How do I maximize Xingqiu's Hydro application in Genshin Impact?
To maximize Xingqiu's Hydro application in Genshin Impact, you need to understand his abilities, how they interact with other elements, and how to optimize his role in your team. Xingqiu is a Hydro sword user who excels at applying Hydro consistently, making him a key enabler for elemental reactions like Vaporize, Electro-Charged, and Freeze. His Hydro application comes primarily from his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst, so building him correctly and using him effectively in combat is crucial.
First, let's break down Xingqiu's abilities. His Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, performs two slashes that deal Hydro damage and creates Rain Swords that orbit around your active character. These Rain Swords reduce incoming damage, increase resistance to interruption, and apply Hydro to nearby enemies when they are created or expire. His Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, summons Rain Swords that attack alongside your active character's normal attacks, dealing Hydro damage and applying Hydro with each hit. This ability is what makes Xingqiu a top-tier Hydro applicator, as it allows for consistent Hydro application over a long duration.
To maximize Xingqiu's Hydro application, you need to focus on his Energy Recharge and Hydro Damage. Energy Recharge is critical because his Elemental Burst costs 80 energy, and you want to use it as often as possible. Aim for at least 200% Energy Recharge, which can be achieved through artifacts, weapons, and team compositions. Sacrificial Sword is his best weapon for this purpose, as it has an Energy Recharge substat and a chance to reset his Elemental Skill cooldown, allowing you to generate more energy particles. If you don't have Sacrificial Sword, Favonius Sword is a good alternative.
For artifacts, the Emblem of Severed Fate set is ideal for Xingqiu. It increases Energy Recharge and boosts his Elemental Burst damage based on his Energy Recharge. Aim for a Hydro Damage Bonus goblet, an Energy Recharge sands, and a Crit Rate or Crit Damage circlet. Substat priorities are Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack Percentage. If you don't have a full Emblem set, you can use a 2-piece Heart of Depth and 2-piece Noblesse Oblige as a temporary solution.
In combat, the key to maximizing Xingqiu's Hydro application is proper timing and team rotations. Start by using his Elemental Skill to generate energy and apply Hydro. If you have Sacrificial Sword, use the skill twice if the passive triggers. Then, switch to your main DPS character and use Xingqiu's Elemental Burst. The Rain Swords from his burst will attack alongside your DPS, applying Hydro with every hit. This setup is particularly effective with Pyro DPS characters like Hu Tao or Diluc, as it enables consistent Vaporize reactions for massive damage.
Team composition is also important for maximizing Xingqiu's Hydro application. Pair him with characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions. For example, in a Vaporize team, use Xingqiu with a Pyro DPS like Hu Tao or Yoimiya, a support like Bennett for healing and attack buffs, and a shielder like Zhongli or Thoma for survivability. In an Electro-Charged team, pair Xingqiu with an Electro DPS like Raiden Shogun or Fischl, and an Anemo support like Kazuha or Sucrose to swirl and amplify reactions. For a Freeze team, use Xingqiu with a Cryo DPS like Ayaka or Ganyu, and an Anemo support for crowd control.
One common mistake is neglecting Xingqiu's Energy Recharge. Without sufficient Energy Recharge, you won't be able to use his Elemental Burst consistently, which drastically reduces his Hydro application. Another mistake is using his Elemental Skill and Burst at the wrong time. Always use his Elemental Skill first to generate energy, then his Burst before switching to your DPS. Also, avoid using his Burst when enemies are immune to Hydro, as it will waste energy and cooldowns.
Advanced techniques include using Xingqiu's Rain Swords to mitigate damage and increase survivability. The damage reduction and interruption resistance they provide can be a lifesaver in tough battles. Additionally, you can use his Elemental Skill to apply Hydro to multiple enemies at once, setting up for AoE elemental reactions. For example, in a crowd of enemies, use his skill to apply Hydro, then switch to an Anemo character to swirl and spread the Hydro application.
In summary, to maximize Xingqiu's Hydro application, focus on Energy Recharge, use his abilities in the correct order, and pair him with characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions. Equip him with Sacrificial Sword and the Emblem of Severed Fate set, and prioritize Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, and Hydro Damage in his artifacts. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Energy Recharge or using his abilities at the wrong time. With the right setup and strategy, Xingqiu can be one of the most consistent and powerful Hydro applicators in Genshin Impact.
