Xiao Best Builds and Artifacts

Xiao is a 5-Star Anemo Polearm character in Genshin Impact. Learn about Xiao's build, ascension materials, best weapons, best artifacts, talent priority, skills, teams, and our rating of the character in this build guide!

Xiao Rating and Info

Character Information

Xiao
	Rating
	Rarity	★★★★★
	Element	Anemo
	Weapon	Polearm
	Voice Actors	Laila Berzins (EN) Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (JP)

Tier List Rankings

Main DPS	Sub-DPS	Support	Exploration
	-	-

Character Tier List | Best Characters

Xiao's Stats

Xiao's Ascension and Talent Material Summary

All Ascension Materials Needed
Qingxin ×168 Vayuda Turquoise Sliver ×1 Vayuda Turquoise Fragment ×9 Vayuda Turquoise Chunk ×9 Vayuda Turquoise Gemstone ×6 Slime Condensate ×18 Slime Secretions ×30 Slime Concentrate ×36 Mora ×420,000 Juvenile Jade ×46
All Talent Materials Needed
Teachings of Prosperity ×9 Guide to Prosperity ×63 Philosophies of Prosperity ×114 Slime Condensate ×18 Slime Secretions ×66 Slime Concentrate ×93 Mora ×4,957,500 Crown of Insight ×3 Shadow of the Warrior ×18

Xiao's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths
• Elemental Burst allows him to take advantage of his high multipliers on his Plunging Attacks. • Great AoE coverage, often being one of the best picks against a large wave of enemies. • Elemental Skill and passive talent makes it easier to explore mountainous regions like Liyue.
Weaknesses
• Reliant on his Elemental Burst to be used every rotation, but he has a relatively high energy cost. While under his Elemental Burst, it also disables the energy particle generation on his Skill. He will need more Energy Recharge than usual unless you have triple Anemo team comps or an abundance of Energy Recharge weapons on your support. • His fragile playstyle may be a turn-off for some players who wants a safer pick, as he has no way to sustain himself and is susceptible to interruptions. • Plunges can push back lighter enemies, which may spread enemies farther away from your position.

Xiao Best Builds

Xiao Main DPS Builds

Vermillion Hereafter DPS

Best Weapon	Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
Replacement Weapons	1. Staff of Homa 2. Calamity Queller 3. Deathmatch 4. Lithic Spear 5. Blackcliff Pole
Best Artifacts	Vermillion Hereafter x4
Artifact Main Stats	Sands: ATK% or Energy Recharge
	Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus%
	Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG
Artifact Sub Stats	Energy Recharge, CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%
Sample Teams	Hyper: Double Anemo:

As his Elemental Burst lets him decrease his own HP, Xiao best builds the Vermillion Hereafter set to maximize its 4-piece effect. Like most Main DPS, he needs as much CRIT stats while also having enough Energy Recharge especially if you don't have a battery.

Depending on your team comp, as he already gets an abundance of ATK from the Vermillion Hereafter set, Xiao can also equip an Energy Recharge sands should you need more of it to fund his burst cost.

Alternative Builds for Xiao DPS

Best Weapon	Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
Replacement Weapons	1. Staff of Homa 2. Calamity Queller 3. Deathmatch 4. Lithic Spear 5. Blackcliff Pole
Best Artifacts	Marechaussee Hunter x4 or Viridescent Venerer x2 Gladiator's Finale x2
Artifact Main Stats	Sands: ATK% or Energy Recharge
	Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus%
	Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG
Artifact Sub Stats	Energy Recharge, CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%
Sample Teams	Hyper: Double Anemo:

All of Xiao's best artifacts are simple stat increases, so you may use a mix of any 2-piece ATK and Anemo DMG Bonus artifact set combos, or the Marechaussee Hunter artifact set for easier CRIT stat balancing.

If you already have amazing substats on these artifacts, you may opt on skipping farming for Vermillion Hereafter unless you want to min-max his damage output.

Xiao's Talent Priority

1st	2nd	3rd
Normal Attack	Elemental Burst	Elemental Skill

As Xiao's normal and special Plunging Attacks scale from his Normal Attack and Elemental Burst talent, these should be your first primary priorities when levelling up Xiao. As a Main DPS, his Elemental Skill should be levelled up as well as it's part of his overall damage.

