Updated for Version 4.0
Xingqiu is a 4-star Hydro sword character who excels in consistent Hydro application and single-target damage while off the field. Learn about Xingqiu’s best builds, Talent priority, best weapons, best artifacts, and best teams in this quick guide.
Note that the information given may change if new discoveries are made. More extensive testing is in progress.
The full-length guide is available here. It is currently up-to-date.
Table of Contents
New Content
 Lynette | Lynette is a flexible Ousia-aligned Anemo unit. She can hold 4pc Viridescent Venerer and provides an ATK% buff. At C1, she provides some grouping. At C6, her Anemo-infused Normal Attacks have synergy with Xingqiu’s Burst. |
 Wolf-Fang | A great option from the Battle Pass if Xingqiu can meet his ER requirements. It provides DMG% and CRIT Rate to his Skill and Burst. |
 Fleuve Cendre Ferryman | Obtainable through fishing, this weapon provides some CRIT Rate for Xingqiu’s Skill and a lot of ER. |
 Finale of the Deep | Provides an abundance of ATK that may be inconsistent and dependent on your team’s healing capabilities. It does not provide additional utility such as Energy generation, but is a strong weapon if you can reliably clear the Bond of Life. |
 Alhaitham | Alhaitham’s Hyperbloom teams appreciate Xingqiu’s Hydro application. Xingqiu’s interruption resistance and defensive utility are also very useful. |
 Kaveh | Kaveh’s kit is centered on Bloom teams, where a Hydro unit is essential. Xingqiu synergizes well with Kaveh’s Dendro-converted Normal Attacks while providing defensive utility. |
 Yaoyao, Baizhu, Kirara | Dendro defensive options. While these three do not have direct synergy with Xingqiu, they are often used with him in Bloom-based teams. Xingqiu’s damage reduction also benefits shields. |
 Wanderer | Wanderer appreciates the interruption resistance and defensive utility that Xingqiu provides. Although Wanderer tends to emphasize personal damage over reaction damage, Xingqiu still provides good damage. In the few Wanderer teams that do emphasize reactions, Xingqiu’s Hydro application is very valuable. |
Infographic
Design: cuppacote
Content: snowwwwww.
Character Overview
Playstyles
Off-Field DPS
Xingqiu’s most common playstyle that best utilizes his kit. Off-field DPS Xingqiu enables reactions through consistent Hydro application while also contributing respectable personal damage.
On-Field DPS
On-field DPS Xingqiu is usually a playstyle chosen due to personal preference. Otherwise, teams using on-field DPS Xingqiu have a lower damage ceiling compared to teams where he is an off-field DPS.
Talents
Talent Priority
Off-Field DPS: Burst > Skill
On-Field DPS: Skill = Burst > Normal Attack
Regardless of the playstyle, Xingqiu’s Burst makes up a majority of his damage and is important to level. Xingqiu’s Skill also deals significant damage, especially for on-field DPS builds. For off-field DPS builds, Normal Attacks should not be leveled.
Talent Overview
Normal Attack | Guhua Style
Talent Description
Normal Attack
Performs up to 5 rapid strikes.
Charged Attack
Consumes a certain amount of Stamina to unleash 2 rapid sword strikes.
Plunging Attack
Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.
Xingqiu’s Normal Attacks are rather lackluster and are rarely used apart from extra triggers of his own Burst, Favonius Sword’s passive, or on-field DPS playstyles. Xingqiu’s full attack string (N5) is best for proccing his Burst as an on-field DPS.
Elemental Skill | Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen
Talent Description
Xingqiu performs twin strikes with his sword, dealing Hydro DMG. At the same time, this ability creates the maximum number of Rain Swords, which will orbit your active character.
The Rain Swords have the following properties:
– When a character takes DMG, the Rain Sword will shatter, reducing the amount of DMG taken.
– Increases the character’s resistance to interruption.
20% of Xingqiu’s Hydro DMG Bonus will be converted to additional DMG Reduction for the Rain Swords.
The maximum amount of additional DMG Reduction that can be gained this way is 24%.
The initial maximum number of Rain Swords is 3.
Using this ability applies the Wet status onto the character.
Xingqiu’s Skill hits and applies Hydro to enemies twice.
In addition to dealing respectable damage, Xingqiu’s Skill creates three (or four, with C1) Rain Swords that orbit around the on-field character. These Rain Swords should not be overlooked as they provide additional Hydro application, interruption resistance, damage reduction, and small healing (through Xingqiu’s A1).
