Introduction

Genshin Impact Xingqiu, a young bookworm from Liyue Harbour, is one of the most valuable four-star characters in the game. While his love for literature is well known, he is equally recognized for his powerful Hydro abilities and support potential in battle. As a Hydro Sword user, Xingqiu excels at providing consistent off-field damage and applying Hydro for elemental reactions. His Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, grants damage reduction and creates Rain Swords that absorb damage and heal slightly when shattered.

His Elemental Burst, Raincutter, unleashes continuous Hydro-infused sword attacks that synergize well with many DPS characters. To maximize his potential, players should prioritize Energy Recharge to ensure frequent Burst uptime while also boosting Hydro damage. Artifacts such as Emblem of Severed Fate enhance both Energy Recharge and Burst damage, making it a strong choice. For weapons, Sacrificial Sword is one of his best options, allowing him to reset his Elemental Skill cooldown and generate more Energy. Other viable choices include Favonius Sword for additional Energy generation and weapons with high Energy Recharge substats.

Xingqiu’s constellations further improve his support capabilities, with key upgrades such as C2 reducing Hydro resistance and C6 increasing Rain Sword count for more damage. He fits well in teams that rely on Hydro reactions, pairing exceptionally with Pyro DPS units like Hu Tao or Diluc for Vaporize setups. He also works effectively in Electro-Charged compositions alongside characters like Fischl or Beidou. Due to his versatile kit, Genshin Impact Xingqiu remains an essential unit for players looking to optimize elemental reactions and sustain high damage output in battle.

Understanding Xingqiu: An Overview

AspectDetailsRarity⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four-star)WeaponSwordElementHydroRoleOff-field Sub DPS and Hydro applicatorElemental SkillGuhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen – Summons Rain Swords that reduce damage taken and provide minor healing when shatteredElemental BurstRaincutter – Unleashes continuous Hydro-infused sword attacks even when off-fieldBest ReactionsVaporize, Electro-Charged, FreezeBest DPS SynergyHu Tao, Yoimiya (Vaporize); Fischl, Beidou (Electro-Charged)Team FlexibilityFits into a wide range of team compositions, commonly used in Spiral AbyssAcquisitionObtained through Wishes on banners, Paimon’s Bargains, and limited-time rate-up bannersOverall ValueOne of the most sought-after ⭐⭐⭐⭐ units due to high damage, Hydro application, and defensive utility

Xingqiu is a four-star character in Genshin Impact who wields a sword and harnesses the power of Hydro. He excels as an off-field Sub DPS, dealing consistent damage while applying Hydro to enable elemental reactions. His Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, summons Rain Swords that reduce damage taken and provide minor healing when shattered. His Elemental Burst, Raincutter, allows him to unleash continuous Hydro-infused sword attacks even when he is off-field, making him a crucial support unit for teams that rely on Vaporize, Electro-Charged, or Freeze reactions.

His versatility allows him to fit into a wide range of team compositions, making him a staple in many Spiral Abyss runs. He pairs exceptionally well with Pyro DPS units like Hu Tao and Yoimiya for Vaporize setups or with Electro characters like Fischl and Beidou for Electro-Charged teams. Xingqiu can be obtained through Wishes on various banners, Paimon’s Bargains, and occasionally on rate-up banners as a featured four-star character. His strong synergy with many characters, high damage potential, and defensive utility make him one of the most sought-after four-star units in the game.

Why Make Xingqiu a Part of Your Team?

AspectDetailsRoleOff-field Hydro applicator and Sub DPSVersion StrengthAs of Version 4.0, remains one of the best four-star charactersElemental ReactionsEnables Vaporize, Electro-Charged, Freeze, and Bloom-related reactionsDamage OutputHigh off-field single-target damageDefensive UtilityProvides damage reduction, interruption resistance, and minor healingTeam FlexibilityFits into various team compositions and synergizes well with multiple DPS charactersConstellation ImpactStrong even at C0, with significant power increases at higher constellationsAccessibilityEasier to obtain and build than many five-star characters, making him a great option for free-to-play playersOverall ValueA top-tier four-star unit due to his consistent damage, Hydro application, and survivability benefits

Xingqiu is one of the most valuable four-star characters in Genshin Impact, offering unmatched off-field Hydro application as of Version 4.0. His ability to consistently apply Hydro makes him essential for triggering powerful elemental reactions like Vaporize, Electro-Charged, Freeze, and Bloom-related effects. Beyond his Hydro utility, Xingqiu also deals significant off-field single-target damage, making him a key contributor to team DPS.

