Lament weaklings! This guide is not for the weak of heart! If you wish to learn more of Adeptus Xiao you must simply speak his name….
Xiao is an Anemo Polearm user who can zip around the battlefield at will and deals frighteningly large amounts of Anemo damage with his Elemental Burst. That also greatly enhances his baseline capabilities, enabling him to leap great heights to plunge down on unsuspecting foes. However, this great power comes at a cost, as he must sacrifice his own health and stay on the field to keep these effects going, potentially putting himself at great risk. No reason to fear though as via this guide, you’ll learn how to best make the most of his abilities without risking an early demise.
Table
How to get Xiao in Genshin Impact
At the time of this writing, Xiao is a character event exclusive character. This means that he cannot be rolled by any means until he is announced for a banner rate up. He was last available in Version 1.3.
Combat Info
→ Ascensions and Stats (Found in Excel Document)
| Ascension Phase | Level | Base HP | Base ATK | Base DEF | Special Stat (CRIT Rate) |
| 0✦ | 1/20 | 991 | 27 | 62 | — |
| 20/20 | 2,572 | 71 | 161 | ||
| 1✦ | 20/40 | 3,422 | 94 | 215 | — |
| 40/40 | 5,120 | 141 | 321 | ||
| 2✦ | 40/50 | 5,724 | 157 | 359 | 4.80% |
| 50/50 | 6,586 | 181 | 413 | ||
| 3✦ | 50/60 | 7,391 | 203 | 464 | 9.60% |
| 60/60 | 8,262 | 227 | 519 | ||
| 4✦ | 60/70 | 8,866 | 243 | 556 | 9.60% |
| 70/70 | 9,744 | 267 | 612 | ||
| 5✦ | 70/80 | 10,348 | 284 | 649 | 14.40% |
| 80/80 | 11,236 | 308 | 705 | ||
| 6✦ | 80/90 | 11,840 | 325 | 743 | 19.20% |
| 90/90 | 12,736 | 349 | 799 |
| Mora | Gems | Character Level Up Materials | Materials | Materials | |
| Ascension Cost (0 → 1) | 20,000 | 1 Vayuda Turquoise Silver | N/A | 3 Qingxin | 3 Slime Condensate |
| Ascension Cost (1 → 2) | 40,000 | 3 Vayuda Turquoise Fragment | 2 Juvenile Jade | 10 Qingxin | 15 Slime Condensate |
| Ascension Cost (2 → 3) | 60,000 | 6 Vayuda Turquoise Fragment | 4 Juvenile Jade | 20 Qingxin | 12 Slime Secretions |
| Ascension Cost (3 → 4) | 80,000 | 3 Vayuda Turquoise Chunk | 8 Juvenile Jade | 30 Qingxin | 18 Slime Secretions |
| Ascension Cost (4 → 5) | 100,000 | 6 Vayuda Turquoise Chunk | 12 Juvenile Jade | 45 Qingxin | 12 Slime Concentrate |
| Ascension Cost (5 → 6) | 120,000 | 6 Vayuda Turquoise | 20 Juvenile Jade | 60 Qingxin | 24 Slime Concentrate |
→ Talents
Whirlwind Thrust- Normal Attack
Normal Attack
Performs up to 6 consecutive spear strikes.
Charged Attack
Consumes a certain amount of Stamina to perform an upward thrust.
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 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
Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.
Xiao does not take DMG from performing Plunging Attacks.
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 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
Xiao lunges forward, dealing Anemo DMG to opponents in his path.
Can be used in mid-air.
Starts with 2 charges.
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Skill DMG% | 252.8 | 271.76 | 290.72 | 316 | 334.96 | 353.92 | 379.2 | 404.48 | 429.76 | 455.04 | 480.32 | 505.6 | 537.2 |
| CD | 10s |
Bane of All Evil- Elemental Burst
Xiao dons the Yaksha Mask that made gods and demons alike tremble millennia ago.
Yaksha's Mask
- Greatly increases Xiao's jumping ability.
- Increases his attack AoE and attack DMG.
- Converts attack DMG into 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.
Conqueror of Evil: Tamer of Demons- 1st Talent Ascension Passive
While under the effects of Bane of All Evil, all DMG dealt by Xiao increases by 5%. DMG increases by a further 5% for every 3s the ability persists. The maximum DMG Bonus is 25%.
Dissolution Eon:Heaven Fall- 4th Talent Ascension Passive
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.
Transcension: Gravity Defier Utility Passive
Decreases climbing Stamina consumption for your own party members by 20%.
Not stackable with Passive Talents that provide the exact same effects.
