Should You Plunge into the Primordial Jade Pool for Xiao? A No-Nonsense Guide
You look at the new banners. That masked Yaksha, Xiao, stands out. You think, “Should I pull for Xiao?” Let’s get to the point. Adding this Anemo powerhouse might be a smart choice. No need for fluff, just solid facts to help you return to artifact farming.
Xiao vs. The Roster: Who Comes Out on Top?
Deciding how to spend your precious Primogems is tough. It’s like choosing ramen flavors when you’re hungry! Let’s compare Xiao against other formidable characters.
Xiao vs. Alhaitham: Anemo Agility vs. Dendro Deduction
Should you choose Xiao or Alhaitham? If raw plunge attack damage is your goal, Xiao is the pick.
Alhaitham wields Dendro DPS and excels in reaction-based teams. It depends on your needs—Anemo hypercarry or Dendro reactions?
Xiao vs. Ganyu: Plunging Powerhouse vs. Cryo Queen
Ganyu or Xiao? Ganyu, the Cryo queen, boasts huge charged shot damage and AoE. She’s easier to play. If you like long-range attacks, Ganyu is the way to go. For fast-paced, high-flying fights, Xiao delivers excitement.
Does Xiao like Ganyu? Their relationship is professional, but romance? Unlikely. They’re busy saving Liyue and being broody. Is Xiao better than Ganyu? Depends on the criteria. For plunge DPS, Xiao ranks high in AoE, rivaling Ganyu. Ganyu has better team versatility though.
Xiao vs. Shenhe: Anemo DPS vs. Cryo Support
Who is superior, Xiao or Shenhe? Apples to oranges! Shenhe is a Cryo support, enhancing Cryo damage significantly. Xiao is a DPS. Need a Cryo damage booster? Shenhe is your choice. Want Anemo DPS? Go with Xiao.
Xiao vs. Wanderer: Airborne Anemo Antics
Xiao or Wanderer? Strength comparison time! Each is an Anemo DPS character but plays differently. Wanderer hovers and relies on Normal/Charged Attacks. Xiao jumps and plunges from above.
Xiao excels in AoE without needing a grouper. His teams are less energy-dependent compared to Wanderer. Thus, Xiao is less reliant on specific comps.
Xiao vs. Diluc, Childe & Ayaka: Old Guard vs. New Blood
Is Xiao better than Diluc? Or Childe? Or Ayaka? Interesting comparisons! Diluc, Childe, and Ayaka were at the top once. However, Diluc has been power crept. Childe offers versatility as a Hydro enabler and burst DPS. Ayaka dominates as a Cryo DPS, especially in Freeze teams.
Ayaka is an excellent choice due to her strong DPS. She clears tough challenges like Spiral Abyss swiftly. Xiao, with fresh support, has regained his meta status, often surpassing Diluc in current comps. Childe enables great teams, but Xiao shines with Anemo bursts. Ayaka fits into her unique playstyle better.
Who is superior, Ayaka or Shenhe? Different roles! Ayaka is DPS, while Shenhe is a support. Ganyu or Kokomi? Ganyu for DPS, Kokomi for healing and Hydro application.
Xiao: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Lore Tidbits
What makes Xiao unique in gameplay and story? Let’s explore!
Xiao’s DPS Prowess: Plunge Attack Perfection
Xiao is the main damage source in his squad. He’s truly a hypercarry. His damage output is impressive. While Shenhe buffs teammates, Xiao outperforms her in damage as a DPS.
AoE performance? He excels. Even without reaction buffs, a well-equipped Xiao can compete with top-tier teams, especially in AoE situations hitting multiple foes simultaneously. He handles AoE better than Wanderer, particularly without dedicated groupers, while being less energy-hungry. Speaking of energy…
Energy Needs: The Yaksha’s Burden
Xiao does carry energy needs. Managing his Elemental Burst uptime is key for his damage. Compared to others, he’s not overly energy-dependent with good team support.
