Best Genshin Impact Xiao Build (June 2026) Weapons & Artifacts

Welcome Travelers! I’ve been maining Xiao since his first banner release, and I’m excited to share the most comprehensive guide to building this incredible Anemo DPS. After testing countless artifact combinations and team compositions across multiple Spiral Abyss rotations, I can confidently say that Xiao remains one of the most satisfying and powerful characters in Genshin Impact. Whether you’re planning to pull for him or already have the Vigilant Yaksha in your roster, this guide will help you unleash his full potential with the latest meta strategies for 2026.

Quick Overview

Genshin Impact Xiao Build

Who is Xiao in Genshin Impact?

Xiao is a 5-star Anemo character who serves as one of the most powerful Main DPS units in the game. As an Adeptus from Liyue and the last surviving member of the five Yakshas, he wields incredible power through his unique Plunge Attack-focused playstyle. Unlike other Anemo characters who rely on Swirl reactions, Xiao deals massive raw Anemo damage that doesn’t depend on elemental reactions, making him incredibly versatile against any enemy type.

What sets Xiao apart is his Elemental Burst, “Bane of All Evil,” which transforms him into a devastating force. During this state, he gains massively increased jump height, converts all his attacks to Anemo damage, and gains substantial damage bonuses. However, this power comes at a cost – he continuously loses HP while his burst is active, making proper team composition crucial for his survival.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Incredible AoE damage with massive Plunge Attack radius
• High damage multipliers that don’t rely on reactions
• Excellent for exploration with reduced climbing stamina consumption
• Consistent damage output throughout his burst duration
• Can hit enemies at various heights, including flying opponents

Weaknesses:

• High energy cost (70) requiring battery support
• Continuous HP drain during burst necessitates a healer
• Knocks back lighter enemies, potentially spreading them out
• Requires significant field time (selfish DPS)
• Cannot generate energy particles during his burst

Best Weapons for Xiao Build in June 2026

Top Weapon Choices

1. Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (5-Star) – Best in Slot

Xiao’s signature weapon remains his absolute best option. The 22.1% CRIT Rate substat synergizes perfectly with his ascension stat, giving you 46.3% CRIT Rate before artifacts. The passive provides up to 22.4% ATK and 12% DMG bonus at maximum stacks, which Xiao can easily maintain through his attack combos.

2. Staff of Homa (5-Star)

While traditionally associated with Hu Tao, Staff of Homa performs exceptionally well on Xiao. The CRIT DMG substat helps achieve optimal crit ratios, and the HP-scaling ATK bonus becomes even more valuable when Xiao’s HP drops below 50% during his burst. Pair this with a shielder for maximum effectiveness.

3. Calamity Queller (5-Star)

This weapon offers massive ATK% bonuses through both its substat and passive. While it doesn’t provide crit stats, the sheer ATK increase can outperform other options if you have good crit ratios from artifacts. The Elemental DMG bonus also benefits Xiao’s Anemo-infused attacks.

4. Deathmatch (4-Star) – Best 4-Star Option

For players without 5-star weapons, Deathmatch from the Battle Pass is exceptional. The CRIT Rate substat is invaluable, and the conditional ATK/DEF buffs are consistently active in most combat scenarios. At R5, it can compete with some 5-star options.

5. Blackcliff Pole (4-Star) – F2P Friendly

Available from the Starglitter Exchange, Blackcliff Pole provides CRIT DMG and conditional ATK buffs. While the passive is less reliable in single-target situations, it serves as an excellent stat stick for F2P players.

Weapon Comparison

Best Artifacts for Xiao Build in June 2026

Primary Artifact Set: Long Night’s Oath (4-Piece)

With the release of version 5.5, Long Night’s Oath has dethroned Vermillion Hereafter as Xiao’s best-in-slot artifact set. This Natlan domain set provides:

• 2-Piece Bonus: Plunging Attack DMG +25%
• 4-Piece Bonus: After Plunging Attack/Charged Attack/Elemental Skill hits, gain “Radiance Everlasting” stacks. Each stack increases Plunging Attack DMG by 15% (max 5 stacks, 6s duration each)

This set perfectly aligns with Xiao’s playstyle, offering up to 100% increased Plunging Attack DMG at full stacks. The easy stack generation through his skill and plunges makes maintaining maximum damage effortless.

