Genshin Impact Xiao build, weapons, and best Xiao F2P options

The right Genshin Impact Xiao build needs a few key stats to make the 5-star Anemo character shine. Xiao is unique among polearm users in that his kit centers on plunge attacks, and even with Xianyun on the scene, there's no weapon or Artifact set that helps boost plunge attacks for anyone who isn't Xianyun.

Our Genshin Impact Xiao build guide explains what weapons and Artifacts work best for the Vigilant Yaksha and what to focus on if you don't have his signature weapon.

If you're looking for more help with Xiao, check out our Xiao teams recommendations and Xiao materials list.

Genshin Impact Xiao build

Genshin Impact best Xiao build

Xiao released before HoYoverse started experimenting with more complicated skill scalings, but he's a little more complex than most 1.0 characters. Most of Xiao's damage potential comes from his burst effect, so you'll want high energy recharge to help offset his high burst cost and the fact that he produces few energy particles. Critical hit rate, critical damage, and attack are the other stats he'll benefit most from, though since Xiao has critical rate as a bonus stat, you can probably get away with focusing on attack and critical damage instead.

Genshin Impact Xiao weapons

The Primordial Jade Winged Spear is made for Xiao, literally. It has one of the highest attack stats of any polearm and a secondary stat that boosts the user’s critical hit rate, so between that and his natural crit rate, you'll have nearly an extra 40 percent crit rate when Xiao and the weapon are at max level. Best of all for Xiao is the passive skill, Eagle Spear of Justice, since it boosts the user's attack when they land a hit.

Staff of Homa is a close second best.It boosts Xiao's critical damage by 14 percent and provides a hefty boost to attack damage based on your max HP. Not only that, when you fall below 50 percent HP, this boost is increased by an extra one percent of the user's max HP. Xiao's HP will likely fall under the halfway point a lot, so it's a strong fit.

Calamity Queller gives the user an elemental damage boost, a solid attack buff, and a further attack buff after they use an elemental skill. Xiao's skill has two charges, so he's in a good position to make this weapon work very well. Skyward Spine is another strong fit and one that's comparatively easier to obtain since it's in the standard banner. It raises the user's energy recharge and attack.

The Blackcliff Pole has a home with Xiao as well. This 4-star polearm comes with a hefty critical damage buff and raises the user's attack when they defeat foes. Favonius Lance works if you need help with Xiao's energy, and the Royal Spear actually works pretty well on him as well, with its attack buff and crit boost when you damage foes.

Genshin Impact Xiao Artifacts

The Vermillion Hereafter set was practically designed for Xiao, and not just because it comes with a mask that matches his own. Its effects work perfectly with his burst.

1. Two-piece effect: Increases attack by 18 percent
2. Four-piece effect: After using elemental burst, this character will gain the Nascent Light effect, increasing their attack by eight percent for 16 seconds. When the character's HP decreases, their attack will further increase by 10 percent. This further increase can occur this way a maximum of four times.

If you get Xiao, but aren't at a point where you can challenge the Vermillion Hereafter Domain in Liyue's Chasm, head to Mondstadt, and get the Viridescent Venerer set. This one raises Anemo damage and reduces enemy resistance to elements used in Swirl reactions.

Genshin Impact Xiao Artifact stats

Here's what you'll want to aim for with Xiao's Artifact stats.

• Sands: Energy recharge, or attack, if your weapon provides energy recharge
• Circlet: Critical damage or crit rate, if your weapon doesn't provide crit rate
• Goblet: Anemo damage or attack

Genshin Impact Xiao F2P build

Xiao’s F2P is a bit tougher to put together, since free polearms are all very specific to certain playstyles - most of which aren't Xiao's playstyle. You do have a few strong choices, though.

Best Xiao F2P weapon

We’re going with Prototype Starglitter for this one. Its attack stat is a little on the low side, but it offers a hefty boost to Energy Recharge, which Xiao needs. Starglitter’s passive skill won't help Xiao's burst-fueled plunging attacks, but it does give him some off-burst utility by increasing his normal and charged attack power when you use his skill.

White Tassel is a popular 3-star choice, since it also raises the user's critical hit rate by a fair amount.

If you're saving up for future Genshin Impact banners, make sure to check out our up-do-date list of Genshin Impact codes for some free Primogems.