How to Stop Xiao From Dying: A Comprehensive Guide

Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, is a powerful and popular Anemo DPS character in Genshin Impact, known for his incredible plunge attacks during his Elemental Burst. However, this power comes at a cost: during his burst, Xiao constantly loses HP. This can quickly lead to his demise if not managed properly. The question then becomes: How do you stop Xiao from dying? The short answer lies in a combination of strategic team building, proper artifact setup, and understanding the mechanics of his HP drain.

The most crucial step is to provide consistent healing. Given that Xiao’s damage output is heavily reliant on his Elemental Burst, a dedicated healer is paramount. A healer not only negates the self-damage from the burst but also ensures he can withstand incoming attacks from enemies. This combination of mitigation and healing is crucial to keeping Xiao alive and maximizing his damage output during extended combat.

Secondly, you must optimize Xiao’s survivability and damage output to make use of the healing. This means maximizing his damage potential to defeat enemies quickly, while ensuring he can take a few hits and that he’s adequately healed. Leveling up his character, relevant talents, and his weapon are all key to this, and building his artifacts correctly will ensure that your Xiao is both dealing a high damage output and staying healthy.

Essential Strategies for Keeping Xiao Alive

The Importance of Healing

As mentioned, a consistent healer is essential for Xiao’s survivability. Several healers pair well with him, including:

Jean: Her burst provides healing over time and an Anemo particle generation which is very helpful for Xiao.
Bennett: Provides a significant heal and a large attack buff, enhancing Xiao’s damage output simultaneously.
Barbara: A simple and reliable healer, although her healing can sometimes be excessive for Xiao.
Diona: Provides a shield and healing, making her a versatile support option for a party with Xiao.
Qiqi: Another reliable healer but with not as much utility.
Kokomi: Another great consistent healer with Hydro application, able to allow for consistent reactions on enemies.

Choose the healer that best fits your team composition, with your main focus being their healing capabilities first and utility second.

Optimizing Artifacts and Stats

Proper artifact management is key to ensuring Xiao’s survival and damage. Here’s what to prioritize:

Main Stats: Focus on ATK%, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, and Anemo DMG Bonus. An Energy Recharge sands may be beneficial if you are having energy problems.
Substats: Aim for Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge on your artifacts.
Sets: The ideal set is a combination of two pieces each of Viridescent Venerer and Gladiator’s Finale or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence. This gives an Anemo DMG bonus and an Attack bonus. You may consider a full set of Vermillion Hereafter when available, specifically designed for Xiao, as well as a full set of Desert Pavilion Chronicle.

Make sure your stats are balanced. Too little Crit Rate will lead to inconsistent damage, and too little Crit DMG means you are not dealing enough damage with each crit. While attack is important, make sure that it is a reasonable amount.

Weapon Selection

Xiao’s weapon is critical for his performance. His best in slot weapon is Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, but there are several other options available:

5-Star Options:
- Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: Xiao’s signature weapon, it grants high ATK and increases his damage over a number of hits.
- Staff of Homa: A powerful choice that grants HP and ATK bonuses and an additional ATK increase when his HP is below 50%.
4-Star Options:
- Blackcliff Pole: Good for maximizing Crit DMG.
- Deathmatch: Provides good CRIT Rate and ATK boost.
- Prototype Starglitter: A great option for an F2P player, with Energy Recharge, which is useful for his elemental burst.

Team Composition and Energy Management

Battery Character: Xiao’s Elemental Burst requires a significant amount of energy. Team him with an Anemo Battery, such as Sucrose, Jean, Kazuha, or Venti, to generate the necessary energy particles.
Shielding: Shield characters like Zhongli or Diona can prevent interruptions during plunges and minimize damage intake.
Elemental Reactions: While Xiao himself doesn’t rely on elemental reactions, surrounding him with characters who do help him to further enhance his damage capabilities.
Energy Recharge: Always make sure that your Xiao has an appropriate amount of Energy Recharge, so that you can use your Elemental Burst on cooldown.

Playstyle Considerations

Plunging Attacks: Maximize Xiao’s damage by consistently performing plunging attacks during his burst.
Timing: Be mindful of your healing cooldowns. If your healer is unable to heal, use Xiao’s Elemental Skill to avoid having him on the field and taking damage.
Mobility: Use Xiao’s dash and high jump ability to reposition yourself to avoid damage from enemy attacks.
Avoid Overextending: Don’t use your Burst too early and waste a large amount of health when it isn’t necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Xiao die from karmic debt?

Xiao’s karmic debt is a lore element that explains his constant suffering and past traumas. Although it causes him pain, he will not actually die from it, and does not have any game mechanic linked to it.

2. Can Xiao die from his burst?

Yes, but not easily. His Elemental Burst drains a percentage of his current HP, not maximum HP. This means that the lower his health is, the less health he will lose to his burst. However, combining the HP drain of his burst with incoming enemy attacks can lead to death if you are not careful.

3. Does Xiao’s burst hurt him?

Yes, it does. However, the health drain is based on his current health. This means that the lower his health is, the less he will drain from the burst. This is not a concern however, if you have an adequate healer on your team.

4. What is the best battery for Xiao?

Anemo characters are the best batteries for Xiao, specifically characters like Sucrose, Kazuha, Jean, and Venti, since they can generate particles that are the same element, which generate more energy.

5. Why is Xiao still alive?

According to lore, Xiao survived the madness associated with karmic debt due to the sound of a Dihua flute, played by Venti.

6. Did Venti save Xiao’s life?

Yes, according to lore, Venti saved Xiao’s life by playing the Dihua flute, which helped him overcome the effects of his karmic debt and his madness.

7. Is Xiao an immortal?

Xiao is an immortal adeptus, which are powerful beings, but he is also a warrior.

8. What is Xiao’s real name?

Xiao’s true name is Alatus. He is unlikely to reveal this name to humans.

9. Is Xiao’s Vision fake?

The Vision that Xiao wears is said to be fake. His true source of power is the purple diamond on his forehead.

10. How did each Yaksha die?

All of the Yaksha’s (besides Xiao) died to their karmic debt. The Pyro Yaksha Indarias died from madness, the Hydro Yaksha Bonanus fatally wounded the Geo Yaksha Menogias before perishing herself.

11. What Spear is best for Xiao?

Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is the best weapon for Xiao, as it’s designed for his needs and greatly boosts his ATK and damage output.

12. What is the best 4-star weapon for Xiao?

The best 4-star options for Xiao are the Blackcliff Pole and the Prototype Starglitter.

13. Is level 70 good enough for Xiao?

It’s better to at least get to level 80, or even 90 to ensure that you are maximizing your stats. Ascending the character past level 70 will allow for better efficiency in terms of the resin you use on your talents.

14. Is Xiao a bird?

Xiao is based on a mythological creature described as either an ape or a bird. His real form is currently unknown.

15. Why is C6 Xiao good?

Xiao’s C6 constellation is exceptionally powerful, changing his primary playstyle from plunge attacks to dash attacks, dramatically increasing his DPS output.

By understanding these mechanics and implementing these strategies, you can ensure Xiao’s survival and maximize his immense damage potential. He’s a powerful character in the right hands, so by focusing on healing, artifact optimization, and proper team building, you can keep Xiao alive and performing at his best.

How do I stop Xiao from dying?