Making Xiao a Cryo DPS Powerhouse
Xiao, the Yaksha warrior, is known for his powerful anemo attacks. While he’s usually built as a pure anemo DPS, there’s a fun and exciting alternative: turning him into a cryo DPS! This approach utilizes the power of cryo reactions, especially Melt, to boost his damage potential. To make Xiao a cryo powerhouse, you’ll need the right artifact sets and weapons.
Artifact Sets: The Cryo Core
- Blizzard Strayer (4-piece): This is the cornerstone of your cryo build. It provides a 15% Cryo damage bonus and a 20% cryo damage bonus for enemies affected by Cryo. The real magic comes from the 4-piece bonus: when you hit an enemy affected by Cryo, you’ll get a 20% increase in your attack for 10 seconds. This means you’ll be hitting harder and more often!
- Noblesse Oblige (4-piece): This set is great for boosting your overall damage output. It provides a 20% attack bonus and a powerful 20% elemental burst damage increase for your team when you use your elemental burst. This bonus applies to everyone on the field, so Xiao can benefit from it even while using his burst.
Artifact Stats: Maximizing Cryo Potential
- Sands of Eon: Use a Cryo Damage Bonus% sands. Since your focus is Cryo, maximize that damage!
- Goblet of Eonothem: Another Cryo Damage Bonus% goblet is a must. The more you can boost your Cryo damage, the better.
- Circlet of Logos: This is where you decide your priority. A Critical Rate% circlet is generally best for consistent crit hits, while a Critical Damage% circlet can maximize damage on those critical hits. Choose what you find works best for your playstyle.
- Sub-Stats: Focus on a mix of Critical Rate/Damage%, Cryo Damage Bonus%, and Attack%. You want a balance to maximize your overall damage output.
Weapons: Unleashing Cryo Fury
- Blackcliff Pole: This is a strong 4-star option that provides a great attack bonus and a hefty Crit Damage boost when you defeat an enemy. It’s easy to obtain and a solid starting point for your cryo Xiao.
- Prototype Starglitter: This 4-star weapon offers a unique buff. When you use your elemental skill, it increases your attack. This synergizes well with Xiao’s combat style, especially when using cryo attacks.
- Song of Broken Pines: This 5-star weapon is a fantastic option for cryo Xiao. It provides a huge attack bonus and an attack bonus for each stack of Cryo on your opponent. This weapon unleashes Xiao’s Cryo potential, but it may be harder to obtain.
Team Composition: Synergy for Cryo Success
- Cryo Support: To maximize your Cryo potential, you’ll want a solid cryo support character. Rosaria and Diona are great choices. Rosaria provides a strong Cryo damage bonus and can apply Cryo to enemies, while Diona offers Cryo application and healing.
- Melt Enhancer: A Pyro character like Xiangling or Diluc can further boost your damage with the Melt reaction. This reaction creates a powerful explosion when Cryo and Pyro elements collide, significantly increasing your damage output.
- Sub-DPS/Healer: A flexible character like Bennett can provide powerful attack buffs and healing, while also contributing sub-DPS damage.
Building a Cryo DPS Xiao takes planning and optimization, but the rewards are worth it. By maximizing his Cryo damage and combining him with the right team, you can unleash a devastating new level of power from the Yaksha warrior!