Xingqiu: The Dapper Hydro Support – Healer or Nah? Let’s Dive In!
Xingqiu is from the Guhua Clan. He is a charming bookworm. Genshin Impact players love him. He has style and skills, especially with his rain swords. A question arises: Can he heal? Is he a backup medic? Or is that just wishful thinking from players low on Sweet Madames?
Hold on, adventurers. Let’s examine Xingqiu’s kit. We need to find out if he can heal your party after facing a Ruin Guard. Or should you just grab a plate of Sticky Honey Roast instead?
Xingqiu’s Healing: A Sprinkle, Not a Downpour
Xingqiu can heal. But don’t expect him to be your main healer. His healing serves as a minor bonus. It’s like a cherry on top of his impressive support skills.
His healing comes from the talent “Hydropathic.” When a Rain Sword shatters or expires, it heals the active character. The healing equals 6% of his Max HP. This amount isn’t a game-changer. Usually, it doesn’t save you in tough spots.
It’s like a gentle pat on the back. This can restore a little health or buffer some minor damage from arrows or environmental effects. But don’t expect a miracle. It won’t revive someone after tanking a Maguu Kenki’s attack.
So yes, Xingqiu can heal. Relying on him as your team’s healer is like bringing a water pistol to a dragon fight. You can do it, but don’t expect success. His healing is a side effect of his overall utility, not his main role.
Xingqiu: The Hydro Application King and Support Extraordinaire
Xingqiu might not win “Healer of the Year.” But dismissing him for modest healing? That would be a mistake. Healing is just a fraction of what he brings to the table. He is an S-tier support character.
Let’s look at Xingqiu’s strengths: Hydro application. He transitions from decent support to a “Hydro application god.” His Elemental Skill, “Fatal Rainscreen,” and Elemental Burst, “Raincutter,” hold the key.
Vaporize Reactions: Xingqiu’s Pyro DPS BFF
If you use Pyro DPS like Hu Tao, Yoimiya, or Diluc, you need Xingqiu. Why? Vaporize! Vaporize boosts your Pyro damage significantly. Xingqiu leads Hydro application to set up those reactions for your Pyro damage dealers.
His Raincutter burst shines here. It spawns rain swords that orbit your active character. Each sword unleashes Hydro attacks during normal attacks. This leads to reliable Hydro application, perfectly synced with Pyro DPS attacks. It’s a dance of fire and water.
Take Hu Tao. She needs Vaporize for charged attacks. Xingqiu’s Raincutter ensures Hydro hits enemies consistently. This allows Hu Tao to Vaporize nearly every charged attack. The same applies to Yoimiya, Diluc, and other powerful Pyro characters.
Off-Field Damage: Rain Swords Slashing Through Enemies
Xingqiu’s contributions extend beyond reactions. His rain swords provide off-field Hydro damage. When ain’t on the field, he still boosts your damage output. Imagine a ninja rain cloud pelting enemies with flying swords.
This off-field damage matters in long fights. It reduces enemy health and speeds up clear times. It’s like adding damage for free, just by having him on your team. Who wouldn’t want that?
Damage Reduction and Interruption Resistance: Staying Alive in Style
Xingqiu’s rain swords give crucial defensive benefits. Each sword reduces damage and interruption for your active character. Damage reduction lowers incoming damage. This makes characters tankier and less fragile against powerful foes.
Interruption resistance reduces the risk of stagger or knockbacks. This is essential for characters relying on long attack strings. Xingqiu helps them stay in the fight and maintain damage without being launched around.
Imagine it as a stylish hydro shield. It makes characters look cool while increasing durability. It won’t make you invincible but makes a noticeable impact in tough fights like Spiral Abyss.
Versatility: Xingqiu Fits In Everywhere (Almost)
Xingqiu’s versatility earns him high value. He shines in Vaporize teams, but translates well to other compositions too. Freeze teams? Electro-Charged teams? Bloom teams? He enhances most of them.
In Freeze teams, he applies Hydro frequently, enabling Cryo characters like Ayaka or Ganyu to freeze enemies consistently. This aids crowd control and opens chances for Shatter reactions to increase damage.
In Electro-Charged teams, combining Hydro with Electro characters creates a wave of Electro-Charged reactions. This damages enemies over time, effective against groups.
In team styles like Bloom and Hyperbloom, he can trigger Dendro Cores for explosive reactions. Although he may not excel as much as dedicated Dendro characters, he still provides value.
Xingqiu fits in anywhere, be it battling fiery enemies or freezing foes. His adaptability makes him a worthwhile choice for any Genshin Impact player, regardless of style.
