars they have or how popular they are in the wish banner, these characters are the most intelligent (at the moment).
10 Alhaitham
- Element: Dendro
- Nation: Sumeru
As one of the newest characters to grace the Genshin Impact roster, particularly for Dendro, Alhaitham had to heave the burden of expectations on his shoulders, which probably explains the physique. In terms of intellect, he's a good cross between Albedo and Ayato, preferring to always be logical more than anything.
His character quest allowed him to display his best trait, which is his impressive knowledge. He's also a bonafide scholar of Sumeru whose goal is a narrow focus on understanding the very math that makes the world work. If that's not enough to imply his level of intelligence, Alhaitham was also slated to be the next Grand Sage in Sumeru, but he turned it down to pursue his studies.
9 Kamisato Ayato
- Element: Hydro
- Nation: Inazuma
Speaking of characters with heavy burdens, Ayato had no shortage of challenges growing up. He's the heir of one of the most powerful clans in Inazuma, and he couldn't afford an idle break for his mind. Ayato's mind is constantly at work whether it's scheming to maintain his clan's power or discovering other power players' schemes.
Even someone as wise and as clever as Yae Miko admits that Ayato can be tricky at times since he schemes too much. Even the most powerful figure in Inazuma, the Raiden Shogun, also put Ayato in high regard due to his unpredictable plans.
8 Kokomi
- Element: Hydro
- Nation: Inazuma
Anyone who wages a direct rebellion against Archons is either foolish or brilliant. And looking at Kokomi and her character quest, it's safe to say that she's one of the most brilliant generals in the game. Taking on the Raiden Shogun's overwhelming army is no easy feat.
It's also worth mentioning that Kokomi more or less succeeded in her rebellion (with the help of the Traveler, of course. Even when faced with a devastating setback caused by the Fatui and their Delusions, Kokomi still managed to out-strategize and outgun the Shogun's best.
7 Ningguang
- Element: Geo
- Nation: Liyue
Liyue also has its own venerable leaders and when it comes to leading the bastion of the Geo element, Ningguang was always at the forefront. This is a figure so respected and esteemed in the lore, that it's puzzling why the developers made her only a four-star character.
Despite being only human, Ningguang led Liyue to its most prosperous period in history. She also built the Jade Chamber as both a display of their independence from the Archons and as a contingency against the godly enemies and invaders that sought to destroy Liyue. Her intelligence isn't just for profit as she has displayed that she's also a brilliant commander.
6 Yelan
- Element: Hydro
- Nation: Liyue
But of course, Ningguang can be rather busy managing the financial affairs of Liyue. Someone had to have her back and that someone is the enigmatic and ambiguous spymaster, Yelan. She's so good at her job, people don't know whether she really is a spy or not or what exactly she does.
But they all know one thing: they don't want to be Yelan's enemy. The opposite is quite true, Yelan is the person who can find out information about anything and resolve any issue with dogged diligence. Whether it's uncovering the most hidden and nefarious Fatui schemes to nipping anomalies in Liyue, she's always present and watching.
5 Lisa
- Element: Electro
- Nation: Mondstadt
Lisa might have chosen a quiet and slow life as a Mondstadt Librarian, but she was actually the most brilliant scholar Sumeru had in 200 years. When she left Sumeru, the sages of the academy even begged her to return as such is her knowledge and aptitude for their studies (and totally not because of her Japanese voice).
That speaks volumes of how much knowledge and intelligence Lisa possesses under that witch hat. She probably just chose to live on her own terms instead of being used for other peoples' ambitions and pursuit of knowledge. She's also well aware of the dangers of such a goal.
4 Albedo
- Element: Geo
- Nation: Mondstadt
Albedo is a good example of how too much knowledge can be dangerous. He's an even more accomplished scholar and alchemist than Lisa, being able to create life from scratch. Albedo's experiments and never-ending quest for alchemical perfection.
He's famous for his achievements in alchemy, so much so, that everyone who knew him considered him a genius. Although, Albedo can be fickle and his talent and intelligence are limited by his interest and attention.
3 Nahida/Kusanali
- Element: Dendro
- Nation: Sumeru
Also known as the God of Wisdom, it stands within reason that Nahida is effortlessly intelligent. She embodies the values and themes of Sumeru, a place known for its scholars and predilection for knowledge. She does have her own issues as a young Archon that prevent her from reaching her full potential; though with time and experience, she'll improve vastly.
If not for her wisdom, Nahida is also known to be able to communicate through telepathy and can possess other beings. That means she has the capacity to know anything she wants depending on her whim; just as soon as she sheds off the inferiority complex.
2 Il Dottore
- Element: Unknown
- Nation: Snezhnaya
Il Dottore had been present in Genshin Impact's official manga, but he didn't get a prolonged chance to showcase his terrifying guile there. Thankfully, the game gave him this chance during Kusanali's Archon Quest, and it quickly explained how Il Dottore was considered second only to the Tsaritsa and Pierro.
In fact, Il Dottore could probably usurp Pierro's position as the Fatui Harbinger head if he wanted. After all, Pierro sought Il Dottore out himself. Il Dottore is practically an immoral version of Albedo; he would cross many boundaries in the pursuit of knowledge. In the Sumeru Archon Quest, Il Dottore has become well-known for being able to outsmart Kusanali for a time, which is no easy feat.
1 Tsaritsa
- Element: Cryo
- Nation: Snezhnaya
Archons are already gods, but they still answer to Celestia, the mysterious floating island above Teyvat, home of the gods and god-makers. So anyone who decides to just rebel against such beings or usurp their power ought to be someone who knows what they're doing and has a plan for success. That would be the Cryo Archon, the Tsaritsa.
She commands Pierro and the Fatui Harbingers and fills them in on her plans. It also seems like she's the only one with the will, knowledge, and cleverness to outsmart and win against the overall gods of Teyvat. So it goes without saying, that Tsaritsa is the smartest Archon and the most ambitious person in Teyvat.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.