Xiao Best Artifacts

Xiao Artifacts Rankings

	Artifact	Artifact Bonuses
1st	Vermillion Hereafter	2-PC: ATK +18%. 4-PC: After using an Elemental Burst, this character will gain the Nascent Light effect, increasing their ATK by 8% for 16s. When the character's HP decreases, their ATK will further increase by 10%. This further increase can occur this way a maximum of 4 times. This effect can be triggered once every 0.8s. Nascent Light will be dispelled when the character leaves the field. If an Elemental Burst is used again during the duration of Nascent Light, the original Nascent Light will be dispelled.
2nd	Marechaussee Hunter	2-PC: Normal and Charged Attack DMG +15% 4-PC: When current HP increases or decreases, CRIT Rate will be increased by 12% for 5s. Max 3 stacks.
3rd	Gladiator's Finale	2-PC: ATK +18%
	Viridescent Venerer	2-PC: Anemo DMG Bonus +15%

Best 4-Star Artifact for Xiao

Artifact	Artifact Bonuses
Berserker	2-PC: CRIT Rate +12% 4-PC: When HP is below 70%, CRIT Rate increases by an additional 24%.

List of Artifacts and Set Bonuses

Xiao Best Weapons

Xiao Weapon Rankings

	Weapon	Weapon Information
1st	Primordial Jade Winged-Spear	Base ATK: 674 Bonus Stat: CRIT Rate 22.1% Skill Effect: On hit, increases ATK by 3.2% for 6s. Max 7 stacks. This effect can only occur once every 0.3s. While in possession of the maximum possible stacks, DMG dealt is increased by 12%.
2nd	Staff of Homa	Base ATK: 608 Bonus Stat: CRIT DMG 66.2% Skill Effect: HP increased by 20%. Additionally, provides an ATK Bonus based on 0.8% of the wielder’s Max HP. When the wielder's HP is less than 50%, this ATK Bonus is increased by an additional 1% of Max HP.
3rd	Deathmatch	Base ATK: 454 Bonus Stat: CRIT Rate 36.8% Skill Effect: If there are at least 2 enemies nearby, ATK and DEF is increased by 16%. If there are less than 2 enemies nearby, ATK is increased by 24%.

Best Free-to-Play Weapon for Xiao

Weapon	Weapon Information
White Tassel	Base ATK: 401 Bonus Stat: CRIT Rate 23.4% Skill Effect: Increases Normal Attack DMG by 24%.

All Recommended Weapons for Xiao

Recommended Weapons	How to Get
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear	Gacha
Staff of Homa	Gacha
Calamity Queller	Gacha
Skyward Spine	Gacha
Deathmatch	Battle Pass
Blackcliff Pole	Starglitter Exchange
Lithic Spear	Gacha
Favonius Lance	Gacha
White Tassel	Chests
Prototype Starglitter	Crafted
Halberd	Chests
Royal Spear	Starglitter Exchange

List of Polearms

Xiao Best Team Comp

Plunging Team with Faruzan and Xianyun

Main DPS	Sub-DPS	Support	Support
Xiao	Furina	Faruzan	Xianyun

Faruzan is a welcome addition to Xiao's party thanks to her Anemo DMG buffs. If Faruzan is below C6, you may need another Anemo character like Jean or Sucrose to fill up Xiao's energy easily.

Furina and Xianyun can further boost Xiao's damage for plunging playstyles, as well as provide off-field damage, but if you don't have Xianyun or Furina, you may use Zhongli, Jean, or Bennett as well.

Double Anemo & Double Geo Team

Main DPS	Sub-DPS	Support	Support
Xiao	Albedo	Jean	Zhongli

This team comp synergizes well with keeping Xiao safe as he deals damage with his Elemental Burst. Jean will provide particle generation for Xiao's Elemental burst and can also increase his DPS if she has her 4th Constellation unlocked.

Xiao Free-to-Play Team Comp

Main DPS	Sub-DPS	Support	Support
Xiao	Faruzan	Sucrose	Bennett

As his best teams are rather expensive, you can use 4-star characters like Bennett and Sucrose as alternatives. Sucrose's Elemental Mastery buffs won't really work for Xiao, but she does provide a lot of energy especially with a Favonius Codex and constellations.

Xiao Best Constellations

Alatus Nemeseos

Constellation and Effects

	Xiao's Constellations
C1	Dissolution Eon: Destroyer of Worlds Increases Lemniscatic Wind Cycling's charges by 1.
C2	Annihilation Eon: Blossom of Kaleidos When in the party and not on the field, Xiao's Energy Recharge is increased by 25%
C3	Conqueror of Evil: Wrath Deity Increases the Level of Lemniscatic Wind Cycling by 3. Maximum upgrade level is 15.
C4	Transcension: Extinction of Suffering When Xiao's HP falls below 50%, he gains a 100% DEF Bonus.
C5	Evolution Eon: Origin of Ignorance Increases the Level of Bane of All Evil by 3. Maximum upgrade level is 15.
C6	Conqueror of Evil: Guardian Yaksha While under the effects of Bane of All Evil, hitting at least 2 opponents with Xiao's Plunging Attack will immediately grant him 1 charge of Lemniscatic Wind Cycling, and for the next 1s, he may use Lemniscatic Wind Cycling while ignoring its CD.

