Genshin Impact Xiao Guide: Ascension, Talent Materials, Best Weapons, Artifacts

Welcome to the world of Genshin Impact, where the battles are fierce and the enemies are relentless. If you’re looking for a character that can deal massive damage and keep your enemies at bay, look no further than the enigmatic and mysterious Xiao.

Xiao is a force to be reckoned with, with the ability to unleash devastating attacks while dodging enemy strikes with grace and precision. But to truly harness the full potential of this enigmatic warrior, you need to build him as a DPS carry with the right weapons and artifacts.

In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about building Xiao as a top-tier DPS carry. We’ll dive into the best weapons and artifacts to use, as well as the team composition that will complement Xiao’s skills and bring out his full potential.

So, are you ready to become a true warrior and take on the toughest enemies in Genshin Impact with Xiao by your side? Let’s dive into this guide and explore the world of Xiao!

Who is Xiao in Genshin Impact?

Xiao is a character shrouded in mystery, as perplexing as he is powerful. He is known as Alatus, an adeptus and the only surviving member of the five foremost Yakshas sent by Morax to subdue the demonic spirits that terrorized Liyue. His power is unmatched, and he is feared by all who oppose him.

Currently residing at Wangshu Inn, Xiao keeps to himself and restrains his interactions with others, preferring solitude to the hustle and bustle of crowded cities. However, when the situation calls for it, he unleashes his incredible burstiness, annihilating his enemies with swift and decisive strikes.

As a character, Xiao is incredibly versatile and can be built to suit a variety of playstyles. Whether you choose to focus on his aerial combat abilities or his ground-based attacks, one thing is for sure – when he unleashes his ultimate ability, the damage is staggering.

Builds for Xiao in Genshin Impact

Xiao is an Anemo Element user, with a skillset that allows him to deal massive damage and explore the world with ease. His Elemental Burst lets him strike from the air and come crashing down on his enemies, dealing devastating damage in the process.

In addition, Xiao’s Elemental Skill makes him an excellent choice for exploration, allowing him to move quickly through the environment and reach new heights. His close-range attacks are fast and easy to use, making him a formidable opponent in any battle.

So, what should you focus on when building Xiao? Let us help you by answering that below:

Primordial Jade Winged-Spear

The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is a 5-star polearm from the Primordial Jade Series. It possesses the Eagle Spear of Justice ability, which increases ATK by 3.2% – 6.4% for 6 seconds on hit, up to 7 stacks. When at maximum stacks, damage dealt is increased by 12% – 24%. This effect can only occur once every 0.3 seconds.

• Base ATK (Lv. 1 – 90): 48 – 674
• 2nd Stat Type: CRIT Rate
• 2nd Stat (Lv. 1 – 90): 4.8% – 22.1%

Ascension Materials Table:

Material	Quantity
Mora	225,000
Luminous Sands from Guyun	5
Lustrous Stone from Guyun	14
Relic from Guyun	14
Divine Body from Guyun	6
Hunter’s Sacrificial Knife	23
Agent’s Sacrificial Knife	27
Inspector’s Sacrificial Knife	41
Recruit’s Insignia	15
Sergeant’s Insignia	23
Lieutenant’s Insignia	27

The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear can be obtained through Wishes. It was released on September 28, 2020.

Staff of Homa

The Staff of Homa is a 5-star polearm with the Reckless Cinnabar ability. It increases HP by 20% and provides an ATK Bonus based on 0.8% – 1.6% of the wielder’s Max HP. When the wielder’s HP is less than 50%, the ATK bonus is increased by an additional 1% – 1.8% of Max HP.

• Base ATK (Lv. 1 – 90): 46 – 608
• 2nd Stat Type: CRIT DMG
• 2nd Stat (Lv. 1 – 90): 14.4% – 66.2%

Ascension Materials Table:

Material	Quantity
Mora	225,000
Grain of Aerosiderite	5
Piece of Aerosiderite	14
Bit of Aerosiderite	14
Chunk of Aerosiderite	6
Dead Ley Line Branch	23
Dead Ley Line Leaves	27
Ley Line Sprout	41
Slime Condensate	15
Slime Secretions	23
Slime Concentrate	27

The Staff of Homa can be obtained through Weapon Event Wishes. It was released on February 23, 2021.

Deathmatch

Deathmatch is a 4-star polearm with the Gladiator ability. If there are at least 2 opponents nearby, ATK is increased by 16% – 32% and DEF is increased by 16% – 32%. If there are fewer than 2 opponents nearby, ATK is increased by 24% – 48%.

