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Genshin Impactfeatures theLantern Rite Festivalannually. During this special event, 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 celebration often has many features involving Xiao, the Conqueror of Demons.
Fans have long been huge fans of this special character, and he’s often very popular when his banners roll around. Those looking to power up Xiao to his maximum potential will want to build him right, and this guide will help with just that.
Updated on Aug 07, 2025, by Nahda Nabiilah:Xiao has come a long way ever since his release in Genshin Impact 1.3. He has experienced being in and out of the meta, where his viability rose and fell constantly thanks to the current lineup of enemies in the Spiral Abyss and hislack of dedicated support. Thankfully, Faruzan makes her way in version 3.3, which increases Xiao’s ranking in the tier list, and in Genshin Impact 4.4, another support that works greatly with Xiao, Xianyun, becomes available as well. With the constant additions to Xiao’s build and teammates, it’s only right to update this article to include more up-to-date information about thebest Xiao build in Genshin Impact.
Best Artifact For Xiao In Genshin Impact
Xiao’s main source of damage came from the Anemo infusion during his Elemental Burst, so players shouldn’t build the Yaksha on Physical build.4pc Vermillion Hereafteris the best option for Xiao’sartifact inGenshin Impact, but other artifacts like4pc Desert Pavilion Chronicleand4pc Marechaussee Hunterperform almost as well, so players shoulduse whichever set has the best substat.
If a four-piece set is unavailable, you can also mix two-piece sets such as2pc Anemo DMG +15%,2pc ATK +18%, and2pc Emblem of Severed Fate. Emblem of Severed Fate works nicely on Xiao since he often has an issue with his energy.
Top 5-Star Options
The best weapon for Xiao is the 5-starPrimordial Jade Winged-Spear. This Polearm only grants a small Critical Rate boost from its substat but has a large base attack on its main stat. Since Xiao’s ascension bonus is Critical Rate, players won’t have to worry about not having asufficient amount of thisGenshin Impactstat. Moreover, the large base attack will be further boosted by the weapon’s passive. At full stack, it will grant +22.4% extra ATK, and +12% bonus damage.
If players have theVortex Vanquisherinstead of Primordial Jade, it is also a great choice for Xiao. However, since the weapon’s passive grants ATK, players have to work hard on getting Critical Rate and Damage from their artifacts. Hu Tao’s best-in-slot Polearm, theStaff of Homa, is also a brilliant option for Xiao. It grants massive Critical Damage substat, and will further increase the Yaksha’s attack based on his HP. If his health falls under 50%, this bonus will be even larger. Considering Xiao will continuously lose HP while his Elemental Burst is active,triggering this passive should be an easy feat. Other viable 5-star weapons for Xiao includeCalamity QuellerandStaff of the Scarlet Sands.
4-Star Options
Deathmatchis the best 4-star option for Xiao. Unfortunately, thisGenshin ImpactPolearmis only obtainable via the Battle Pass. So non-spending players won’t be able to get one. As an alternative, Travelers can opt forBlackcliff Pole. This weapon can be bought via the shop. Just like the Staff of Homa, Blackcliff Pole also grants Critical Damage from its substat. Meanwhile, players who are luckier from gacha can also useLithic Spear, which can fare with Blackcliff Pole even at only two stacks.Missive Windspearis also viable for Xiao if players get it from the limited-time event.
Other Options
Skyward SpineandEngulfing Lightningmay be 5-star weapons, but they don’t necessarily perform better than their 4-star counterparts. For Xiao, Skyward Spine can help with his energy problems. But other than that, this Polearm isn’t highly recommended.
If players are unable to get the rest of the Polearms, the final options would beFavonius Lance,White Tassel, andPrototype Starglitter. TheforgeableGenshin Impactweaponcan help Xiao regain his Elemental Burst. But other than that, this equipment should only serve as a temporary item until players can get a better replacement.
Xiao’s Talent Overview
Normal Attack
Xiao’s normal and plunge attack has thehighest multiplier compared to the otherGenshin ImpactPolearm characters, showing that he has a lot of potential in that area. Even though his charged attack is not the best damage-wise, it has the extra ability to crowd-control smaller enemies by flipping them up.
Elemental Skill
At zero Constellation, Xiao can keep two charges of Elemental Skill. This ability allows him to move quickly, even in midair. Players can use it for repositioning when using his plunge attack, but it’s best to save Xiao’s Skills until his Burst ends so that he can restore his own energy with it.
When his Elemental Burst is inactive, Xiao can also generate a decent number of Elemental Particles. Butwhen used during his Burst, the Skill will not produce energy.
Elemental Burst
The Elemental Burst is the main feature of Xiao’s kit. It will infuse his weapon with Anemo and increase his damage. It also allows Xiao to jump really high, granting easy access to plunge attacks.
