Xiao is a Hypercarry that is centered around plunge attacks. Due to his expensive Burst, Xiao usually requires a high amount of Energy Recharge and/or at least one Anemo battery (Sucrose, [C6] Faruzan, Xianyun) on his team to help him recharge his Burst.
Xiao's Optimal Skill Rotation:
Xiao's Plunge Combo:
Best combo for Xiao when fighting a single target:
(no collision possible)
(collision only possible on Low Plunge)
(collision possible on High Plunge)
Best combo for Xiao when fighting multiple enemies:
Regarding Weapon Choices:
Calamity Queller: In Teams with neither Bennett nor Xianyun, this weapon increases in value.
Crimson Moon's Semblance: While generally just a stat stick for the high base attack and CRIT Rate substat, this weapon's passive can be utilized in teams with no or only Bennett's healing by performing a Charged Attack at the start of Xiao's Burst.
Vortex Vanquisher: Assumes no shield on the team. In teams with a shield or without Xianyun or Bennett, this weapon performs slightly better.
Skyward Spine: This weapon become significantly better choice in teams with very high Energy Recharge Requirements.
Blackcliff Pole: This Ranking assumes 0 stacks. In Teams with Bennett, this weapon performs similar to . This weapon's passive is generally unreliable, but can lead to a slightly higher ranking when applicable.
Lithic Spear: This Ranking assumes 1 Stack. This weapon's performance varies greatly with refines and stacks. At [R5], this weapon performs similar to with one stack and with two stacks.
Missive Windspear: If Xiao can reliably trigger this weapon's passive, it performs closer to .
Prospector's Drill: At [R5], this weapon performs similar to given a reliable healer is present.
Favonius Lance: This weapon become significantly better choice in teams with very high Energy Recharge Requirements.
Regarding Artifact Choices:
Sets
Marechaussee Hunter (4): This set pulls ahead of (4) with either Bennett or Xianyun on the Team. This set is hard to build around when using a CRIT Rate Weapon, making other sets a better overall choice.
Long Night's Oath (4): While being a strong alternative to similar ranking sets, it is not recommended to farm this set currently as it combines an inefficient domain with a team- and skill- dependent damage performance.
Desert Pavilion Chronicle (4):Perform a Charged Attack at the start of Xiao's Burst to utilize this set fully. With a low base attack weapon and Bennett on the team, this set performs close to (4). It is not recommended to farm this Domain specifically for Xiao.
Main Stats
ATK%: ATK% Goblets are generally worse than Anemo DMG Goblets, however good substats can make up for the difference.
Substats
Energy Recharge: Prioritize until requirements are met.