Best Constellations Rating and Explanation

	Rating	Constellation Effect / Merits
C1	★★☆	• Increases Elemental Skill's charges by 1. • Lower ER requirement for Xiao to use his Elemental Burst.
C6	★★★	• Hitting at least 2 opponents with Xiao's Plunging Attack while under the effects of his Elemental Burst immediately grants him 1 charge of his Elemental Skill, and for the next 1s, he can spam his Elemental Skill.

C1 Grants More Energy

Xiao's C1 primarily gives you an additional charge on your Elemental Skill, but it also helps with your Energy regeneration as Xiao's burst cost is high. Make sure to use Xiao's Skill outside of Burst because it won't generate any energy otherwise!

C6 Changes Xiao Playstyle

Xiao's playstyle will be upgraded into a much stronger Plunge Attack + Elemental Skill combo.

Xiao Ascension and Talent Materials

Xiao Ascension Materials

Lv.20→Lv.40	Qingxin ×3 Vayuda Turquoise Sliver ×1 Slime Condensate ×3 Juvenile Jade ×20
Lv.40→Lv.50	Qingxin ×10 Vayuda Turquoise Fragment ×3 Slime Condensate ×15 Juvenile Jade ×2
Lv.50→Lv.60	Qingxin ×20 Vayuda Turquoise Fragment ×6 Slime Secretions ×12 Juvenile Jade ×4
Lv.60→Lv.70	Qingxin ×30 Vayuda Turquoise Chunk ×3 Slime Secretions ×18 Juvenile Jade ×8
Lv.70→Lv.80	Qingxin ×45 Vayuda Turquoise Chunk ×6 Slime Concentrate ×12 Juvenile Jade ×12
Lv.80→Lv.90	Qingxin ×60 Vayuda Turquoise Gemstone ×6 Slime Concentrate ×24 Juvenile Jade ×20

Xiao Talent Level-Up Materials

Daily Domain Drops	Enemy Drops	Weekly Boss Drops
Mon/Thu/Sun Teachings of Prosperity	Slimes Slime Condensate	Shadow of the Warrior
Guide to Prosperity	Slime Secretions
Philosophies of Prosperity	Slime Concentrate

Talent Materials per Level

Xiao Talents and How to Use

Normal Attack

Normal Attack: Whirlwind Thrust
Performs up to 6 rapid strikes. Charge Attack Consumes Stamina to perform an upward thrust. Plunge Attack: Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and ealing AoE DMG upon impact. Xiao does not take DMG from performing Plunging Attacks.

Elemental Skill

Lemniscatic Wind Cycling
Xiao lunges forward, dealing Anemo DMG to opponents in his path. Can be used in midair. Starts with 2 charges.

Close Gaps, Extend Combos and Air Dash

Elemental Skill: Lemniscatic Wind Cycling

Xiao's Elemental Skill, Lemniscatic Wind Cycling, is his high mobility dash that deals Anemo damage in a straight line up to 2 times. This can also be used in midair as an air dash and can set up a Plunge Attack.

Use this skill to extend Normal Attack combos, gap close on distant enemies, dash through attacks to dodge, or as an air dash outside of combat.

Use a Plunge Combo

By jumping and using his Elemental Skill, then immediately tapping the attack button, you can plunge towards your enemy. Use this combo to close the distance!

Useful in Exploration

Elemental Skill while Gliding

Since Lemniscatic Wind Cycling can be used in midair, this makes it useful in exploration. While gliding, you can cover a lot of distance towards your destination with this!

Can Slightly Save Stamina

You can also use his skill to restore a small amount of stamina while climbing, making it even handier during exploration.

Elemental Burst

Bane of All Evil
Xiao dons the Yaksha Mask that set gods and demons trembling millennia ago. Yaksha's Mask: • Greatly increases Xiao's jumping ability. • Increases Xiao's attack AoE and DMG. • Xiao's attack DMG is converted to Anemo DMG, which cannot be overridden by any other elemental infusion. In this state, Xiao will continuously lose HP. The effects of this skill end when Xiao leaves the field.

Elemental Burst Boosts Damage and Mobility

Elemental Burst: Bane of All Evil

Xiao's Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil, greatly boosts his Attack damage, imbues his Normal Attacks with Anemo, and drastically increases his jump height about four times allowing for easily repeatable Plunge Attacks at the cost of HP over time.