Alternative Artifact Options

1. Vermillion Hereafter (4-Piece)

Still a strong option if you already have good pieces:

• 2-Piece: ATK +18%
• 4-Piece: After Burst, gain Nascent Light effect. ATK +8% for 16s, additional +10% ATK when HP decreases (max 4 times)

2. Desert Pavilion Chronicle (4-Piece)

Viable with proper rotation management:

• 2-Piece: Anemo DMG Bonus +15%
• 4-Piece: Charged Attack/Normal Attack speed +10%, Anemo DMG +40% after Charged Attack

3. Marechaussee Hunter (4-Piece)

Excellent when paired with Furina:

• 2-Piece: Normal/Charged Attack DMG +15%
• 4-Piece: +12% CRIT Rate when HP changes, max 4 stacks

4. Mixed Sets (2+2)

For players still farming:

• 2pc Viridescent Venerer + 2pc ATK +18% set
• 2pc Desert Pavilion + 2pc ATK +18% set

Artifact Main Stats Priority

Artifact Substats Priority

1. CRIT Rate (aim for 70-80%)
2. CRIT DMG (aim for 200%+)
3. ATK%
4. Energy Recharge (120-140% depending on team)
5. Flat ATK

Artifact Farming Tips

When farming for Xiao’s artifacts, I recommend prioritizing substats over set bonuses initially. A well-rolled 2+2 combination often outperforms a poorly rolled 4-piece set. Focus on achieving at least:

• 2000+ ATK (with weapon)
• 70%+ CRIT Rate
• 180%+ CRIT DMG
• 130% Energy Recharge

Best Team Comps for Xiao Build in June 2026

Premium Xiao Hypercarry Team

Xiao + Xianyun + Faruzan + Furina

This is currently Xiao’s strongest team composition:

• Xianyun: Provides massive Plunge Attack DMG bonuses and healing
• Faruzan (C6): Anemo RES shred, DMG bonus, and battery
• Furina: Universal DMG bonus and off-field Hydro application

This team eliminates “circle impact” issues since all buffs follow the active character, allowing Xiao complete freedom of movement.

Classic Anemo Support Team

Xiao + Faruzan + Bennett + Jean/Sucrose

A more accessible option that still delivers exceptional results:

• Faruzan: Core Anemo support (C6 highly recommended)
• Bennett: ATK buff, healing, and Pyro resonance
• Jean: Battery, healing, and C4 Anemo RES shred
• Sucrose: Alternative battery with TTDS buff

Double Geo Comfort Team

Xiao + Albedo + Zhongli + Jean

Perfect for players prioritizing survivability:

• Albedo: Off-field DPS and Geo resonance
• Zhongli: Strongest shield and universal RES shred
• Jean: Healing and energy generation

F2P Friendly Team

Xiao + Lynette/Anemo Traveler + Bennett + Xiangling

Budget option that still clears all content:

• Lynette: 4-star Anemo battery
• Bennett: Healing and ATK buff
• Xiangling: Off-field DPS and Pyro resonance

Team Building Principles

When building teams for Xiao, prioritize:

1. Anemo Battery: Essential for burst uptime
2. Healer: Counters HP drain from burst
3. Buffer: Maximize Xiao’s damage potential
4. Flex Slot: Off-field DPS or additional utility

Xiao Kit Details and Talent Level-up Priority

Talent Overview

Normal Attack: Whirlwind Thrust

• Performs up to 6 consecutive spear strikes
• Charged Attack consumes stamina for upward thrust
• Plunge Attacks deal no fall damage to Xiao

Elemental Skill: Lemniscatic Wind Cycling

• Lunges forward dealing Anemo DMG
• 2 charges (3 with C1)
• Can be used mid-air
• Generates 3 particles per use

Elemental Burst: Bane of All Evil

• Dons the Yaksha Mask for 15 seconds
• Greatly increases jumping ability
• Converts all attacks to Anemo DMG
• Increases all damage dealt
• Continuously drains HP (3% at Lv1, 2% at Lv7+)

Talent Level Priority

1. Normal Attack – Highest Priority (Plunge damage scales with this)
2. Elemental Burst – Highest Priority (DMG bonus and reduced HP drain)
3. Elemental Skill – High Priority (Significant damage in rotations)

I recommend taking both Normal Attack and Burst to at least level 9, with crowns being worthwhile investments. The Elemental Skill can stay at level 8 unless you’re going for C6.

