Is Xiao Still Worth It? Unmasking the Vigilant Yaksha in Genshin Impact
Xiao, the moody, mask-wearing Yaksha, shines as an anime hero. You wonder if, in Genshin Impact, he is still relevant. Is he merely a relic collecting dust in your character roster? Grab your almond tofu. Let’s dive into whether Xiao holds his own against newer characters.
The Big Question: Is Xiao Actually Good?
The question looms, “Is Xiao Genshin good?” The answer is a loud “Yes.” Let’s expand on that. Xiao isn’t just good; he is a solid damage dealer from the game’s start. Think of him like a dependable old car. Not flashy, but it gets you where you need to go. He remains a potent DPS character.
Some argue Xiao has fallen behind due to the reaction-heavy meta. But recent expansions, Sumeru and Fontaine, have paired him with excellent new allies. These updates revived his gameplay, making him more powerful. “Is Xiao actually good?” The answer is yes. He’s still rocking it like an old band releasing a hit album.
Investment Time: Is Xiao Worth Building?
Xiao is a Hypercarry. He is the star, the damage dealer, and you build your team around him. Investing in Xiao is like getting a high-end sports car: the more you invest, the higher the returns. With the right investment, he can decisively defeat enemies.
F2P Yaksha? Xiao’s Accessibility
Now, let’s discuss the free-to-play (F2P) aspect. Genshin Impact can nudge you into spending primogems here and there. However, Xiao remains surprisingly F2P-friendly. You get him at Constellation 0 (C0), and he’s powerful without chasing constellations. This makes him unique in a world of gacha games.
Tier Lists and Xiao’s Ranking
Tier lists are a favorite in gacha games. Where does Xiao rank among Genshin Impact characters? They fluctuate but often misrepresent strength. Genshin.gg once classified him in S Tier alongside Keqing, Qiqi, and Klee. Players scoffed as it undervalued Xiao’s abilities.
The community reacted, raising eyebrows at this ranking. While tier lists provide a guide, placing Xiao in S Tier seemed misleading. Many consider him to be a solid DPS character residing among the higher tiers, especially with buffs. “What tier is Xiao?” Debatable, but realistically, he has high DPS potential and performs well across the board.
Why Pull for Xiao? The Yaksha Appeal
We’ve established Xiao is strong. But why pull for him? What makes him unique among Genshin’s vast roster? It boils down to damage output. Xiao serves as his team’s core damage source. Even without elemental reactions, he can compete with premier characters due to his Plunge Attacks.
In AoE situations, he excels. His repeated plunge attacks hit multiple foes quickly. So why pull for Xiao? If you want raw and consistent damage, especially in crowd fights, use Xiao. He showcases impressive numbers while reducing enemies to Anemo dust. Choosing Xiao is selecting a stylish powerhouse.
Xiao’s Arsenal: Strengths Unveiled
Let’s explore what makes Xiao effective as a DPS character.
Damage Dynamo: Main Damage Source
Xiao is indeed the damage engine of his teams. “Xiao Is The Main Source Of Damage In His Teams.” This goes beyond mere text; it defines his role. His kit aims for consistent high Anemo damage through his Elemental Burst, “Bane of All Evil,” enhancing his Plunge Attacks. Unlike some characters needing reactions for strength, Xiao excels with raw damage.
AoE Annihilator: Plunge Attack Prowess
Xiao isn’t just for single targets; he’s an AoE powerhouse. “Xiao Is The Main Source Of Damage In His Teams.” A well-built Xiao can match other strong teams even in AOE scenarios with damaging Plunge Attacks that hit several foes at once.
Moreover, “Xiao manages AoE better even without grouping.” Many characters like Venti depend on grouping enemies for optimal damage, but Xiao can deliver without them. His natural damage spreads across multiple targets easily during combat and proves advantageous in prolonged battles.
High Damage Ceiling: Team Synergy
Xiao’s power escalates with the right teammates. While he can stand alone, synergies enhance his abilities immensely. Team dynamics elevate what he brings when combined efficiently with supportive characters.<…>
Xiao shines even without buffs. He delivers impressive damage in AOE situations. His Plunge Attacks hit multiple foes. A strong team can enhance his energy and survivability. This lets him land powerful attacks consistently.
Characters like Faruzan and Xianyun boost Xiao’s damage. They provide Anemo buffs for his Plunge style, creating effective synergies. A well-formed team with Xiao is a powerful force. It tackles tough content in Genshin Impact, operating like a well-tuned machine.
Hypercarry Hero: Investment Rewards
Xiao’s hypercarry nature demands investment. The more resources you spend on him, the greater his damage output. This aspect defines his design. Building talents, artifacts, and weapons amplifies his effectiveness. Xiao rewards your commitment. His burst potential truly impresses.