Leveling up Burst Talent Reduces HP Drain

Elemental Burst at Level 9 and Level 1 Comparison

Leveling up Xiao's Elemental Burst talent reduces the HP Drain!

Animation Cancel for Plunge Spam

Using a double jump as soon as Xiao lands from his plunge attack will cancel his landing animation and immediately launch him back into the air. Use this animation cancel to maximize the number of plunge attacks during Bane of All Evil!

Passive Talent 1

Conqueror of Evil: Tamer of Demons
While under the effects of Bane of All Evil, all DMG increases by a further 5% for every 3s the ability persists. The maximum DMG Bonus is 25%.

Passive Talent 2

Dissolution Eon: Heaven Fall
Using Lemniscatic Wind Cycling increases the DMG of subsequent uses of Lemniscatic Wind Cycling by 15%. This effect lasts for 7s, and has a maximum of 3 stacks. Gaining a new stack refreshes the effect's duration.

Passive Talent 3

Transcension: Gravity Defier
Decreases climbing Stamina consumption for your own party members by 20%. Not stackable with Passive Talents that provide the exact same effects.

Passive Talent Reduces Stamina

Transcension: Gravity Defier

Xiao's Passive Talent, the Transcension: Gravity Defier, decreases the Stamina consumption of the entire party when climbing. This makes climbing mountains less daunting!

How to Get Xiao

Pull from Xiao's Banner in Version 4.4 Phase 2

Banner Status	Inactive

Xiao's banner, Invitation to Mundane Life was available in Phase 2 of Version 4.4 from February 20, 2024 until March 12, 2024. His banner was available alongside Yae Miko's rerun banner, Everbloom Violet.

Version 4.4 Release Date, Banners, and Skins

Related Wish Banner Guides

Click to view a Banner Guide!
Banner Info	Wish Sim	All Wishes

Xiao's In-Game Information

Xiao Character Profile

Nation	Liyue
Title	Vigilant Yaksha
Vision	Anemo
Gender	Male
Race	Adeptus
Height	Medium Boy
Faction	Liyue Adeptus
Constellation	Alatus Nemeseos
Birthday	April 17
Special Dish	“Sweet Dream”

Xiao Voicelines

Thoughts About Xiao

Character	In-Game Thoughts
Baizhu	Baizhu: Only the most magnanimous soul could labor to preserve life by slaying evil spirits. I was once fortunate enough to see the Conqueror of Demons with my own eyes. We even brought him back to the pharmacy to take care of him for a day. Unfortunately, I did not know his true identity at the time, and didn't even have a chance to speak with him before he left on his own. Changsheng: But you've seen him since then, haven't you? There's no reason to be upset. Baizhu: Yes, you're right.
Beidou	One year on the eve of the Lantern Rite, we ran into a storm as we were returning to port. Try as we did, we only made it back to Liyue Harbor in the dead of night, long after the lanterns had all been released. As I looked towards Guyun Stone Forest, I saw an adeptus, floating in the air, in the form of what appeared to be a young boy. I guess it is like the legends say ー there really must be those that watch over Liyue, even if they cannot be seen.
Chongyun	The Conqueror of Demons himself has defended Liyue side-by-side with we exorcists for generations, day after day, night after night. I have the utmost respect for Xiao. It’s just… Why must he be so disparaging towards us? He says our repertoire is lacking and our power is trivial. I’m sorry, but I just can’t accept that.
Ganyu	He seems like a bit of an outsider, socially. Probably just his personality... I can understand that, to be honest, but I'm not really about to try and get close to him. I mean... all the people he's ever agreed to team up with are no longer with us...
Hu Tao	What would I know of the adepti? Ai-yai-yai, that kind of stuff is top-secret! Don't come asking me about it!
Keqing	I feel like now that we live in the age of mankind's rule, it's time for the legendary boy - adeptus to be released from duty. We no longer need a defender of that kind, because we are capable of working through the challenges we face on our own strength.
Qiqi	Name: Sounds like a historical artifact to me. Memory: Remind me, have I met him before?
Shenhe	My first impression of him was that he's not one to smile. After meeting him again more recently, however, he's still as reserved as ever, but... he seems a lot more relaxed now. Maybe he... met someone special.
Xianyun	The Conqueror of Demons is even more withdrawn than oneself, he has been sighted a mere handful of times at social gatherings over the centuries... One was interested to learn that you are on rather good terms with him, what sort of conversations do the two of you tend to have? Oh, and do let me know when you next plan to see him. Perhaps one could make some tofu pudding for you to pass on to him.
Yelan	The elders in my clan once said that we must always show the utmost respect to the Vigilant Yaksha. Apparently, the only time that our ancestor would gain some temporary relief from his insanity was when passing by the Wangshu Inn. It must have been the comforting effect of his presence that wards off evil spirits. That said, if I ever have the honor of fighting side by side with the Conqueror of Demons, I will focus only on the mission. I cannot let myself be distracted by concerns about his status.
Zhongli	You speak of the young adeptus of Guili Plains… 'sigh' Still fulfilling his duty to this very day. Please give these painkillers to him on my behalf. Oh, yes ー be sure not to let Paimon eat them. Nothing of this world can withstand the power of this medicine.