Combat Rotation

Standard Rotation:

1. Xiao Skill x2 (generate energy)
2. Switch to supports for buffs/healing
3. Switch back to Xiao
4. Activate Elemental Burst
5. Plunge Attack spam (N1C cancel for single target)
6. Repeat

Animation Cancel Techniques:

• Jet Combo (Single Target): Plunge → Normal Attack → Charged Attack → Jump
• Standard AoE: Plunge → Jump → Plunge
• Use Normal Attack between plunges to cancel landing animation

Best Xiao Constellations in Genshin Impact

Constellation Value Analysis

Constellation Recommendations

C0: Perfectly viable for all content. Xiao functions excellently without constellations.

C1: Nice quality of life improvement providing an extra dash and more energy generation. Worth considering if you love playing Xiao.

C6: Completely transforms his playstyle with Skill spam during burst. Only recommended for dedicated Xiao enthusiasts as it requires significant investment.

For most players, I recommend staying at C0 and investing in his supports (C6 Faruzan, C2 Xianyun, C2 Furina) or his signature weapon instead.

How to Build Xiao for Different Content?

Spiral Abyss Build

Focus on maximizing damage with proper energy management:

• 130-140% Energy Recharge
• Highest possible CRIT values
• Long Night’s Oath 4-piece
• Team: Xiao/Xianyun/Faruzan/Furina

Exploration Build

Prioritize comfort and versatility:

• Lower ER requirements (120%)
• Can use mixed artifact sets
• Consider Sacrificial Spear for skill resets
• Team: Xiao/Sayu/Kazuha/flex

Co-op Build

Self-sufficient setup without relying on teammates:

• Higher ER (140-150%)
• Consider ATK% goblet for consistency
• Prioritize survivability substats
• Weapon: Consider Calamity Queller for raw stats

Ascension and Talent Materials

Character Ascension Materials

Talent Level-Up Materials

• Talent Books: Prosperity (Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday)
• Weekly Boss: Shadow of the Warrior (Childe)
• Enemy Drops: Slime materials
• Crown of Insight: For levels 9→10

Farming Routes

Qingxin Locations:

• Jueyun Karst peaks
• Mt. Aocang
• Qingyun Peak
• Huaguang Stone Forest

Pro tip: Use the interactive map and mark Qingxin locations. Bring characters like Venti or Kazuha for easier climbing!

How and When Can You Get Xiao in Genshin Impact in June 2026?

Recent Banner Information

Xiao last appeared on the Liyue-themed Chronicled Wish banner, released on January 21, 2026, during the version 5.3 update. Since then, there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding his next rerun.

Banner History

When Will Xiao Return?

Based on historical patterns, Xiao typically returns during:

1. Lantern Rite Festival (January/February) – Most likely
2. Mid-year reruns (May/June)
3. Special Chronicled Wish banners

Given he just had a rerun in early 2026, his next appearance might be:

• Late 2026 during a special event
• Early 2026 for the next Lantern Rite

I recommend saving at least 160 wishes if you want to guarantee Xiao, and follow official announcements for banner confirmations.