→ Talent Upgrade
| Talent Level | Required Ascension Level | Mora | Common Materials | Talent Level Up Materials | ||
| 1 → 2 | 2* | 12,500 | 6 Slime Condensate | 3 Teachings of Prosperity | ||
| 2 → 3 | 3* | 17,500 | 3 Slime Secretions | 2 Guide to Prosperity | ||
| 3 → 4 | 3* | 25,000 | 4 Slime Secretions | 4 Guide to Prosperity | ||
| 4 → 5 | 4* | 30,000 | 6 Slime Secretions | 6 Guide to Prosperity | ||
| 5 → 6 | 4* | 37,500 | 9 Slime Secretions | 9 Guide to Prosperity | ||
| 6 → 7 | 5* | 120,000 | 4 Energy Nectar | 4 Philosophies to Prosperity | 1 Shadow of the Warrior | |
| 7 → 8 | 260,000 | 6 Energy Nectar | 6 Philosophies to Prosperity | 1 Shadow of the Warrior | ||
| 8 → 9 | 5* | 450,000 | 9 Energy Nectar | 12 Philosophies to Prosperity | 2 Shadow of the Warrior | |
| 9 → 10 | 5* | 700,000 | 12 Energy Nectar | 16 Philosophies to Prosperity | 2 Shadow of the Warrior | 1 Crown of Insight |
→ Constellation
2. Availability
→ Paimon's Bargains
N/A
→ Event Wishes
As a 5 Star character, Xiao has been featured in 1 Character Event Wish so far
Invitation to Mundane Life 2021-02-03- 2021-02-17
3. Personality
Being a Yaksha who has lived for thousands of years, Xiao has seen plenty of his share of turmoil and he isn’t one to be fazed easily with a reserved, yet serious demeanor. He intentionally keeps his distance from mortals, mostly because the nature of his work would put them at risk. Ironically, as one sworn to protect the lands of Liyue by the name of the Geo Archon Morax, he knows very little about their customs and traditions. Only in his interactions with the Traveler does he ease up in this regard, and eventually even becomes willing to mentor his fellow adeptus Ganyu for a time
4. Appearance
Xiao has very dark green hair of medium length with tealish undertones at the roots, swept back with two neck length locks. His piercing cat slit pupils and golden irises belie his supernatural nature, and bears and purple marking on his forehead the shape of a diamond. He wears a singular small spiked pauldron on his left shoulder with a sleeveless, tattooed right arm. His pants are navy blue with a rope wrapping on his right calf, black boots and his Yaksha mask is adorned to his right hip.
5. Character Stories
→ Character Details
Xiao may have the appearance of a young man but his true age is a shade over two thousand years.
Fortunately, people do not tend to underestimate him on the basis of his appearance — one only needs to spend a short time with Xiao to clarify that he is not someone to be trifled with.
Xiao is a man of few words. He is highly dangerous, and has the most piercing gaze you've ever seen. He enjoys a formidable reputation and high level of seniority among the adepti but is relatively unknown in the mortal realm.
This is inevitable. Xiao is not one of those popular deities to whom people pray for wealth and protection, nor is he a mystical sage of Jueyun Karst to whom pilgrims flock in search of divine wisdom.
No... if any mortal witnesses Xiao unleashing his true power, it is certain to be under the direst of circumstances — and they will be extremely lucky if they survive the ordeal.
This is not because Xiao seeks to harm people. Rather, since Xiao wages a constant war against dark forces powerful enough to devour Liyue in its entirety and any bystanders who witness him in the heat of battle are likely to end up as collateral damage. Not that this is a secret worth going around silencing witnesses for.
→ Character Story 1
What exactly is Xiao wrestling with? The tactful answer would be old grudges, unfulfilled dreams, the lamentations of the vanquished...
The unmitigated truth is that Xiao fights against the remnants of the defeated gods from the Archon War, which took place prior to the rise of The Seven. Morax defeated those gods and buried their remains beneath the rocks of the earth.
However, gods are immortal. Their consciousness may diminish but their power and hatred will always remain and spread like poison, relentlessly stirring up chaos for the world and its inhabitants.
Liyue's rulers, who are aware of the truth regarding Xiao, refer to him in his millennia-long experience as the "Bane of All Evil."
The war he fights can never be won, and will never come to an end.
It is also an invisible war that no one will ever witness or thank him for.
→ Character Story 2
Xiao is not this yaksha's true name but a name given to him in the interests of his own protection.
Back in a younger, more naive time, a god had gotten a hold of Xiao's weakness and forced him to serve as their bloodhound, in which capacity he was forced to perform cruel and violent acts.
Many died at his hand, many hopes were crushed and he was even forced into devouring his victims' dreams. As much as it pained him to do this, he was helpless to resist.
Finally, on the battlefield of the Archon War, Morax, the Geo Archon,[Note 2] had a fateful encounter with the yaksha's master.
The current state of the world has already revealed the results of that battle.
Rex Lapis liberated the yaksha and gave him the name "Xiao."