Elemental Burst | Guhua Sword: Raincutter
Talent Description
Initiate Rainbow Bladework and fight using an illusory sword rain, while creating the maximum number of Rain Swords.
Rainbow Bladework
– Your active character’s Normal Attacks will trigger consecutive sword rain attacks, dealing Hydro DMG.
– Rain Swords will remain at the maximum number throughout the ability’s duration.
The highlight of Xingqiu’s kit and a majority of his damage. When the on-field character does a Normal Attack, sword rain attacks will fire and deal Hydro damage to the enemy. The number of swords fired alternates between 2 and 3 in a 2-3 pattern (this pattern changes to 2-3-5 with C6). Despite being primarily single-target, Xingqiu’s Burst is what makes him the premier Hydro applicator and reaction enabler.
Additionally, the maximum number of Rain Sword orbitals (3 with C0, 4 with C1+) will last for the entire duration of Xingqiu’s Burst. These Rain Swords are the same Rain Swords from his Skill, and so the utility they provide is still relevant (interruption resistance, damage reduction, etc.). Xingqiu’s A1 healing only occurs when the Burst duration ends and the Rain Swords shatter/disappear.
Ascension 1 Passive | Hydropathic
Talent Description
When a Rain Sword is shattered or when its duration expires, it regenerates the current character’s HP based on 6% of Xingqiu’s Max HP.
Xingqiu’s A1 provides very minor healing. But when combined with the other utility provided by his Rain Swords, it makes Xingqiu a comfortable pick for his teams.
Ascension 4 Passive | Blades Amidst Raindrops
Talent Description
Xingqiu gains a 20% Hydro DMG Bonus.
A simple, useful, and completely unconditional 20% Hydro DMG bonus. Also increases the damage reduction from Xingqiu’s Rain Sword orbitals.
Constellations
Constellation 1 | The Scent Remained
Increases the maximum number of Rain Swords by 1.
Increasing the max number of orbital Rain Swords from 3 to 4 does not fundamentally change anything in Xingqiu’s kit. Although arguably Xingqiu’s worst Constellation, it provides some quality-of-life upgrade by allowing for more healing and damage reduction.
Constellation 2 | Rainbow Upon the Azure Sky
Extends the duration of Guhua Sword: Raincutter by 3s.
Decreases the Hydro RES of opponents hit by sword rain attacks by 15% for 4s.
Xingqiu’s second-best Constellation. By increasing the duration of his Burst, Xingqiu can fire more Rain Swords and apply Hydro for longer. The Hydro RES Shred is also useful for both Xingqiu himself and other Hydro teammates.
Constellation 3 | Weaver of Verses
Increases the Level of Guhua Sword: Raincutter by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
A simple but significant +3 Talent level increase to Xingqiu’s Burst.
Constellation 4 | Evilsoother
Throughout the duration of Guhua Sword: Raincutter, the DMG dealt by Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen is increased by 50%.
Increases the damage from Xingqiu’s Skill by 50% if used during Xingqiu’s Burst. It can be worth making use of this Constellation, but it is not important enough that it should be forced into the team rotation.
Constellation 5 | Embrace of Rain
Increases the Level of Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.
Another simple +3 Talent level increase, but for Xingqiu’s Skill and therefore not as significant as C3.
Constellation 6 | Hence, Call Them My Own Verses
Activating 2 of Guhua Sword: Raincutter‘s sword rain attacks greatly enhances the third sword rain attack. On hit, the third sword rain attack also regenerates 3 Energy for Xingqiu.
By far, Xingqiu’s best Constellation. The description is a bit misleading: On the third Rain Sword hit, Xingqiu will fire 5 Rain Swords — changing his attack pattern from 2-3-2-3 to 2-3-5 — and regenerate 3 Energy. This increases Xingqiu’s damage and Hydro application while also reducing his ER requirements.
Artifacts
ER Requirements
Xingqiu’s ER requirements are highly variable depending on his C6 procs, his teammates, the enemy, etc. The following table assumes the average.
| Pre-C6 (C0-C5) | C6 | |
| Favonius Sword | ~190–220% | ~150–180% |
| Sacrificial Sword (R3+) | ~150–180% | ~130–150% |
| Amenoma Kageuchi (R3) | ~190–230% | ~160–190% |
| Other | ~220–260% | ~180–220% |
- On-field DPS Xingqiu builds will generally want around 10-20% less ER than the off-field DPS values above.
Use the Energy Recharge Calculator to determine exact requirements for your team and rotation.
