Is Xingqiu a Must-Have in Genshin Impact? A Deep Dive
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Yes, Xingqiu is undeniably a must-have character in Genshin Impact for the vast majority of players. His consistent and reliable Hydro application, versatility, and powerful sub-DPS potential make him an invaluable asset to countless team compositions. While no single character is absolutely necessary to enjoy the game, Xingqiu’s impact on team effectiveness is so significant that he is often considered one of the most meta-relevant four-star characters. If you are looking to maximize your damage output, particularly within teams that rely on elemental reactions, acquiring and building Xingqiu should be a high priority. He’s not just good; he’s a game-changer for many.
Why Xingqiu Is So Highly Regarded
Xingqiu’s popularity stems from a potent combination of factors that elevate him beyond the typical four-star character. His strength lies in:
Exceptional Hydro Application
His Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword – Raincutter, summons rain swords that attack alongside your active character, applying Hydro to enemies with each hit. This consistent application makes him a prime enabler for Vaporize and other reactions. The rate of hydro application is unmatched by most other hydro support units, especially at low constellation levels, which makes his utility accessible to all players.
Consistent Sub-DPS Potential
Beyond his hydro application, the rain swords also deal significant Hydro damage as off-field DPS. When invested in, this damage contributes a lot to a team’s overall DPS output, making Xingqiu a strong damage dealer even when he’s not on the field.
Energy Generation & Damage Reduction
Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill not only deals damage but also generates a good amount of energy, helping to keep his burst readily available. The skill also applies a small amount of damage reduction, adding a layer of defensive utility to his kit. This combined with his small healing is a massive benefit to many teams.
Versatile Team Compositions
Xingqiu fits into a multitude of teams. He works well with Pyro DPS characters like Diluc, Hu Tao, and Klee to trigger Vaporize, alongside Cryo DPS characters like Kaeya and Ayaka for Freeze, and even with Electro characters for Electro-charged. His adaptability makes him valuable for almost any player.
Constellation Synergies
While Xingqiu is fantastic at C0, his constellations, particularly C2 and C6, significantly boost his power, enhancing both his utility and damage capabilities, but most important is his C2, which increases his burst duration.
Xingqiu: The Must-Have
Xingqiu’s value transcends the typical four-star character. His ability to seamlessly integrate into so many different compositions and to provide both damage and support with one kit is something many five-star characters struggle with. For players of all levels, Xingqiu’s presence on a team almost always provides a substantial performance boost, making him a must-have for anyone serious about Genshin Impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Xingqiu good without constellations?
Yes, absolutely! Xingqiu is excellent even at Constellation 0 (C0). His primary function, the consistent Hydro application provided by his Elemental Burst, is fully functional without any constellations. He’s often considered one of the best four stars in the game at C0. While constellations enhance his power, you don’t need them to benefit from his core utility.
2. Which constellation of Xingqiu is best?
Xingqiu’s C2, “Rainbow Upon the Azure Sky,” is widely considered his best constellation. It increases the duration of his Elemental Burst by 3 seconds, significantly boosting his Hydro application and damage output. C6 is also great, it increases the number of his burst swords which increases his Hydro application.
3. Can Xingqiu heal? Is he a reliable healer?
Xingqiu can provide a small amount of healing through his Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen. While this heal is not significant enough to classify him as a main healer, it does provide a helpful bonus to his overall utility and helps with sustain in many teams.
4. What weapons are best for Xingqiu?
The best weapons for Xingqiu generally focus on Energy Recharge and Critical Stats. Some excellent options include:
- Sacrificial Sword: High Energy Recharge and its passive allows for more uses of his skill, increasing energy generation.
- Favonius Sword: Generates energy for the whole team on critical hits, boosting team energy recharge.
- Skyward Blade: High base ATK and Energy Recharge, a good all-around option.
- Festering Desire: If you have it, this weapon provides energy recharge and increases elemental skill damage
5. Is Mona better than Xingqiu?
Mona and Xingqiu fulfill different roles. Mona provides an enemy debuff that increases the damage they take, while Xingqiu is a consistent off-field Hydro applicator. Mona’s burst also provides damage, while Xingqiu’s has more consistent application. Many will agree, that Xingqiu’s consistency makes him the more generally useful pick, especially when needing reactions on a single target. They do different things and have different use cases. Mona is better at making big damage, while Xingqiu is better for constant damage.
6. Is Xingqiu a better Hydro applicator than other Hydro characters?
Generally, yes. While characters like Mona can apply Hydro, Xingqiu’s Hydro application from his Elemental Burst is consistent, reliable and doesn’t require him to be on field, making him optimal for reactions.
7. Does Diluc need Xingqiu?
Absolutely! Xingqiu is one of Diluc’s best teammates, and his presence alone makes Diluc a whole different damage dealer. His Hydro application allows Diluc to easily trigger Vaporize, significantly boosting Diluc’s damage output. It’s the most used team for Diluc, and by far his best team.
8. Can I use Xiangling and Xingqiu together?
Yes! In fact, they are often used together in the powerful National Team alongside Bennett and a flex DPS character. Xingqiu enables Vaporize for Xiangling’s Pyronado, creating massive damage. They work exceptionally well together and it’s one of the most popular teams in the game.
9. Is Xingqiu a good main DPS?
No. Xingqiu’s normal attack scalings are not good. He is a sub-DPS character, meaning his strength lies in dealing damage and providing utility while off-field. He is not designed to be a main DPS, and you are unlikely to see good damage out of him if you build him as such.
10. Does Ayaka work with Xingqiu?
Yes. While Ayaka often prefers other Hydro supports like Kokomi, Xingqiu’s Hydro application can be used to trigger Freeze, which can increase Ayaka’s damage output. Xingqiu can enable other team members like a cryo support to freeze enemies consistently, making him a good option.
11. Is Xingqiu stronger than Kaeya?
It depends on the role. While Kaeya is often built as a Physical Main DPS or as a cryo support, Xingqiu is typically used as a sub DPS and Hydro applicator. In terms of sub-DPS, Xingqiu is typically stronger because his burst deals a large amount of damage off-field while also enabling reactions. Kaeya’s burst can provide consistent cryo application. If you just need a Cryo applicator, Kaeya will be good, but overall Xingqiu is better.
12. Is Xingqiu good for Klee teams?
Yes. Xingqiu’s consistent Hydro application enables Klee to trigger Vaporize reactions with her Pyro attacks. This significantly boosts Klee’s damage, making them an effective team duo.
13. When can I get Xingqiu for free?
There are certain events where Xingqiu is given as a free character. For example, players had the opportunity to get him for free during the 2.6 “Hues of the Violet Garden” event. Keep an eye on event announcements for future opportunities.
14. Is Xingqiu allergic to carrots?
Yes. Xingqiu has a noted dislike for carrots, and he will physically feel sick if he is forced to eat them.
15. Is there any character better than Xingqiu for Vaporize team comps?
While some characters like Yelan and Childe can compete with or even slightly outperform him in certain situations, Xingqiu’s reliability and availability at 4 star rarity makes him a top pick for most players. Yelan is the most common competitor and some may argue is better, but she is a 5 star and Xingqiu does an amazing job. He remains one of the most effective and accessible Hydro applicators for Vaporize comps.