Xingqiu Complete Sub-DPS Guide
👤 GSP Editorial•2026-02-10•★ 9.5/10
XingqiuHydroSub-DPS4-StarBuild Guide
Xingqiu Complete Sub-DPS Guide
Version: 5.7 | Last Updated: 2026-02-10 | Sources: Icy-Veins, Game8, GameWith, IGN
Overview
Xingqiu is a 4-star Hydro Sword character and one of the best off-field sub-DPS units in Genshin Impact. His Elemental Burst provides continuous Hydro application and damage while your main DPS attacks.
Why Xingqiu is SS Tier
- Best off-field Hydro application in the game
- Rain swords deal massive cumulative damage
- Provides damage reduction and minor healing
- Works in Vaporize, Freeze, Electro-Charged, Hyperbloom teams
- Accessible 4-star with incredible value
Talent Priority
| Priority | Talent | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elemental Burst | Main damage source, rain swords |
| 2 | Elemental Skill | Good damage + particles |
| 3 | Normal Attack | Not needed |
Best Artifact Sets
1. Emblem of Severed Fate (4pc) - Best in Slot
- 2pc: Energy Recharge +20%
- 4pc: Burst DMG bonus based on ER (max 75%)
- Why: Perfect synergy with his ER-hungry kit
2. Noblesse Oblige (4pc) - Team Buffer
- If no one else uses Noblesse
- Provides +20% ATK to team after Burst
3. 2pc/2pc Combinations
- 2pc Emblem + 2pc Heart of Depth
- 2pc Noblesse + 2pc Heart of Depth
Main Stats Priority
| Piece | Main Stat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sands | Energy Recharge / ATK% | ER until requirement met |
| Goblet | Hydro DMG Bonus | Always |
| Circlet | CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG | Balance 1:2 ratio |
Substat Priority
- Energy Recharge (to requirement)
- CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG
- ATK%
- Flat ATK
Energy Recharge Requirements
| Weapon | C0-C5 | C6 |
|---|---|---|
| Sacrificial Sword | 150-180% | 130-150% |
| Favonius Sword | 190-220% | 150-180% |
| Other Weapons | 220-260% | 180-220% |
C6 significantly reduces ER needs due to energy refund!
Best Weapons
| Rank | Weapon | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primordial Jade Cutter (5★) | Highest DPS if ER met |
| 2 | Mistsplitter Reforged (5★) | High CRIT + Hydro DMG |
| 3 | Sacrificial Sword (4★) | Double E = more particles |
| 4 | Favonius Sword (4★) | Team battery |
| 5 | Festering Desire (4★) | Event weapon, Skill boost |
| 6 | Fleuve Cendre Ferryman (4★) | Craftable, ER + Skill boost |
| 7 | Amenoma Kageuchi (4★) | Craftable, energy refund |
Constellation Analysis
| Const | Priority | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Good | +1 rain sword from Skill |
| C2 | Great | Extended Burst duration + Hydro RES shred |
| C3 | Good | +3 Burst levels |
| C4 | Nice | More Skill damage during Burst |
| C5 | Good | +3 Skill levels |
| C6 | Excellent | Infuses rain swords + energy refund |
Team Compositions
National Team
- Xingqiu + Xiangling + Bennett + Sucrose/Raiden
- Classic Vaporize team
Hu Tao Vape
- Xingqiu + Hu Tao + Zhongli + Yelan/Albedo
- Xingqiu enables Hu Tao's Vaporize
Hyperbloom
- Xingqiu + Nahida + Kuki + Flex
- Hydro + Dendro = Bloom cores
Freeze Teams
- Xingqiu + Ayaka/Ganyu + Cryo + Anemo
- Continuous Freeze uptime
Taser (Electro-Charged)
- Xingqiu + Fischl + Beidou + Sucrose
- Constant elemental reactions
Gameplay Tips
- Burst Before Skill at C4+: More damage on Skill
- Don't Swap Too Early: Collect particles from Skill
- Self-Wet Warning: Applies Hydro to self (can freeze you!)
- Sac Sword Reset: Wait for Skill to deal damage before using again
- Rain Sword Timing: Triggers on Normal Attack animations
Xingqiu vs Yelan
| Aspect | Xingqiu | Yelan |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | 4★ | 5★ |
| Hydro Application | Higher | Lower |
| Personal Damage | Lower | Higher |
| Utility | DMG reduction + healing | DMG% buff |
| Best For | Vaporize enabler | Double Hydro |
Both are excellent - using them together (Double Hydro) is very strong!