• Base ATK (Lv. 1 – 90): 41 – 454
• 2nd Stat Type: CRIT Rate
• 2nd Stat (Lv. 1 – 90): 8% – 36.8%

Ascension Materials Table:

Material	Quantity
Mora	150,000
Boreal Wolf’s Milk Tooth	3
Boreal Wolf’s Cracked Tooth	9
Boreal Wolf’s Broken Fang	9
Boreal Wolf’s Nostalgia	4
Dead Ley Line Branch	15
Dead Ley Line Leaves	18
Ley Line Sprout	27
Whopperflower Nectar	10
Shimmering Nectar	15
Energy Nectar	18

The Deathmatch polearm can be obtained through the Battle Pass (Gnostic Hymn). It was released on September 28, 2020.

Blackcliffe Pole

Blackcliff Pole is a 4-star polearm with the Press the Advantage ability. After defeating an opponent, ATK is increased by 12% – 24% for 30s. This effect has a maximum of 3 stacks, and the duration of each stack is independent of the others.

• Base ATK (Lv. 1 – 90): 42 – 510
• 2nd Stat Type: CRIT DMG
• 2nd Stat (Lv. 1 – 90): 12% – 55.1%

Ascension Materials Table:

Material	Quantity
Mora	150,000
Mist Veiled Lead Elixir	3
Mist Veiled Mercury Elixir	9
Mist Veiled Gold Elixir	9
Mist Veiled Primo Elixir	4
Mist Grass Pollen	15
Mist Grass	18
Mist Grass Wick	27
Recruit’s Insignia	10
Sergeant’s Insignia	15
Lieutenant’s Insignia	18

The Blackcliff Pole can be obtained through Paimon’s Bargains. It was released on September 28, 2020.

Best Artifacts on Xiao

As a fierce attacker, Xiao requires the right set of artifacts to maximize his damage output. While there are a few viable options, the best ones are as follows.

Vermillion Hereafter

The Vermillion Hereafter artifact set is designed to provide significant boosts in attack power and comes in both 4-star and 5-star rarities. The set bonuses are activated at the 2-Piece and 4-Piece levels, offering a combination of ATK percentage increase and unique Nascent Light effects.

The set includes the following individual artifacts:

• Flower of Life: Flowering Life – A beautiful flower artifact that represents vitality and growth.
• Plume of Death: Feather of Nascent Light – A delicate feather artifact symbolizing the beginning of a new light.
• Sands of Eon: Solar Relic – A timepiece artifact infused with the power of the sun.
• Goblet of Eonothem: Moment of the Pact – A goblet artifact that signifies important agreements and moments of alliance.
• Circlet of Logos: Thundering Poise – A majestic circlet artifact that exudes the energy of thunder.

When you collect and equip most of these artifacts, your character will benefit from the following set bonuses:

2-Piece Bonus

This bonus grants an 18% increase in ATK, significantly enhancing Xiao’s damage output, allowing him to be more effective in battle.

4-Piece Bonus

After activating an Elemental Burst, the character receives the Nascent Light effect, which boosts their ATK by 8% for 16 seconds. As the character’s HP decreases, their ATK further increases by 10%, stacking up to a maximum of 4 times.

This effect can be triggered once every 0.8 seconds. Nascent Light will be dispelled when the character leaves the field, and if an Elemental Burst is used again during the Nascent Light duration, the original effect will be removed.

How to Obtain

You can obtain both the 4-star and 5-star versions of the Vermillion Hereafter artifacts from the following sources:

Source 1: The Lost Valley – A mysterious, secluded location filled with hidden treasures and powerful foes. Explore and challenge the enemies within to acquire the Vermillion Hereafter artifacts.

Source 2: Domain Reliquary: Tier II – Participate in this domain challenge where you’ll face increasingly difficult battles. Completing the Domain Reliquary: Tier II will grant you a chance to obtain the desired artifacts.

To optimize your character’s performance, keep farming these locations until you obtain the complete Vermillion Hereafter set. Equipping Xiao with this artifact set will significantly boost his damage output and make him a formidable force on the battlefield.

Gladiator’s Finale

The Gladiator’s Finale artifact set is designed to enhance the attack power of characters who wield Swords, Claymores, or Polearms. It is available in both 4-star and 5-star rarities, with set bonuses activated at the 2-Piece and 4-Piece levels. This set focuses on boosting the Normal Attack DMG for the wielder.

