Unmasking the Vigilant Yaksha’s Banner: A Deep Dive into Xiao’s Availability in Genshin Impact

The Xiao banner in Genshin Impact is officially called “Invitation to Mundane Life.” This banner features the reclusive Anemo Adepti, Xiao, as its featured 5-Star character. Like all character event banners, it also includes 4-Star characters with boosted drop rates, giving players a better chance to acquire them alongside the coveted Yaksha.

Decoding the “Invitation to Mundane Life”

The name of Xiao’s banner, “Invitation to Mundane Life,” is quite poignant, considering Xiao’s lore. As a Yaksha, he’s burdened by the karmic debt of battling the remnants of fallen gods. His existence is far from “mundane,” filled with suffering and responsibility. The banner title, therefore, represents a desire or a hope for a life free from these burdens, perhaps even a chance to experience the simple joys that ordinary humans enjoy. It’s a beautifully ironic title that adds depth to Xiao’s character and his yearning for peace.

Banner Mechanics & Wish System

Understanding the wish system is crucial for any Genshin Impact player, especially when targeting a specific character like Xiao. The game utilizes a gacha system, where players spend in-game currency (Primogems) to perform “wishes” on banners. Each wish has a random outcome, with varying probabilities for different rarities of characters and weapons.

• 5-Star Character Rate: The base rate for obtaining a 5-star character is relatively low, sitting at 0.6%.
• Pity System: To ensure players eventually receive a 5-star, Genshin Impact employs a “pity system.” After 90 wishes without obtaining a 5-star, the next wish is guaranteed to be a 5-star character or weapon. This is known as hard pity. There’s also soft pity, which allegedly increases the odds slightly before reaching hard pity.
• Rate-Up Character: When a character event banner like “Invitation to Mundane Life” is active, there’s a 50% chance that the first 5-star character obtained will be the featured character (in this case, Xiao). If you fail to get Xiao on your first 5-star pull on his banner, the next 5-star character you pull on that same banner is guaranteed to be him. This is known as guaranteed pity.

Optimizing Your Wishes

Planning is key when wishing for a specific character. Save up Primogems, consider purchasing Genesis Crystals (which can be converted to Primogems), and track your pity count. Knowing where you are in your pity cycle can help you decide whether to spend your resources on a particular banner. Remember to manage your spending responsibly!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xiao

Here are some frequently asked questions about Xiao and his banner availability, offering more comprehensive information for players:

1. Is Xiao getting a rerun in 2024?

   As of late 2024, there’s no official announcement for a Xiao rerun. miHoYo (now HoYoverse) typically announces upcoming banners a few weeks in advance, so stay tuned to official Genshin Impact channels for updates. Based on past patterns, Xiao reruns happen approximately once per year.

2. When did Xiao first come out?

   Xiao originally debuted in Genshin Impact on February 3rd, 2021.

3. How rare is Xiao?

   Xiao is a 5-star character, making him inherently rare. Acquiring him requires utilizing the game’s wish system and relying on chance (with the help of the pity system).

4. What color is Xiao’s hair?

   Xiao has green/dark hair and yellow eyes.

5. What is Xiao’s full name?

   Xiao’s true name is Alatus. He’s unlikely to reveal this to many humans.

6. Is 180 wishes enough to get Xiao?

   Potentially, yes. 180 wishes should be enough to guarantee one 5-star character due to the pity system (90 wishes for hard pity). If you lose the 50/50, you’ll need another 90 wishes for the guaranteed Xiao. So it may take up to 180 wishes to guarantee Xiao if you don’t win the 50/50 on the first try.

7. Is today Xiao’s birthday?

   Xiao’s birthday is on April 17th.

8. How many banners has Xiao had?

   As of late 2024, Xiao has had four banners available.

9. Why is Xiao so short (lore-wise)?

   While not definitively confirmed, a common theory suggests that the abuse and torture Xiao endured while enslaved by a god stunted his growth.

10. Is Xiao’s real name Xiao?

    No. Xiao is the name given to him by Morax (Zhongli). His true name is Alatus.

11. Who is Xiao closest to?

    In terms of the Archons, Xiao is closest to Morax (Zhongli), as Zhongli freed Xiao from the control of an evil god and gave him his current name.

12. Who should I pair with Xiao in a team?

    Popular team members for Xiao include Zhongli (for shielding and resistance shred), Bennett (for healing and attack buff), Jean (for healing and energy generation), and Faruzan (for Anemo damage buff at C6).

13. What is Xiao scared of?

    Xiao’s lore suggests he’s afraid of being forgotten and abandoned, reflecting his deep connection to Liyue and his responsibility to protect it.

14. Is Xiao a bird?

    The mythological creature “Xiao” can resemble either an ape or a bird. However, in Genshin Impact, Xiao is not a bird. He’s an Adeptus, a type of illuminated beast, and a Yaksha tasked with vanquishing evil.

15. Is Xiao in love with Aether?

    While there’s no explicitly stated romantic relationship between Xiao and Aether, some players interpret certain in-game events and dialogue as hints of affection or a deep connection. The interpretation is subjective and remains a point of debate within the community.

Beyond the Banner: Exploring Xiao’s Character

Xiao is more than just a powerful DPS character; he’s a complex and tragic figure deeply rooted in the lore of Genshin Impact. His backstory, his struggles with karmic debt, and his desire for peace make him one of the most compelling characters in the game. Understanding his lore enhances the appreciation for his character and the significance of his banner, the “Invitation to Mundane Life.”

Delving Deeper into Genshin Impact Lore

Genshin Impact’s rich lore continues to captivate players. If you’re interested in the academic study of games and learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games, education, and research. This is a great resource for teachers, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about the positive and negative impacts of gaming!