Learn how to put together the best possible Xiao build
Want to learn how to create the best Xiao build in Genshin Impact?Anemo Polearm user Xiao is an adeptus and the last remaining member of the Yakshas dispatched to fight demons. His cold, edgy demeanor is a result of spending most of his time isolating himself from humans. Don’t worry, though: he also has a soft spot for Almond Tofu and the Traveler (and he’s perfect with almost any team comp!). While other Anemo characters likeVentifocus more on crowd control abilities, Xiao’s strength is in his damage, making him a great main DPS.
This guide will show you how to create the best Xiao build inGenshin Impact. Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about Xiao, including wishing, weapons, artifacts, ascension materials, talents, abilities, and constellations.
Best Genshin Impact Xiao build for main DPS
Alternative:Skyward Spine
Xiao’s at his best when he has thePrimordial Jade Winged-Spear, which grants its user a hefty attack bonus.Skyward Spineis also a great 5-star option thanks to its well-rounded set of buffs. Since 5-star weapons are tedious to obtain,Blackcliff PoleandDeathmatchare solid 4-star alternates that both grant impressive attack bonuses as well.
Alternative:Viridescent Venerer
Xiao’s best artifacts depend on what you’re planning on using him for. If you’re going to rely on Xiao as a main DPS and use his physical attacks,Gladiator’s Finalemakes a great set of 4 since it buffs Polearm users’ damage. If you’re planning on using Xiao for his Anemo abilities, try theViridescent Venererset, which provides versatile Anemo buffs. If you don’t have access to any 5-star artifacts, you can count on theBerserkerset, which boosts CRIT Rate.
When choosing stat priorities on Xiao’s artifacts, the following stats and substats are the ones to look out for to maximise his build:
Secondary:Whirlwind Thrust (Normal Attack)
When building Xiao, try to level hisElemental Burstup to around level 7 first. After prioritizing this, focus on leveling up hisNormal Attackfirst and then finish leveling his Burst to achieve a strong sense of balance.
5* alternative:Jean replacing Sucrose on support
As an Anemo main DPS, Xiao is practically unique in Genshin Impact, since characters with this element are usually more at home in support roles. Therefore, this is one of the few party compositions where you can suitably pair up multiple Anemo characters, allowing you to try out theImpetuous Winds elemental resonancefor reduced stamina consumption across the party.Jeanis a solid choice if you have her since she’s also a capable healer, but since she’s a 5* (albeit a relatively easy-to-obtain one) it’s worth having an alternative plan in place.Sucroseis, by our reckoning, the best 4* Anemo character in the game, and while she lacks Jean’s healing abilities, she’ll still be able to keep Xiao’s energy up with her Anemo powers and perform crowd control.
Despite the fact that Geo and Anemo are among the few Genshin Impact elements which don’t react together at all, the high place currently occupied by Geo in the game’s meta means that a 2 Anemo/2 Geo team still emerges as a top choice, at least when you have Xiao. When choosing a shields and/or healing specialist,Noelleis as desirable as ever thanks to how easy it is to obtain her, the power of her shields, and the fact that from Constellation 1 onwards she’s an extremely reliable healer too.
It can be hard to find a good sub-DPS for an Anemo DPS like Xiao, but luckilyNingguangticks all the boxes for this particular composition: a flexible Geo DPS/sub-DPS character at 4* rarity, who’s even a promoted character on Xiao’s current banner to boot. Furthermore, pairing her up on this team with Noelle triggers a resonance that significantly improves the team’s defences.
To fully ascend Xiao, you’ll need the following materials:
You’ll likely have to make more than a few trips to the Anemo Hypostasis to obtain Vayuda Turquoise. Additionally, Juvenile Jade can be obtained from Primo Geovishaps and Qingxins can be found growing on Liyue’s highest peaks.
To fully level up Xiao’s talents, you’ll need 9 Teachings of Prosperity, 63 Guides to Prosperity, 114 Philosophies of Prosperity, 18 Slime Condensates, 66 Slime Secretions, 93 Slime Concentrates, 18 Shadow of the Warriors, and 3 Crowns of Insight. Breaking that down per skill, you’ll need the following to level up any of his talents all the way:
Slimes can be obtained from defeated Slime enemies throughout Teyvat, while Prosperity books can be picked up at the Taishan Mansion domain (Tuesday/Friday/Sunday only). Shadows of the Warrior can only be obtained by taking onTartagliain his Childe boss form at Challenge Level 70+. Finally, Crowns of Insight can be obtained through limited-time events or by making offerings to the Frostbearing Tree and the Sacred Sakura.
Unfortunately for Xiao mains, Xiao’s Constellations aren’t the best. If you’re planning on using Xiao as a main DPS and you’ve got a ton of extra money to throw at Mihoyo, Constellation 6 Xiao’s Anemo abilities are greatly improved. However, wishing for his other Constellations isn’t really recommended. Go big or go home! Here’s what all of Xiao’s constellations have to offer:
If you’re planning to pull for Xiao during his nextbanner rerun, check out our guide ongetting charactersto learn the best ways to prep, or ourcodes listto get some freePrimogems!
That’s all the info we’ve got on Xiao! Why not check out ourcharacter tier listto see which other characters are good to wish for?