"In the fables of another world, the name Xiao is that of a spirit who encountered great suffering and hardship. He endured much suffering, as you have. Use this name from now on."
→ Character Story 3
To repay his debt of gratitude to the Geo Archon, Xiao shouldered the burden of protecting Liyue in the millennia that followed.
His past of service under the evil god had rid Xiao of his innocence and gentleness. All that remained within him was the means to kill and the weight of his sins.
The only way he could be of service to mortals was in combat.
But what could people do for him in return?
No one would ever stop to ask such a question. The sight of Xiao, even far off in the far distance, was intimidating enough to send people instantly running for their lives.
That said... if ever someone did want to show some appreciation for Xiao, there is perhaps one thing they could try.
There is a certain secret agent from the Qixing who is tasked with supporting Xiao in subduing demons. That secret agent runs a front organization called the Wangshu Inn.
Occasionally, Xiao stops by the inn for a bowl of Almond Tofu, and if you could see the look on his face when he eats it... there's no mistaking it — he clearly loves the stuff.
Nonetheless, it is not the sweet taste that Xiao hankers after. It's the texture he finds irresistible — apparently, it's very similar to that of the dreams he used to devour.
→ Character Story 4
What exactly is Xiao wrestling with?
Those in power in Liyue know of Xiao's battle against the evil manifestations produced by the remnants of defeated gods.
However, if you asked Xiao the same question, he may well give you an entirely different answer.
Xiao was once enslaved by an evil god and suffered immensely under his rule until finally regaining his freedom at Rex Lapis' hand.
Xiao's powers were highly regarded by the adepti to begin with; he seemed to vanquish all manner of evil demons with consummate ease.
But the evil gods also held immense power, and their lust for revenge ran deeper than mere mortals could ever contemplate. Xiao relentlessly slaughtered countless manifestations of their vengeful remnant souls but in doing so, he caused these souls to become increasingly fractured. Eventually, fragments of their hatred were able to taint Xiao's own soul.
The only way to eradicate such hatred is to accept the karmic debt it brings. The magnitude of the bad karma Xiao has accumulated over the years is enough to consume flesh, bone and soul alike.
And yet, Xiao does not feel any hatred. Having lived for over two thousand years, no single karmic debt constitutes anything more than a fleeting memory.
No grudge can last a thousand years; nor is any debt so great that it cannot be paid off in this time.
Xiao has spent many long years alone.
But his battles have never been in vain.
Because ultimately, the one with whom Xiao wrestles is himself.
→ Character Story 5
What does Xiao fight against?
The Traveler understands very well that Xiao fights against the darkness that threatens Liyue. He fights to defend Liyue.
But who will defend him?
There was once when most of Xiao's strength was spent fighting from dusk till dawn, with him emerging victorious by a mere hair.
The reeds fields had been sliced to ribbons in the fierce fighting and after plucking his spear from where it had been planted in the ground, Xiao began the trek home.
Well, one says "home" — yet, where did Xiao have to return to? He was merely leaving the battlefield.
Long exhausted, Xiao felt the divine hatred that tainted his body take effect.
Limitless hate flooded his senses and he fell to the ground in agony.
But it was also at that moment that the pain vanished without warning.
This was not by Xiao's own strength, for he had been rescued by the sound of a flute.
The clear, lovely sound of the flute came over the mountains and rivers, carried on the wind to where he lay.
And clear it continued to ring till the first light of dawn brought with it the startled flight of distant birds.
It protected Xiao, massaging his wild senses while giving him a moment's peace.
Who was playing this music? Xiao was curious but did not pursue the matter. For he already had something approaching an answer.
The last person who could help him was one of The Seven themselves. So this person, too, must be—
→ Ode to Windborne Wraith
A scholar of the Sumeru Academia once did folklore studies in Liyue, the result of which was a book called "Tour of the Land of Liyue," with separate editions being available in Sumeru and Liyue.
"Hidden Diamond and Cloudy Moon: Wonders and Folklores of Liyue" is the version available in Liyue, and has had many mystical and magical portions removed.
The "Ode to Windborne Wraith" is one of the mystical chapters that remain recorded within the complete version at the Academia.
The document mentions that though the yaksha were mighty and upright among the adepti, they were bound by their own karma to suffer great horrors and tribulations. As such, they wandered the land in a state of unending suffering.
The chapter lists many methods of comforting the yaksha, such as food offerings, holy chants, and the like. These would appease the yaksha and help them to continue defending the peace.
As noble warriors among adepti, the yaksha would often descend upon the battlefield in person. However, as conflicts grew over the millennia, they have almost been wiped out. Today, large statues of the yaksha subduing demons remain within Liyue's borders but they have had their features destroyed.
By the by, the language used in that text was so meandering and its contents so dense, that it sold far fewer copies than the Teyvat Travel Guide and the international cultural summaries written by El Musk.
