Why Xingqiu Reigns Supreme: A Deep Dive into Hydro Superiority Over Mona in Genshin Impact
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Xingqiu and Mona, two of Genshin Impact’s most popular Hydro characters, often spark debate among players. While both offer unique support capabilities, the consensus leans heavily towards Xingqiu being the superior choice in the vast majority of situations. The primary reason for this lies in his unmatched consistent Hydro application, coupled with a strong defensive utility that Mona simply cannot match. While Mona boasts impressive burst damage and damage amplification, her strengths are more niche and less reliable than the sheer utility Xingqiu provides. This article will delve into the specifics, highlighting why Xingqiu’s kit and functionality make him a staple in countless team compositions, while Mona’s role is often overshadowed.
Xingqiu’s Unrivaled Hydro Application
Xingqiu’s core strength is his Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter. This ability summons Rain Swords that orbit your active character, applying Hydro to enemies upon normal attacks. Crucially, these Rain Swords do not require Xingqiu to be on the field, allowing for consistent and frequent Hydro application regardless of who you’re controlling. This makes him exceptionally effective for triggering Vaporize reactions with Pyro DPS characters like Diluc, Hu Tao, and Xiangling, significantly increasing their damage output. He’s considered the best hydro applicator in the game. This consistent, off-field application is where Mona falls short. Her Hydro application is primarily tied to her Elemental Skill, which is on a longer cooldown, and her Burst, which requires her to be on the field. The reliability and frequency of Xingqiu’s application surpass Mona’s, making him more versatile.
Defensive Utility Beyond Application
Beyond his offensive contributions, Xingqiu also offers a degree of defensive utility. The Rain Swords grant damage reduction to the active character, as well as a small heal when they shatter. While not a dedicated healer, this added defense can be critical in survivability, allowing teams to be more aggressive without the need for a dedicated healer. Mona has no such defensive mechanisms. This combination of consistent Hydro application and defensive utility solidifies Xingqiu’s standing as a more universally useful support character than Mona.
Mona’s Niche Strengths
Mona isn’t without her merits. Her Elemental Burst, Stellaris Phantasm, applies an Omen status to enemies, significantly increasing the damage they take for a short duration. This makes her a strong burst support character capable of enabling one-shot strategies and boosting the damage of high-damage ultimates. Furthermore, Mona’s own Hydro damage is formidable if invested in with the correct build. However, these strengths are situational and often harder to execute than Xingqiu’s consistent contributions. The short burst window of her damage amplification and the need for specific setups make her less reliable in general combat scenarios compared to Xingqiu’s seamless integration.
The Challenge of Main DPS Mona
While possible, running a main DPS Mona in 2023 is considered unusual and inefficient for most players. She requires very specific conditions and ideal artifacts and weapons to consistently perform well in that role. In contrast, Xingqiu’s sub-DPS capabilities are more readily accessible and provide a higher return on investment with less effort, particularly with his synergy with Sacrificial Sword.
Why Xingqiu Wins Out: Consistency and Ease of Use
Ultimately, Xingqiu’s strength lies in his consistency, reliability, and ease of use. His Hydro application is continuous, enabling consistent elemental reactions. His off-field nature allows for team flexibility, and his defensive utility adds survivability. These factors combine to make him a valuable asset in virtually any team composition requiring Hydro application. He requires less specific investment to function optimally, making him accessible to both new and experienced players.
Mona, while having high potential, needs specific setups and rotations to maximize her abilities. This makes her a less flexible character that’s often outshined by Xingqiu’s simpler yet more effective kit. In essence, while Mona has some niches she excels at, the sheer ubiquity of Xingqiu’s effectiveness makes him the better choice for most players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Xingqiu the best Hydro applicator in the game?
Yes, Xingqiu is widely considered the best Hydro applicator in Genshin Impact, thanks to the Rain Swords summoned by his Elemental Burst. Their consistent application and off-field nature make him exceptionally versatile.
2. Is Mona a good Hydro applicator?
Mona can apply Hydro, but her application is less consistent than Xingqiu’s. It primarily stems from her Elemental Skill and Burst and is tied to her being on the field. This makes her a less reliable hydro applicator in the long term.
3. What makes Xingqiu so good?
Xingqiu’s main strength lies in his consistent off-field Hydro application, his damage reduction and small heal from his Rain Swords, and overall utility in Vaporize-focused team compositions. He’s exceptionally easy to build and performs well in countless teams.
4. Is Mona good for burst damage?
Yes, Mona excels as a burst support character with her Elemental Burst, which amplifies the damage taken by enemies. However, this buff is short-lived and requires specific setups to maximize its potential.
5. Should I replace Mona with Xingqiu?
In the majority of situations, yes, Xingqiu is a better replacement for Mona. His consistent application and defensive utility make him more versatile and reliable in most scenarios.
6. What is the best weapon for Xingqiu?
The Sacrificial Sword is widely considered the best weapon for Xingqiu, allowing him to consistently use his Elemental Burst. It alleviates his energy recharge issues, allowing for more consistent Hydro application.
7. What are the best artifacts for Xingqiu?
The Emblem of Severed Fate set is the best artifact set for Xingqiu as long as you have high energy recharge. It amplifies his burst damage and helps meet his energy needs. A two-piece of Noblesse Oblige and a two-piece of Heart of Depth is an alternative.
8. What is the best build for Xingqiu?
The most effective way to build Xingqiu is as a sub-DPS focused on Energy Recharge, Hydro Damage Bonus, and Crit Rate/Crit Damage.
9. What is Mona’s best role in a team?
Mona’s best role is as a burst support, using her Elemental Burst to amplify damage from other characters. She can also function as a Hydro sub-DPS but performs best with support focused teams.
10. Who is Xingqiu best paired with?
Xingqiu works exceptionally well with Pyro DPS characters like Diluc, Xiangling, and Hu Tao, who rely on Vaporize reactions. He can also effectively support other main DPS characters.
11. Can Xingqiu be a healer?
Xingqiu cannot be a main healer because the healing provided from the shattering of his Rain Swords is not high enough to sustain a team. It is best to consider him as a Sub-DPS with defensive utility.
12. Is Nilou better than Xingqiu?
Nilou’s effectiveness is specific to Bloom reactions, while Xingqiu’s utility is more broad. She’s not a direct competitor, and Xingqiu remains a better universal Hydro support.
13. Is Xingqiu’s C2 constellation worth it?
Yes, Xingqiu’s C2 constellation is highly valuable. It increases the duration of his Elemental Burst, improving his uptime and Hydro application. His other constellations are also beneficial.
14. Is Xingqiu better than Fischl?
Xingqiu is generally considered better than Fischl in most team compositions because of the consistent Hydro application, enabling Vaporize reactions, while Fischl generally deals Overload reactions.
15. Can I get Xingqiu for free?
Yes, Xingqiu has been given away for free in past events. Watch for upcoming events that might feature a free copy of him.