Is Xingqiu the Best 4-Star in Genshin Impact? A Deep Dive
The question of which 4-star character reigns supreme in Genshin Impact is a hotly debated topic among the community. While several contenders boast impressive kits, Xingqiu consistently emerges as a frontrunner for the title of “best.” But is he truly the best? The short answer is: it’s complicated, but he’s undeniably one of the strongest and most versatile. While he might not always be the absolute best in every single scenario, his consistent hydro application, damage mitigation, and off-field damage make him an incredibly valuable asset to almost any team composition. Therefore, while it’s difficult to declare him the best due to the highly situational and subjective nature of Genshin team-building, it’s safe to say Xingqiu is easily among the top 4-star characters. He’s a character that provides value no matter your account’s state.
Xingqiu’s Strengths: Why He’s a Top Contender
Unparalleled Hydro Application
Xingqiu’s primary claim to fame is his exceptional Hydro application. His Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, unleashes two waves of Hydro damage, and summons Rain Swords that orbit the active character. These swords not only provide damage reduction, but also apply Hydro to enemies when the active character takes damage and when they perform Normal Attacks. This consistent and reliable off-field Hydro application is crucial for enabling powerful Elemental Reactions, particularly Vaporize, which is a cornerstone of many high-damage team compositions. No other 4 star even comes close to his hydro application.
Strong Off-Field Damage
Beyond Hydro application, Xingqiu also deals respectable off-field damage. The Rain Swords deal damage and enhance hydro application, while his Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, unleashes a continuous barrage of Hydro swords that attack enemies alongside the active character’s normal attacks. This synergy makes him an exceptional sub-DPS, contributing a substantial amount of damage even when he is not on the field, making him a great energy battery for other Hydro characters like Yelan and Neuvillette. This also makes him work well with carries like Yoimiya or Hu Tao.
Damage Mitigation and Minor Healing
The Rain Swords also provide significant damage reduction, which greatly enhances the survivability of the active character. Moreover, when the swords shatter, they provide a small amount of healing to the character. While he is not a dedicated healer, this supplemental healing, alongside damage reduction, adds to his versatility and survivability in combat, enabling players to build more offensively.
Versatility and Team Synergy
Xingqiu’s flexibility is another significant strength. He fits seamlessly into a wide variety of team compositions, and he works with most carries. His Hydro application enables powerful reactions with Pyro, Cryo, and Electro characters, making him a valuable teammate for many of the game’s most powerful DPS units. He’s a foundational character for Vaporize teams, Freeze teams, and even Electro-Charged teams. This versatility makes him an invaluable character for players of all levels.
Where Xingqiu Might Not Be the Absolute “Best”
Despite his considerable strengths, Xingqiu isn’t without his limitations. While he excels as a sub-DPS and hydro applicator, he is not a dedicated damage dealer or healer, which means in specific team compositions where those roles are needed, he will not be able to fill that role as effectively as other specialized characters. His energy requirements can be demanding, meaning that he requires significant Energy Recharge stats or a battery character to keep his Elemental Burst up consistently. Also, even though he has hydro application from his skill and burst, sometimes a hydro character like Kokomi might be preferred for constant and bigger application as well as healing.
The Verdict: A Top-Tier Character
Ultimately, while there isn’t a single character that’s definitively the “best” across all situations in Genshin Impact, Xingqiu is undoubtedly among the top 4-star options. His consistent hydro application, off-field damage, and utility make him an incredibly valuable asset. He is a foundational character in many meta-defining teams, and his ability to slot into a multitude of compositions makes him incredibly useful for all players. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, investing in Xingqiu is a wise decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Xingqiu good for beginners?
Absolutely! Xingqiu’s easy-to-understand kit and versatile applications make him an excellent character for beginners. He can easily carry you through early game content, and his strength continues into the endgame, making him a great investment for beginners.
2. What are the best artifacts for Xingqiu?
The Emblem of Severed Fate set is generally considered Xingqiu’s best artifact set. It provides a significant boost to Energy Recharge and Elemental Burst damage, which is crucial for his playstyle. However, Noblesse Oblige can also be used if another character in the team is already using Emblem.
3. What are the best weapons for Xingqiu?
The Sacrificial Sword is his most frequently used weapon, since it can help with his energy requirements by allowing his skill to be used multiple times, along with giving him a high Energy Recharge stat. Other great options are Favonius Sword, and high-base attack swords like the Skyward Blade or Primordial Jade Cutter.
4. How important is Xingqiu’s Constellations?
While Xingqiu is strong even at C0, his constellations offer significant improvements to his utility and damage output. C2 is a major power spike, reducing the Hydro RES of enemies when his Burst hits them, and C6 significantly improves his energy generation and damage. However, even with no constellations, Xingqiu is very powerful.
5. How do I build Xingqiu for maximum damage?
To maximize Xingqiu’s damage, focus on Energy Recharge, Hydro Damage Bonus, and Critical Hit Rate/Damage. Aim for around 180-200% Energy Recharge, with as much Crit Rate/Crit Damage as you can afford to get.
6. Can Xingqiu be used as a Main DPS?
While technically possible, Xingqiu is not ideally suited for a Main DPS role. His damage is best realized through his off-field capabilities alongside another main DPS character.
7. Is Xingqiu better than Yelan?
Xingqiu and Yelan are often compared, and both are excellent Hydro sub-DPS characters. Xingqiu provides more consistent hydro application and damage reduction, while Yelan offers higher personal damage and a damage buff. The better choice often depends on specific team needs. Many players run them together.
8. What are some of Xingqiu’s best team compositions?
Some of Xingqiu’s best team compositions include: National Team (Xingqiu, Xiangling, Bennett, and Sucrose/Raiden Shogun), Vaporize teams with Hu Tao or Yoimiya, and Freeze teams with Ayaka or Ganyu.
9. Does Xingqiu work well with Electro characters?
Yes! Xingqiu is an excellent pairing for Electro characters because he can consistently apply Hydro, enabling Electro-Charged reactions. He pairs especially well with Raiden Shogun, Fischl, and Keqing.
10. Is Xingqiu good against bosses?
Xingqiu is excellent against most bosses. His consistent Hydro application and off-field damage are valuable against single targets, but can also work against multiple.
11. How much Energy Recharge does Xingqiu need?
Aim for at least 180-200% Energy Recharge for comfortable Burst uptime. If you have his C6, you might need slightly less. Running him with another Hydro character, such as Yelan, can also help lower his energy requirements,
12. Can Xingqiu replace a healer?
While Xingqiu provides minor healing, he cannot fully replace a dedicated healer. His healing is mostly just an added bonus. Players may use him as a substitute for more survivability for the party if they are comfortable with his minor healing, but dedicated healers like Bennett or Kokomi are usually preferrable in terms of actual healing for a team.
13. How does Xingqiu’s Rain Swords work?
The Rain Swords orbit the active character, providing damage reduction, applying Hydro to enemies when a character is attacked, and healing the active character when they shatter. These swords are the backbone of Xingqiu’s utility and are the key to his hydro application.
14. Should I prioritize leveling Xingqiu’s Skill or Burst?
Prioritize leveling Xingqiu’s Elemental Burst. It’s his main source of damage and consistent Hydro application. Leveling his skill will still help, but the Burst is the focus.
15. Is Xingqiu worth pulling even if you already have other Hydro characters?
Absolutely! Xingqiu’s unique off-field utility and consistent Hydro application make him valuable even if you have other Hydro characters like Yelan. He is also free in some events, so if you have the opportunity to get him, it’s wise to do so. He is a great character to have and will definitely help you in the game.