First, let's break down Xingqiu's abilities. His Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, performs two slashes that deal Hydro damage and creates Rain Swords that orbit around your active character. These Rain Swords reduce incoming damage, increase resistance to interruption, and apply Hydro to nearby enemies when they are created or expire. His Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, summons Rain Swords that attack alongside your active character's normal attacks, dealing Hydro damage and applying Hydro with each hit. This ability is what makes Xingqiu a top-tier Hydro applicator, as it allows for consistent Hydro application over a long duration.
To maximize Xingqiu's Hydro application, you need to focus on his Energy Recharge and Hydro Damage. Energy Recharge is critical because his Elemental Burst costs 80 energy, and you want to use it as often as possible. Aim for at least 200% Energy Recharge, which can be achieved through artifacts, weapons, and team compositions. Sacrificial Sword is his best weapon for this purpose, as it has an Energy Recharge substat and a chance to reset his Elemental Skill cooldown, allowing you to generate more energy particles. If you don't have Sacrificial Sword, Favonius Sword is a good alternative.
For artifacts, the Emblem of Severed Fate set is ideal for Xingqiu. It increases Energy Recharge and boosts his Elemental Burst damage based on his Energy Recharge. Aim for a Hydro Damage Bonus goblet, an Energy Recharge sands, and a Crit Rate or Crit Damage circlet. Substat priorities are Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, Crit Damage, and Attack Percentage. If you don't have a full Emblem set, you can use a 2-piece Heart of Depth and 2-piece Noblesse Oblige as a temporary solution.
In combat, the key to maximizing Xingqiu's Hydro application is proper timing and team rotations. Start by using his Elemental Skill to generate energy and apply Hydro. If you have Sacrificial Sword, use the skill twice if the passive triggers. Then, switch to your main DPS character and use Xingqiu's Elemental Burst. The Rain Swords from his burst will attack alongside your DPS, applying Hydro with every hit. This setup is particularly effective with Pyro DPS characters like Hu Tao or Diluc, as it enables consistent Vaporize reactions for massive damage.
Team composition is also important for maximizing Xingqiu's Hydro application. Pair him with characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions. For example, in a Vaporize team, use Xingqiu with a Pyro DPS like Hu Tao or Yoimiya, a support like Bennett for healing and attack buffs, and a shielder like Zhongli or Thoma for survivability. In an Electro-Charged team, pair Xingqiu with an Electro DPS like Raiden Shogun or Fischl, and an Anemo support like Kazuha or Sucrose to swirl and amplify reactions. For a Freeze team, use Xingqiu with a Cryo DPS like Ayaka or Ganyu, and an Anemo support for crowd control.
One common mistake is neglecting Xingqiu's Energy Recharge. Without sufficient Energy Recharge, you won't be able to use his Elemental Burst consistently, which drastically reduces his Hydro application. Another mistake is using his Elemental Skill and Burst at the wrong time. Always use his Elemental Skill first to generate energy, then his Burst before switching to your DPS. Also, avoid using his Burst when enemies are immune to Hydro, as it will waste energy and cooldowns.
Advanced techniques include using Xingqiu's Rain Swords to mitigate damage and increase survivability. The damage reduction and interruption resistance they provide can be a lifesaver in tough battles. Additionally, you can use his Elemental Skill to apply Hydro to multiple enemies at once, setting up for AoE elemental reactions. For example, in a crowd of enemies, use his skill to apply Hydro, then switch to an Anemo character to swirl and spread the Hydro application.
In summary, to maximize Xingqiu's Hydro application, focus on Energy Recharge, use his abilities in the correct order, and pair him with characters who can trigger powerful elemental reactions. Equip him with Sacrificial Sword and the Emblem of Severed Fate set, and prioritize Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, and Hydro Damage in his artifacts. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Energy Recharge or using his abilities at the wrong time. With the right setup and strategy, Xingqiu can be one of the most consistent and powerful Hydro applicators in Genshin Impact.