Xiao Genshin Impact: The Complete Guide to Liyue’s
Genshin Impact is filled with a variety of unique and powerful characters, each with their own backstory and abilities. One of the most beloved characters in the game is Xiao, an Anemo (wind) polearm user from Liyue. Known for his stoic personality and fierce dedication to protecting humanity, Xiao is often called the “Vigilant Yaksha.” In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore every facet of Xiao in Genshin Impact, from his lore and playstyle to his best builds and team compositions. If you’re looking to unlock Xiao’s full potential, this guide is for you.
Who is Xiao in Genshin Impact?
Xiao, in Genshin Impact, is one of the Adepti, a group of powerful beings that serve the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis (Zhongli). As the last remaining Yaksha, Xiao has endured centuries of combat, fighting against the dark forces that threaten Liyue. His personality is serious, detached, and at times melancholic due to the burdens he bears. However, beneath his cold exterior lies a deep sense of duty to protect humanity from harm.
Xiao’s Lore and Background in Genshin Impact
Xiao’s backstory in Genshin Impact is steeped in tragedy and conflict. Born as one of the five Yakshas, he was tasked by Rex Lapis to subdue the remnants of demonic forces in Liyue. These forces, however, inflicted corruption and torment on the Yakshas, causing Xiao to witness the downfall of his companions. He now stands as the last remaining Yaksha, driven by the suffering of his past to keep fighting for the safety of Liyue.
Xiao’s Playstyle and Abilities in Genshin Impact
Xiao’s playstyle in Genshin Impact revolves around high mobility and burst damage. His normal attacks are rapid polearm strikes, but it’s his Elemental Skill, Lemniscatic Wind Cycling, and Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil, that truly define his combat potential.
- Elemental Skill: Lemniscatic Wind Cycling—Xiao dashes forward and deals Anemo damage to all enemies in his path. This skill can be used twice in succession, making it excellent for both dealing damage and repositioning in battle.
- Elemental Burst: Bane of All Evil: Xiao dons his Yaksha mask, greatly enhancing his jumping ability and converting his attacks into AoE Anemo damage. During his burst, Xiao continuously loses health, so proper healing support is essential.
Due to his fast-paced combat and reliance on Elemental Burst, Xiao in Genshin Impact is best suited for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Best Builds for Xiao in Genshin Impact
Building Xiao in Genshin Impact can be tricky, as his abilities rely heavily on both high damage output and proper stamina management. The key focus for Xiao’s builds should be increasing his Anemo damage, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage. Here are two optimal builds for Xiao:
- DPS Build:
- Weapon: Primordial Jade Winged-Spear or Deathmatch
- Artifact Set: Viridescent Venerer (4-piece) for Anemo Damage Bonus or a combination of Gladiator’s Finale (2-piece) and Viridescent Venerer (2-piece)
- Stats: Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Anemo Damage Bonus are key stats to prioritize.
- Sub-DPS Build:
- Weapon: Blackcliff Pole or Lithic Spear
- Artifact Set: Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (4-piece) for increased normal attack damage
- Stats: Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, and Anemo Damage Bonus.
Both builds for Xiao in Genshin Impact maximize his Elemental Burst damage while ensuring he stays effective in continuous combat.
Xiao’s Best Weapons in Genshin Impact
Selecting the right weapon for Xiao in Genshin Impact can significantly enhance his performance. The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is considered his best-in-slot weapon, providing Crit Rate and increasing attack power with each hit. However, if you don’t have access to 5-star weapons, here are some alternatives:
- Deathmatch (4-star): Provides Crit Rate and increases attack and defense when enemies are nearby.
- Blackcliff Pole (4-star): Grants Crit Damage and increases attack after defeating an enemy.
- Lithic Spear (4-star): Boosts attack and Crit Rate based on the number of Liyue characters in your party.
These weapons help Xiao deal maximum damage in Genshin Impact, ensuring his Elemental Burst hits as hard as possible.
Best Artifacts for Xiao in Genshin Impact
Choosing the right artifacts for Xiao in Genshin Impact is crucial for maximizing his damage. The Viridescent Venerer artifact set is ideal, as it boosts Anemo damage and increases Swirl reaction effectiveness. However, other artifact combinations can also work well:
- Viridescent Venerer (4-piece): Boosts Anemo damage and decreases enemy resistance to Swirl reactions.
- Gladiator’s Finale (2-piece) + Viridescent Venerer (2-piece): increases overall attack and Anemo damage.
For artifact stats, prioritize Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Anemo Damage Bonus. These will enhance Xiao’s offensive capabilities, making him a powerhouse in Genshin Impact.
Best Team Compositions for Xiao in Genshin Impact
Xiao in Genshin Impact thrives in teams that can support his high-energy, high-damage playstyle. He pairs best with characters who can heal, provide energy recharge, and offer utility without interrupting his flow. Here are some ideal teammates for Xiao:
- Bennett: Provides healing and an attack boost through his Elemental Burst.
- Zhongli: His shields protect Xiao while reducing enemy resistance.
- Albedo: His off-field Geo damage provides support without interrupting Xiao’s attacks.
- Sucrose or Venti: Excellent for grouping enemies together, allowing Xiao to deal massive AoE damage.
These team compositions enable Xiao to fully unleash his potential in Genshin Impact, allowing for seamless combat and efficient energy management.
Xiao’s Strengths and Weaknesses in Genshin Impact
Like every character in Genshin Impact, Xiao has his strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will help you play him effectively:
- Strengths:
- Incredible AoE damage during his Elemental Burst.
- High mobility and fast-paced combat.
- Strong self-sufficiency with his Elemental Skill.
- Weaknesses:
- Constant health drain during Elemental Burst requires a reliable healer.
- Lack of off-field utility; Xiao needs to be on-field to deal damage.
- Energy recharge can be an issue without proper support.
While Xiao’s power is undeniable, managing his health and energy is key to maximizing his potential in Genshin Impact.
How to Get Xiao in Genshin Impact
Xiao is a limited-time 5-star character in Genshin Impact, meaning he is only available through specific banners. During his banner reruns, players can use Primogems or Intertwined Fates to pull for him. As with all 5-star characters, the drop rate for Xiao is low, so it may take several attempts before you obtain him.
Xiao’s Future in Genshin Impact
Xiao’s popularity in Genshin Impact ensures that he will remain a prominent character for the foreseeable future. His unique playstyle, tragic backstory, and powerful abilities make him a fan favorite. Additionally, with future updates to Liyue and the story of the Adepti, we may see more development in Xiao’s character arc.
Conclusion
Xiao in Genshin Impact is a character with a rich lore and intense playstyle that resonates with players who enjoy fast-paced combat. His powerful AoE abilities, combined with his high mobility and devastating damage, make him an excellent choice for any team. However, his health-draining Elemental Burst and energy needs require strategic team composition and support. With the right build and teammates, Xiao can become one of the strongest characters in Generation Impact, leaving enemies in the dust as he fights to protect Liyue.