The Definitive Guide to Xiao’s Best Artifacts: Maximizing the Vigilant Yaksha’s Potential
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So, you want to know which artifacts are the best for Xiao? As a seasoned Genshin Impact veteran, I’ve seen countless builds come and go, but the core principles of optimizing this powerhouse remain surprisingly consistent. Let’s get straight to the point:
While the Vermillion Hereafter set is designed specifically with Xiao in mind, the best artifact set for Xiao ultimately depends on your specific circumstances, resin availability, and overall team composition. In many cases, a well-rounded 2-piece Viridescent Venerer / 2-piece ATK% set (such as Gladiator’s Finale, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence, or Echoes of an Offering) can perform remarkably well, especially if the substats are superior. If you’re willing to invest significant resin, Vermillion Hereafter can offer a slight damage increase when fully stacked, but the farming domain is notoriously inefficient for non-Xiao characters. Therefore, a 2VV/2ATK% is the more efficient and resin-friendly option, particularly for newer players or those with limited resources.
Understanding Xiao’s Needs: A Foundation for Artifact Selection
Before diving into specific artifact sets, it’s crucial to understand what Xiao truly needs to maximize his potential. He’s a selfish Main DPS who deals Anemo damage almost exclusively during his Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil. This burst converts his attacks into Anemo damage and significantly increases his jump height and attack range. However, it also drains his HP, making survivability a key concern.
Therefore, the primary stats you’ll be looking for on your artifacts are:
- Sands: ATK% (Energy Recharge if you struggle to keep his Burst up consistently)
- Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus
- Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG (prioritize whichever stat you need more to achieve a balanced ratio)
Substats are equally important:
- Crit Rate
- Crit DMG
- ATK%
- Energy Recharge (if needed)
The key is to achieve a healthy Crit Rate:Crit DMG ratio (ideally around 1:2, like 70% CR and 140% CDMG) and enough Energy Recharge (around 110-130%) to comfortably maintain his burst uptime.
Examining the Artifact Set Options: Pros and Cons
Let’s delve into the specifics of each artifact set and weigh their advantages and disadvantages for Xiao.
Vermillion Hereafter: Tailor-Made for Xiao, But Resin Intensive
This set is explicitly designed to amplify Xiao’s damage.
- 2-Piece Bonus: ATK +18%
- 4-Piece Bonus: After using an Elemental Burst, this character will gain a 8% ATK increase for 16s. When the character’s HP decreases, their ATK will further increase by 10%. This effect can stack up to 4 times. It can be triggered once every 0.8s. This set bonus can still be triggered even when the character is not on the field.
Pros: Potentially the highest damage ceiling for Xiao when the 4-piece effect is fully stacked. It is tailor-made for him, as he loses HP during his Burst and therefore can activate the bonus ATK stacks fairly easily.
Cons: Extremely resin-intensive to farm, as the associated domain (The Lost Valley) isn’t particularly efficient for other characters. The ATK% increase is triggered and maximized based on HP loss, so you may want to play a bit recklessly to reach those ATK bonuses. The difference in damage output is negligible compared to the alternatives if the substats aren’t optimal.
Viridescent Venerer: Versatile and Valuable, Especially with Swirl Teams
This set is a staple for Anemo characters, but its true value lies in its debuff capabilities.
- 2-Piece Bonus: Anemo DMG Bonus +15%
- 4-Piece Bonus: Increases Swirl DMG by 60%. Decreases opponent’s Elemental RES to the element infused in the Swirl by 40% for 10s.
Pros: The Anemo DMG Bonus directly boosts Xiao’s damage output. The 4-piece bonus is incredibly powerful for teams that rely on Swirl reactions, allowing Xiao to shred enemy resistance to a specific element. While Xiao himself doesn’t directly benefit from the Swirl damage bonus, his teammates’ damage will significantly increase when Swirl is consistently used.
Cons: The 4-piece bonus is only effective in teams where Swirl reactions are prevalent. It requires careful team composition and execution to maximize its effectiveness. It is less beneficial in pure Anemo teams.
2-Piece Viridescent Venerer / 2-Piece ATK%: The Balanced Approach
This is a popular and generally reliable option, especially if you have strong individual pieces.
- Combine 2 pieces of Viridescent Venerer (Anemo DMG Bonus +15%) with 2 pieces of Gladiator’s Finale, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence, or Echoes of an Offering (ATK +18%).
Pros: Easy to acquire through various domains and bosses. Provides a consistent boost to both Anemo damage and overall attack power. It is a good starting point. It is also a strong option for those who are not willing to farm Vermillion Hereafter. This option will provide consistent results.