His kit provides additional benefits, including damage reduction, interruption resistance, and minor healing, improving survivability for the active character. His flexibility allows him to fit into a wide variety of team compositions, making him a core unit in many high-level strategies. Even at Constellation 0, Xingqiu is a strong and reliable choice, and his power increases further with additional constellations. As a four-star character, he is relatively accessible to free-to-play players, with viable weapon options that make him easier to build compared to many five-star alternatives. His combination of consistent damage, strong elemental reactions, and defensive utility makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

Xingqiu’s Talents and Playstyle

Xingqiu’s combat prowess comes from his unique talents, making him one of the best off-field Hydro applicators in Genshin Impact. His abilities allow him to support reaction-based teams while providing defensive utility and consistent Hydro damage.

Normal Attack: Guhua StyleElemental Skill: Guhua Sword – Fatal RainscreenElemental Burst: Guhua Sword – Raincutter

Normal Attack: Guhua Style

  • Performs up to five rapid sword strikes.
  • Charged Attack delivers two quick slashes, consuming stamina.
  • Plunging Attack deals AoE damage upon impact.
  • While his Normal Attacks are not a primary focus in his Sub DPS role, they help trigger his Elemental Burst.

Elemental Skill: Guhua Sword – Fatal Rainscreen

  • Unleashes two consecutive sword strikes that deal Hydro DMG.
  • Creates orbiting Rain Swords that provide:
    • Damage reduction.
    • Increased resistance to interruption.
    • Healing (6% of Xingqiu’s Max HP) when shattered or when their duration ends.
  • Generates a good amount of Energy, helping maintain Burst uptime.

Elemental Burst: Guhua Sword – Raincutter

  • Summons Hydro-infused sword attacks that follow the active character’s Normal Attacks.
  • Enables consistent off-field Hydro application, making him essential for reactions like Vaporize, Electro-Charged, and Hyperbloom.
  • Core ability in his kit, requiring high Energy Recharge to ensure uptime.

Passive Talents

  • Hydropathic: Restores HP when Rain Swords break, increasing survivability.
  • Blades Amidst Raindrops: Grants a permanent 20% Hydro DMG Bonus.
  • Flash of Genius: 25% chance to refund materials when crafting Character Talent Materials.

Talent Priority

  • Elemental Burst (Highest Priority) – Maximizes Hydro application and off-field damage.
  • Elemental Skill – Provides Energy, damage reduction, and healing.
  • Normal Attack (Lowest Priority) – Only relevant if using Xingqiu as an on-field DPS.

Xingqiu’s combination of strong Hydro application, defensive utility, and high off-field damage makes him one of the best four-star units in a variety of team compositions.

Unlocking His Potential: Constellations

ConstellationEffectC1 – The Scent RemainedIncreases the maximum number of Rain Swords by one, slightly improving damage reduction and survivability.C2 – Rainbow Upon the Azure SkyExtends Elemental Burst duration by 3 seconds and reduces enemies’ Hydro RES by 15% for 4 seconds when hit by sword rain attacks.C3 – Weaver of VersesIncreases Elemental Burst level by 3, further amplifying its effectiveness.C4 – EvilsootherIncreases Elemental Skill damage by 50% while Elemental Burst is active, making Skill hits significantly stronger.C5 – Embrace of RainIncreases Elemental Skill level by 3, further boosting its damage.C6 – Call Them My Own VersesEnhances every third sword rain attack when two sword rain attacks hit and regenerates 3 Energy per activation, increasing Burst damage and reducing Energy Recharge needs.

Xingqiu’s Constellations significantly enhance his abilities, making him an even stronger Sub DPS and Hydro applicator in Genshin Impact. His first Constellation, The Scent Remained, increases the maximum number of Rain Swords by one, slightly improving damage reduction and survivability. His second Constellation, Rainbow Upon the Azure Sky, extends the duration of his Elemental Burst by three seconds and reduces the Hydro RES of enemies hit by sword rain attacks by 15% for four seconds, greatly boosting his and his Hydro teammates’ damage output. His third Constellation, Weaver of Verses, increases the level of his Elemental Burst, further amplifying its effectiveness.

His fourth Constellation, Evilsoother, increases the damage of his Elemental Skill by 50% while his Burst is active, making his Skill hits significantly stronger. His fifth Constellation, Embrace of Rain, raises the level of his Elemental Skill, further increasing its damage. His sixth and final Constellation, Call Them My Own Verses, enhances every third sword rain attack when two sword rain attacks hit, while also regenerating three Energy per activation.

