Genshin Impact: Xiao Talent Guide

Xiao probably has the most unique playstyle of all Genshin Impact characters. He’s like Venti on steroids. So much of Xiao’s damage relies on his Plunging Attack, usually while under the influence of his Elemental Burst. He’s a really fun change of pace for anyone looking for something a little different.

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Because his Normal Attack and Elemental Burst work together, you’ll want to prioritize either of these Combat Talents. For more consistent damage, level them up at the same time. Either way, you should leave the Elemental Skill for last.

Combat Talents

Normal Attack – Whirlwind Thrust

As usual, the Normal Attack Talent covers Normal Attack, Charged Attack, and Plunging Attack. For Xiao, we’re interested in his Plunging Attack. Interestingly, Xiao’s most notable aspect is actually in this Talent and not in a Passive Talent. Xiao does not take DMG from performing Plunging Attacks. This can save you from dying by fall damage. And yes, it works at any height. But if you happen to miss the button, well…Xiao will take fall damage and probably die. 

Elemental Skill – Lemniscatic Wind Cycling

Xiao is one of the few characters who has more than one charge for the Elemental Skill. At C0, Xiao has two charges of Lemniscatic Wind Cycling. He lunges forward, dealing Anemo DMG along his path. This can also be used in mid-air – though most people use it on the ground.

While very fun to use, Xiao’s Skill is not meant to be the main source of your damage. It’s great for running away, repositioning yourself quickly, and kicking off a Swirl reaction. But it doesn’t perform crowd control and each charge has a separate cooldown.

Elemental Burst – Bane of All Evil

Xiao puts on the Yaksha Mask and it’s just as cool as you think it is. While wearing the Yaksha Mask, Xiao gains increased jumping abilities, attack AoE, and attack DMG. Also, all of Xiao’s attack DMG converts to Anemo DMG. However, while in this state, Xiao will continuously lose HP. This lasts until Xiao leaves the field or the Burst’s duration ends, whichever comes first.

Basically, Xiao trades power for health. If you’re worried about Xiao’s HP, stick a healer on your team. Barbara can work very well here, especially C6 Barbara. Qiqi would also be good if you activate her Skill before using Xiao’s Burst – Qiqi’s healing will directly combat Xiao’s HP loss. And now there’s Kuki Shinobu for all your Electro-Healer needs. Either way, there are plenty of option available for restoring Xiao’s HP, so don’t let that hold you back from taking full advantage of his Burst.

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Passive Talents

1st Ascension – Conqueror of Evil: Tamer of Demons

This Talent automatically activates after Xiao’s first Ascension. 

While in the Bane of All Evil state, all DMG dealt by Xiao increases by 5%. DMG increases another 5% every 3 seconds throughout the Burst’s duration. The maximum DMG Bonus is 25%.

If you end Xiao’s Burst early, you won’t receive the full DMG Bonus. Breaking down the math, Xiao automatically receives a 5% DMG Bonus as soon as his Burst takes effect. He gains another 5% every 3 seconds while his Burst is active. So to get the full 25%, you need to activate this Passive four times. Since each additional 5% increase activates every 3 seconds, then you need Xiao on the field under the Bane of All Evil state for 12 seconds.

4th Ascension – Dissolution Eon: Heaven Fall

This Talent automatically activates after Xiao’s fourth Ascension.

Using Lemniscatic Wind Cycling increases the DMG of subsequent Skill uses by 15%. This effect lasts for 7 seconds and has a maximum of 3 stacks. Gaining a new stack refreshes the effect’s duration.

This can be a fantastic Passive for a C6 Xiao – C1 adds another charge to his Skill, so you can use it three times. C6 eliminates the Skill’s cooldown. With a maximum of 3 stacks, Xiao can gain a 45% DMG Bonus on his Skill. And since each stack refreshes the bonus duration, you can have at least 15% DMG Bonus apply for a maximum of 21 seconds. However, you can only have the full 45% DMG Bonus for 7 seconds.

Utility Passive – Transcension: Gravity Defier

As long as Xiao is in your party, he decreases the climbing Stamina consumption for your team by 20%. This does not stack with other climbing Stamina effects. Like other Stamina Passives, any Utility Passives with the same effect will not stack. However, if you have both Xiao and Venti on your team, you’ll receive the benefits of both characters’ Passives, since Xiao’s applies to climbing and Venti’s applies to gliding.

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Combat Talent Level-Up Materials

Remember, if you’re planning to Triple Crown a character, multiply all materials by three. Each Combat Talent has its own level-up system.