Role: On-Field Anemo DPS / Plunging Attack Carry
Best For: Players who want a mobile Anemo carry focused on repeated high-damage Plunging Attacks during his Elemental Burst.
1. Recommended Artifacts
4-Piece Vermillion Hereafter — A strong general option for Xiao because his Burst continuously drains HP, allowing him to activate the set’s stacking ATK bonus.
Alternative: 4-Piece Marechaussee Hunter provides a large amount of CRIT Rate through Xiao’s HP changes, while 4-Piece Desert Pavilion Chronicle can also increase his Plunging Attack damage.
2. Recommended Weapons
Premium: Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
Alternatives: Staff of Homa, Calamity Queller
F2P: Blackcliff Pole
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear provides CRIT Rate and a stacking ATK bonus that works naturally with Xiao’s extended field time. Staff of Homa is another powerful option and remains strong even without deliberately keeping Xiao below 50% HP.
3. Recommended Teams
Plunge Hypercarry: Xiao + Faruzan + Xianyun + Furina
Bennett Hypercarry: Xiao + Faruzan + Bennett + Zhongli
Triple Anemo: Xiao + Faruzan + Xianyun + Bennett
Xiao benefits greatly from Anemo teammates who can provide particles and reduce his Energy requirements. Faruzan directly supports Anemo damage, while Xianyun provides healing and powerful Plunging Attack buffs.
4. Main Stats / Substats
Sands: ATK%
Goblet: Anemo DMG Bonus / ATK%
Circlet: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG
Priority: Energy Recharge until needed → CRIT → ATK%
Xiao needs enough Energy Recharge to activate his Burst every rotation because most of his damage occurs during its duration. His exact Energy requirements depend heavily on his Anemo teammates and particle generation.
5. Playstyle
Set up Xiao’s supports first, then use his Elemental Skills before activating his Burst. His Skill generates Anemo particles outside his Burst, so using it immediately before Burst allows those particles to reach Xiao while his Burst animation is occurring.
Once Bane of All Evil is active, repeatedly jump and perform Plunging Attacks until the Burst ends. Xiao’s Normal Attack talent determines his Plunging Attack multipliers, making the recommended talent priority Normal Attack → Burst → Skill.
6. F2P
Xiao can perform well without a limited 5-star weapon, although his completely free weapon selection is more limited than many other DPS characters. Blackcliff Pole provides valuable CRIT DMG and can be obtained without wishing for a weapon.
F2P players should prioritize reliable Burst uptime and strong artifact stats before focusing on premium weapon upgrades. Investing in compatible supports and maintaining a balanced CRIT ratio can have a substantial impact on Xiao’s overall performance.
*StoryBillion Tip: Use Xiao’s Elemental Skills before activating his Burst whenever possible. His Skill does not generate particles while his Burst is active, so using both Skill charges first lets you funnel their Anemo particles into Xiao while transitioning into his Plunging Attack window.