Artifact Stats
 Sands |  Goblet |  Circlet |
| Energy Recharge or ATK% | Hydro DMG Bonus | CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG |
Stat Priority: ER% (until requirement) > CRIT > ATK%
An ER% Sands is usually preferred to help meet Xingqiu’s high Energy requirements, but in the case that Energy is not an issue (such as with an ER% weapon), an ATK Sands can be competitive or even better.
A CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG Circlet should be chosen based on which one brings Xingqiu closer to the ideal 1:2 ratio.
Artifact Sets
 4pc Emblem of Severed Fate | By far, Xingqiu’s Best-in-Slot artifact set that provides everything he needs — ER% and increased Burst damage. |
 4pc Noblesse Oblige | Xingqiu’s worst set for personal damage, but it can be useful if no one else in the team holds 4pc Noblesse. |
 2pc Mixed Sets | 2pc Bonuses: Hydro DMG%, Burst DMG%, ER%, ATK% Simple and easy sets that work on Xingqiu if you don’t have a good 4pc Emblem set for him. |
Weapons
Although certain weapons are better on Xingqiu in terms of personal damage, Burst uptime should still be a priority. It is recommended to only choose a non-ER% weapon if Energy is not an issue on your Xingqiu. As a general rule of thumb, ER% weapons will tend to prefer an ATK% Sands. Anything else will tend to prefer an ER% Sands.
 Primordial Jade Cutter | Xingqiu’s BiS in terms of personal damage. Gives a hefty amount of CRIT Rate with a non-conditional passive. |
 Mitsplitter Reforged, Haran Geppaku Futsu | Good damage stat sticks that give CRIT and all Elemental DMG Bonus. However, Xingqiu cannot make full use of their passives, which causes them to fall behind Jade Cutter. |
 Skyward Blade | A very comfortable stat stick choice with high Base ATK, a good chunk of ER, and a little bit of CRIT Rate. |
Wolf-Fang | With a CRIT Rate secondary stat and buffs to his Skill and Burst, this Battle Pass weapon is a great choice if Xingqiu’s ER requirements are met. |
 Favonius Sword | One of Xingqiu’s best 4-star weapon choices. Gives ER and, with consistent triggers of its passive, decreases ER requirements for both Xingqiu and the entire team. |
 Sacrificial Sword | At R1 and R2, Sacrificial Sword is mainly an ER% stat stick. But starting at R3, its passive can be consistently triggered every rotation — significantly lowering Xingqiu’s ER requirements and making it a good 4-star weapon choice. |
Fleuve Cendre Ferryman | A great F2P choice that provides plenty of ER% and some CRIT Rate to Xingqiu’s Skill. It is especially strong since Xingqiu often uses his Skill into his Burst, allowing him to significantly benefit from the weapon passive’s ER increase. |
 Festering Desire | A good F2P option but from a time-limited event. If you have it, it gives both ER% and Skill DMG% — both of which are useful for Xingqiu. |
 Amenoma Kageuchi | Craftable. A solid choice if you don’t have the other options. It lowers Xingqiu’s ER requirements with its passive while also supplying ATK% with its substat. R3+ is recommended due to Xingqiu rarely gaining more than one stack. |
Finale of the Deep | Provides an abundance of ATK and is a good F2P weapon at low ER requirements. It is especially strong if you can reliably clear the Bond of Life. |
Teams
Teambuilding
Xingqiu is a very versatile unit due to his strong Hydro application, allowing him to fit into almost any team that uses Hydro-related reactions (which is a lot of teams). Even without reactions, Xingqiu can still be a good pick due to his significant off-field damage.
Some important notes:
- Xingqiu’s Burst procs on Normal Attacks, limiting his synergy with Xiao Aimed Shot Bow users like Ganyu and Tighnari.
- See the KQM Xiao Guide for more details on Xiao-Xingqiu synergy, specifically the JET combo
- Without an Anemo unit to Swirl and spread Hydro, Xingqiu’s Hydro application is primarily single-target
- Xingqiu’s Burst does not snapshot buffs such as Bennett’s Burst.
- These buffs can still be useful for other teammates.