Best For: Vaporize, Freeze, and Electro-Charged – Xingqiu’s Team Lineup
To wrap it up, Xingqiu is a top-tier support character excelling in several areas. Where does he shine best? Let’s break down ideal teams:
- Vaporize Teams: This is Xingqiu’s core strength. Pair him with Pyro DPS characters like Hu Tao or Klee, and watch damage numbers soar. He is the best Hydro support for on-field Pyro DPS, consistently enabling them for full damage potential.
- Freeze Teams: These teams are powerful against groups of foes. Xingqiu’s Hydro application works perfectly with Cryo characters like Ayaka or Kaeya. He freezes enemies and provides crowd control alongside damage boosts.
- Electro-Charged Teams: These teams focus on sustained area damage. With Electro characters like Raiden Shogun or Fischl, he initiates constant Electro-Charged reactions.
- constant barrage of Electro-Charged reactions, dealing consistent damage over time.
Xingqiu offers reliable Hydro application. He provides off-field damage, damage reduction, and interruption resistance. He fits in various teams well. Just don’t expect him to heal you like a primary healer.
Xingqiu in Co-op: A Reliable Teammate
In Co-op mode, Xingqiu performs well. In a four-player team tackling domains or bosses, he remains a solid choice. His Raincutter burst applies Hydro to enemies. This helps boost overall team damage, especially for Pyro DPS members. His off-field damage adds up.
He provides valuable damage reduction and interruption resistance. His skills help keep the team alive in tougher fights. Although Co-op often aims for high damage, Xingqiu’s utility ensures he is consistently helpful. He may not be flashy, but he’s a reliable teammate.
Xingqiu Healing Scaling: Don’t Go All-In on HP
Xingqiu does heal modestly. His passive talent, “Hydropathic,” heals based on 6% of his Max HP. Higher HP means more healing. However, before prioritizing HP artifacts, think twice.
Increasing HP does improve healing slightly. However, it is not optimal for his build. Xingqiu’s primary role remains Hydro application and support. He scales better with offensive stats like Energy Recharge and Hydro Damage Bonus. Focusing on HP sacrifices his damage output.
Typically, the best build for Xingqiu focuses on Energy Recharge and offensive stats for damage. His healing is just a bonus. Don’t compromise his main strengths for minimal healing gains that won’t significantly impact gameplay.
Other Healers in Genshin Impact: The Real Deal Holyfield
Let’s compare Xingqiu’s healing to dedicated healers in Genshin Impact. These characters provide real healing when teams need serious recovery, not just light Hydro application.
Baizhu: The Dendro Doctor of Delightful Healing
First is Baizhu, the owner of Bubu Pharmacy and a Dendro user known for high healing output. He is a true healer with healing integrated into both his Elemental Skill and Burst.
His Elemental Skill, “Universal Diagnosis,” sends a Gossamer Sprite that attacks enemies and returns, healing party members based on Baizhu’s Max HP. This skill offers solid initial healing and has a short cooldown.
His Elemental Burst, “Holistic Revivification,” creates a Seamless Shield. It absorbs Dendro damage and heals the active character periodically based on Baizhu’s Max HP. This burst offers continuous healing and shielding.
Baizhu vs. Xingqiu: In a direct healing comparison, Baizhu wins. His healing far exceeds Xingqiu’s drop in the bucket. Baizhu offers both burst and sustained healing with shielding. However, Baizhu specializes in healing and Dendro application, which is more limited. Xingqiu excels in Hydro application and support above just healing. If you need pure healing, choose Baizhu; for versatile Hydro support with some healing, go with Xingqiu.
Sangonomiya Kokomi: The Hydro Healer Supreme
Next is Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island. Kokomi offers strong healing and drives Hydro reactions. Initial criticism over her inability to Crit has faded as she proves her versatility.
Kokomi’s Elemental Skill, “Kurage’s Oath,” summons a Bake-Kurage to deal Hydro damage to enemies and heals party members periodically based on Max HP. This skill achieves consistent area healing.
Her Elemental Burst, “Nereid’s Ascension,” enhances normal attacks and increases her Bake-Kurage’s healing and damage. During her burst, normal and charged attacks heal based on her Max HP. This allows her to be both a healer and damage dealer.
Kokomi vs. Xingqiu: Kokomi provides vastly superior consistent healing than Xingqiu. Her healing can maintain your team’s health even in chaotic battles. She is also an excellent Hydro applicator, advantageous in utilizing Bloom or Hyperbloom reactions. While Xingqiu focuses on single-target application for Vaporize, Kokomi excels with AoE Hydro application and sustained healing. If you want consistent team-wide healing with Hydro application, Kokomi is ideal. For targeted Hydro use with off-field damage, Xingqiu meets needs.