Cons: Doesn’t offer the potential damage ceiling of a fully stacked Vermillion Hereafter or the debuff utility of a 4-piece Viridescent Venerer.
Other Options: Situational and Less Optimal
While the above are the primary choices, some niche builds can work in specific circumstances:
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4-Piece Gladiator’s Finale/Shimenawa’s Reminiscence/Echoes of an Offering: Provides a substantial ATK boost, but it lacks the Anemo DMG Bonus, making it generally less effective.
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4-Piece Desert Pavilion Chronicle: Provides anemo damage and charged attack damage increase which is not a playstyle that works well for Xiao.
These options are not generally recommended unless you have extremely exceptional substats.
Making the Right Choice: Considerations and Recommendations
Ultimately, the “best” artifact set for Xiao is the one that best suits your specific needs, resources, and playstyle.
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For players prioritizing maximum damage and willing to invest significant resin: Vermillion Hereafter (if you can obtain pieces with excellent substats)
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For players who need a versatile set that works well in Swirl-focused teams: 4-Piece Viridescent Venerer (requires a carefully constructed team)
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For players seeking a balanced and resin-efficient option: 2-Piece Viridescent Venerer / 2-Piece ATK%
Regardless of the set you choose, remember that substats are paramount. A well-rolled 2-piece Viridescent/2-piece ATK can easily outperform a poorly optimized Vermillion Hereafter.
And remember to consult resources like Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into maximizing your gaming potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xiao’s Artifacts
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Xiao’s artifact and builds to further address common confusions that arise:
1. Is Vermillion Hereafter always better than Viridescent Venerer for Xiao?
No, it depends. Vermillion Hereafter can be better for raw damage if you can stack its passive and have excellent substats. However, Viridescent Venerer’s 4-piece effect significantly benefits the team in Swirl compositions, making it sometimes the better choice overall.
2. What Crit Ratio should I aim for on Xiao?
A 1:2 Crit Rate to Crit DMG ratio is ideal. Aim for around 70% Crit Rate and 140% Crit DMG or higher.
3. How much Energy Recharge does Xiao need?
Typically, 110-130% Energy Recharge is sufficient, but this can vary depending on your team composition and how consistently you generate energy. The more batteries (characters that generate energy) in your party, the less ER Xiao needs.
4. Which is better for Xiao: ATK% Sands or Energy Recharge Sands?
Generally, ATK% Sands is preferred, unless you’re struggling to consistently use his Burst. If you frequently miss your burst because you have low energy, then ER Sands is ideal.
5. What is Xiao’s best weapon?
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is generally considered his best weapon due to its high base ATK and Crit Rate substat. Other excellent options include Staff of Homa, Calamity Queller, and Blackcliff Pole.
6. Can I use a 4-piece Shimenawa’s Reminiscence on Xiao?
While the 2-piece bonus is good, the 4-piece effect is counterproductive. Xiao needs his burst to do damage so the effect of the 4 piece may hinder him.
7. Is it worth farming Vermillion Hereafter if I don’t have any good pieces for other characters from the domain?
It’s generally not recommended unless you’re heavily invested in Xiao and willing to spend a significant amount of resin for potentially marginal gains. A well-rolled 2-piece Viridescent/2-piece ATK% will provide comparable results for much less effort.
8. What should my artifact main stats be for Xiao?
- Sands: ATK% (or Energy Recharge if needed)
- Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus
- Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG (whichever you need more to balance your crit ratio)
9. What are the best substats to look for on Xiao’s artifacts?
Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge (if needed).
10. Is Xiao good without constellations?
Yes, Xiao is a very strong DPS character even without constellations. His constellations primarily offer quality-of-life improvements and increased damage potential, but they aren’t necessary to make him viable.
11. What is a good team composition for Xiao?
Common team compositions include:
- Xiao, Faruzan, Furina, Bennett/Jean
- Xiao, Sucrose/Venti, Zhongli, Bennett
- Xiao, Jean, Albedo, Zhongli
12. Should I level Xiao to 90?
Yes, leveling any main DPS to 90 is generally recommended to maximize their damage output. The increase in base stats and swirl damage from leveling to 90 are significant, and it is especially important for Xiao.
13. Is Xiao better than Wanderer?
They are different but both amazing DPS characters. Xiao has a larger AoE, but Wanderer can attack from range and is less team dependent. It is ultimately based on personal preference.
14. What is Xiao’s role in a team?
Xiao is the Main DPS. He goes on field to deal lots of damage.
15. How does Xiao work in a team?
During his burst, Xiao constantly loses HP, so he should be paired with a healer.