RELATED: Genshin Impact: Xiao’s Ascension Materials And Other Things To Prepare

Fans have long been huge fans of this special character, and he’s often very popular when his banners roll around. Those looking to power up Xiao to his maximum potential will want to build him right, and this guide will help with just that.

Updated on December 30, 2021, by Nahda Nabiilah: Re-run banners are a common occurrence in Gacha games. After the release of many new 5-star characters, the older ones are bound to make a comeback. Sometimes, this happens really soon, but at other times, this can take a while. For Xiao, it takes him one year before his banner returns.

In Genshin Impact 2.4, the Adeptus’ fans can finally wish for him to join their party. Of course, after one year, a lot has changed in the game. These changes are why older build recommendations require updating. For Travelers who are getting ready for their own Anemo Yaksha, they can refer to this article to understand Xiao’s best build.

4 Xiao’s Talent Overview

Normal Attack

Xiao’s normal and plunge attack has the highest multiplier compared to the other Genshin Impact Polearm characters, showing that he has a lot of potential in that area. Even though his charged attack is not the best damage-wise, it has the extra ability to crowd control smaller enemies by flipping them up.

Elemental Skill

At zero Constellation, Xiao can keep two charges of Elemental Skill. This ability allows him to move quickly, even in mid-air. So players can use it for repositioning when using his plunge attack.

When his Elemental Burst is inactive, Xiao can also generate a decent amount of Elemental Particles. But when used during his Burst, the Skill will not produce Energy.

Elemental Burst

The Elemental Burst is the main feature of Xiao’s kit. It will infuse his weapon with Anemo and increase his damage. It also allows Xiao to jump really high, granting easy access to plunge attacks.

3 Best Artifact for Xiao

Xiao’s main source of damage came from the Anemo infusion during his Elemental Burst, so players shouldn’t build the Yaksha on Physical build. Instead, here is the most recommended main stat:

Timepiece: Attack Goblet: Anemo DMG Circlet: Critical Rate or Critical Damage

As for the artifact sets, sadly, Xiao does not have many options.

2-Gladiator’s Finale + 2-Viridescent Venerer

2-Gladiator’s Finale: ATK +18%. 2-Viridescent Venerer: Anemo DMG Bonus +15%.

This build is the best for his plunge attack gameplay, as it will increase his damage during his anemo infusion. As an alternative, players can use 2-Shimenawa’s Reminiscence instead of Gladiator’s Finale. Both will grant a +18% Attack.

4-Gladiator’s Finale

4-Gladiator’s Finale: If the wielder uses a Sword, Claymore or Polearm, increases their Normal Attack DMG by 35%.

This artifact set will forbid players from using Xiao’s plunge attack, but it’s still viable if players wish to play with his normal attack.

4-Viridescent Venerer

4-Viridescent Venerer: Increases Swirl DMG by 60%. Decreases opponent’s Elemental RES to the element infused in the Swirl by 40% for 10s.

This set is very niche for Xiao, requiring him to be accompanied by characters who can constantly deal elemental damage during his burst, such as Xingqiu. Players using this set will also have to give up on the plunge attack gameplay.

While 2-Gladiator’s Finale + 2-Viridescent Venerer is his best artifact, sometimes, players are having a hard time obtaining the artifacts they need. So the other two sets can serve as an alternative.

For players who are wondering if 4-Shimenawa’s Reminiscence is a viable option, then they should know that this artifact set is not recommended. +50% plunge attack damage does sound amazing, but it’ll cost Xiao a lot of energy. This is something the Adeptus can’t afford as he’s highly reliant on his Elemental Burst.

2 Best Weapon for Xiao

​​​​​​Primordial Jade Winged-Spear

​​​​​​The best weapon for Xiao is the 5-star Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. This Polearm only grants a small Critical Rate boost from its substat but has a large base attack on its main stat. Since Xiao’s ascension bonus is Critical Rate, players won’t have to worry about not having a sufficient amount of this stat.

Moreover, the large base attack will be further boosted by the weapon’s passive. At full stack, it will grant +22.4% extra attack, and +12% bonus damage.

Vortex Vanquisher

If players have the Vortex Vanquisher instead of Primordial Jade, it is also a great choice for Xiao. However, for this weapon to perform its best, players need a full-time shielder. So far, only Zhongli and Thoma can do this job. Other than that, since the weapon’s passive grant attack%, players have to work hard on getting Critical Rate and Damage from their artifacts.

Staff of Homa

Hu Tao’s best-in-slot Polearm, the Staff of Homa, is also a brilliant option for Xiao. It grants massive Critical Damage substat, and will further increase the Yaksha’s attack based on his HP. If his health fell under 50%, this bonus will be even larger. Considering Xiao will continuously lose HP while his Elemental Burst is active, triggering this passive should be an easy feat.

RELATED: Genshin Impact: Best Characters To Use On Spiral Abyss

Deathmatch

Deathmatch is the best 4-star option for Xiao. Unfortunately, this Genshin Impact Polearm is only obtainable via the Battle Pass. So non-spending players won’t be able to get one.

Blackcliff Pole

As an alternative, Travelers can opt for Blackcliff Pole. This weapon can be bought via the Shop. Just like the Staff of Homa, Blackcliff Pole also grants Critical Damage from its substat.

Skyward Spine

Skyward Spine may be a 5-star weapon, but it doesn’t necessarily perform better than its 4-star counterparts. For Xiao, Skyward Spine can help with his energy issue. But other than that, this Polearm isn’t highly recommended.

Prototype Starglitter

If players are unable to get the rest of the Polearms, the final option would be the forgeable Genshin Impact weapon. Prototype Starglitter can also help Xiao regain his Elemental Burst. But other than that, this equipment should only serve as a temporary item until players can get a better replacement.

1 Best Teammates for Xiao

Xiao has inadequate energy regeneration, so he will need a “battery”, a teammate who can generate Elemental Particles for him. Due to how the energy system works, it is best to use another Anemo character for this battery job. Players can use Kazuha, Sucrose, Anemo MC, Jean, or Venti for this job.

The next teammate Xiao needs is a healer or a shielder. Xiao will constantly lose HP during the duration of his burst, so he will need protection during this time. Players can use Kokomi, Barbara, Qiqi, Diona, Zhongli, Noelle, or Bennett.

The last teammate would be a sub-DPS or burst support. Players can use Raiden Shogun, Mona, Xingqiu, Xiangling, Fischl, or Albedo for this job.

Genshin Impact was released on September 28, 2020, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.