Game Guides

Looking for new ways to play Xiao in Spiral Abyss? Try these Best Off-Meta Builds: Shimenawa’s Reminiscence, Gladiator’s Finale, Echoes of an Offering, and even two-piece ATK sets. Xiao can clear waves fast with these setups. You just need the right team and support characters to boost his AOE damage. Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Whether you save primogems or have tons of resources, you can experiment and find what works best for your style.

Best Off-Meta Builds: Artifacts

Shimenawa’s Reminiscence

You might want to try Shimenawa’s Reminiscence if you like pushing Xiao’s attack stats higher. This set gives a big boost to his damage, but it comes with a catch. When you use Xiao’s Elemental Skill, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence takes away 15 energy to activate its bonus. That means you can run into problems with energy recharge. Xiao needs his Elemental Burst to do his best work in Spiral Abyss. If you lose too much energy, you might not get his Burst up as often, and that can lower your overall damage. If you want to use this set, you should bring an energy battery or a support who can help Xiao recharge faster. This way, you can keep his Burst ready and still enjoy the extra attack power.

Tip: Pair Xiao with an Anemo battery like Sucrose or Jean to help with energy issues when using Shimenawa’s Reminiscence.

Vermillion Hereafter Hybrid

Vermillion Hereafter works well if you want to boost Xiao’s damage after he uses his Burst. You can mix two pieces of Vermillion Hereafter with another two-piece set that gives ATK, like Gladiator’s Finale or Shimenawa’s Reminiscence. This hybrid build gives you a nice balance between attack and burst damage. You get extra ATK and a bonus when Xiao loses HP during his Burst. If you want to keep things simple, just focus on sets that give ATK% and combine them for a flexible build. You don’t need perfect substats to see results. This setup fits the Best Off-Meta Builds theme because it lets you mix and match based on what you have.

Gladiator’s Finale

Gladiator’s Finale is a classic choice for Xiao. You get a solid ATK boost, and it’s easy to farm from world bosses. If you don’t have access to the top-tier artifact sets, Gladiator’s Finale can fill the gap. You can use two pieces for a quick ATK% bonus, or go for a full four-piece set if you want to try something different. Gladiator’s Finale doesn’t mess with Xiao’s energy, so you can keep his Burst uptime high. This set is great for new players or anyone who wants a reliable option for Spiral Abyss.

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Echoes of an Offering

Echoes of an Offering is another fun option for Xiao. This set boosts his Normal Attack damage based on his ATK, which matches Xiao’s playstyle during his Burst. You can see the pros and cons in the table below:

If you like using Normal Attacks and want more versatility, Echoes of an Offering can fit your needs. It works well for characters who rely on Normal Attacks, and it gives a nice ATK boost. You don’t need to worry about energy problems with this set, so you can focus on maximizing damage. This set stands out among the Best Off-Meta Builds because it lets you play Xiao in a new way.

• Echoes of an Offering is good for Normal Attack users.

• It increases ATK, making it useful for many characters.

Two-Piece ATK Sets

Sometimes, you just want to keep things simple. You can use two-piece sets that give ATK%, like Gladiator’s Finale, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence, or Vermillion Hereafter. Mix any two of these for a quick and easy boost to Xiao’s attack. This build is perfect if you don’t have full sets or want to use what you already own. You still get strong AOE damage, and you don’t need to worry about energy recharge or complicated mechanics. If you want to try the Best Off-Meta Builds for Xiao, starting with two-piece ATK sets is a great way to experiment.

Note: Two-piece ATK sets are very F2P-friendly and let you use leftover artifacts from other characters.

Off-Meta Weapons

Lithic Spear

If you want to try something different, Lithic Spear can surprise you in Spiral Abyss. This weapon gives Xiao a high base attack and boosts both his ATK and CRIT Rate. The passive effect gets stronger with more Liyue characters on your team. You can see how Lithic Spear compares to other 4-star polearms in the table below:

Lithic Spear works best if you build a team with Liyue characters. You get more attack and crit, but you might find fewer support options for Xiao from Liyue. If you like experimenting with your favorite characters, this weapon can make your runs more fun.