Xiao's Thoughts About Others

Character	In-Game Thoughts
Baizhu	About Baizhu You want... Baizhu to make a medicine to take away my pain? I understand your intentions, but mortal medicine has no effect on adepti.
Beidou	About Beidou Beidou? I have nothing to do with her. Though there is such a thing as the leviathan. As a mere human, she has proven her power in defeating Haishan.
Ganyu	About Ganyu Ganyu is neither mortal nor illuminated beast. Wandering, both the mortal and adepti realms with duty as her sole guide, it was inevitable that she would become perplexed... What? Me? You believe a yaksha who knows nothing more than how to massacre countless souls and emerge unscathed is a suitable mentor for such an individual? ...Your mind occupies a very different world from that which your body inhabits.
Hu Tao	About Hu Tao Hu Tao? Her liveliness is irritating. Fortunately, she is also humorous, so you need not worry about her growing into a boring human.
Shenhe	About Shenhe It seems Shenhe places a great deal of trust in you. Well, how could she not. There are few people in the world as kind and good-natured as you.
Venti	About Venti Venti? So that's the name he goes by. His tunes are... forget it.
Yelan	About Yelan I've heard that she once investigated The Chasm, following the trail of the Millelith. If she can investigate mysteries like that on her own, she must be someone of rare skill.
Zhongli	About Zhongli Can I ask... Zhongli — what does he do with his days? Huh? Birds, antiques, flowers... Hmm... What deeper meaning do they hold?

Genshin Impact Character Guides

All Characters and Voice Actors

List of All Characters

Characters by Element
Pyro	Anemo	Electro	Hydro
Dendro	Geo	Cryo

Playable Characters

All Playable Characters
Faruzan	Heizou	Jean	Kazuha
Lynette	Sayu	Sucrose	Traveler (Anemo)
Venti	Wanderer	Xianyun	Xiao
Aloy	Ayaka	Charlotte	Chongyun
Diona	Eula	Freminet	Ganyu
Kaeya	Layla	Mika	Qiqi
Rosaria	Shenhe	Wriothesley	Alhaitham
Baizhu	Collei	Emilie	Kaveh
Kinich	Kirara	Nahida	Tighnari
Traveler (Dendro)	Yaoyao	Beidou	Clorinde
Cyno	Dori	Fischl	Keqing
Lisa	Raiden	Razor	Sara
Sethos	Shinobu	Traveler (Electro)	Yae Miko
Albedo	Chiori	Gorou	Itto
Kachina	Navia	Ningguang	Noelle
Traveler (Geo)	Yun Jin	Zhongli	Ayato
Barbara	Candace	Furina	Kokomi
Mona	Mualani	Neuvillette	Nilou
Sigewinne	Tartaglia	Traveler (Hydro)	Xingqiu
Yelan	Amber	Arlecchino	Bennett
Chevreuse	Dehya	Diluc	Gaming
Hu Tao	Klee	Lyney	Thoma
Xiangling	Xinyan	Yanfei	Yoimiya

Upcoming Characters

All Upcoming Characters
Alice	Capitano	Chasca	Citlali
Columbina	Dainsleif	Dottore	Iansan
Ifa	Mavuika	Ororon	Pantalone
Pierro	Pulcinella	Sandrone	Skirk
Traveler (Pyro)	Tsaritsa	Varka	Xilonen

Character Lists

Characters by Rarity
5-Star Characters	4-Star Characters
Free Characters
Characters by Weapon Used
Sword Users	Claymore Users
Polearm Users	Bow Users
Catalyst Users
Characters by Role
Main DPS Characters	Sub DPS Characters
Support Characters	Healers
Shield Characters	Buff Providers
Best for Exploration	Local Specialty Passives
Double Reward Passives
Characters by Gender
Male Characters	Female Characters
Short Male Characters	Short Female Characters
Medium Male Characters	Medium Female Characters
Tall Male Characters	Tall Female Characters
Characters by Height
Short Characters	Medium Characters
Tall Characters