Unleash Xiao’s True Potential: A Talent Priority Guide

So, you’ve pulled the Vigilant Yaksha, Xiao, and now you’re staring at his talent screen, wondering where to invest your precious talent books and Mora. Fear not, aspiring Conqueror of Demons! The answer is clear: prioritize leveling Xiao’s Normal Attack (Whirlwind Thrust) first.

While his Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil, is the flashiest part of his kit, and his Elemental Skill, Lemniscatic Wind Cycling, provides valuable mobility and Energy Recharge, it’s the Normal Attack that forms the bedrock of his damage during his Burst state. Leveling Whirlwind Thrust directly increases the damage of his Plunging Attacks, which are the bread and butter of Xiao’s DPS. His Elemental Burst enhances his attack and converts damage to Anemo, meaning normal attacks should be your priority.

Think of it this way: the Burst is the engine, but the Normal Attack talent is the fuel. A powerful engine is useless without high-quality fuel to burn.

Talent Leveling Order:

1. Normal Attack (Whirlwind Thrust): Maximize this first! This talent directly scales the damage of his plunge attacks, which is where most of Xiao’s damage comes from.
2. Elemental Burst (Bane of All Evil): Level this next. It increases the damage bonus and attack bonus Xiao receives during his burst. Aim for at least level 8, and ideally, crowned at level 10.
3. Elemental Skill (Lemniscatic Wind Cycling): Level this last. It’s primarily for energy generation and a bit of extra damage. You can leave it at level 6-8 without significantly impacting Xiao’s overall performance.

Prioritizing his Normal Attack over his Burst might seem counterintuitive, but it provides a more significant damage boost overall, especially since you’ll be spending most of his Burst duration spamming Plunging Attacks. His Elemental Skill is important but its damage scaling is less than the other two.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What stats should I focus on for Xiao?

Xiao is a relatively straightforward damage dealer whose damage scales primarily from ATK, CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and Anemo DMG Bonus. Aim for a healthy balance of these stats. Prioritize Crit Rate to ensure consistent damage output.

2. How much Crit Rate and Crit DMG should Xiao have?

Aim for a minimum of 70% Crit Rate and a 140% Crit DMG. Ideally, you want a 1:2 Crit Rate to Crit DMG ratio. Once you have 70% Crit Rate, focus on increasing your Crit DMG. You can slowly increase Crit Rate if you wish to go past 70%.

3. Is Crit Rate or Crit DMG more important for Xiao?

Crit Rate is more important initially. Consistent critical hits are better than infrequent massive hits. Once you reach a comfortable Crit Rate (70% and above), shift your focus to increasing Crit DMG.

4. What artifacts are best for Xiao?

• 2-Piece Viridescent Venerer + 2-Piece ATK% Set (Gladiator’s Finale, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence, Echoes of an Offering): This is the most consistent and reliable option, providing a balanced mix of Anemo DMG Bonus and ATK.
• 4-Piece Vermillion Hereafter: This set is Xiao’s dedicated set and provides a significant ATK boost during his Burst. It’s the best option in terms of damage potential but requires maintaining full stacks.
• 4-Piece Viridescent Venerer: Only useful in specific team compositions where Xiao is paired with another Anemo character to swirl and reduce enemy resistance.

5. What artifact main stats and substats should I prioritize?

• Sands: ATK%
• Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus
• Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG (depending on your needs)
• Substats: Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, Energy Recharge (if needed)

6. What weapons are best for Xiao?

• Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: Xiao’s signature weapon and BiS (Best in Slot). The stacking ATK bonus synergizes perfectly with his kit.
• Staff of Homa: An excellent alternative, providing a significant Crit DMG boost and ATK bonus based on HP.
• Blackcliff Pole: A strong F2P option obtainable from the Paimon’s Bargains shop.
• Deathmatch: A Battle Pass weapon that offers a decent Crit Rate boost and ATK bonus.
• Favonius Lance: Useful for energy recharge if you’re struggling with getting his burst up.

7. Is Xiao F2P friendly?

Yes, Xiao is relatively F2P friendly. He performs well even at C0 (no Constellations). His Constellations don’t drastically alter his core gameplay, making him accessible to players who don’t wish to spend money on the game.

8. How can I make my Xiao stronger as an F2P player?

• Focus on optimizing his artifacts. Farm for good pieces with the right main stats and substats.
• Utilize F2P weapon options like Blackcliff Pole or Favonius Lance.
• Level up his talents according to the priority mentioned above.
• Build a strong team composition that supports Xiao’s damage output.

9. What are some good team compositions for Xiao?

• Xiao, Faruzan, Bennett, Flex: This is a standard and effective team. Faruzan provides Anemo DMG Bonus and RES Shred, Bennett provides ATK buff and healing, and the flex slot can be a shielder like Zhongli or another sub DPS.
• Xiao, Jean, Bennett, Flex: Jean can act as both a healer and battery for Xiao, providing Anemo Energy and healing.
• Xiao, Sucrose, Fischl, Diona: Sucrose provides Anemo DMG Bonus and battery potential, Fischl provides off-field Electro application and energy, and Diona provides shielding and healing.

10. Does Xiao need Energy Recharge?

Yes, Xiao needs Energy Recharge to consistently use his Elemental Burst. The exact amount needed depends on your team composition and weapon, but aim for around 120-140% Energy Recharge.

11. How do I stop Xiao from losing HP during his Burst?

Xiao constantly loses HP during his Burst, so it’s crucial to have a reliable healer in your team. Bennett and Jean are excellent choices. Zhongli also provides a shield to mitigate damage.

12. Is C1 Xiao worth it?

C1 Xiao is not a priority. It provides an extra charge of his Elemental Skill, but this doesn’t significantly increase his damage output. His other constellations aren’t a major change either.

13. Is Xiao better than other Anemo DPS characters?

Xiao has been one of the only Main Anemo DPS for quite some time. All Anemo DPS characters have unique advantages and playstyles. The choice depends on your personal preference and team composition.

14. Does Xiao need Anemo DMG Bonus?

Yes, Anemo DMG Bonus is essential for Xiao. It directly increases the damage of his Anemo-infused Plunging Attacks during his Burst. Obtain it through artifact main stats and team buffs.

15. How does Games Learning Society relate to playing Genshin Impact?

While Genshin Impact is primarily an entertainment product, it offers many opportunities for learning and skill development. Strategies for success in the game require critical thinking, problem-solving, resource management, and collaborative teamwork. Educational theories around game design, and the impact of games on learning, are regularly discussed at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.