Genshin Impact 1.3 Update features the Lantern Rite Festival, where the people of Liyue would release Xiao lanterns with a wish written on them. The festival itself is held to honor fallen heroes, in the hope they will be guided home. This update features a Story Quest involving Xiao, the Conqueror of Demons.
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Along with his Story Quest, Xiao was also the first featured 5-star character in the update. Fans have been anticipating his release with a lot of expectations from the Closed Beta Test 2. Although he is deemed weaker than his Beta version, a lot of loyal fans still pull for him.
4 Xiao's Talent Overview
Xiao's normal attack has the highest multiplier compared to the other three polearm characters, showing that he has a lot of potential in that area. His skill is a blink skill, which allows him to move quickly, even in mid-air. This skill also provides energy particles when used without his burst active.
Xiao's burst is the main feature of his kit. Donning the Yaksha Mask, he enters the Demon Conquering form of the Vigilant Yaksha. Using his burst will infuse Xiao's weapon with Anemo while increasing his damage and allowing him to jump really high for easy access to plunge attack.
3 Best Artifact for Xiao
Xiao's main source of damage came from the Anemo infusion during his elemental burst, so it is advised to use Attack/Anemo DMG/Critical Rate or Critical Damage as his artifact's main stat. Xiao does not have a lot of options for optimal artifact sets.
2-Gladiator's Finale + 2-Viridescent Venerer
2-Gladiator's Finale: ATK +18%.
2-Viridescent Venerer: Anemo DMG Bonus +15%.
This build is the best for his plunge attack gameplay, as it will increase his damage during his anemo infusion.
4-Gladiator's Finale
4-Gladiator's Finale: If the wielder of this artifact set uses a Sword, Claymore or Polearm, increases their Normal Attack DMG by 35%.
This artifact set will forbid players from using Xiao's plunge attack, but it's still viable to be used if players wish to play with his normal attack.
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4-Viridescent Venerer
4-Viridescent Venerer: Increases Swirl DMG by 60%. Decreases opponent's Elemental RES to the element infused in the Swirl by 40% for 10s.
This set is very niche for Xiao, requiring him to be accompanied by characters who can constantly deal elemental damage during his burst, such as Xingqiu. Players using this set will also have to give up on the plunge attack gameplay.
While 2-Gladiator's Finale + 2-Viridescent Venerer is his best artifact, sometimes, players are having a hard time obtaining the artifacts they need. So the other two sets can serve as an alternative.
2 Best Weapon for Xiao
The best weapon for Xiao is the 5-star "Primordial Jade Winged-Spear", offering extra Critical Rate from its substat, along with a massive damage bonus from its passive. If players have the Vortex Vanquisher instead of Primordial Jade, it is also a great choice for Xiao, assuming players can constantly shield their Xiao.
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For 4-star weapons, players can use Deathmatch or Blackcliff Pole, depending on their needs. Deathmatch will provide Critical Rate, while Blackcliff Pole will provide Critical Damage. Other than that, players can also use the 5-star Skyward Spine or Prototype Starglitter for extra Energy Recharge.
1 Best Teammates for Xiao
Xiao has inadequate energy regeneration, so he will need a "battery", a teammate who can generate energy particles for him. Due to how the energy system works, it is best to use another Anemo character for this battery job. Players can use Sucrose, Anemo MC, Jean, or Venti for this job.
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The next teammate Xiao needs is a healer or a shielder. Xiao will constantly lose HP during the duration of his burst, so he will need protection during this time. Players can use Barbara, Qiqi, Diona, Zhongli, Noelle, or Bennett.
The last teammate would be a sub-DPS or burst support. Players can use Mona, Xingqiu, Xiangling, Fischl, or Albedo for this job.
Xiao may not be the most F2P friendly character, but he still quickly became a fan-favorite due to his fun gameplay, along with his cynical persona.