Summary
Genshin Impact’sXiao is a fan favorite among players. Being the ever-trendy “edgy/loner” type of character surely did him a favor, but his unique play style is what sold him as a unit. By creating a character whose health players need to watch,Genshin Impactcreated something special when throwing him into the ring. But special or not, all new things must be understood.
After all, a game mechanic that drains part of his HP consistently means thatXiao’s team compsare going to need to be able to not only support him but keep him alive. The always-useful Bennett could be a good option, but many teams already use him. Players could consider spicing things up by replacing the Pyro user with a shielder or experimenting with other healers and seeing how Xiao synergizes with them. Considering that the game is now in Version 4.1 and Xiao has been out since 1.3, there are plenty of teammates to try Xiao with. It’s easy for players to find the perfect combo.
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Genshin Impact’s Xiao’s Kit
Considering that Xiao’s burst amplifies his plunging attacks, players should level up his normal attack talent.Selfish DPS characters like Xiaowant all talents leveled so that they can get the most out of their kit. For comparison, characters like Razor, Wanderer, and Lyney work the same way—one should level up all three talents. This can make them resource-expensive, but Xiao isn’t so bad.
Xiao’s ascension materials, the Qingxin flowers, are easy to get to when following the right paths and his builds are straightforward. Like any other ofGenshin Impact’sDPS builds, focus on crit stats and attack. Players will want to be able to boost his damage across the boards no matter which of his three talents they’re using. However, it is important to reiterate that even though there are objectively good builds, enjoyingGenshin Impactshould come first. If his most popular build bores a player, they are encouraged to try something new out.
His elemental skill allows him to dash through opponents and gain elemental particles (unless he is in his burst mode). It’s a quick instance of damage usually only used in team rotations for the sole purpose of gaining more energy for his burst. His burst, “Bane of All Evil”, is where Xiao will constantly drain his own HP to hurt enemies. He attacks faster in his burst state, allowing him to get in roughly 10 plunges before his burst is over. This is the moment where most of Xiao’s damage comes in, as though he is a selfish DPS, he could also be considered a burst DPS.
Whether players consider him a selfish DPS or a burst DPS though, the main issue comes in understandinghow to balance Xiao as a unit. While his builds are straightforward and his teams could be fine if they just smack a shielder or healer in, it remains a problem that players need to keep an eye on his health. After all, one wrong move and Xiao is done for.
It would be even worse if this were to happen to players whilst in theSpiral Abyss segment ofGenshin Impact, since then Xiao would be unable to revive. Unless, of course, his teammates are either a C6 Qiqi or a C6 Barbara. Knowing how to dodge, utilize team rotations, and form the perfect team is key to Xiao’s success as a unit and the player’s success overall.
Genshin Impactis available now on Mobile, PC, PS4 and PS5.