Canonical Strength: Millennia of Mayhem
Lore-wise, Xiao is formidable. At over 2,000 years old, he’s polished his skills well as a top Adepti. Among five Yakshas chosen by Rex Lapis, Xiao remains the sole survivor free from madness or death. This proves his immense power.
A unique lore-related weakness: His real name, Alatus, can grant power to those who know it, leading to past enslavement. It may not impact gameplay, but it adds intriguing lore!
Spiral Abyss Suitability: Plunging Through the Floors
Can Xiao conquer the Spiral Abyss? Absolutely. While Ayaka also shines here, Xiao is capable of carrying through difficult sections. He’s a reliable DPS for those harder floors.
Weapons of Choice: The Sharper the Better
Xiao’s top weapon? The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. It’s like his signature gear. It features one of the highest base ATK stats with a passive that improves ATK% and DMG%. Aesthetically, it’s “canon and sexiest weapon.” Plus, Xiao increases with CRIT Rate, starting at 46.3% CRIT Rate baseline.
For F2P options, consider the Blackcliff Pole from Paimon’s Shop. It’s a great choice with its ATK and CRIT focus. Visit Game Rant’s guide on Xiao’s best weapons for more!
Xiao’s Stats and Quirks: Height, Name, and Burst
Why is Xiao short? His height reflects past trauma and malnutrition from serving an evil god. This resulted in stunted growth. His real name is Jīnpéng (金鹏), also known as “Alatus”. His burst duration? Starts at 15 seconds at the basic talent level, improving with talent upgrades.
Playstyle and Difficulty: Are You Ready to Plunge?
What is the gameplay experience with Xiao like?
Simplicity vs. Challenge: Pick Your Poison
If you want easy gameplay, Ganyu suits you well. But if you aim for engaging combat with some challenge, Xiao offers great satisfaction. Mastering his plunge attack rhythm and energy management adds depth to combat.
Team Synergy: Surrounding the Yaksha
Xiao assumes the role of a hypercarry needing attention. Who are his best allies?
Best Teammates: The Support Squad
For supporting roles, focus on Jean, Sucrose, Zhongli, Faruzan, Bennett, and Furina. Jean and Sucrose generate Anemo particles excellently. Zhongli serves as Genshin Impact’s ultimate shielder. With Jean, combination with Bennett and Furina creates a fantastic Pyro-Hydro-Anemo bonus, boosting Furina’s Fanfare stacks to enable Swirl.
F2P Teams: Budget-Friendly Plunging
Great news for budget players: Xiao’s teams remain flexible and F2P friendly. As the main damage dealer, his support characters don’t need perfect optimization. You may use sub-optimal options with reduced damage changes. Xiao Double Pyro is a solid option here, relying heavily on Bennett for healing and energy.
Support Specificity: Flexibility or Fixation?
Unlike certain DPS characters needing specific supports, Xiao allows flexibility. Childe is even *more* adaptable and less reliant on supports than Xiao. However, Xiao enjoys great supports amplifying his plunge damage.
Constellations: To C1 or C6, That is the Question
Do constellations impact Xiao’s potential?
C1: Energy Relief, Not DPS Revolution
Xiao’s C1 doesn’t dramatically increase damage. Yet it eases his Energy Recharge needs. The extra Elemental Skill charge helps him maintain his Burst more reliably, especially in teams with Faruzan or other Anemo characters. It’s about improving quality-of-life rather than raw
damage boost.
C6: Unleashing the Yaksha’s Fury
Xiao’s C6 is legendary. It’s among the best constellations in the game. At C6, he can unleash his Elemental Skill six times in one second against two or more enemies. This leads to insane damage. But, it’s weaker against single-target bosses. The consensus? If going for constellations, aim for C6 or stay at C0. C1, C2, and C4 offer more utility than damage increases. C6 Xiao is a top-tier DPS.
C0 Xiao: Perfectly Potent
The great part about Xiao? He’s fantastic at C0. No constellations are needed to shine. He is viable and powerful right from the start.