Kuki Shinobu: The Electro Healer with Hyperbloom Hype
Kuki Shinobu leads the Arataki Gang as an Electro character offering both healing and Electro application. Her true strength lies in triggering Hyperbloom reactions. Kuki heals based on her Elemental Mastery, complementing Dendro reactions.
Kuki’s Elemental Skill, “Sanctifying Ring,” sacrifices some HP to create an Electro ring that damages enemies and heals the active character based on Kuki’s Max HP. This skill ensures consistent Electro application.
Her Elemental Burst, “Gyoei Narukami Kariyama Rite,” creates a barrier that continuously deals Electro damage in an area. Although it does not directly heal, consistent Electro application enhances Hyperbloom potential.
Kuki Shinobu vs. Xingqiu: Kuki’s healing is decent but less potent than dedicated healers like Baizhu or Kokomi. Kuki shines in triggering Hyperbloom reactions with Dendro Cores, establishing her as critical in those teams. Meanwhile, Xingqiu’s healing is lesser. For Hyperbloom teams, Kuki is essential. For Hydro applications in reactions, Xingqiu is still relevant.
Furina: The Hydro Archon of Healing and Fanfare
Furina works as both a sub-DPS and a healer, depending on Arkhe alignment. In her Pneuma alignment for healing, she can significantly heal but needs to manage team HP fluctuations.
Furina’s Elemental Skill, “Salon Solitaire,” summons Salon Members or the Salon of Solitaires for healing or damage. In Pneuma form, the Salon can periodically heal active characters based on her Max HP.
Her Elemental Burst, “Let the People Rejoice,” generates Fanfare stacks linked to party members’ HP changes. These stacks can enhance team damage and healing bonuses when in Ousia form or heighten healing in Pneuma form.
Furina vs. Xingqiu: Furina’s healing in her…
Pneuma form has potential, especially with characters that create HP shifts. Her healing connects to her Arkhe alignment. Switching forms can feel clunky. Furina’s healing focuses on steady party healing. Xingqiu provides simpler healing, which is consistent but limited. Furina manipulates HP for buffs. Xingqiu offers Hydro damage and off-field support. Furina excels with Xiao teams. Vaporize teams benefit from Xingqiu’s Hydro.
Bennett: Pyro Support with Healing
Bennett is a Pyro support character. He is known for his damage boost and decent healing. His healing serves many team setups when paired with his high ATK buff.
Bennett’s Elemental Burst, “Fantastic Voyage,” creates an Inspiration Field. It deals Pyro damage to enemies nearby while healing and boosting ATK for characters inside. The healing scales with his Max HP, while the ATK buff scales with his Base ATK.
Bennett vs. Xingqiu: Bennett’s healing comes from his burst. It’s powerful and delivers substantial healing per tick within the Inspiration Field. His healing only works when characters remain in this area. Xingqiu’s healing is less powerful but always present when rain swords exist. Bennett excels in ATK buffs in Genshin Impact. His healing remains a bonus, not his main job. Xingqiu focuses on Hydro application and damage. If you want a damage buffer with decent healing, go for Bennett. If you prefer consistent Hydro with some healing, pick Xingqiu.
Xianyun (Cloud Retainer): Anemo Healer of Aerial Support
Xianyun, or Cloud Retainer, is a 5-star Anemo healer and support character. She specializes in team-wide healing and boosts Plunging Attacks. She merges offense with healing for characters using Plunging Attacks.
Xianyun’s Elemental Burst, “Stars Gather at Dusk,” calls a Starwicker. It follows the active character and heals all party members periodically based on her ATK. The burst empowers the active character for enhanced Plunging Attacks.
Xianyun vs. Xingqiu: Xianyun’s burst offers consistent healing for teams, making her reliable for long fights. Her healing relates to her burst’s ATK scale, while Xingqiu’s scales with HP. Xianyun uniquely boosts Plunging Attacks, increasing damage for characters like Xiao or Diluc. Xingqiu lacks this bonus but offers versatile Hydro and damage support. If your focus is Plunging Attacks and team healing, choose Xianyun. For Hydro support with healing, Xingqiu is still top-tier.
Collei: The Dendro Archer with Minor Healing
Collei is an energetic Dendro archer. She mainly applies Dendro and serves as sub-DPS. Her kit has a minor healing aspect that shouldn’t dominate her role.
Collei’s Elemental Burst, “Trump-Card Kitty,” summons Cuilein-Anbar. This mechanical cat deals Dendro damage and provides some healing over time to the active character.