To make Xiao effective, aim to clear content in 2-3 Burst rotations. This strategy shows the value of a well-invested Xiao. He becomes a long-term asset for your Genshin account. Nurturing him is like growing a bonsai tree; it needs care to thrive.
The Yaksha’s Yikes: Xiao’s Weaknesses
Energy Anemia: High Energy Needs
Xiao struggles with energy requirements. His Burst, “Bane of All Evil,” drains a lot of energy. His regeneration isn’t enough to keep up. He needs teammates who create energy particles—a battery. This battery helps recharge his Burst effectively.
Team composition is vital. Include an Anemo battery like Faruzan or Jean to ensure energy flow. Managing Xiao’s energy matters for maximizing damage. It’s similar to a high-performance engine that demands constant fuel supply.
Weapon Woes: Limited Optimal Choices
Xiao faces weapon selection challenges. While he uses Polearms, many options are suboptimal. His best weapons stand apart from others, making progression difficult.
The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is his best choice but hard to obtain. Other five-star options exist but are not easily accessible. Four-star alternatives like Deathmatch lag compared to five-stars. This can be frustrating for players with limited resources.
ER% Sands Sacrifice: Damage Dilemma
Xiao has a dilemma with ER% sands. Players often choose Energy Recharge artifacts to offset energy issues. However, it reduces damage potential. Attack% Sands typically boosts damage more effectively.
If ER stats aren’t high enough, you risk underperforming. Finding a balance between energy and damage is crucial for success. It’s akin to optimizing fuel efficiency while maintaining speed.
Abyss Antics: Abyss Rotation Challenges
Xiao faces challenges with Abyss rotations. The Spiral Abyss features rotating enemy lineups and ley line disorders. Certain rotations aren’t favorable to him due to mobility or resistance.
Abyss buffs or debuffs may hinder Xiao’s effectiveness. This variability means adapting to new challenges. Sometimes, the environment just isn’t in his favor, reminiscent of athletes facing varied defenses.
Burst Blues: No Snapshotting
Xiao’s Burst doesn’t snapshot, which can be a downside. Snapshotting keeps buffs during his Burst duration. Xiao’s mechanics require active buffs throughout instead.
This lack of snapshotting complicates timing and buff management. Ensure support characters like Bennett provide buffs consistently during his Burst state. Managing this adds depth to gameplay and rotation planning, similar to juggling multiple balls.
Damage Demands: Scaling Stats
Xiao’s damage depends on critical stats like ATK and CRIT DMG. Optimizing his build involves balancing those key offensive stats effectively. Artifact farming and substat optimization become essential for maximizing performance.
This requirement for resources highlights the investment needed. You have to grind for suitable artifacts and manage resources for leveling. This effort yields a powerful DPS character, akin to training for strength and skill improvement.
Xiao Versus the World: Character Comparisons
In Genshin Impact’s roster, character comparisons arise often. Let’s look at Xiao next to some notable Anemo, DPS, and Support characters.
Anemo Arena: Xiao and Fellow Anemo Friends
First, we compare Xiao to other Anemo characters. Is Xiao the strongest Anemo? This question has no simple answer. While he’s a strong DPS, “strongest” relies on criteria and context.
When focusing on raw damage in sustained battles, Xiao ranks high among Anemo characters.
Consider Kazuha versus Xiao for another comparison. This pits DPS against Support roles. Kazuha serves an overall team strategy with strong support, unlike Xiao’s focused damage output.
Xiao serves as an amazing support character. He fits in almost any team. That’s why he earns a 10/10. Xiao shines as a hypercarry DPS character. He deals massive damage with minimal effort, or so they say. Kazuha is a top-notch support. He delivers elemental damage boosts, crowd control, and team utility. Xiao is all about damage. They play different roles and both excel in their areas.
“Is Venti good for Xiao?” Yes, he can be a battery for Xiao. “Xiao works well with Venti due to Venti’s E skill being a battery. The sacrificial bow enhances this.” Venti generates Anemo particles with his Elemental Skill. This helps Xiao’s energy issues. However, Venti’s crowd control may lift enemies too high for Xiao’s Plunge Attacks. Team synergy matters.
“Who is stronger, Venti or Kazuha?” The answer varies by context. “Venti’s biggest strength over Kazuha is his crowd control through a powerful Elemental Burst.” Venti’s Burst groups enemies for easy AoE damage. Kazuha provides versatile buffs and amplifies damage. In pure crowd control, Venti shines, but Kazuha’s overall utility makes him a reliable support.