The set consists of the following artifacts:

• Flower of Life: Gladiator’s Nostalgia – A vibrant flower artifact reminiscent of glorious battles and victories.
• Plume of Death: Gladiator’s Destiny – A feather artifact representing the fate of brave warriors who fight valiantly.
• Sands of Eon: Gladiator’s Longing – A timepiece artifact embodying the yearning for glory and honor in the arena.
• Goblet of Eonothem: Gladiator’s Intoxication – A goblet artifact symbolizing the thrill and passion for combat.
• Circlet of Logos: Gladiator’s Triumphus – A circlet artifact that epitomizes the ultimate triumph of a champion.

When you collect and equip most of these artifacts, your character will receive the following set bonuses:

2-Piece Bonus

This bonus grants an 18% increase in ATK, significantly improving the character’s damage output.

4-Piece Bonus

If the wielder of this artifact set uses a Sword, Claymore, or Polearm, their Normal Attack DMG is increased by 35%. This bonus is considered a Damage Bonus, which is additive with other Damage Bonus sources such as Elemental DMG Bonus% from a Goblet of Eonothem. Note that the 4-Piece Bonus only applies to Normal Attacks and does not affect other sources of damage, such as the Crescent Pike’s Infusion Needle.

How to Obtain

The Gladiator’s Finale artifact set, both in 4-star and 5-star rarities, can be obtained from the following sources:

• Source 1: Dropped by Weekly Bosses at World Level 2 and above – Challenge the weekly bosses to have a chance at obtaining these powerful artifacts.
• Source 2: Dropped by Normal Bosses at World Level 3 and above – Defeat normal bosses to acquire Gladiator’s Finale artifacts as part of their loot.
• Source 3: Domain Reliquary: Tier II – Participate in this domain challenge, and upon completion, you have a chance to obtain the desired artifacts.

To maximize your character’s potential, keep farming these locations until you collect the complete Gladiator’s Finale set. Equipping a character who uses a Sword, Claymore, or Polearm with this artifact set will greatly enhance their Normal Attack DMG, making them a formidable force in combat.

Viridescent Venerer

The Viridescent Venerer artifact set is tailored for characters who use Anemo abilities, offering bonuses to Anemo DMG and Swirl DMG, as well as decreasing opponents’ Elemental RES. The set is available in both 4-star and 5-star rarities, with set bonuses activated at the 2-Piece and 4-Piece levels.

The set consists of the following artifacts:

• Flower of Life: In Remembrance of Viridescent Fields – A flower artifact that embodies the memories of lush, viridescent landscapes.
• Plume of Death: Viridescent Arrow Feather – A feather artifact symbolizing the swift and precise arrows of Anemo archers.
• Sands of Eon: Viridescent Venerer’s Determination – A timepiece artifact representing unwavering resolve and commitment.
• Goblet of Eonothem: Viridescent Venerer’s Vessel – A goblet artifact that captures the essence of the Anemo element’s power.
• Circlet of Logos: Viridescent Venerer’s Diadem – A circlet artifact exemplifying the crowning glory of Anemo champions.

When you collect and equip most of these artifacts, your character will receive the following set bonuses:

2-Piece Bonus

This bonus grants a 15% increase in Anemo DMG, enhancing the effectiveness of Anemo abilities.

4-Piece Bonus

Increases Swirl DMG by 60% and decreases the opponent’s Elemental RES to the element infused in the Swirl by 40% for 10 seconds. This set bonus makes it easier to reduce enemy resistance to Cryo, Electro, Hydro, or Pyro, and the resistance reduction applies to the enemy on which Swirl was triggered as well as any other enemies hit by the Swirl’s AoE damage. The Swirl reduces enemy resistance before dealing damage, so the triggering Swirl will also deal increased damage. Triggering Swirl reactions with multiple aura elements can reduce an enemy’s resistances to multiple elements simultaneously.

How to Obtain

The Viridescent Venerer artifact set, in both 4-star and 5-star rarities, can be obtained from the following source:

• Source 1: Valley of Remembrance – Explore this picturesque valley to find the Viridescent Venerer artifacts, hidden among the natural beauty and challenges that await you.

To maximize your Anemo character’s potential, continue farming the Valley of Remembrance until you collect the complete Viridescent Venerer set. Equipping an Anemo character with this artifact set will greatly enhance their Anemo and Swirl damage, making them highly effective at reducing enemies’ Elemental RES and dealing increased damage to their foes.

