Is Wanderer or Xiao Better? A Comprehensive Genshin Impact Comparison
The question of whether the Wanderer or Xiao is “better” in Genshin Impact is nuanced and depends heavily on player preference, playstyle, team composition, and investment level. There is no objectively “better” character. Both are powerful Anemo DPS characters capable of dishing out significant damage, but they achieve this in different ways and excel in different situations. Xiao excels in AoE (Area of Effect) scenarios due to his plunging attacks, while Wanderer offers more flexibility and range thanks to his hovering state. The better choice depends on what you need for your team and the experience you desire.
Wanderer vs. Xiao: A Detailed Breakdown
To truly understand which character might be a better fit for you, let’s delve into a more detailed comparison:
1. Playstyle and Mechanics:
- Xiao: His primary damage source is his Elemental Burst, “Bane of All Evil,” which significantly boosts his jump height and converts his attacks into Anemo damage. The core gameplay revolves around repeatedly plunging attacks while within the burst duration. He’s a high-risk, high-reward character, as he loses HP during his burst and is vulnerable to interruptions if not properly supported.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer’s unique ability lies in his Elemental Skill, “Hanega: Song of the Wind,” which allows him to enter a hovering state called “Windfavored.” In this state, his Normal and Charged Attacks are enhanced and converted to Anemo damage. He can move freely in the air, offering greater maneuverability and range compared to Xiao.
2. Damage Potential and Scaling:
- Xiao: His damage scales exceptionally well with ATK and Crit stats. His plunge attacks, when properly executed during his burst, can deal massive AoE damage, making him incredibly effective against groups of enemies. However, his single-target damage can be lacking compared to other DPS characters.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer also scales with ATK and Crit stats, but his damage is more evenly distributed between his Normal and Charged Attacks during his Windfavored state. He can consistently deal damage while maintaining distance, making him safer to play in certain situations. He also benefits greatly from buffs like Faruzan’s Anemo support.
3. Team Compositions and Synergies:
- Xiao: Traditionally, Xiao teams rely heavily on battery characters to regenerate energy for his burst, as it has a high energy cost. Popular team members include Jean, Sucrose, and Raiden Shogun. A shielder is also recommended to prevent interruptions during his plunge attacks.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer is more versatile in terms of team composition. He synergizes well with characters who provide off-field damage or buffs, such as Faruzan (essential for Anemo teams), Bennett, Yelan, and Xingqiu. A shielder or healer is also beneficial to protect him during his Windfavored state.
4. Constellations:
- Xiao: While Xiao is already a strong DPS at C0, his constellations offer incremental improvements to his damage and energy regeneration. His C6, which allows him to repeatedly plunge attack without consuming stamina, significantly boosts his damage potential but is often impractical in most scenarios.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer’s constellations are generally more impactful than Xiao’s. His C2 significantly increases his damage output, while his C6 enables him to deal even more devastating blows.
5. Ease of Use and Accessibility:
- Xiao: Xiao is relatively straightforward to play, but mastering his plunge attack timing and energy management requires practice. He can be challenging to use without proper support and a good understanding of enemy attack patterns.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer is more accessible to new players due to his flexible playstyle and range. His hovering state allows for easier dodging and positioning, making him less vulnerable to enemy attacks.
6. Lore and Narrative:
- Xiao: Xiao is a character steeped in tragedy and burdened by his past as a Yaksha. His lore is compelling and adds depth to his gameplay experience. He is a protector of Liyue and one of the strongest Adepti, making him a formidable force.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer has a complex and intriguing backstory as a failed prototype of the Raiden Shogun. His journey of self-discovery and redemption makes him a compelling character.
7. Exploration:
- Xiao: While Xiao‘s jumping ability grants some mobility, it is limited outside of combat and cannot be compared with the Wanderer.
- Wanderer: The Wanderer has superior exploration capabilities due to his hovering ability, which allows him to traverse difficult terrain and reach otherwise inaccessible areas easily.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Wanderer and Xiao comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a high-risk, high-reward playstyle with massive AoE damage and a focus on plunging attacks, Xiao may be the better choice. If you prefer a more flexible and ranged playstyle with consistent damage output and greater maneuverability, the Wanderer may be a better fit.
Consider your existing team compositions, resource availability, and playstyle preferences before making a decision. Both characters are capable of clearing end-game content with the right investment and team support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Wanderer stronger than Xiao in lore?
