Unleash Xingqiu’s Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Prioritization
So, you’ve got Xingqiu, the charming bookworm and powerful Hydro support from Genshin Impact. But where do you begin? What do you prioritize to transform him from a decent character into a game-changing asset? The answer, in short, is Elemental Burst > Energy Recharge > Constellations (especially C2 and C6) > Elemental Skill > Sacrificial Sword > Emblem of Severed Fate. However, let’s delve deeper and unpack these priorities, making sure your Xingqiu is ready to rain swords of Hydro destruction on your enemies.
Prioritizing Xingqiu: A Step-by-Step Approach
Elemental Burst: Raincutter – The Cornerstone of His Power
Xingqiu’s Elemental Burst, Raincutter, is the absolute core of his kit. It’s what makes him an S-tier support. Prioritize leveling this talent above all else. The hydro application it provides is consistent and off-field, enabling reactions like Vaporize and Electro-Charged. The more you invest in Raincutter, the more damage your on-field DPS will deal. It truly makes or breaks your damage potential.
Energy Recharge: Keeping the Rain Coming
A potent Burst is useless if you can’t cast it. Energy Recharge (ER) is paramount for Xingqiu. Aim for at least 170% ER with Sacrificial Sword and 240% ER without. This ensures your Raincutter is ready to go off cooldown, maximizing his hydro application uptime. Substats on your artifacts and weapon choice should heavily focus on Energy Recharge to meet these requirements.
Constellations: Boosting Hydro Mayhem
Xingqiu’s constellations are incredibly valuable, making him even more dominant in the game.
- C1: The Scent Remained – Rain Sword number increases to 4 which further boosts resistance to interruption.
- C2: Rainbow Upon the Azure Sky – Extends the duration of Raincutter by 3 seconds, and decreases Hydro RES of opponents hit by sword rain attacks by 15% for 4 seconds.
- C6: Weaver of Verses – During Raincutter’s duration, every 2 sword rain attacks will greatly enhance the third sword rain attack. On hit, the third sword rain also regenerates 3 Energy for Xingqiu.
C2 and C6 are game-changers. C2 provides a significant Hydro RES debuff, and C6 massively improves his energy generation and Hydro application, allowing him to consistently spam his Elemental Burst.
Elemental Skill: Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen – A Secondary Focus
While his Elemental Burst is his bread and butter, Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, shouldn’t be ignored. It deals considerable damage and provides some damage reduction and interruption resistance through the Rain Swords. Leveling this after your Burst will contribute to his overall damage output and utility. It is a solid talent and worthy of investment.
Weapon: Sacrificial Sword – The Perfect Synergy
The Sacrificial Sword is generally considered Xingqiu’s best 4-star weapon. Its passive ability allows you to reset the cooldown of his Elemental Skill, generating more energy and applying more Hydro. This provides much-needed energy generation and Hydro application. If you have access to a 5-star weapon like Primordial Jade Cutter or Skyward Blade, they can also be excellent options depending on your needs. The stats from Primordial Jade Cutter fit him perfectly. Skyward Blade is an all-around weapon that can cater to any of his strengths.
Artifacts: Emblem of Severed Fate – Unleashing the Burst
The Emblem of Severed Fate artifact set is Xingqiu’s best-in-slot. The 2-piece bonus grants +20% Energy Recharge, and the 4-piece bonus increases Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of Energy Recharge, up to a maximum of 75%. This synergizes perfectly with his kit, amplifying his Burst damage while ensuring he can reliably cast it. If Energy Recharge is too low, 4-piece Noblesse Oblige is a viable alternative but only if no one else on the team is running it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xingqiu
1. Is Xingqiu better than Yelan?
This depends on the situation. Xingqiu generally has better Hydro application, while Yelan offers a damage buff to the active character. If you need consistent Hydro application for reactions like Vaporize (e.g., with Hu Tao), Xingqiu is preferred. However, for most other scenarios, Yelan’s damage buff and versatile kit make her the stronger choice.
2. Should I use Xiangling or Xingqiu?
These characters serve different roles and often work best together. Xiangling is a Pyro DPS, while Xingqiu is a Hydro support. They are commonly used together in teams like the “National Team” (Xiangling, Xingqiu, Bennett, and a flex DPS). Building both is highly recommended, as they are powerful and versatile.
3. Why is Xingqiu so popular?
Xingqiu’s popularity stems from his consistent, off-field Hydro application, making him an excellent enabler for reactions like Vaporize, Electro-Charged, and Freeze. His damage reduction and interruption resistance further enhance his utility. His general flexibility is also a very big factor.
4. Is it worth getting Xingqiu to level 90?
Generally, no. Xingqiu benefits more from leveling his talents and maximizing his Energy Recharge. Leveling him to 80/90 is sufficient. Bennett benefits much more from being at level 90 due to his base ATK scaling for his buff.
5. Are Xingqiu’s Constellations worth it?
Absolutely! Xingqiu’s Constellations, particularly C2 and C6, are highly valuable. C2 extends the duration of his Burst and reduces enemy Hydro RES, while C6 significantly improves his energy generation and Hydro application.
6. Should Xingqiu use Sacrificial Sword or Primordial Jade Cutter?
Sacrificial Sword is often the better choice for its energy generation capabilities, ensuring Xingqiu can consistently use his Burst. Primordial Jade Cutter provides excellent stats, but Energy Recharge should be the priority.
7. What is the best 3-star sword for Xingqiu?
The 3-star sword does not matter as much because Xingqiu benefits greatly from a weapon with Energy Recharge so the Sacrificial Sword is still much better.
8. Does Xingqiu make you wet?
In-game, both Barbara and Xingqiu apply the “Wet” status to enemies, allowing for Hydro reactions. However, their Hydro application rate is not as fast as characters who constantly attack with other elements.
9. Is C6 Xingqiu better than Yelan?
C6 Xingqiu is still a strong competitor, but it’s situational. C6 Xingqiu provides superior Hydro application, while Yelan offers a significant damage buff. Choose based on your team’s needs. If you need the Hydro application, then Xingqiu wins. If you need the buff, then Yelan is your character.
10. Is Fischl or Xingqiu better?
Again, this depends on the team composition. Xingqiu excels in Vaporize teams, enabling Pyro DPS characters like Diluc and Hu Tao. Fischl is strong in Electro-Charged teams, providing consistent off-field Electro damage.
11. Is Xingqiu or Bennet better?
These characters have very different roles. Xingqiu is a Hydro support, while Bennett is a Pyro support and healer. Bennett is generally more versatile, providing both healing and a significant ATK buff. Bennett is generally the better option.
12. Who is stronger, Barbara or Xingqiu?
Xingqiu is a stronger offensive support, while Barbara is a better healer. Xingqiu provides Hydro application for reactions and damage reduction, while Barbara offers healing and Hydro application.
13. What is the best free sword for Xingqiu?
The Sacrificial Sword is the best free-to-play option, thanks to its passive ability that resets the cooldown of his Elemental Skill, enhancing energy generation.
14. How many Energy Recharge does Xingqiu need?
Aim for 170% with Sacrificial Sword, and 240% without. However, these values may vary depending on your team composition and the enemies you’re facing. Consistency and uptime on your Burst are key.
15. What do Xingqiu’s swords scale off of?
When the active character normal attacks with an aura around them, their attacks will trigger additional hydro attacks that scale off of Xingqiu’s attributes.
Bonus Tip: Xingqiu and Education
Did you know that games like Genshin Impact can be valuable tools for learning and education? The Games Learning Society, also known as GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games and education, providing resources and research on how games can enhance learning outcomes. Check out the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more insights.