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Unmasking Xiao’s Ultimate Weapon: The Definitive Polearm Guide

The best spear for Xiao in Genshin Impact is undoubtedly the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. This 5-star polearm is practically tailor-made for him, offering a potent blend of ATK and CRIT Rate, perfectly complementing his plunge-attack-focused playstyle. While other options exist, none quite reach the synergistic heights of the Jade Winged-Spear.

Diving Deep: Xiao’s Weapon Arsenal

While the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear reigns supreme, understanding the broader landscape of polearm choices for Xiao allows for informed decision-making, especially when constrained by availability or resource limitations. Let’s explore the best options, starting with the coveted 5-star weapons and then delving into viable 4-star alternatives.

The Pinnacle: 5-Star Polearms

Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: This is Xiao’s signature weapon for a reason. Its high base attack and substantial CRIT Rate substat are invaluable. The passive ability further boosts ATK upon hitting an enemy, stacking up to seven times. This synergizes beautifully with Xiao’s burst mode, turning him into an unrelenting whirlwind of plunging attacks. It significantly enhances Xiao’s Crit Rate and provides damage boost.
Staff of Homa: While not explicitly designed for Xiao, the Staff of Homa is a powerhouse polearm suitable for many characters. Its CRIT DMG substat is highly desirable, and the passive ability that increases HP and provides an ATK bonus based on max HP is beneficial, though somewhat less impactful on Xiao compared to characters like Hu Tao. When Xiao’s HP is below 50%, the ATK bonus gets even bigger, but playing him at low HP is risky.
Vortex Vanquisher: This polearm focuses on ATK. Its passive increases Shield Strength and ATK, with further ATK bonuses stacking on hit. While a solid weapon, its reliance on shields makes it less universally applicable to Xiao teams unless you consistently run a shielder like Zhongli.

The Workhorses: 4-Star Polearms

Blackcliff Pole: This polearm can be obtained from the Paimon’s Bargains shop. Its CRIT DMG substat provides substantial damage output. The passive ability that grants ATK after defeating an enemy is helpful in situations with multiple enemies.
Deathmatch: Obtainable through the Battle Pass, Deathmatch offers a CRIT Rate substat, similar to Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, making it a reliable option. The passive ability grants ATK and DEF based on the number of nearby enemies, offering some offensive and defensive utility.
Lithic Spear: This is a conditional, but potentially powerful, option. The passive ability grants ATK and CRIT Rate for each Liyue character in the party. At four Liyue characters, it can rival 5-star options. However, team building restrictions make it less flexible.
Missive Windspear: A limited-time event weapon. The passive can potentially last all of Xiao’s Burst duration. This is a decent weapon due to its substat and passive giving ATK%.
Royal Spear: The Royal Spear can be good on Xiao, but only if you are lacking in CRIT Rate. In every other case, it is better to go for a Blackcliff Pole as it not only provides CRIT DMG, but also ATK after enemies are killed.

F2P Options: A Budget-Conscious Approach

Prototype Starglitter: A craftable weapon that increases Elemental Skill and Burst DMG after using an Elemental Skill.
White Tassel: This 3-star polearm has a CRIT Rate substat, making it surprisingly useful in the early game. It’s easily obtainable, making it a convenient starting point before acquiring better options.

The Importance of Artifacts

Regardless of the chosen polearm, remember that artifacts play a crucial role in optimizing Xiao’s damage output. The ideal artifact set is the 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter, which significantly boosts ATK after using an Elemental Burst. Aim for artifacts with CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and ATK substats to maximize your damage.

Fine-Tuning Your Approach

The “best” weapon extends beyond raw stats. Consider these factors when making your choice:

Playstyle: A weapon with a Crit Rate substat, such as Primordial Jade Winged-Spear or Deathmatch, is excellent if you need help balancing your stats.
Team Composition: If your team has multiple Liyue characters, the Lithic Spear becomes more appealing.
Availability: Gacha luck plays a role! Work with the weapons you have available and prioritize those that complement Xiao’s stats and passive abilities.

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FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions

1. What stat should I prioritize on Xiao?

Prioritize CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and ATK. Aim for a CRIT Rate of at least 70% and maintain a 1:2 ratio between CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG.

2. Is Xiao good without his signature weapon?

Yes! While the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is optimal, Xiao can still be a potent DPS with other 5-star or well-chosen 4-star polearms.

3. What artifact set is best for Xiao?

The 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter set is generally considered the best for Xiao, providing significant ATK boosts during his burst.

4. Is the Blackcliff Pole a good F2P option for Xiao?

Yes, the Blackcliff Pole is a solid F2P option due to its CRIT DMG substat.

5. Is the Deathmatch polearm worth getting for Xiao?

Yes, if you’re willing to invest in the Battle Pass, the Deathmatch is a reliable option with a CRIT Rate substat.

6. How important is energy recharge for Xiao?

Energy Recharge is important, as Xiao relies on his Elemental Burst for damage. Aim for around 120-140% Energy Recharge, depending on your team composition.

7. Does Xiao need a battery character in his team?

Yes, Xiao benefits greatly from a battery character who can generate particles to help him recharge his Elemental Burst quickly. Sucrose, Jean, and Venti are good options.

8. Is Xiao better than Wanderer?

The choice between Xiao and Wanderer comes down to personal preference. Both are strong Anemo DPS characters with different playstyles (plunging attacks vs. charged attacks).

9. What is Xiao’s best team composition?

A common and effective team composition for Xiao includes a battery (Sucrose, Jean), a shielder (Zhongli, Layla), and a flex support (Bennett, Faruzan).

10. Does Xiao scale off HP?

No, Xiao does not scale off HP. His damage primarily scales off ATK, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG.

11. Which is better for Xiao: ATK% or Anemo DMG Bonus?

Anemo DMG Bonus is generally more beneficial than ATK% due to diminishing returns. Prioritize Anemo DMG Bonus on your goblet.

12. What are the best substats to look for on Xiao’s artifacts?

The best substats are CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge.

13. How does Faruzan affect Xiao’s performance?

Faruzan is an excellent support character for Xiao, significantly boosting his Anemo damage, especially at C6.

14. Is Xiao constellation worth it?

Xiao’s constellations mainly provide utility and quality-of-life improvements. His C6 offers a significant damage boost, but it’s not essential for him to be effective.

15. Is White Tassel a viable option for Xiao in the early game?

Yes, White Tassel is a surprisingly good option in the early game due to its CRIT Rate substat. It provides a helpful stat boost until better weapons become available.

What is the best spear for Xiao?