- When paired with a shielder or another defensive utility (such as C1 Beidou), the damage reduction and micro-healing from Xingqiu’s Rain Swords can sometimes be enough to run without a healer
Notable Teammates
 Yelan | Despite filling a role extremely similar to Xingqiu’s, Yelan and Xingqiu work quite well together. This power duo applies a constant Hydro aura on the enemy while off the field, and they lower each other’s high ER requirements. Hydro Resonance and Xingqiu’s C2 Hydro RES Shred are also beneficial for Yelan. |
  Anemo Units, Zhongli | Includes Sucrose, Kazuha, Venti, and Zhongli. The Elemental RES Shred from 4pc Viridescent Venerer (or Zhongli’s Skill) is simply too valuable to be ignored. |
| Units who Benefit From Hydro Reactions | This can come in the form of an on-field DPS (Hu Tao, Raiden, Ayaka, etc.), an off-field DPS (Xiangling, Fischl, Kaeya, etc.), or even an Infusion-granting unit (C6 Bennett and Chongyun). |
| Normal Attack On-FIelders | Even a DPS who doesn’t value Xingqiu’s Hydro application will appreciate his off-field damage (these are usually Physical DPS units—like Eula—since Hydro is such an important Element for most reaction-based teams). |
Example Teams
This is not a comprehensive list of teams. The inclusion or exclusion of any given team does not necessarily reflect its power level.
Double and Triple/Mono Hydro
Xingqiu works well with other Hydro teammates for energy generation and his C2’s Hydro RES Shred. In Triple/Mono Hydro teams, Xingqiu’s Hydro application is often less relevant compared to his raw off-field damage.
Popular options for the second Hydro include Yelan or an on-field Hydro DPS like Ayato or Childe. Triple/Mono Hydro teams generally include: Xingqiu and Yelan, Kokomi and/or a Hydro DPS, and then Kazuha/Venti/Zhongli for more Hydro RES Shred.
Example Teams
Vaporize
Xingqiu’s off-field Hydro application pairs very well with a Pyro DPS such as Hu Tao, Yoimiya, Diluc, Yanfei, Xiangling, etc. One of the flex slots is almost always reserved for a shielder/healer, whereas the other flex slot can be essentially anyone who fits in the team.
Example Teams
Electro-Charged
While an Anemo unit is technically not required for Electro-Charged / Taser teams, the utility of 4pc VV, Swirl, and crowd control / grouping make Anemo units highly valuable. The Anemo unit is also usually the driver for the reactions due to most Anemo units building EM anyways. Common options for the Electro unit include Fischl, Beidou, Kuki, and Raiden. Common options for the Anemo unit include Sucrose, Heizou, and Kazuha.
Example Teams
Overvape
Due to the Electro-Charged reaction allowing a Hydro and Electro aura to coexist on the enemy, a Pyro application will result in both Overload and Vaporize reactions (albeit inconsistently). Hence, the name “Overvape.”
Example Teams
Anemo Overvape
Overvape, but add an Anemo unit to Swirl and you’ve got a hodgepodge of reactions and numbers on your screen.
Example Teams
Freeze
Freeze is one of the more common Xingqiu teams that can run without a healer, since a shielder/healer can be unnecessary when faced with freezable enemies. An Anemo unit for grouping and 4pc VV is a more common flex slot choice. Sources of Cryo include Ayaka, Chongyun, Kaeya and Rosaria.
Example Teams
Hyperbloom
Pairs Xingqiu and a Dendro unit to generate Blooms, then adds an Electro unit. Common flex units include Yelan or an Anemo unit (an Anemo unit to Swirl is more preferable in cases where the Electro unit cannot reliably hit the Blooms’ Dendro Cores to trigger Hyperbloom).
Example Teams
Burgeon
Requires a Hydro and Dendro unit for Blooms, and a carefully controlled Pyro applier to Burgeon the Dendro Cores. To trigger Burgeon instead of Burning, high Hydro application is desirable, and Xingqiu can fit that role.
Example Teams
On-Field DPS Xingqiu
Xingqiu’s versatility allows him to run with practically anyone. Apart from personal preference, one incentive to run on-field DPS Xingqiu is that his Burst can receive exclusively on-field buffs such as Bennett’s Burst. This can be valuable in single-target scenarios where an Anemo driver to Swirl and chain-react is less relevant.
Common teammate choices include: Xiangling to reliably vaporize Xingqiu’s Skill (and Burst), Sucrose for the 4pc VV Shred and TTDS buff, Chongyun for playing the two buddies together and Cryo Infusion/Freeze… the list goes on.
Example Teams
Credits
chasing_haze, quinslay, Leah, grankrathalos, luno_, seima, jukoist, idkanonymized, aciewacie, konodiada, cinders_pear, polomo
Team images courtesy of the KQM portrait generator.