Advanced Xiao Tips and Tricks

Energy Management Strategies

1. Pre-funnel particles: Use Xiao’s skill twice before burst ends to catch particles for next rotation
2. Faruzan timing: Ensure her burst hits enemies before switching to Xiao
3. Particle catching: Face enemies when teammates generate particles

Positioning Techniques

1. Corner enemies: Push smaller enemies against walls to prevent knockback
2. Anemo grouping: Use teammates like Kazuha or Venti before Xiao’s burst
3. Height advantage: Start plunges from elevated positions for faster attacks

Optimization Secrets

1. Burst timing: Activate after 3 seconds in Abyss for max damage bonus
2. Stamina management: Leave some stamina for emergency dodges
3. Shield timing: Apply shields just before burst to maximize uptime

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using skill during burst – Generates no energy
2. Neglecting healers – HP drain will kill you
3. Building EM – Xiao doesn’t benefit from Swirl damage
4. Ignoring ER – 70 energy cost requires proper battery

Genshin Impact Xiao Build for Beginners

If you’re new to building Xiao, here’s a simplified approach:

Starter Build Priority

1. Level 80/90 – Ascending to final stage is crucial for stats
2. Talents 8/8/8 – Minimum viable investment
3. 2pc VV + 2pc Gladiator – Easier to farm than perfect 4pc sets
4. Prototype Starglitter – Craftable ER weapon if needed

Budget Team

• Xiao
• Sucrose (with Thrilling Tales)
• Bennett
• Flex healer (Barbara works!)

This team provides energy, healing, and buffs without requiring specific 5-stars or high constellations.

Progression Path

1. Early Game: Focus on levels and talents
2. Mid Game: Farm decent 2+2 artifact sets
3. Late Game: Optimize substats and farm Long Night’s Oath
4. End Game: Min-max substats and support investments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Xiao still worth pulling in 2026?

Absolutely! Despite being an older character, Xiao remains competitive with newer DPS units. His unique playstyle, consistent damage, and independence from specific reactions make him a valuable addition to any roster. The introduction of new supports like Xianyun and improvements through artifact sets like Long Night’s Oath have actually strengthened his position in the meta.

How much Energy Recharge does Xiao need?

With a proper Anemo battery (Faruzan, Jean, Sucrose), Xiao needs 120-140% Energy Recharge. Without a battery, he requires 140-160%, which significantly hurts his damage potential. I always recommend running him with at least one Anemo support.

Should I get C1 Xiao or his weapon?

If you want to vertically invest into Xiao directly, his Signature Weapon becomes the better option, both due to it being an improvement over his 4-star options and by virtue of his constellations prior to C6 being underwhelming. The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear provides more consistent value than C1.

Can Xiao work without Bennett?

Yes! While Bennett is excellent, Xiao has many support options. Xianyun provides comparable buffs with better synergy, while Jean offers healing and battery capabilities. Even 4-star options like Lynette or Sayu can fill the healer/battery role effectively.

What’s the best F2P weapon for Xiao?

For completely F2P options:

1. Blackcliff Pole (Starglitter shop) – Best damage
2. Favonius Lance – If you need energy
3. White Tassel (3-star) – Surprisingly effective
4. Missive Windspear – Event weapon when available

How do I animation cancel with Xiao?

The most important technique is jump-canceling his plunge landing. After a plunge attack hits, immediately jump to cancel the recovery animation. For single targets, weave in N1C (one normal, one charged) between plunges for maximum damage.

Is Xiao good without C6 Faruzan?

While C6 Faruzan is a significant upgrade, Xiao functions well with C0 Faruzan or alternative batteries. Sucrose with Thrilling Tales or Lynette with Favonius Sword are viable alternatives that still enable smooth rotations.

Conclusion

Xiao remains one of Genshin Impact’s most rewarding characters to master. His straightforward yet skillful gameplay, combined with incredible damage potential and stunning animations, makes him a favorite among players even years after release. With the introduction of Long Night’s Oath and powerful new supports, he’s experiencing a renaissance in 2026 that puts him back among the top DPS options.

Whether you’re drawn to his edgy personality, mesmerizing plunge attacks, or simply want a reliable hypercarry who can demolish any content, Xiao is an investment you won’t regret. Focus on building a solid foundation with proper artifacts and team support, and the Vigilant Yaksha will carry you through any challenge Teyvat throws your way.

Remember to bookmark this guide for future reference, as I’ll continue updating it with each new version and meta shift. Happy plunging, Travelers.