“Who is the strongest Anemo character in Genshin Impact?” “Kaedehara Kazuha rules as the best Anemo character.” His Elemental Skill groups enemies while his Burst traps them in a circle. Many see Kazuha as the strongest Anemo character. He offers versatility, damage boosts, and crowd control. However, Xiao shows impressive DPS, especially in Plunge Attack comps. Defining “strongest” is tricky—utility versus damage.
DPS Duel: Xiao vs. Others
Let’s dive into the DPS arena. We compare Xiao with other damage dealers in Genshin Impact.
“Is Xiao better than Ayaka?” “Is Xiao better than Diluc?” These questions are common. The answer isn’t simple. Ayaka focuses on Freeze teams with high single-target damage. Diluc balances damage types. Xiao shines with AoE damage and Plunge Attack combos. “Who is stronger, Xiao or Wanderer?” When ungrouped, Xiao handles AoE better without energy issues. Overall, they are close in DPS performance, with Xiao edging out in AoE damage.
“Is Diluc stronger than Xiao?” “Some question this comparison since Xiao fits Xianyun’s team perfectly.” It’s clear Xiao unleashes Xianyun’s full potential. Other characters also deal solid Plunging ATK because of their multipliers, like Diluc. With Xianyun’s introduction, Xiao’s Plunge Attack gain heightened potential. While Diluc can utilize Plunge Attacks, Xiao is often regarded as the top Plunge Attack DPS.
“Is Hu Tao stronger than Diluc?” “Yes, Hu Tao has higher damage output. But Diluc clears the abyss too, even if he takes longer.” Hu Tao excels in single-target damage, often surpassing Diluc. Still, players find Diluc easier to use.
Now let’s shift to Cryo. “Is Ayaka worth it?” “Yes, summoning Ayaka in Genshin Impact 4.3 is advised due to her DPS and versatility.” Ayaka is a solid DPS character known for her stable Cryo application and high damage output. “Who is stronger, Ayaka or Ganyu?” “Ayaka has a higher damage ceiling.” Her strong Cryo application helped her surpass Ganyu as the “Cryo Queen.” In freeze teams, Ayaka outdamages Ganyu.
“Should I get Ayato or Ayaka?” “Being the younger sibling gives Ayaka an edge.” Her talents are more creative compared to Ayato’s. Ayaka’s talents allow her to dodge as a Cryo version of Mona’s, enhancing exploration. Overall, Ayaka is viewed as a stronger DPS than Ayato, who serves more as a Hydro applicator.
“Who is better, Shenhe or Ayaka?” “Ayaka excels as a DPS while Shenhe shines as a buffer.” However, they synergize due to their shared Element. Shenhe buffs Cryo DPS like Ayaka, making them strong teammates in Cryo-focused teams.
“Should I pull for Ayaka?” “Yes, Ayaka ranks among the best characters in Genshin Impact and is worth pursuing.” Players can count on Ayaka to lead teams through challenging content like Spiral Abyss.
“Who is better, Yoimiya or Ganyu?” “Ganyu is generally regarded as one of the top DPS characters.” Ganyu excels in both AoE and single-target scenarios, making her powerful with charged attacks. “Do Ganyu and Ayaka work well together?” “Yes, they make a great but resource-heavy AoE team.” They work effectively in Cryo teams for AoE damage.
“How strong is Ayaka in Genshin?” “Kamisato Ayaka stands as one of the strongest DPS units, especially in Cryo.” Her sword user role makes her easy for players. She fits well in many team setups like freeze, reverse melt, and mono Cryo.
Finally, let’s move to Dendro. “Who is the strongest Dendro character?” “Nahida is the best choice.” She combines strong damage with support abilities in Genshin Impact. Nahida is the top Dendro character due to excellent Dendro application and team support.
Support Squad: Xiao’s Allies
Who are Xiao’s top teammates? “Who works best with Xiao?” Jean and Sucrose generate Anemo particles for him efficiently while Zhongli acts as the top shielder in Genshin Impact. With Jean, players can maximize Furina’s Fanfare and create a Pyro field with Bennett, complementing Furina’s Hydro and Xiao’s Swirl.
Good support characters for Xiao include Anemo batteries such as Jean and Sucrose for energy recovery, Zhongli for shielding, and buffers like Bennett and Faruzan to amplify damage. “Who heals for Xiao?” Healers help Xiao survive during his Burst. “Who is the best healer for Xiao? 38% voted for Jean, 35% for Barbara, and Bennett received 13%.” Jean and Bennett are popular healer choices for Xiao teams; Jean provides Anemo battery while Bennett offers ATK boosts. Barbara and Diona may not be optimized for Xiao teams but are still viable options.
Other Considerations: Xiao’s Role
Now let’s analyze Xiao alongside various characters outside the classic Anemo, DPS, and support spectrums.
