Qiqi vs Barbara
Infinite Cryo healing vs. reliable Hydro wetness
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Qiqi if…
- When you need the absolute highest raw healing per second
- When fighting enemies where you can't afford to be 'Wet' (avoiding Freeze)
- When running Physical teams where she can provide Superconduct
Pick Barbara if…
- When you need a Hydro applicator for Bloom or Vaporize on a budget
- When you need a Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers carrier
- When you need a 'free' C6 revive mechanic
Both are dedicated healers with significant energy issues. Qiqi heals more and doesn't apply Hydro to herself, but Barbara's access to TTDS and her Hydro element generally make her more useful in the meta.
At a Glance
Strengths & Weaknesses
Qiqi
- Provides great healing.
- Consistent, long-lasting off-field Cryo application and particle production.
- Has good buffing for Stellar reaction DMG %.
- Provides little value outside of Stellar reaction teams.
- Can't enable the Stellar reactions herself.
- Constellations do not provide any additional buffing until C6.
Barbara
- Free character — available to all players from the Archon Quest
- Melody Loop provides continuous healing and Hydro application simultaneously
- Burst is a large instant full-team heal — great safety net in overworld and casual play
- Applies Hydro to the active character, making them susceptible to Frozen (dangerous in Abyss)
- Burst healing is powerful but requires field time and high ER investment
- Outclassed by Kokomi, Furina, and Baizhu as a competitive Hydro support
Shared Team Members
With Qiqi
Qiqi's Herald of Frost provides consistent healing that can keep Xiao alive even through the HP drain of his Bane of All Evil. Her ability to mark enemies with Talismans also allows Xiao to heal himself just by attacking while in his Burst.
With Barbara
Barbara provides a budget healing option for Xiao, with her Skill offering a steady stream of HP restoration during his Burst. Her stamina reduction buff can also be helpful for Xiao's mobility and charged attack use.
Best Builds (Signature)
Weapon
Key of Khaj-Nisut
Artifacts
Tenacity of the Millelith
Sands
ATK % or Energy Recharge
Goblet
ATK %
Circlet
CRIT / Healing Bonus / ATK %
Substats
CRIT Rate > ATK % > Energy Recharge
Weapon
Everlasting Moonglow
Artifacts
Ocean-Hued Clam
Sands
HP%
Goblet
HP%
Circlet
Healing Bonus
Substats
HP% > ER% > ATK%
Who Should You Pull?
- When you need the absolute highest raw healing per second
- When fighting enemies where you can't afford to be 'Wet' (avoiding Freeze)
- When running Physical teams where she can provide Superconduct
- When you need a Hydro applicator for Bloom or Vaporize on a budget
- When you need a Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers carrier
- When you need a 'free' C6 revive mechanic