The Exile

The Exile artifact set focuses on enhancing a character’s Energy Recharge and boosting the energy of other party members. It is available in both 3-star and 4-star rarities, with set bonuses activated at the 2-Piece and 4-Piece levels.

The set consists of the following artifacts:

• Flower of Life: Exile’s Flower – A flower artifact symbolizing the perseverance of those who have been cast out.
• Plume of Death: Exile’s Feather – A feather artifact representing the resolve of exiles to move forward despite adversity.
• Sands of Eon: Exile’s Pocket Watch – A timepiece artifact signifying the passage of time and the hope of redemption.
• Goblet of Eonothem: Exile’s Goblet – A goblet artifact evoking the spirit of resilience in the face of exile.
• Circlet of Logos: Exile’s Circlet – A circlet artifact embodying the wisdom and strength of those who have been ostracized.

When you collect and equip most of these artifacts, your character will receive the following set bonuses:

2-Piece Bonus

This bonus grants a 20% increase in Energy Recharge, allowing characters to use their Elemental Burst more frequently.

4-Piece Bonus

Using an Elemental Burst regenerates 2 Energy for all party members (excluding the wearer) every 2 seconds for a total of 6 seconds. This effect cannot stack. The 4-Piece Bonus is not affected by Energy Recharge.

Energy regeneration doesn’t start immediately but after 2 seconds, and it ticks every 2 seconds for three times. Characters with longer Energy consumption frames may not receive the first Energy regeneration tick.

How to Obtain

The Exile artifact set, both in 3-star and 4-star rarities, can be obtained from the following sources:

• Source 1: Dropped by all Elite Enemies – Defeat Elite Enemies to acquire The Exile artifacts as part of their loot.
• Source 2: Dropped by some Normal Bosses – Engage in battles with specific Normal Bosses for a chance to obtain The Exile artifacts.
• Source 3: Dropped by all Weekly Bosses – Challenge Weekly Bosses for an opportunity to acquire The Exile artifacts.
• Source 4: Domain Reliquary: Tier III – Participate in this domain challenge, and upon completion, you have a chance to obtain the desired artifacts.
• Source 5: Chests – Explore the world and open chests to uncover The Exile artifacts as part of the treasure.

To enhance your character’s Energy Recharge capabilities and support your team with additional energy, farm these locations until you collect the complete The Exile set.

Equipping a character with this artifact set will enable them to use their Elemental Burst more often and provide energy to other party members, allowing for a more dynamic and efficient playstyle.

What’s The Best Team For Xiao?

For Xiao, a powerful Anemo DPS character, the best team would be a combination of characters that can support his playstyle, offer crowd control, and boost his damage output.

1. Anemo Swirl Team

Xiao’s high mobility and damage potential make him an ideal choice as the main DPS for this team, which focuses on crowd control and elemental reactions. The following team members complement his abilities perfectly:

Faruzan – Sub-DPS

Faruzan is an Anemo bow character that specializes in boosting the team’s Anemo damage output and reducing the enemy’s Anemo resistance. Her Elemental Skill and Charged Attacks provide minor crowd control, allowing her to disrupt enemy movements and buy time for her team. Additionally, Faruzan’s Constellation Level 6 provides a significant boost to Anemo critical damage, making her an excellent choice for Anemo-focused teams.

Jean – Support

Jean is an Anemo sword character that excels in providing both offensive and defensive support to her team. Her Elemental Skill can function as crowd control by lifting enemies into the air and launching them away, allowing her team to reposition or deal damage safely.

Additionally, her Normal Attacks have a passive healing effect, which can restore the party’s health during combat. This makes her a valuable addition to any team composition, especially in domains or battles with prolonged engagements.

Jean’s Elemental Burst is one of her strongest abilities, as it provides both a massive AoE burst heal and Anemo damage to enemies within its radius. This can turn the tide of a battle by allowing the team to recover from damage or to deal significant damage to a group of enemies. Overall, Jean’s versatility and healing abilities make her an excellent support choice for any team.

Zhongli – Support

Zhongli is a powerful Geo support character that can provide shield support, crowd control, and debuffs. His Elemental Burst creates a massive shield that can protect the team from damage, while his Elemental Skill can deal Geo damage and petrify enemies. He can also combo well with Xiao’s plunging attack, which can deal even more damage to petrified enemies.

With this team, Xiao can deal massive amounts of damage while also benefiting from the crowd control and elemental reactions provided by the other characters. The team can also survive longer in combat thanks to the healing and shielding abilities of Jean and Zhongli.