→ Vision
All adepti are known as the "mighty and illuminated" adepti, and this "illumination" refers to the light of a third "eye" that they possess: a Vision.
But do adepti receive their Visions as a form of acknowledgment from Celestia, like humans do?
Xiao no longer remembers the moment he received his Vision. To humans, this would be an unforgettable event but for him, this was just the beginning of his endless battle.
The thing that Xiao truly cannot forget is something different.
There are a great many human festivals, and few remember the stories behind them.
The greater part of these days coincide with occasions where man-eating monsters were defeated by the adepti host. People imitated their deeds and staged exorcism rituals to remember their ancient heroism, with these practices eventually evolving into celebratory festivals.
The hatred and residual might of many of the gods defeated by Morax throughout Liyue will sometimes erupt with abnormal force amid their half-awake, half-dreaming state. Among them, the eruption that takes place during the Lantern Rite is the most extreme in scale.
Xiao has his mission to perform the time-honored "Nuo Dance of Evil Conquering," and so he fights night and day during the Lantern Rite. Thus, he has come to hate it.
Now, Xiao did not consider battle dangerous. It was due to his hard work that Liyue was kept safe. People lit their lanterns, and the blessed lights shone across the night sky and the nearshore.
At that moment, another special feeling blossomed in Xiao's heart. Loneliness? Peace? Or was it his fears for the future? The young-seeming adeptus searched his heart, only to find no answers.
6. Namecard
HOW TO OBTAIN: Reach Friendship Level 10 with Xiao
Description: He longs for a day to come when he will wear the mask and dance — not to conquer demons, but to the tune of that flute amid a sea of flowers.
7. Constellation
“Alatus Nemeseos”- Meaning “Winged Nemesis” In Latin
8. Quests and Events
Xiao makes an appearence in the following Quests!
→ Archon Quests
→ Story Quests
- Alatus Chapter (Xiao's personal questline)
- Act I: Butterfly's Dream
- The Purging of Evil
- Insights of Drifting Dreams
- Sinae Unicornis Chapter (Ganyu's personal questline)
- Act I: Sea of Clouds, Sea of People
- The Illuminated Beast of the Sea of Clouds
→ Events
- Lantern Rite
- Act II: Currents Deep Beneath the Lanterns
- Act III: Light Upon the Sea
- Moonlight Merriment
- Three to Get Ready, and Here We Go
9. Character Interactions
Xiao mentions the following characters in his voiceover lines
-Zhongli
-Beidou
-Baizhu
-Hu Tao
-Venti
-Ganyu
Xiao is mentioned by the following characters in their voiceover lines
-Beidou
-Chongyun
-Ganyu
-Hu Tao
-Keqing
-Qiqi
-Zhongli
10. Trivia
-Xiao was originally available in two of the closed betas for Genshin Impact pre-release. He would be the 2nd to last of those characters to be released, with only Ayaka being released later than him.
-In the Chinese VO, Xiao shares the same voice actor as Chongyun
-As mentioned in his profile stories, Xiao is not his true name but one given to him by the Geo Archon Morax (Also known as Rex Lapis and Zhongli)
11. Explainer Video
12. FAQs
Does Xiao need a healer?
Absolutely. This was stated at the beginning but really merits repeating. You will naturally kill yourself in the process of gameplay with Xiao if he does not have some source of healing intake. In the overworld it is likely fine if you have food but you’ll burn through resources quickly. Characters like Barbara or Noelle are almost essential when using him (Or if you’re really lucky, Jean).
What is Xiao’s best weapon?
The Primordial Jade Winged Spear he is frequently featured with is one of his best, albeit that is a 5 Star spear that ultimately requires a great amount of resources and luck to acquire. For more cost friendly options, the Blackcliff Pole from the Star Glitter shop is a worthy alternative as well as Deathmatch which can be earned from the Battle Pass.
Can Xiao hurt himself from fall damage?
Xiao actually has a line in his normal talent that states he does not take any damage while plunging. So if you ever find yourself falling from a great height with Xiao, remember to plunge to spare yourself from any fall damage. You will take fall damage if you do not plunge, however
What is Xiao’s best artifact set?
The general consensus is settled on 2PC Gladiator’s Finale (18% ATK) and 2PC Viridescent Venerer (15% Anemo Damage). You could run 4PC Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (18% ATK and 50% Normal/Charged/Plunging Attack DMG but -15 Energy every Elemental Skill use) but it is considerably trickier to use for almost identical output
13. Final Thoughts
Xiao is a demanding, selfish character to use that requires a solid grasp of teambuilding in order to maximize his full potential. It will certainly take some time and resources (maybe a little bit of luck concerning rolling certain characters) in order to bring him up to speed. Once you have grasped those principles though, there is just about nothing you can’t overcome in Genshin Impact with the Vigilant Yaksha at your side.
