Is Yelan Better Than Xingqiu? A Comprehensive Comparison
The question of whether Yelan is better than Xingqiu is a hotly debated topic within the Genshin Impact community. The short answer is: it depends on the context, but generally, Yelan edges out Xingqiu in terms of raw damage potential, while Xingqiu holds an advantage in specific team compositions and utility. Both are exceptional Hydro sub-DPS characters, and understanding their nuances is crucial for optimizing your team. This article provides a deep dive into their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you determine which character is “better” for your needs.
Yelan vs. Xingqiu: A Detailed Analysis
Damage Output
Yelan is designed to be a powerful off-field damage dealer. Her Elemental Burst unleashes coordinated attacks that scale with her Max HP, and her unique passive increases the damage of the on-field character over time. These traits allow her to contribute a significant amount of consistent damage alongside the main DPS.
Xingqiu, on the other hand, has a more modest damage output. While his Elemental Burst is still capable of dishing out solid Hydro damage, it doesn’t typically match the sheer numbers Yelan can produce. He also doesn’t possess the same “Mini Mona Buff” passive for direct damage amplification. Therefore, in terms of pure damage, Yelan has a clear edge.
Hydro Application
Xingqiu is renowned for his consistent and reliable Hydro application, particularly with the use of his Sacrificial Sword. His Rain Swords orbit the active character, applying Hydro with each Normal Attack, making him perfect for enabling reactions like Vaporize and Hyperbloom. This steady application is his most prominent strength.
Yelan’s Hydro application is slightly less frequent than Xingqiu’s. While her burst does apply Hydro with her coordinated attacks, it is not as seamless and continuous as Xingqiu’s. Her Elemental Skill, while excellent for quickly tagging enemies, doesn’t provide the same sustained application required for consistent reactions. For teams requiring consistent application, especially on single targets, Xingqiu often has the advantage.
Utility and Survivability
Here, the pendulum swings in favor of Xingqiu. His Rain Swords provide damage reduction and minor healing, enhancing the team’s survivability. This defensive utility is invaluable in situations where consistent damage mitigation is needed. He also provides a slight interuption resistance.
Yelan lacks the defensive capabilities that Xingqiu offers. She is purely an offensive unit with little to no healing or damage mitigation. This means teams relying on Yelan may need to compensate with other survivability options, such as dedicated healers or shielders. Therefore, Xingqiu provides better overall utility in this regard.
Team Synergies
Yelan shines in teams focused on increasing overall DPS. Her scaling with HP makes her relatively independent of ATK stats and her passive is especially effective in compositions with prolonged field time. Teams that benefit from her increased damage output include those that use characters who rely on Normal Attacks or multiple instances of damage, like Hu Tao against groups of enemies and Yoimiya.
Xingqiu excels in teams that rely on consistent Hydro application for reactions, such as Vaporize teams with Diluc or Hu Tao, as well as Hyperbloom teams. His reliable and steady application makes him ideal for triggering these crucial reactions consistently.
Specific Scenarios
- Against bosses (single targets): Xingqiu often performs better due to his consistent Hydro application.
- Against groups of enemies: Yelan’s AoE damage and increased damage passive excel in these situations, but in Hyperbloom Xingqiu’s consistency is better.
- For Vaporize teams: Xingqiu is a strong choice, but Yelan is increasingly becoming a viable alternative especially for AoE.
- For Hyperbloom teams: Both are viable, but Xingqiu tends to be more consistent when he is the only Hydro character. Yelan can often use another Hydro unit alongside her for maximum impact.
- For Raiden National: Yelan can often replace Xingqiu offering slightly higher DPS overall but can struggle with Hydro application at times.
- For teams lacking survivability: Xingqiu’s defensive utility is invaluable.
Conclusion
While Yelan brings more raw damage potential to the table, Xingqiu provides vital consistency in Hydro application and some defensive utility. Choosing between the two depends on your specific team composition and the challenges you face.
- Choose Yelan if: You need an off-field damage powerhouse and have ways of healing/shielding the active character, if they are needed, or are not worried about survivability.
- Choose Xingqiu if: You need consistent Hydro application for reactions and/or you require the slight damage reduction and healing that he offers.
In many cases, you do not have to choose! Pairing Yelan and Xingqiu together can create a synergistic core that will offer tons of hydro application and damage. Neither character is strictly “better” than the other. It’s all about leveraging their unique strengths to maximize team performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Yelan completely replace Xingqiu in all teams?
While Yelan is a powerful alternative, she cannot completely replace Xingqiu in all teams. Xingqiu’s consistent application and damage reduction still make him preferred in certain team compositions.
2. Does Yelan do more damage than Xingqiu?
Generally, yes. Yelan’s damage potential is higher due to her higher base damage, her damage increasing passive and her scaling with HP.
3. Is Xingqiu’s healing significant?
No, Xingqiu’s healing is relatively minor. It’s not enough to replace a dedicated healer. His value lies more in his damage reduction and Hydro application.
4. Which character is better for Hu Tao, Yelan or Xingqiu?
Both are great options. Xingqiu is more consistent on single targets, while Yelan is better on groups of enemies. However, they work amazingly when used together.
5. Is Yelan good in Hyperbloom teams?
Yes, Yelan is good in Hyperbloom teams, but may need another Hydro character alongside her for consistent application. Xingqiu has a slight advantage due to his consistent Hydro application.
6. Can Yelan be a good main DPS?
Yelan is primarily an off-field DPS. While she can deal decent damage, other characters are better suited for the main DPS role.
7. What are the best weapons for Yelan?
Yelan’s best weapons include Aqua Simulacra, Polar Star, and Favonius Warbow. Weapons focused on CRIT Rate/DMG, Energy Recharge, and HP are generally ideal.
8. What are the best weapons for Xingqiu?
Xingqiu’s best weapon is the Sacrificial Sword. This allows him to use his Elemental Skill more often, ensuring more consistent energy generation and Hydro application.
9. Is Xingqiu a “must-have” character?
Xingqiu is widely considered a top-tier 4-star character, particularly for teams that require Hydro application. He is an extremely valuable character, but not a strict “must-have”.
10. Are Xingqiu’s constellations important?
Yes, Xingqiu’s constellations are extremely valuable. Constellation 2 (C2) is a significant upgrade to his damage output and Hydro application.
11. Is Yelan a 5-star version of Xingqiu?
While they share similarities, Yelan is not a direct 5-star version of Xingqiu. They each have distinct strengths and playstyles, despite similar roles.
12. Can Yelan and Xingqiu be used together?
Absolutely! Pairing Yelan and Xingqiu can create a potent Hydro core for teams relying on reactions, giving tons of off-field damage and hydro application.
13. What are the key stats for Yelan?
Yelan’s key stats are HP%, Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage. HP increases damage, and Energy Recharge ensures her Burst is always available.
14. What are the key stats for Xingqiu?
Xingqiu’s key stats are Energy Recharge, ATK%, CRIT Rate, and CRIT Damage. Energy Recharge is crucial for consistent Burst uptime.
15. Who is the best Hydro applicator in Genshin Impact?
Xingqiu is widely considered the best single target Hydro applicator. For AoE, other characters can apply Hydro more effectively. However, for consistent application, he still maintains the top spot.