This makes his Burst deal even more damage and alleviates his Energy Recharge needs. With all Constellations unlocked, Xingqiu becomes one of the most powerful four-star characters, often rivaling five-star units in terms of damage output, Hydro application, defensive utility, and minor healing. His C6 is considered one of the best among four-star characters, making him an even more essential unit for many teams.

Crafting the Ideal Build: Weapons and Artifacts

Best Artifacts for Xingqiu

Recommended Artifact Sets

Magnificent TsubaStorm CageSundered FeatherOrnate KabutoScarlet Vessel

Emblem of Severed Fate (4-Piece)
Xingqiu’s best artifact set, providing a 20% Energy Recharge boost and increasing his Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of his Energy Recharge, up to a maximum of 75%. Since he relies heavily on his Burst and requires high Energy Recharge, this set maximizes his damage output while ensuring consistent uptime.

Royal FloraRoyal Pocket WatchRoyal PlumeRoyal MasqueRoyal Silver Urn

Noblesse Oblige (4-Piece)
A viable alternative that boosts Elemental Burst DMG by 20% and provides a 20% ATK buff to the entire team after using his Burst. While it enhances team utility, it is generally less favored than Emblem of Severed Fate for maximizing Xingqiu’s personal damage.

Magnificent TsubaStorm CageRoyal PlumeRoyal Masqueany artifact that will help Xingqiu’s stats

Hybrid Sets (2-Piece Combinations)
Mixing 2-piece Emblem of Severed Fate with either 2-piece Noblesse Oblige or 2-piece Heart of Depth can work, depending on available substats. This setup offers flexibility, providing either additional Energy Recharge or increased Hydro DMG.

Snowswept MemoryFrozen Homeland’s DemiseIcebreaker’s ResolveBroken Rime’s EchoFrost-Weaved Dignity

Blizzard Strayer (4-Piece) – Niche Option
Useful in Freeze teams, this set increases Xingqiu’s Crit Rate when attacking Frozen enemies. While effective in specific team compositions, it is not as universally strong as Emblem of Severed Fate.

Artifact Main Stats

  • Sands: Energy Recharge (Best) or ATK% (if Energy needs are met)
  • Goblet: Hydro DMG Bonus
  • Circlet: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG (depending on substats and weapon)

Substat Priorities

Energy Recharge → CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG → ATK% → HP%

Best Weapons for Xingqiu

5-Star Weapons

WeaponRarityEffect
Primordial Jade Cutter★★★★★High CRIT Rate and a passive that boosts ATK based on HP, significantly increasing Xingqiu’s overall damage.
Mistsplitter Reforged★★★★★High Base Attack and CRIT DMG, increasing Elemental DMG based on stacks. While not fully utilized, it remains a strong option.
Haran Geppaku Futsu★★★★★Provides CRIT Rate and Elemental DMG Bonus, making it a viable damage-oriented weapon if no better options are available.
Skyward Blade★★★★★Grants Energy Recharge and a small CRIT Rate boost, with a passive that enhances Movement Speed and Attack Speed, aiding Energy management.

Primordial Jade Cutter
Xingqiu’s best 5-star option, offering high CRIT Rate and a passive that boosts ATK based on HP, significantly increasing his overall damage.

Mistsplitter Reforged
A strong option with high Base Attack and CRIT DMG, increasing Elemental DMG based on stacks gained from Elemental attacks. While he does not fully utilize its passive, it remains a high-damage choice.

Haran Geppaku Futsu
Provides a solid CRIT Rate stat and Elemental DMG Bonus, making it a viable damage-oriented weapon if no better options are available.

Skyward Blade
Offers Energy Recharge and a small CRIT Rate boost, with a passive that increases Movement Speed and Attack Speed. While not optimal for pure damage, it helps with Energy management.

4-Star Weapons

WeaponRarityEffect
Sacrificial Sword★★★★One of Xingqiu’s best weapons, providing Energy Recharge and a passive that resets his Elemental Skill cooldown, improving Hydro application and Energy generation. High refinements significantly enhance his rotations.
Favonius Sword★★★★A great support weapon with Energy Recharge and a passive that generates extra particles on CRIT hits, making it excellent for teams needing additional Energy.
Wolf-Fang★★★★A Battle Pass weapon that boosts Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill and Burst DMG while providing CRIT Rate, making it a strong damage-focused option.
Fleuve Cendre Ferryman★★★★A free-to-play option obtained through fishing, offering Energy Recharge and a passive that increases Elemental Skill CRIT Rate, improving Energy management.