Favonius Lance

Favonius Lance helps Xiao keep his Elemental Burst ready. When you score a CRIT hit, you generate energy particles. This makes Xiao act like his own battery. You can see the benefits in this table:

If you want smoother rotations and less downtime, Favonius Lance is a solid pick from the Bahomu collection of accessories.

Deathmatch

Deathmatch gives Xiao a big boost to his CRIT Rate and ATK. You get more damage, especially when fighting groups of enemies. The passive skill increases damage based on how many enemies are nearby. You keep the buffs even when Xiao is off the field. This helps you deal more damage in every round. If you want reliable DPS and easy crits, Deathmatch feels great.

Tip: Deathmatch works best if you like fast-paced combat and want to see big numbers.

Blackcliff Pole

Blackcliff Pole shines in multi-wave chambers. You get a CRIT DMG sub-stat and an ATK buff every time Xiao defeats an enemy. The buff stacks up to three times, so you can keep your damage high as you clear waves. Each stack lasts on its own, so you don’t lose power between rounds. If you want to maximize Xiao’s damage in Spiral Abyss, Blackcliff Pole is a strong choice.

Prototype Starglitter

Prototype Starglitter is a good F2P option. You get extra energy recharge and a small boost to normal and charged attack damage after using your skill. If you struggle with energy or don’t have premium weapons, Prototype Starglitter helps keep Xiao’s Burst ready. You can craft this weapon, so it’s easy to get and refine. Many top players discuss its viability on platforms like Reddit.

Note: Try Prototype Starglitter if you want a budget-friendly weapon that supports Xiao’s playstyle.

Team Comps

Making a good team for Xiao helps a lot in Spiral Abyss. You can use creative team comps that are not the usual meta. Here are some fun ideas you may not have tried before.

Double Geo

Using Xiao with two Geo characters helps him stay safe and do more damage. Geo supports like Albedo and Zhongli make shields and add extra damage. Zhongli’s shield is very strong. It lets Xiao use his Elemental Burst without getting hurt. You can attack more and dodge less. This team is great if you want Xiao to be safe and hit hard.

Anemo Battery

Anemo batteries help Xiao get his Burst back fast. His Burst is needed for big AOE damage. Some top Anemo batteries are:

• Jean: She gives energy with Favonius Sword and heals with her Burst.

• Sucrose: She makes Anemo particles and boosts Xiao’s Swirl damage with Elemental Mastery.

• Sucrose is easy to get and build, so she is good for F2P players.

• Jean is best for energy and healing, but Sucrose is also strong.

With an Anemo battery, Xiao’s Burst is ready more often and his damage goes up. This team works well with Best Off-Meta Builds.

Off-Element Healer

Sometimes, you need a healer who is not Anemo. Bennett or Barbara can help here. Bennett heals and gives an ATK boost. Barbara gives steady healing, so Xiao can survive his Burst’s self-damage. Off-element healers let you change your team and fix more problems.

Mono-Anemo

Mono-Anemo teams use only Anemo characters. This setup gives cool bonuses:

Mono-Anemo teams feel quick and fun. You move fast and use skills more. The downside is less damage to some enemies, but it is a different way to play Xiao.

Shield Support

Shield support helps Xiao a lot. Zhongli gives a shield that is very strong. With this shield, Xiao can use his Burst and not lose much HP. You get more time to attack and less time dodging. Shield support lets you focus on damage and makes Spiral Abyss easier.

Tip: Try mixing these team comps to see what fits your style. You may find a new favorite team!

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Playstyle Tips

Energy Management

You want Xiao’s Elemental Burst ready as often as possible. Managing energy is key. Try using characters who generate energy particles quickly. Sucrose, Jean, or Favonius Lance can help a lot. If you notice Xiao’s Burst is not ready, swap him out for a few seconds. Let your supports use their skills. Collect the particles before switching back. You can also use food buffs for energy recharge if you need a boost.

Tip: Keep an eye on Xiao’s energy bar. If it drops too low, focus on collecting particles before attacking.

Rotation Adjustments

Your team rotation can make a big difference. Start with your supports. Use their skills and bursts first. This sets up buffs and shields for Xiao. When you switch to Xiao, activate his Elemental Burst right away. Attack with plunges and normal hits. If you see buffs running out, swap back to your supports. Refresh shields and healing. Repeat the cycle. You can adjust the order based on your team’s needs.