Collei vs. Xingqiu: Collei’s healing is limited, serving as a small bonus rather than a primary function. It’s unlikely to turn the tide in battles. Collei excels in Dendro application and sub-DPS roles. However, Xingqiu’s healing impacts his team’s survivability more than Collei’s does. The two fill different team roles entirely. Collei covers Dendro needs while Xingqiu supports with Hydro. Collei suits Dendro teams, while Xingqiu excels in Hydro setups.
Yaoyao: The Dendro Healer with Yuegui
Yaoyao is a delightful Dendro healer. She provides reliable on-field and off-field healing. Yaoyao fits various Dendro team builds.
Yaoyao’s Elemental Skill, “Raphanus Rescue,” summons Yuegui, who throws White Jade Radishes at foes. This deals Dendro damage while also healing nearby characters based on Yaoyao’s Max HP, prioritizing those with lower HP.
Her Elemental Burst, “Moonjade Descent,” summons multiple Yuegui that continuously throw radishes. This provides both Dendro damage and healing for all party members based on her Max HP, allowing significant healing output.
Yaoyao vs. Xingqiu: Yaoyao stands as a dedicated Dendro healer offering greater healing than Xingqiu. Her healing proves consistent and scales well with Max HP, keeping the team alive in Dendro-focused setups. She also acts as an off-field Dendro applicator promoting reactions. Xingqiu’s healing lacks this strength, focusing only on Bloom reactions. For teams needing Dendro resources, Yaoyao is ideal. For Hydro application and general support, Xingqiu stays top-tier.
Kaeya: The Cryo Swordsman with Self-Heal
Kaeya serves as Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. He brings a self-heal through his Elemental Skill but lacks team-wide healing.
Kaeya’s Elemental Skill, “Frostgnaw,” releases Cryo energy. This deals Cryo damage to foes directly in front of him. If Frostgnaw hits an enemy, Kaeya restores health based on a percentage of his ATK.
Kaeya vs. Xingqiu: Kaeya’s heal only restores himself, supporting his own survivability without aiding his team. His skill improves his presence but does not benefit others. In contrast, Xingqiu offers minimal healing that assists the active character and helps the team indirectly. Their roles differ significantly; Kaeya is suited as Cryo DPS while Xingqiu is Hydro support. If you want local self-sustain, Kaeya works well. For broader Hydro assistance, rely on Xingqiu instead.
Qiqi: The Zombie Child of Healing
Qiqi, the herbalist from Bubu Pharmacy, shines with healing ability. She specializes as a Cryo healer with some of the top healing scaling available. She can even revive teammates at C6.
Qiqi’s Elemental Skill, “Adeptus Art: Herald of Frost,” creates an accompanying Herald of Frost that deals Cryo damage to enemies and heals the active character regularly based on her ATK. The healing is both potent and reliable.
Her Elemental Burst, “Adeptus Art: Preserver of Fortune,” marks enemies with Fortune-Preserving Talismans. Characters attacking marked foes receive healing proportional to Qiqi’s ATK, allowing full team restores quickly.
Qiqi vs. Xingqiu: Qiqi represents a dedicated healer with vastly superior capabilities when compared to Xingqiu. Her healing is strong, consistent, and simple to apply during fights. Through her powers alone, she can sustain her team’s health even under duress. At C6, her revive ability adds further utility to her role in comp setups. Nevertheless, her non-healing abilities fail to match others’. Primarily focusing on healing and Cryo application limits her versatility compared to dedicated support like Xingqiu. While Qiqi brings vital healing for tough encounters, Xingqiu grants impressive Hydro support paired with off-field utility.
Xingqiu supports Hydro and adds healing. He is well-rounded and valuable in many team setups.
Noelle: The Geo Maid with Shielding and Healing
Noelle is a maid for the Knights of Favonius. She is a Geo character. She serves as a shielder and healer. Her healing depends on her Elemental Skill and scales with DEF. This makes her tanky and self-sufficient.
Noelle’s Elemental Skill, “Breastplate,” gives a Geo shield. Her normal and charged attacks heal the team based on her DEF. Healing occurs when Noelle hits enemies while the shield is active.
Her Elemental Burst, “Sweeping Time,” boosts her ATK. It converts some of her DEF to ATK. This improves her damage and healing skills. During her burst, her healing affects a larger area.
Noelle vs. Xingqiu: Noelle heals when she attacks enemies with her Elemental Skill up. Her healing can sustain the team, especially with high DEF. However, she must be on the field and attack. Xingqiu provides passive healing and off-field support, even if less potent. Noelle’s shield offers excellent protection. She is both a shielder and healer. Xingqiu gives Hydro application, off-field damage, and utility, but lacks shields. If you need a shielder and healer, Noelle is a great addition. If Hydro application and versatile off-field support are needed, then Xingqiu fits better.