Sacrificial Sword
One of Xingqiu’s best weapons, providing Energy Recharge and a passive that has a chance to reset his Elemental Skill cooldown, increasing Hydro application and Energy generation. At high refinements, this significantly improves his rotations.

Favonius Sword
A great support weapon with Energy Recharge and a passive that generates additional particles on CRIT hits, making it an excellent choice for teams needing extra Energy.

Wolf-Fang
A Battle Pass weapon that enhances Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill and Burst DMG while providing CRIT Rate, making it a strong damage-focused option.

Fleuve Cendre Ferryman
A free-to-play option obtained through fishing, providing Energy Recharge and a passive that boosts Elemental Skill CRIT Rate, improving his Energy management.

Amenoma Kageuchi
A craftable alternative that offers ATK% and generates Energy after using Elemental Skills. Best used at higher refinements if no other options are available.

3-Star Weapons

WeaponRarityEffect
Harbinger of Dawn★★★A decent early-game weapon with a high CRIT DMG bonus. However, its passive requires maintaining high HP, which may not always be reliable.

Harbinger of Dawn
A decent early-game weapon with a high CRIT DMG bonus. However, its passive requires maintaining high HP, which may not always be reliable.

Energy Recharge Requirements

Xingqiu’s Elemental Burst has a high Energy cost of 80, making Energy Recharge a crucial stat for his performance.

  • C0-C5 Xingqiu: Requires around 190-260% Energy Recharge, depending on team composition.
  • C6 Xingqiu: Can function with 150-220% Energy Recharge, as his Constellation provides additional Energy.

Using Energy Recharge weapons like Sacrificial Sword or Favonius Sword can significantly lower these requirements. Pairing Xingqiu with another Hydro character for elemental resonance also improves Energy generation. Raiden Shogun is an excellent battery, allowing Xingqiu to reduce his Energy Recharge investment and focus more on offensive stats. Finding the right balance between Energy Recharge and damage stats is key to ensuring his Burst is consistently available while maximizing his Hydro DMG and CRIT potential.

Building Synergies: Team Compositions

Best Team Compositions for Xingqiu

Vaporize Teams

Xingqiu is one of the best Hydro supports for Pyro DPS units, ensuring consistent Hydro application for strong Vaporize reactions.

  • Hu Tao + Xingqiu + Kazuha/Sucrose + Zhongli
Hu TaoKazuhaSucroseZhongli
  • Hu Tao benefits from Xingqiu’s defensive utility while Vaporizing her Charged Attacks. Kazuha or Sucrose provides Viridescent Venerer resistance shred, and Zhongli offers protection.
  • Yoimiya + Xingqiu + Bennett + Kazuha/Sucrose
Yoimiya BennettKazuhaSucrose
  • Xingqiu’s Burst allows Yoimiya to consistently Vaporize her Normal Attacks. Bennett provides healing and an ATK buff, while Kazuha or Sucrose enhances elemental damage.
  • Diluc + Xingqiu + Xiangling + Bennett
Diluc XianglingBennett
  • Xingqiu enables Diluc to Vaporize by weaving Normal Attacks between his Skill uses. Xiangling’s Burst benefits from Xingqiu’s Hydro application, with Bennett boosting team damage.

Electro-Charged Teams

These teams use Xingqiu’s Hydro application to trigger Electro-Charged reactions with off-field Electro characters.

  • Xingqiu + Fischl + Beidou + Sucrose/Kazuha
Fischl BeidouSucroseKazuha
  • Sucrose or Kazuha Swirls Hydro and Electro while boosting the team’s damage. Fischl and Beidou provide continuous Electro application and AoE damage.

Freeze Teams

While other Hydro characters are typically preferred, Xingqiu can still work with Cryo DPS units.

  • Ayaka/Ganyu + Xingqiu + Anemo Support + Cryo Support
AyakaGanyu
  • Anemo units like Kazuha or Venti provide resistance shred and crowd control, while another Cryo character boosts Cryo Resonance for increased CRIT Rate.

Dendro Teams (Bloom, Hyperbloom, Burgeon)

With the introduction of Dendro, Xingqiu enables Bloom-related reactions by generating Dendro Cores.

  • Nahida + Xingqiu + Kuki Shinobu/Raiden Shogun + Flex(Hyperbloom)
NahidaKuki ShinobuRaiden Shogun
  • Xingqiu enables Dendro Core generation, while an Electro unit triggers Hyperbloom to deal high tracking damage.
  • Nahida/Alhaitham + Xingqiu + Thoma + Flex(Burgeon)
NahidaAlhaithamThoma
  • Xingqiu ensures Dendro Core production while Thoma triggers explosive Burgeon reactions with Pyro.