• Use support skills first

• Switch to Xiao for Burst and plunges

• Refresh buffs and shields as needed

Positioning

Xiao’s attacks hit a wide area, but you need good positioning. Stand in the middle of enemy groups. This way, you hit more targets with each plunge. If enemies spread out, move quickly between them. Use Xiao’s dash to reposition. Avoid corners and walls. These spots can block your plunges and lower your damage.

Floor Mechanics

Each Spiral Abyss floor has special rules. Some floors boost Anemo damage. Others have enemy shields or hazards. Read the floor info before you start. Pick supports who help with the floor’s mechanics. If you see shields, bring a Geo or Pyro character. If there are hazards, use shields or healing. Adjust your playstyle to match the floor. You can clear waves faster and stay safe. The official Genshin Impact website often posts news about upcoming Abyss changes.

Note: Always check the floor’s effects and enemy types. This helps you plan your strategy and avoid surprises.

Build Comparison

Artifact Effectiveness

Picking artifacts for Xiao helps you do more damage. Shimenawa’s Reminiscence gives higher attack, but you lose energy. Gladiator’s Finale is good for steady damage. Echoes of an Offering makes normal attacks stronger, so you can play differently. Two-piece ATK sets are easy to mix for quick upgrades. Vermillion Hereafter hybrid builds give extra power after Xiao loses HP.

Tip: If you want less stress, use Gladiator’s Finale or two-piece ATK sets.

Weapon Performance

Xiao can use many different weapons. Lithic Spear gives more attack and crit with Liyue teammates. Favonius Lance helps recharge energy quickly. Deathmatch boosts crit rate, so you hit harder. Blackcliff Pole gives more crit damage and stacks attack when you beat enemies. Prototype Starglitter is easy to make and helps with energy.

• Lithic Spear: Best with Liyue team.

• Favonius Lance: Good for energy problems.

• Deathmatch: Great for crit fans.

• Blackcliff Pole: Works well in multi-wave fights.

• Prototype Starglitter: Nice for F2P players.

Team Synergy

Your team changes how Xiao plays in fights. Double Geo teams give shields and keep you safe. Anemo batteries help Xiao get his Burst faster. Off-element healers keep Xiao healthy. Mono-Anemo teams let you move fast and use skills more. Shield support lets you attack without dodging much. Find inspiration in our game guides for more team ideas.

Note: Try mixing team comps to see what you like best.

Playstyle Differences

Each build makes you play Xiao in a new way. Shimenawa’s Reminiscence means you watch your energy bar. Gladiator’s Finale lets you focus on attacking. Echoes of an Offering rewards normal attacks. Deathmatch and Blackcliff Pole help you defeat enemies quickly. Prototype Starglitter lets you use Burst more often.

You can play safe, go for big damage, or try new combos. Pick the style that fits how you like to play. Xiao can do many things, so try new ideas and have fun!

You’ve got plenty of choices with Xiao’s Best Off-Meta Builds. Each setup brings something special, whether you want more damage, better energy, or a safer playstyle. Some builds need more support, while others let you focus on attacking. Why not try a new combo in Spiral Abyss? Share your results with friends or online. Xiao stays strong and flexible, no matter which build you pick.

FAQ

Can you use Xiao without his signature artifact set?

Xiao works with many artifact sets. Gladiator’s Finale, Shimenawa’s Reminiscence, and two-piece ATK sets are good picks. These sets still give Xiao strong damage. You can clear Spiral Abyss floors quickly with them.

What’s the best F2P weapon for Xiao?

Prototype Starglitter is a top F2P weapon. You can make it and upgrade it easily. It gives energy recharge and boosts normal attacks. You do not need to spend primogems for this weapon.

Do you need a healer on Xiao’s team?

A healer helps Xiao stay safe during his Burst. Bennett, Jean, or Barbara can heal your team. Zhongli’s shields also protect you from taking damage.

Tip: Healers make Spiral Abyss easier and less stressful.

How do you fix Xiao’s energy problems?

Use an Anemo battery like Sucrose or Jean. Favonius Lance helps Xiao recharge faster too. Collect energy particles before you switch to Xiao. This keeps his Burst ready for every fight.