Genshin Impact Xiao remains one of the most distinctive and powerful characters in the game as we enter 2025. This iconic Anemo polearm user has maintained his position as a top-tier DPS option despite the ever-evolving meta. If you're looking to master this guardian Yaksha or just curious about what makes him so special, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

Who is Xiao in Genshin Impact?

Xiao (Chinese: 魈 Xiāo) is a 5-star Anemo character who serves as the sole surviving member of the five foremost Yakshas dispatched by Morax (Zhongli) to subdue demonic spirits plaguing Liyue. Also known by his adepti name Alatus, he currently resides at Wangshu Inn, typically avoiding large crowds and social interactions.

"

The name "Xiao" in Chinese (魈) combines two characters: 鬼 (gui, meaning ghost) and 肖 (xiao, meaning slight or small). Together, they form a word that refers to a mountain demon of particular stature - fitting for this powerful yet diminutive Yaksha.

Xiao's Unique Playstyle

What makes xiaogenshinimpact truly stand out is his high-mobility plunging attack playstyle. Unlike most characters who primarily rely on normal attacks or elemental reactions, Xiao transforms during his Elemental Burst, gaining increased jumping ability and converting his attacks to Anemo DMG.

"Xiao's playstyle is high-risk, high-reward," says popular Genshin Impact streamer MattJeez. "You're basically playing a glass cannon that can dish out massive AoE damage but requires careful management of his health drain."

"

Key Talents and Abilities

1. Normal Attack: Whirlwind Thrust - Up to 6 rapid spear strikes with impressive scaling

2. Elemental Skill: Lemniscatic Wind Cycling - A forward dash dealing Anemo DMG (2 charges at C0, 3 at C1)

3. Elemental Burst: Bane of All Evil - Xiao dons his Yaksha mask, dramatically increasing jump height and converting attacks to Anemo DMG

Xiao's burst is what truly defines his combat style. As one player put it, "When that mask comes on, it's like you've hit the turbo button - you're bouncing around like a kangaroo on energy drinks while raining down Anemo destruction."

Best Builds for Xiao in 2025

The meta for Xiao has evolved significantly since his release. As of 2025, these are the optimal builds:

Artifacts

1. Long Night's Oath (4-piece) - This artifact set has overtaken Vermillion Hereafter as Xiao's BiS option

2. Vermillion Hereafter (4-piece) - Still a strong alternative

3. Marechaussee Hunter (4-piece) - Viable when paired with Furina

"

Weapons

1. Primordial Jade Winged-Spear - Remains his best-in-slot weapon

2. Staff of Homa - Excellent alternative, especially with its CRIT DMG substat

3. Deathmatch - Best 4-star option, providing crucial CRIT Rate

For F2P players, options like White Tassel can work in a pinch until you obtain better weapons.

Stat Priority

Focus on these stats in order of importance:

• Energy Recharge (until burst uptime is comfortable)

• CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG (aim for 1:2 ratio)

• ATK%

• Anemo DMG Bonus

"My xiao performs best with around 130-140% Energy Recharge," notes Genshin theorycrafter KQM_Xalzar. "Any less and I struggle to get his burst back on cooldown, any more feels like wasted potential."

Team Compositions

Xiao works best in teams built specifically around supporting his playstyle. C0 xiao particularly benefits from teammates who can generate particles, provide shields, or boost his damage.

Meta Teams for 2025

1. Xiao + Faruzan + Furina + Xianyun

The current most powerful team, combining Anemo shred, damage amplification, and healing

1. Xiao + Zhongli + Jean + Albedo

The classic "Xiao Double Geo" team that provides excellent survivability

1. Xiao + Faruzan + Bennett + Sucrose

A more accessible but still powerful option for F2P players

"

"The genshinimpactxiao experience completely transforms with C6," explains content creator GenshinCentral. "At that constellation, his playstyle shifts from pure plunging to a hybrid of plunges and skill spam that's both more dynamic and higher DPS."

Xiao's Voice and Music

For fans of xiao genshin impact voice actor, it's worth noting his distinctive performances across languages. Laila Berzins delivers his English voice with a cool, detached tone that perfectly captures his aloof nature, while Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (JP) brings a different emotional range to the character.

The xiao song genshin impact community often refers to is "Conqueror of Demons," his character theme that blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestral elements, creating a haunting melody that reflects his ancient, tormented nature.

Maximizing Xiao's Potential

Whether you're running a c0 xiao or have invested in constellations, these tips will help maximize his effectiveness:

1. Master the Plunge-Jump Cancel - As soon as Xiao lands from a plunge, double jump immediately to cancel the landing animation and maximize DPS

2. Manage Energy Carefully - Remember that Xiao doesn't generate particles during his burst, so collect particles before activating it

3. Time Your Bursts - Don't waste time in burst mode if enemies are about to die or phase change

4. Utilize His Passive - His passive increases damage over time during burst, so longer rotations benefit from this scaling

"The key to playing Xiao isn't just spamming plunge attacks," advises Spiral Abyss champion 36StarAlways. "It's about knowing enemy patterns and positioning yourself to hit multiple targets while avoiding taking damage yourself."

Conclusion

Xiao remains one of Genshin Impact's most unique and powerful characters in 2025. His high-mobility, high-damage playstyle offers a refreshing alternative to reaction-based teams, and his tragic backstory makes him a fan favorite from a narrative perspective.

Whether you're just pulling for him or looking to perfect your existing Xiao, investing in this guardian Yaksha is never a bad decision. As they say in Teyvat, "The wind knows the true heart of the vigilant Yaksha."

For more Genshin Impact guides and character builds, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage of this ever-expanding adventure!