“Is Xiao or Childe superior?” Childe has more versatility and fewer support needs overall. If players have Xianyun, Furina, and a well-constructed Faruzan, they may find Xiao to be a better choice.
Childe (Tartaglia) is a versatile Hydro DPS. He fits into many team compositions. He needs fewer specific supports than Xiao. With optimal supports like Faruzan and Xianyun, Xiao can deal more damage in dedicated line-ups. “Hu Tao vs Childe – A Guide Hu Tao Pros: – Highest single target DPS and burst in game. Hu Tao Cons: – Poor AoE capabilities (skill) … Childe Pros: – Good AoE and burst DPS. … Childe Cons: … Recommendation: Hu Tao is the winner.” Hu Tao is best at single-target damage. She often outmatches Childe and Xiao here. Childe deals better AoE damage but is weaker for single-target hits. “Ganyu or Xiao?” “Both are hard to compare. Xiao uses a Polearm, Ganyu uses a Bow. They play differently. Xiao allows many Plunge Attacks without needing height. Ganyu has AoE on her Charge Attack, both …” Ganyu and Xiao are not directly comparable. Ganyu offers ranged Cryo DPS with strong charged attacks, while Xiao focuses on melee Anemo DPS with Plunge Attacks. Both are top-tier DPS characters. “Xiao or Shenhe?” “Is it better to choose Xiao or Shenhe? Shenhe supports allies in Genshin Impact while Xiao can cause more damage than her. Both characters are strong and have different roles. It depends on player needs.” Shenhe is a Cryo support. Xiao is an Anemo DPS. Decide based on your team needs. If you want a Cryo support, choose Shenhe. If you need Anemo DPS, go with Xiao. They perform different roles yet add value to your roster.
Building the Yaksha: Gear and Teams for Xiao
Let’s discuss how to build Xiao and the teams he excels in.
Energy Equilibrium: ER Needs for Xiao
“How much ER for Xiao?” Energy Recharge (ER) is key for Xiao to use his Burst often. “Aim for 120 – 130 ER. With C6 Faruzan’s help, Xiao’s ER needs lower. This allows traditional double-Anemo comps (Xiao/Faruzan/Flex/Flex). Generally, his ER lies within 120 – 130 ER based on overall energy generation.” For best results, aim for 120-130% ER for Xiao, especially with strong energy generation teams. A dedicated Anemo battery like C6 Faruzan can reduce ER needs. Adjust ER based on your team’s setup.
Weapon Choice: Best Armaments for Xiao
“What is Xiao’s best weapon?” Choosing the right weapon affects Xiao’s damage. “Primordial Jade Winged-Spear ranks among the highest base ATK spears. The passive is easy to trigger; it boosts ATK% and DMG%. With his CRIT Rate from ascension, Xiao has a 46.3% baseline CRIT Rate.” The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (PJWS) is often cited as Xiao’s top weapon due to its high base ATK, Crit Rate substat, and a passive that increases ATK and DMG bonus. Other excellent options include Staff of Homa, Calamity Queller, and Deathmatch (Battle Pass weapon). For free-to-play options, Blackcliff Pole (Starglitter Exchange) and Prototype Starglitter (craftable) are good choices.
Optimal Builds: Best Ways to Set Up Xiao
“What is the best Xiao in Genshin Impact?” An effective Xiao build optimizes damage with artifact sets and stats. “Xiao Best Build In Genshin Impact: Calamity Queller, Staff of the Scarlet Sands, Deathmatch, Lithic Spear, Blackcliff Pole, Skyward Spine, Missive Windspear, Engulfing Lightning.” For artifacts, the 2-piece Viridescent Venerer and 2-piece Gladiator’s Finale (or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence) is common. It provides Anemo DMG Bonus and ATK%. The 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter set is great for maximizing Plunge Attack damage. Focus on main stats: Anemo DMG Bonus Goblet, ATK% Sands, and Crit Rate/Crit DMG Circlet based on your Crit ratio. Prioritize substats like Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, and ER to meet energy needs.
Team Dynamics: Synergies for Xiao
“Who pairs well with Xiao?” Team composition matters for Xiao’s success. “Team #1: Xiao, Albedo, Bennett, Venti (ready for abyss). This set-up focuses on grouping mobs to maximize AoE damage. Xiao works well with Venti since Venti’s E acts as a battery with a weapon like the sacrificial bow.” Typical teams for Xiao usually include an Anemo battery (Faruzan, Jean, Venti), a shielder (Zhongli), and a buffer/healer (Bennett, Furina, Xianyun). Popular compositions are Xiao/Faruzan/Bennett/Zhongli and Xiao/Jean/Furina/Faruzan.
