Unleash the Yaksha: Your Ultimate Guide to Building Xiao in Genshin Impact
So, you’ve pulled Xiao, the Conqueror of Demons. You’re wondering, “How do I make him good?” Don’t worry, Traveler! Building Xiao is easy enough. This guide will help you make him a plunging powerhouse. Let’s go through materials, weapons, artifacts, and teams.
Ascension? Let’s Get You Skyward
First, ascend Xiao to unlock potential. He needs Vayuda Turquoise. Collect these stones as you level him up. Think of them as fuel for his wind powers.
To reach level 90, gather specific materials. It’s not as hard as it sounds. For more details, check resources like this guide on Game Rant or IGN’s ascension materials page. They provide the numbers if you need them.
Talent Ascension: From Zero to Hero (Triple Crown Edition)
Want to show off in Teyvat? Aim for the Triple Crown: max all of Xiao’s talents. It takes time. Watching his plunging attacks obliterate enemies is worth it. Here’s your shopping list:
- Crown of Insight: x3 (crowns are cool)
- Teachings of Prosperity: x9 (for early-game talent boost)
- Guide to Prosperity: x63 (mid-game, prepare to farm)
- Philosophies of Prosperity: x114 (endgame push)
- Slime Condensate: x18 (ew, but necessary)
- Slime Secretions: x66 (still ew)
- Slime Concentrate: x93 (more slime stuff)
- Shadow of the Warrior: x18 (needed from Childe)
That’s a lot of materials. Get ready to hit domains and perhaps apologize to slimes.
Weaponry: Equipping the Conqueror
Let’s discuss weapons. Xiao uses a polearm and has some great choices. The best is the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. This weapon has a high base ATK and its passive ability suits Xiao perfectly. He starts with a solid 46.3% CRIT Rate after ascension. It’s his “canon” weapon and looks stylish.
If you lack that spear, other options exist. Here are some good substitutes:
- Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (5-star polearm) – The best.
- Staff of Homa (5-star polearm) – Great if HP is under 50%.
- Vortex Vanquisher (5-star polearm) – Strong if you use Zhongli.
- Calamity Queller (5-star polearm) – Decent, but passive is less reliable.
- Staff of the Scarlet Sands (5-star polearm) – Niche, relies on Elemental Mastery.
- Lithic Spear (4-star polearm) – Works in Liyue teams.
- Deathmatch (4-star polearm) – Solid CRIT Rate weapon.
- Prospector’s Drill (4-star polearm) – F2P option, decent stats.
- Blackcliff Pole (4-star polearm) – Good for groups.
- White Tassel (3-star polearm) – Effective early game with CRIT Rate substat.
Note: Don’t mix up mechanics. The “Flute of Ezpitzal” is a sword, not a polearm. Focus on polearms!
Artifacts: Dressing for Success (and Plunging)
Now for artifacts! Aim for these main stats:
- Sands: ATK% (more attack = more damage)
- Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus (boost those winds)
- Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG (depends on balance)
For sets, 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter was once the best. It boosts ATK greatly after his Elemental Burst. But try 4-piece Marechaussee Hunter too. It grants 36% CRIT Rate when HP changes, which it often does for Xiao during bursts. Marechaussee Hunter can outperform Vermillion Hereafter if you have solid substats.
Stat Priorities: Balancing the Yaksha
Next are stat priorities. Xiao loves ATK, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG. Damage Bonus is useful too (hello, Anemo Goblet!).
A good goal is at least 70% CRIT Rate. You need those plunges to crit often. Balance CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG in a 1:2 ratio. If you hit 70% CRIT Rate, aim for about 140% CRIT DMG.
Team Compositions: Surround Yourself with Winners
Xiao can carry but needs good team members. Here are some support characters recommended:
- Zhongli: He provides an impenetrable shield and boosts damage.
- Faruzan: Especially C6 Faruzan. She drastically reduces Xiao’s Energy Recharge needs.
- Kazuha: He can work with Xiao but pairs well in a Double Pyro team with Xiangling.
Talent Leveling: Prioritize Plunges
Focus on leveling the Normal Attack/Plunging Attack talent and Elemental Burst talent. These are key damage sources. Level his Elemental Skill too, eventually. And yes, max him to level 90 with his weapon and artifacts.
Want to learn more about Xiao’s lore? Check out the Xiao Wiki page on Genshin Impact Fandom. It’s filled with great information for any aspiring Yaksha main.
This is your guide to building Xiao. Now go forth, conquer enemies, and invest in earplugs for all that plunging. Happy gaming!