Theorylytics
Mualani

hydro · Catalyst

Mualani

Main DPS

VS
Xingqiu

hydro · Sword

Xingqiu

Sub-DPS

Mualani vs Xingqiu

Huge Vaporize shark bites vs. the ultimate Hydro sword sub-DPS

TL;DR — Quick Pick

Pick Mualani if…

  • When you want to deal massive single-hit Vaporize damage
  • When exploring Natlan and using Nightsoul mechanics
  • When your team features off-field Pyro applicators like Xiangling or Dehya

Pick Xingqiu if…

  • When your Main DPS relies on Normal Attacks (Yoimiya, Hu Tao)
  • When you need interruption resistance and damage reduction
  • When consistent, high-speed Hydro application is required
Verdict

Mualani and Xingqiu perform fundamentally different roles; Mualani is a bursty carry designed to Vaporize her own hits, while Xingqiu is the premier support who enables others to react. Mualani wins for raw on-field Hydro damage, but Xingqiu is irreplaceable for team utility.

At a Glance

Mualani
Stat
Xingqiu
Catalyst
Weapon
Sword
5-StarWinner
Rarity
4-Star
Main DPS
Role
Sub-DPS / Enabler
Slow (Niche)
Hydro App
Extremely FastWinner
Skill-based Shark Surfing
Damage Source
Burst-based Rain Swords
LowWinner
Energy Needs
High (needs Sacrificial/Favonius)
Minimal
Defensive Utility
Damage Reduction / Interruption ResistanceWinner
High (Forward Vape)Winner
Vaporize Potential
Enabler (Reverse Vape)

Strengths & Weaknesses

Mualani

Strengths
  • Strong Hydro damage
  • Versatile team options
Weaknesses
  • Requires investment
  • Best teams use limited 5-stars

Xingqiu

Strengths
  • One of the best options for Hydro application.
  • Elemental Skill provides damage reduction, interruption resistance, and healing, giving Xingqiu strong supportive utility.
Weaknesses
  • Requires a lot of Energy for Xingqiu's Elemental Burst.
  • Elemental Skill has a long 21-second cooldown, limiting use.
  • Can accidentally freeze himself due to the self-Hydro application of his Elemental Skill.

Shared Team Members

XianglingXiangling

With Mualani

Xiangling is the primary Pyro enabler for Mualani, using Guoba and Pyronado to apply consistent off-field fire. This allows Mualani to trigger massive Forward Vaporize hits with her Sharky Surfboard bites.

With Xingqiu

Xingqiu provides the Hydro application necessary for Xiangling to Reverse Vaporize every hit of her Pyronado. His Rain Swords also provide interruption resistance and damage reduction, which helps Xiangling stay safe while staying close to enemies.

Best Builds (Signature)

Mualani

Weapon

Surf's Up

Artifacts

Obsidian Codex

Sands

ATK%

Goblet

DMG%

Circlet

CRIT Rate

Substats

CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK% > ER%

Xingqiu

Weapon

Primordial Jade Cutter

Artifacts

Emblem of Severed Fate

Sands

Energy Recharge / ATK %

Goblet

Hydro DMG

Circlet

CRIT Rate / DMG

Substats

Energy Recharge (to breakpoint) > CRIT Rate / DMG > ATK %

Who Should You Pull?

Mualani
Pull Mualani if…
  • When you want to deal massive single-hit Vaporize damage
  • When exploring Natlan and using Nightsoul mechanics
  • When your team features off-field Pyro applicators like Xiangling or Dehya
Mualani Full Guide
Xingqiu
Pull Xingqiu if…
  • When your Main DPS relies on Normal Attacks (Yoimiya, Hu Tao)
  • When you need interruption resistance and damage reduction
  • When consistent, high-speed Hydro application is required
Xingqiu Full Guide