Xiao's Best Artifacts: A Comprehensive Comparison

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! If you're a Xiao main or planning to become one, you're probably wondering what the best artifact sets are for him. With new sets constantly being released, it can be tough to keep up! This guide will provide a comprehensive comparison of the best artifact sets for Xiao, helping you maximize his damage output and overall performance. We'll dive deep into the stats, set bonuses, and how they synergize with Xiao's unique playstyle, so you can make an informed decision and build the ultimate Xiao! So, let's get started and unleash the true potential of the Vigilant Yaksha!

Understanding Xiao's Playstyle and Needs

Before we jump into the artifact sets, let's quickly recap what makes Xiao, well, Xiao! This anemo damage dealer is all about plunging attacks during his Elemental Burst, the Bane of All Evil. When activated, this burst significantly increases his attack damage and converts his attack damage to Anemo damage, while continuously draining his HP. Because of this, our artifact choices need to address a few key areas:

  • ATK: Xiao's damage scales directly with his ATK, making it a primary stat to focus on.
  • CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG: Consistent and high critical hits are crucial for maximizing his damage output during his burst.
  • Energy Recharge: Xiao's burst has a high energy cost (70), so ensuring he can consistently activate it is vital. However, overdoing it on Energy Recharge can sacrifice damage stats, so it's a balancing act.
  • Anemo DMG Bonus: Since his burst converts his attacks to Anemo damage, increasing this bonus directly boosts his damage output.

Knowing these priorities will help you understand why certain artifact sets perform better than others on Xiao. Keeping these stats in mind will make a big difference when choosing the best artifacts. You want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment in your character. Okay, so, with that in mind, you should definitely read on to learn which artifacts are right for you.

Top Artifact Set Choices for Xiao

Now, let's get to the juicy part – the artifact sets! I'll break down the most popular and effective options for Xiao, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

2-Piece Anemo DMG Bonus Sets + 2-Piece ATK% Sets

This is a classic and reliable combination that provides a balanced boost to Xiao's damage. The most common setups include:

  • 2-Piece Viridescent Venerer (15% Anemo DMG Bonus) + 2-Piece Gladiator's Finale/Shimenawa's Reminiscence (18% ATK): This is generally considered the most consistent and versatile option for Xiao. The Anemo DMG Bonus directly buffs his plunging attacks during his burst, while the ATK% increases his overall damage.
  • 2-Piece Viridescent Venerer (15% Anemo DMG Bonus) + 2-Piece Vermillion Hereafter (18% ATK): Similar to the Gladiator's/Shimenawa's combination, this setup provides a solid balance of Anemo DMG and ATK. Vermillion Hereafter can be a good option if you have pieces with better substats.

Pros:

  • Easy to obtain and mix-and-match pieces with good substats.
  • Provides a consistent damage increase across all scenarios.
  • Doesn't rely on specific team compositions or enemy types.

Cons:

  • Doesn't offer any unique or specialized bonuses.
  • Can be slightly less effective than other sets in specific situations.

Vermillion Hereafter (4-Piece Set)

This set was practically made for Xiao! The 2-piece bonus grants 18% ATK, while the 4-piece bonus increases the wearer's ATK by 8% for 14 seconds after using an Elemental Burst. Furthermore, when the wearer loses HP, their ATK will further increase by 10%. This effect can trigger up to 4 times, and can be triggered once every 0.8 seconds. The effect will be cleared when the wearer leaves the field.

Pros:

  • Highest potential damage output for Xiao, especially with good substats.
  • Synergizes perfectly with Xiao's burst, which drains his HP.
  • Provides a significant ATK boost throughout his burst duration.

Cons:

  • Requires consistent HP loss to maximize the 4-piece bonus.
  • Can be difficult to farm, as it's a relatively new domain.
  • The ATK buff is lost when Xiao leaves the field, making it less effective for quick-swap teams.

Echoes of an Offering (4-Piece Set)

This set is another contender for Xiao, especially if you're looking for something different. The 2-piece bonus grants 18% ATK. The 4-piece bonus states that when Normal Attacks hit opponents, there is a 36% chance that it will trigger Valley Rite, which will increase Normal Attack DMG by 70% of ATK. This effect will be dispelled 0.05s after the Normal Attack deals DMG. If a Normal Attack fails to trigger Valley Rite, the odds of it triggering the next time will increase by 20%.

Pros:

  • Another set that provides a hefty ATK bonus.
  • Can potentially deal more damage with Normal Attacks.

Cons:

  • The 4-piece bonus relies on Normal Attacks, which Xiao doesn't use much during his burst.
  • The RNG element of the 4-piece bonus can make it inconsistent.
  • Generally less effective than other sets for Xiao's primary playstyle.

Substat Priorities for Xiao

No matter which artifact set you choose, substats are crucial for maximizing Xiao's potential. Here's a general priority list:

  1. CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG: Aim for a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 70% CRIT Rate and 140% CRIT DMG). Prioritize CRIT Rate until you reach a comfortable level, then focus on CRIT DMG.
  2. ATK%: This is always a good stat to have on Xiao, as it directly increases his damage output.
  3. Energy Recharge: If you're struggling to consistently activate Xiao's burst, aim for around 110-130% Energy Recharge. However, don't overdo it, as it can sacrifice damage stats.
  4. Elemental Mastery: This stat is generally not useful for Xiao, as he doesn't trigger many elemental reactions.
  5. Flat ATK/DEF/HP: These stats are less desirable than the ones above, but they can still provide a small benefit.

Team Compositions and Artifact Synergies

Your team composition can also influence your artifact choices for Xiao. For example:

  • If you're running a battery character (e.g., Jean, Sucrose) to help with energy generation, you may not need as much Energy Recharge on your artifacts.
  • If you're using a shielder (e.g., Zhongli) to protect Xiao from interruption, you can focus more on damage stats and less on survivability.
  • If you're using a team that buffs ATK (e.g., Bennett), you may want to prioritize CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG over ATK% on your artifacts.

Final Recommendations

So, which artifact set should you choose for Xiao? Here's a quick recap:

  • For overall consistency and ease of farming: 2-Piece Anemo DMG Bonus + 2-Piece ATK% is a great choice.
  • For maximizing damage potential: Vermillion Hereafter (4-Piece) is the way to go, but be prepared for a potentially long farming grind.
  • For a different playstyle: Echoes of an Offering (4-Piece) can be fun, but it's generally less effective than other options.

Ultimately, the best artifact set for Xiao depends on your playstyle, team composition, and artifact luck. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you! Remember to prioritize substats and choose pieces that complement your overall build. Guys, I hope you found this guide helpful! Happy plunging!