Choosing the Right Sword for Xingqiu: A Deep Dive
So, you’re unsure about the sword for Xingqiu? You’re in the right spot. In Genshin Impact, choosing gear is key. For Xingqiu, the bookworm of the group, his sword matters. He doesn’t swing it like a DPS, but a good blade boosts his support role, making him vital to the team.
Decoding the Best Weapon Options for Xingqiu
Xingqiu’s Elemental Burst, “Raincutter,” is his main feature. It deals Hydro damage off-field and enables reactions. When selecting a sword, we need to enhance that Burst and improve some personal damage. Let’s evaluate the top choices:
Sacrificial Sword: The 4-Star King for a Reason
The Sacrificial Sword is considered Xingqiu’s best 4-star option. Why? Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill, “Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen,” has a lengthy cooldown. The Sacrificial Sword has a chance to reset this cooldown if it hits an enemy. Yes, you read that – more Skills, more energy particles, more Hydro application. It’s like a bonus cup of coffee, except it energizes your Burst.
Furthermore, the Sacrificial Sword appears frequently in Wish banners. So, it’s easier to obtain compared to rare 5-star weapons that cost tons of Primogems. Power and practicality? This sword fits both needs.
Favonius Sword: Team Energy Buddy
If you care about team energy over personal needs, the Favonius Sword shines. It’s another solid 4-star pick. It lacks the Skill-reset feature of the Sacrificial Sword but creates Elemental Particles for the team on Xingqiu’s Crit hits. If your team lacks energy, Favonius Sword helps keep everyone’s Bursts active.
Primordial Jade Cutter: The 5-Star Flex (and Powerhouse)
Now, let’s explore 5-stars. If you have the Primordial Jade Cutter from a weapon banner pull, it’s an excellent choice for Xingqiu. This weapon boosts Crit Rate, HP, and Attack. While HP isn’t key for Xingqiu, the Crit Rate and Attack boosts are great for damage. It turns him into an unexpectedly powerful damage support.
Skyward Blade: Jack of All Trades, Master of… Being Solid
The Skyward Blade is another 5-star option. It’s the reliable all-rounder sword for Xingqiu. Though it lacks a flashy effect, it offers Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, and a slight damage boost. If you wanted a balanced weapon aiding many aspects of Xingqiu’s kit, Skyward Blade is a solid pick. It’s not extraordinary, but consistently good.
Iron Sting: Elemental Reactions, Here We Come
For players who prefer elemental reactions, the Iron Sting offers an option. This 4-star craftable sword emphasizes Elemental Mastery. Use it with reactions like Vaporize or Electro-Charged on Xingqiu’s team, and Iron Sting enhances those effects. It’s niche but can be effective in reaction-focused teams.
Sapwood Blade: Energy and Elements, A Balanced Brew
The Sapwood Blade is similar to Iron Sting with a twist. It provides both Energy Recharge and Elemental Mastery. If you’re managing Xingqiu’s energy issues while exploring elemental reactions, this sword is useful. Energy Recharge maintains his Burst while Elemental Mastery boosts reaction damage. It’s a balanced choice compared to Iron Sting’s focus on Elemental Mastery.
Fleuve Cendre Ferryman: Fontaine’s F2P Friend
Finally, there’s the Fleuve Cendre Ferryman, easy to obtain in Fontaine. You can get its recipe by befriending Delaroche from the Fishing Association. It’s a solid F2P pick, offering Energy Recharge and enhancing Elemental Skill Crit Rate. A great choice for players in Fontaine needing a sword for Xingqiu.
Sword Selection: Head-to-Head Comparisons
Let’s compare a few of these swords:
Sapwood Blade vs. Iron Sting: Energy vs. Pure Reaction Power
The Sapwood Blade offers balance against Iron Sting. Sapwood Blade is well-rounded with Energy Recharge and Elemental Mastery. It helps keep Xingqiu’s Burst ready while aiding reaction damage. Iron Sting excels at Elemental Mastery. If your team covers Xingqiu’s energy needs and you want more reaction damage, Iron Sting may be better. However, Sapwood Blade is more practical for energy management.
Sacrificial Sword vs. Favonius Sword: Personal Power vs. Team Support
The major battle: Sacrificial Sword versus Favonius Sword. Both are commendable 4-star options with different focuses. Sacrificial Sword greatly benefits Xingqiu with reduced personal Energy Recharge requirements and boosted damage due to Skill use. However, it may extend his field time slightly impacting rotations. Conversely, Favonius Sword enhances team energy but sacrifices some individual damage potential. If your team needs energy help, Favonius Sword might be your best option. For maximizing Xingqiu’s contribution when energy isn’t a major concern, choose Sacrificial Sword.
Stats, Artifacts, and Xingqiu’s Build: The Trifecta
Selecting a sword involves more than just the weapon. It must synergize with Xingqiu’s stats and artifacts.
Crit Ratio and Attack: DPS-Lite Xingqiu
Xingqiu’s damage from his Burst scales with Crit Ratio and Attack, similar to a DPS character. Don’t expect him to outdamage main DPSs, but optimizing these stats will enhance his impact. Aim for a Crit Ratio of 50/100 (Crit Rate over Crit Damage) as a solid base. If you’re aiming higher, consider 50/150 or 60/150 for boosted support damage. Late-game artifact setups usually focus on ATK%/Hydro DMG Bonus/Crit options on sets like Noblesse Oblige or Heart of Depth for improved damage.
Energy Recharge (ER): Bursting on Demand
Xingqiu’s Burst costs 70 Energy; he has an energy need. His top artifact set, Emblem of Severed Fate, relies on high Energy Recharge. The full 4-piece bonus gives a 20% Energy Recharge boost and raises Burst damage by 25% of Energy Recharge. This synergy benefits him greatly. Typically aim for 190%-260% Energy Recharge for Xingqiu based on team makeup. If another Hydro character or Favonius user supports him, lower is possible. On energy solo duty, aim higher.
ATK: Boosting the Base
While Crit and ER are important, Attack shouldn’t fall behind. An ATK% Circlet is reliable for Xingqiu. However, if Crit stats lack, utilize a Circlet for Crit DMG or Crit Rate for balance and maximum damage from his Burst. Finding that ideal point where all stats harmonize is essential.
Artifact Sets: Emblem of Severed Fate Reigns Supreme
Regarding artifacts for Xingqiu, the Emblem of Severed
Fate set stands out. Its full 4-piece bonus is perfect for him. The 2-piece bonus grants a 20% boost in Energy Recharge for his needs. The 4-piece bonus increases Elemental Burst damage by 25% of Energy Recharge. This feedback loop makes it strong; more Energy Recharge leads to stronger Burst outputs. It perfectly maximizes Xingqiu’s capabilities as a Burst support.
