Should You Max Out Xiao? A Deep Dive into Level 90 for Genshin’s Vigilant Yaksha

So, you’re contemplating the ultimate investment: taking your Xiao all the way to level 90 in Genshin Impact. The short answer? It depends. While level 90 offers the most potential for any character, Xiao’s specific kit and playstyle mean the benefits are more nuanced than some other damage dealers. A more detailed explanation follows below.

Understanding the Level 90 Dilemma

Genshin Impact’s level system isn’t just about bigger numbers; it’s about maximizing your character’s potential. Reaching level 90 on any character provides the largest possible boost to their base stats, offering more HP, Attack, and Defense than any other single level. For Anemo characters like Xiao, there’s also the added benefit of increased Swirl reaction damage.

However, the investment required to get from level 80 to 90 is substantial, consuming significant resources like Hero’s Wit and Mora. The question then becomes: is the statistical increase significant enough to justify that resource expenditure, or are those resources better spent elsewhere, like improving your artifacts or leveling up support characters?

Xiao’s Case: A Nuanced Perspective

Xiao is a selfish DPS, meaning he spends a considerable amount of time on the field dealing damage while his supports provide buffs and healing. His primary damage comes from his Plunging Attacks during his Elemental Burst state. While the direct damage of these plunges is affected by Attack, Xiao’s Anemo damage is also amplified by reactions.

Benefits of Level 90 Xiao

• Increased Base Stats: Level 90 naturally grants Xiao higher HP, Attack, and Defense. This directly translates to more damage with each Plunging Attack and improves survivability.
• Improved Anemo Swirls: Anemo characters benefit from an additional increase in Swirl damage from leveling up.
• Maximizing Potential: If you are an endgame player looking to optimize every single point of damage, and you’re a Xiao main, then leveling him to 90 might be the best choice.

Drawbacks of Level 90 Xiao

• Resource Intensive: The cost to level from 80 to 90 is high. Those resources could be used to level supports like Bennett or Faruzan.
• Diminishing Returns: The stat increase from 80 to 90 isn’t as impactful as the jump from, say, 70 to 80. The proportional damage increase might not feel substantial.
• Artifact Reliance: Xiao’s damage is heavily dependent on good artifacts. Improving your artifact substats is often a more efficient way to boost his damage than leveling him to 90.
• Alternative Investments: Often other characters that have a high impact on your team benefit more from getting to level 90 than Xiao does.

Who Else Benefits from Level 90?

Before committing to level 90 Xiao, consider if other characters on your roster might benefit more.

• Anemo and Dendro Characters: Those who rely heavily on transformative reactions (Swirl, Spread, Aggravate) get the most damage increase per level to 90.
• HP and DEF Scalers: Characters like Hu Tao (HP) and Arataki Itto (DEF) see greater returns from the additional HP or DEF provided by leveling to 90.
• Support Characters: Leveling up your support characters can greatly benefit your team’s overall output, survivability and efficiency.

The Verdict

Leveling Xiao to 90 is more of a luxury than a necessity. If you’re a dedicated Xiao main, have already optimized his artifacts and supports, and want to squeeze out every last bit of damage, then go for it. However, for most players, the resources are better spent elsewhere, making sure you get the most value out of each character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Leveling Xiao

Is Xiao worth pulling for in the current meta?

Yes, Xiao is still a strong DPS character. Although power crept by other newer main DPSs, Xiao provides excellent area damage with his Burst. He is viable and easily clears most content.

What talent levels should I prioritize for Xiao?

Focus on leveling Xiao‘s Normal Attack (Plunging Attacks during his Burst) first, followed by his Burst, and then his Skill. Prioritize the attack for overall increased damage output.

What artifacts are best for Xiao?

The best artifact sets for Xiao are the Vermillion Hereafter set, the Desert Pavilion Chronicle set, the Gladiator’s Finale set, and the Shimenawa’s Reminiscence set.

What weapon is best for Xiao?

The best weapon for Xiao is his signature weapon, the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. Other good options include the Staff of Homa, Calamity Queller, and Blackcliff Pole.

How important is Xiao’s Constellation 1?

Xiao‘s C1 is a decent constellation that provides an additional charge of his Elemental Skill. This translates to more energy generation and slightly increased damage, but it’s not a game-changer.

What team compositions work best with Xiao?

Xiao teams typically include a battery (such as Faruzan or Jean), a shielder (Zhongli), and a flex spot for sub-DPS or support. Good team members include Faruzan, Zhongli, Albedo, Bennett, and Sucrose.

Does Xiao need a battery?

Yes, Xiao relies on a battery to generate energy for his Burst. Without sufficient energy recharge, he’ll struggle to consistently use his Burst.

How much Energy Recharge does Xiao need?

Xiao typically needs between 120% to 150% Energy Recharge, depending on his team composition and battery.

Is it better to use a Crit Rate or Crit Damage circlet on Xiao?

It depends on your stats, but generally aim for a 1:2 Crit Rate to Crit Damage ratio. If you are lacking Crit Rate, use a Crit Rate circlet, and vice versa.

Is Xiao’s best artifact stat ATK%, Anemo DMG or Crit?

For Main stats, the best artifacts should have ATK% on the Sands, Anemo DMG on the Goblet, and Crit Rate/Crit Damage on the Circlet.

How does Xiao’s damage compare to other hypercarries?

Xiao‘s damage output is competitive but can be lower than newer characters. That being said, he is still very viable, with great Area of Effect damage from his Burst.

Is it worth crowning Xiao’s talents?

Xiao‘s Normal Attack talent is worth crowning, as it directly boosts his Plunging Attack damage. The other talents can be crowned as well, but are not as effective as the Normal Attack.

How do I play Xiao effectively?

The optimal playstyle for Xiao revolves around consistently using his Plunging Attacks during his Burst. Dash cancels during plunges help with animation, and therefore, damage output.

How much does it cost to fully max out Xiao (including talents and weapon)?

Fully maxing out Xiao, including leveling him to 90, maxing out his talents, and leveling up his weapon, requires a substantial amount of resources. This includes Mora, Hero’s Wit, talent books, weapon enhancement materials, and boss materials. The exact cost varies depending on your current progress.

Where can I learn more about Genshin Impact character builds and strategies?

You can find a wealth of information on websites like Genshin Impact wikis, community forums, and YouTube channels. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org also offers insights into the game’s mechanics and educational aspects. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for exploring the educational applications of gaming.