Unmasking the Yaksha’s Power: Understanding Xiao’s Damage Scaling in Genshin Impact
Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, is a formidable Anemo DPS character in Genshin Impact, known for his devastating plunge attacks during his Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil. Understanding what fuels his damage output is crucial for maximizing his potential and building him effectively. In essence, Xiao’s damage primarily scales off ATK, CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and DMG Bonus. These are the foundational pillars upon which his ability to obliterate enemies rests. Let’s delve deeper into each of these scaling factors and how they interact.
Decoding Xiao’s Damage Sources
Attack (ATK)
ATK is the most straightforward contributor to Xiao’s damage. His talent multipliers are directly based on his ATK stat, meaning a higher ATK value translates directly into more damage with each attack, especially during his Elemental Burst. Equipping weapons like the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, which boasts a high base ATK and a passive that further increases ATK, is a popular choice for Xiao mains. While other stats may be more relatively important, ATK is what his damage calculations are fundamentally based off of.
CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG
CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG are vital for increasing the average damage output of any DPS character, and Xiao is no exception. A higher CRIT Rate ensures that more of his attacks deal critical hits, while a higher CRIT DMG increases the damage multiplier of those critical hits. The generally accepted target for Xiao is around 70% CRIT Rate to ensure consistent critical hits, coupled with as much CRIT DMG as possible, ideally maintaining a 1:2 ratio between the two. This balance maximizes damage output and consistency.
Damage Bonus
DMG Bonus is a multiplicative stat that increases the damage dealt by specific types of attacks. For Xiao, this mainly refers to Anemo DMG Bonus and Plunge Attack DMG Bonus. While Anemo DMG Bonus from artifacts like goblets is generally beneficial, Xiao’s unique burst mechanics sometimes favor an ATK% goblet, especially if you already have substantial DMG Bonus from other sources. This is due to the way his burst inherently increases his damage output, making additional DMG Bonus less impactful relatively. It becomes situational and dependent on other stats.
Talent Levels
It’s easy to forget the impact of talent levels, but raising Xiao’s talent levels is a direct path to increased damage scaling. Focus first on his normal attack talent (which dictates his plunge attack damage during his burst), followed by his burst talent. His elemental skill provides energy and some minor damage and should be leveled last. Each talent level increases the multiplier applied to his damage based on your ATK stat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xiao’s Damage
1. What is a good CRIT ratio for Xiao?
The ideal CRIT ratio for Xiao is around 70% CRIT Rate and 140% CRIT DMG or higher. This adheres to the 1:2 ratio principle, maximizing the consistency and impact of his critical hits. Aim for a ratio as close as possible to this recommendation.
2. Does Xiao need Energy Recharge?
While Energy Recharge (ER) doesn’t directly increase Xiao’s damage, it’s crucial for maintaining his burst uptime. Aim for 20-40% ER from substats to ensure you can consistently activate Bane of All Evil. Team composition and weapon choices can influence the amount of ER needed.
3. Is an ATK goblet or Anemo DMG goblet better for Xiao?
Generally, an Anemo DMG goblet is preferred, but in some cases, an ATK% goblet can be more beneficial. This is particularly true if you already have a significant amount of DMG Bonus from other sources, like weapon passives or team buffs. Experiment and use a damage calculator to see which one yields better results for your specific build.
4. What artifact sets are best for Xiao?
The best artifact sets for Xiao are 2-piece Vermillion Hereafter and 2-piece ATK% or 2-piece Viridescent Venerer and 2-piece ATK%. A full set of Vermillion Hereafter can also be highly effective. The 2-piece bonuses from these sets provide a substantial ATK boost, further amplifying his damage. The four-piece set effect of Vermillion Hereafter can also be very strong, but is very demanding on ER.
5. What are Xiao’s best weapons?
Xiao’s best weapons include Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, Staff of Homa, and Calamity Queller. For F2P options, Blackcliff Pole and Deathmatch (from the Battle Pass) are solid choices. The Lithic Spear is a strong contender if you use a team with three or four characters from Liyue.
6. How much ATK should Xiao have?
A good ATK value for Xiao is around 2,000 or higher. This can be achieved through weapon choices, artifact main stats, and substats. Keep in mind that ATK is just one piece of the puzzle, and a balanced build with a good CRIT ratio is essential.
7. Does Xiao’s C1 (Constellation 1) increase his damage significantly?
Xiao’s C1 provides an extra charge of his Elemental Skill, which is more beneficial for energy generation and mobility than direct damage increase. While it can contribute to slightly more damage over time, it’s primarily a quality-of-life improvement.
8. What is Xiao’s playstyle?
Xiao’s playstyle revolves around using his Elemental Burst to repeatedly perform plunge attacks. Position yourself carefully to hit multiple enemies with each plunge, maximizing the damage output during the burst duration.
9. How does Faruzan affect Xiao’s damage?
Faruzan is an excellent support for Xiao, providing Anemo DMG Bonus, Anemo RES shred, and CRIT DMG Bonus at C6. Her abilities significantly boost Xiao’s overall damage output, making her a valuable addition to his team.
10. Is Xiao a selfish DPS?
Yes, Xiao is considered a selfish DPS because he requires a significant amount of field time during his Elemental Burst. His burst ends when he leaves the field, so he needs a dedicated team to support his damage output.
11. What are some good team compositions for Xiao?
Effective team compositions for Xiao often include a battery (like Jean or Sucrose) to help with energy generation, a shield provider (like Zhongli or Layla) for survivability, and a support character (like Bennett or Faruzan) to further increase his damage.
12. How does Geo Resonance affect Xiao’s damage?
Geo Resonance (Zhongli and another Geo character) can increase Xiao’s damage by providing a shield that reduces enemy resistance and increases damage dealt when protected by a shield. This is a popular choice for players prioritizing survivability and damage amplification.
13. At what talent level should I crown Xiao’s talents?
If you plan on crowning any of Xiao’s talents, it’s most beneficial to crown his normal attack talent first (which increases his plunge attack damage during his burst) as it provides the most significant damage increase. Next, you should crown his elemental burst.
14. How important is Xiao’s Elemental Skill?
Xiao’s Elemental Skill is important primarily for energy generation and some mobility. While it does deal damage, its main purpose is to replenish his energy and allow him to activate his Elemental Burst more frequently.
15. Where can I learn more about game mechanics and strategy?
Exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ can offer broader insights into game design principles and strategic thinking applicable across various games. Understanding the underlying mechanics can greatly enhance your approach to optimizing characters like Xiao.
By understanding these scaling factors and frequently asked questions, you can build Xiao into a truly formidable force on the battlefield. Remember, experimentation and optimization are key to unlocking his full potential.