Xiao as a DPS: Is He Actually Good?
Let’s settle this: Is Xiao a good DPS? Is he really good?
Yes, He Is Good. Really Good.
Yes, Xiao is a good DPS. He has been powerful since Genshin started. Initially, he lagged due to low reaction-based damage. Sumeru and Fontaine brought valuable teammates that boosted his performance significantly. Now, he hits harder than ever.
Talent Priority and Stat Goals
For talents, focus on his Elemental Burst (Bane of All Evil) first, aiming for level 7. Next, prioritize his Normal Attack, then max out his Burst. About CRIT Rate? Aim for at least 70% CRIT Rate. Balance CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG in a 1:2 ratio. Remember, the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is his best weapon. F2P options like Blackcliff Pole also work.
Want to learn more before pulling? Check out TheGamer’s “8 Things to Know Before You Pull Xiao”.
F2P Friendliness: Xiao on a Budget
Is Xiao F2P friendly?
Absolutely!
Yes, Xiao is F2P friendly. His teams are flexible. He has viable F2P weapon options like Blackcliff Pole. You don’t need whale-level investment to make him strong.
Building and Investing in Xiao: Stats and Sets
Let’s discuss builds. What stats should you prioritize?
Stat Recommendations: CRIT and ER
Again, 70% CRIT Rate minimum. Balance it with CRIT DMG. For Energy Recharge (ER), aim for around 20-40% from substats, or about 120-130% ER overall. This depends on your team. With C6 Faruzan as a battery, ER needs drop significantly.
Artifact Sets: Marechaussee Hunter vs. Vermillion Hereafter
What are the best artifact sets for Xiao? It’s a contest between 4-piece Marechaussee Hunter and 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter. Marechaussee Hunter offers a major 36% CRIT Rate, often outperforming Vermillion Hereafter, which gives up to 66% ATK. Xiao benefits more from CRIT and DMG% buffs due to how Flat DMG works.
At Level 90, Xiao has a base 61% CRIT Rate from his ascension bonus. It’s easier to hit those CRIT goals.
Xiao’s Personality and Lore: Beyond the Plunge Attacks
Xiao isn’t just a damage dealer; he has depth.
Personality: Brooding but Brave
Xiao’s personality is cold, taciturn, and fierce in combat, with a touch of pain. He’s not cheerful, but he is dedicated to his duty.
Why He Avoids People: Karmic Debt and Solitude
Xiao avoids humans due to his Yaksha duties. His bloody past and karmic debt make him feel unfit to mingle with humans. Their souls are less resilient than Adepti souls. His presence can taint his surroundings.
Height and Age: Eternal Youth (and Short Stature)
Xiao’s short stature links back to his past. Despite his youthful appearance, Xiao is over two thousand years old. A case of aging gracefully. (Or not aging at all).
Why a Bird? The Golden-Winged Peng
Xiao’s constellation is based on the Golden Winged Great Peng. Localized as “Alatus Nemeseos,” it refers to this bird deity and Xiao’s role as evil’s nemesis. This motif suits the vigilant Yaksha.
Anemo DPS King? Xiao vs. Other Anemo
How does Xiao compare to other Anemo characters?
The OG Anemo DPS
While Venti, Kazuha, and Sucrose shine as supports, Xiao was the *only* viable Anemo DPS character. He is the OG Anemo damage dealer.
Reasons to Pull for Xiao: The Final Verdict
Should you pull for Xiao?
Yes, If…
- You want a strong Anemo DPS hypercarry.
- You enjoy action-focused gameplay with plunge attacks.
- You require a strong character for AoE situations.
- You want a character who is F2P friendly and viable at C0.
- You appreciate a character with a rich and compelling lore.
Xiao is a great pull for players seeking high-damage, engaging DPS. Be ready to dive into action!
For more on Shenhe vs. Xiao, check out Screen Rant’s comparison of Xiao and Shenhe to help decide if you’re on the fence.