While both Xiao and the Wanderer are powerful, the Wanderer possesses more recent and demonstrably grand feats of strength. The Wanderer’s absorption of the Akasha terminal and subsequent fight with the Traveler showcases immense power. Xiao’s lore focuses more on his past battles and endurance, while the Wanderer exhibits the potential to scale further due to his artificial godhood. However, they are Adepti and possess great strength.
2. Is Wanderer stronger than Xiao in practice (Reddit opinions)?
The consensus on Reddit often suggests that at C0, Xiao and the Wanderer are relatively equal in strength. The Wanderer’s superior Crit stats and the advantages it offers offsets Xiao‘s plunge attacks, while Xiao excels in AoE situations, the Wanderer does better with a grouper. Overall, they balance out to be very similar.
3. Is Xiao the strongest Anemo character overall?
No, Xiao is not the strongest Anemo character overall. While he deals high damage, Kaedehara Kazuha is often considered the strongest Anemo character due to his versatility as a sub-DPS and buffer, which is why he is an all-around strong character. Although Xiao‘s damage is superior in some teams, he is the most popular Anemo character in the game.
4. Is the Wanderer any good in Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Wanderer is a very good character in Genshin Impact. He is a versatile Anemo DPS who offers a unique and engaging playstyle. With the right equipment and team composition, he can deal significant damage and excel in various combat scenarios.
5. Why is the Wanderer considered weak by some?
The Wanderer’s perceived weakness stems from his vulnerability during his Windfavored state. If he is hit while hovering, he can be knocked down, interrupting his attack sequence and wasting time. However, this weakness can be mitigated with proper positioning, dodging, and shield support.
6. Is Xiao the best 5-star character in Genshin?
Xiao is not the best 5-star character overall, but he is one of the best Anemo DPS characters in the game. Compared to other top-tier DPS characters, he holds his own, but his reliance on his Elemental Burst and HP drain make him more demanding to play effectively.
7. Is the Wanderer a DPS or support character?
The Wanderer is primarily a DPS character. While he can provide some Anemo application, his main role is to deal damage with his enhanced Normal and Charged Attacks during his Windfavored state. He does require support from characters such as Faruzan in order to deal optimal damage.
8. Is an Archon stronger than Xiao in lore?
In their prime, the Archons are undeniably stronger than Xiao. However, most Archons have lost significant power. Given that Xiao is the only Yaksha remaining alive or sane, this implies that he has a very high power ceiling.
9. Who would win in a fight, Xiao or the Wanderer?
This is difficult to say definitively and depends heavily on the circumstances of the fight. The Wanderer’s range and flexibility might give him an edge, while Xiao’s AoE damage could be devastating if he can close the distance. It would likely be a closely contested battle.
10. What tier is the Wanderer in Genshin Impact?
The Wanderer is generally considered to be in the SS or S+ tier among DPS characters in Genshin Impact. His high damage potential, unique playstyle, and versatility make him a valuable addition to any team.
11. Who is the most powerful Adepti in Genshin Impact?
Xiao is considered one of the most powerful Adepti, especially given that he is the only Yaksha who remains alive and sane after centuries of battling demons.
12. Is the Wanderer worth building in Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Wanderer is definitely worth building. He is a strong and engaging DPS character who can excel in various combat scenarios. His exploration abilities and unique playstyle make him a fun and rewarding character to invest in.
13. Who is the strongest Anemo character in terms of supporting other teammates?
Kaedehara Kazuha is considered the strongest Anemo character in terms of supporting other teammates. His Elemental Skill and Burst provide crowd control, damage amplification, and Elemental DMG bonuses, making him an invaluable asset to any team.
14. How do you keep Xiao from dying during his Burst?
The key to keeping Xiao alive during his Burst is to use a reliable healer. Characters like Jean, Bennett, Barbara, or Qiqi are excellent choices, as they can provide consistent healing to counteract the HP drain from Xiao’s Burst.
15. What is the best free-to-play weapon for the Wanderer?
Mappa Mare is a strong free-to-play option for the Wanderer. It’s a craftable catalyst that provides a decent amount of ATK and Elemental Mastery, which can boost his Swirl damage. Another option includes the Widsith, if you get lucky and get the chance to pull it from the weapon banner.
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