2. Geo Resonance Team

Xiao’s high mobility and damage potential make him a great choice as the main DPS for this team, which focuses on the Geo element for increased damage and survivability. The following team members complement his abilities perfectly:

Albedo – Sub-DPS

Albedo is a powerful Geo character that can provide excellent sub-DPS support while also offering crowd control and damage. His Elemental Skill creates a field of Geo damage that can deal damage over time to enemies, while his Elemental Burst creates a massive Geo construct that deals AoE damage and boosts the team’s Geo damage.

Sucrose – Support

Sucrose is a versatile Anemo support character that can provide crowd control and elemental reactions. Her Elemental Skill can group up enemies and deal Anemo damage, while her Elemental Burst can deal massive Anemo damage and provide a buff to the team’s Elemental Mastery.

Bennett – Support

Bennett is a reliable Pyro support character that can provide healing, crowd control, and damage support. His Elemental Burst provides a significant boost to the team’s attack and healing, while his Elemental Skill can deal Pyro damage and provide a heal over time effect.

With this team, Xiao can deal massive amounts of damage while also benefiting from the increased damage and survivability provided by the Geo resonance. Albedo and Sucrose can provide crowd control and elemental reactions, allowing Xiao to deal even more damage to enemies. Bennett can provide healing and additional damage support, making the team more durable and deadly in combat.

Xiao is a powerful Anemo polearm user who excels in dealing heavy AoE damage to enemies. To make the most out of Xiao’s kit, you need to understand his abilities and how they work together.

Xiao: DPS Ability Rundown

Xiao is a powerful Anemo polearm user who excels in dealing heavy AoE damage to enemies. To make the most out of Xiao’s kit, you need to understand his abilities and how they work together.

Here’s a rundown of Xiao’s abilities:

Basic Attack: Whirlwind Thrust

Xiao employs his spear with up to six swift strikes, inflicting his foes with base AD damage.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
1-Hit DMG (%)	27.54 + 27.54	29.42 + 29.42	31.3 + 31.3	33.8 + 33.8	35.68 + 35.68	37.87 + 37.87	40.69 + 40.69	43.51 + 43.51	46.32 + 46.32	49.14 + 49.14	51.96 + 51.96
2-Hit DMG (%)	56.94	60.82	64.7	69.88	73.76	78.29	84.11	89.93	95.76	101.58	107.4
3-Hit DMG (%)	68.55	73.23	77.9	84.13	88.81	94.26	101.27	108.28	115.29	122.3	129.31
4-Hit DMG (%)	37.66 + 37.66	40.23 + 40.23	42.8 + 42.8	46.22 + 46.22	48.79 + 48.79	51.79 + 51.79	55.64 + 55.64	59.49 + 59.49	63.34 + 63.34	67.2 + 67.2	71.05 + 71.05
5-Hit DMG (%)	71.54	76.42	81.3	87.8	92.68	98.37	105.69	113.01	120.32	127.64	134.96
6-Hit DMG (%)	95.83	102.37	108.9	117.61	124.15	131.77	141.57	151.37	161.17	170.97	180.77

Charged Attack

Expending some of his Stamina, Xiao performs an upward thrust that generates a formidable Anemo wave, dealing more harm than his basic attacks.

If the blow hits its mark, Xiao is imbued with a Lemniscatic Wind Cycling stack that amplifies his damage dealt while reducing his susceptibility to damage for a brief duration.

Charged Attack
Charged Attack DMG (%)	121.09	129.34	137.6	148.61	156.86	166.5	178.88	191.26	203.65	216.03	228.42
Charged Attack Stamina Cost	25

Plunging Attack

Xiao takes a mid-air leap and descends to the ground below, triggering a violent whirlwind that injures adversaries in its path and inflicts AoE damage upon landing.

Unlike his counterparts, Xiao is immune to the usual perils of Plunging Attacks, making this tactic an effective method of initiating combat from above.

Plunging Attack
Plunge DMG (%)	81.83	88.49	95.16	104.67	111.33	118.94	129.41	139.88	150.35	161.76	173.18
Low Plunge DMG (%)	163.63	176.95	190.27	209.3	222.62	237.84	258.77	279.7	300.63	323.46	346.29
High Plunge DMG (%)	204.39	221.02	237.66	261.42	278.06	297.07	323.21	349.36	375.5	404.02	432.54

Lemniscatic Wind Cycling: Elemental Skill