Double Hydro Teams

Xingqiu pairs with Yelan for strong Hydro application and off-field damage.

  • Xingqiu + Yelan + Pyro/Electro DPS + Flex
XingqiuYelan
  • Yelan’s ramping damage buff boosts the active character, while Xingqiu provides Hydro resistance shred and defensive utility.

Xingqiu’s versatility allows him to fit into a wide range of teams. His best composition depends on the main DPS, elemental reactions, and specific battle requirements.

Gathering the Essentials: Ascension and Talent Materials

Material TypeMaterials NeededSourceHydro AscensionVarunada Lazurite Sliver, Fragment, Chunk, GemstoneHydro Hypostasis, OceanidBoss DropCleansing HeartOceanidLocal SpecialtySilk FlowerFound in Liyue, near Wangshu Inn & Yujing TerraceCommon DropsDamaged Mask, Stained Mask, Ominous MaskDropped by HilichurlsTalent BooksTeachings of Gold, Guide to Gold, Philosophies of GoldTaishan Mansion Domain (Wed/Sat/Sun)Weekly Boss DropTail of BoreasDropped by Andrius (Wolf of the North)Special ItemCrown of InsightLimited-time events & offerings

To fully ascend Xingqiu and upgrade his talents, you will need specific materials. His ascension materials include Varunada Lazurite Sliver, Fragment, Chunk, and Gemstone, which are dropped by Hydro Hypostasis and Oceanid. Cleansing Heart is exclusively obtained from the Oceanid. Silk Flower, a Liyue local specialty, can be gathered from specific locations. Hilichurls drop Damaged Mask, Stained Mask, and Ominous Mask, which are needed for both ascension and talent leveling.

For talent upgrades, the Teachings of Gold, Guide to Gold, and Philosophies of Gold are required, which can be obtained from the Taishan Mansion Domain on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The weekly boss Andrius drops Tail of Boreas, which is necessary for higher-level talent upgrades. The Crown of Insight, obtained through in-game events and limited-time offerings, is required to max out his talents. Prioritizing Xingqiu’s Elemental Burst and Elemental Skill will significantly enhance his damage output and Hydro application, making him even more effective in various team compositions.

Mastering the Flow: Gameplay Tips and Rotations

Effectively playing Xingqiu requires managing his Energy Recharge, optimizing rotations, and ensuring consistent Hydro application. His Elemental Burst has an 80 Energy cost, making Energy Recharge a priority through weapons, artifacts, and substats. His Burst triggers sword rain attacks when the active character performs Normal Attacks, so weaving in Normal Attacks during rotations maximizes his Hydro application and overall damage output.

A common practice is to use Xingqiu’s Elemental Skill before his Burst to generate energy particles that help recharge his Burst. However, in certain rotations or with Constellations like C4, using Burst first can sometimes be beneficial. Managing his cooldowns is essential, as his Skill has a relatively long cooldown. The Hydro RES shred from his C2 can significantly boost the damage of Hydro-focused teams, while his C6 provides additional Energy regeneration, reducing his overall Energy Recharge requirements.

Basic rotation strategies often involve using his Elemental Skill, followed by Normal Attacks, then activating his Burst before switching to a main DPS who can take advantage of the sword rain attacks. More advanced techniques, such as “N1 Weaving,” involve using a quick Normal Attack between abilities to trigger more instances of sword rain. In certain cases, dash cancels or menu tricks can be used to optimize energy collection and rotation fluidity. The best rotation depends on team composition, Xingqiu’s Constellation level, and combat scenarios. Mastering the synergy between his abilities and his teammates ensures smooth and effective rotations, maximizing his damage and Hydro application.

A Moment of Solitude, A Lifetime of Utility

Xingqiu, the diligent young master and aspiring novelist, is a valuable addition to any Genshin Impact team. His ability to consistently apply Hydro, deal significant off-field damage, and provide defensive utility makes him a versatile and reliable character. With a well-built Xingqiu, teams can take full advantage of elemental reactions like Vaporize, Electro-Charged, and Hyperbloom, significantly increasing overall damage output.

His Elemental Burst is the core of his kit, making Energy Recharge a key stat to ensure consistent uptime. Understanding his talents, constellations, and optimal builds allows players to maximize his potential in various team compositions. Experimenting with different rotations and synergy between teammates helps refine his role and adapt to different combat scenarios in the ever-changing world of Teyvat.