Xiangling vs Thoma
The Pyronado goddess vs. the Burgeon specialist
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Xiangling if…
- In any team that can provide enough Hydro for her Pyronado
- When you need the highest possible off-field Pyro damage
- In 'National' team variants where she is the primary carry
Pick Thoma if…
- In Dendro/Hydro teams specifically to trigger Burgeon
- When you need a Pyro shield that refreshes with normal attacks
- If you need an alternative Pyro unit that doesn't consume all buffs
Xiangling is one of the strongest units in the game, defined by her lack of ICD on Pyronado. Thoma is a specialized support who only wins in Burgeon or specific shield-reliant setups.
At a Glance
Strengths & Weaknesses
Xiangling
- Free character from Spiral Abyss — every account has access to her
- Pyronado is one of the most powerful off-field DPS abilities in the entire game
- Works in virtually every reaction team: National, Vaporize, Melt, and Overloaded
- High Energy cost Burst (80) requires heavy ER investment or consistent battery support
- Off-field Pyro application without player control — reactive rather than proactive
- No personal defensive utility — needs a healer or shielder alongside her
Thoma
- Strong Pyro damage
- Versatile team options
- Requires investment
- Best teams use limited 5-stars
Shared Team Members
With Xiangling
Bennett is Xiangling's mandatory partner, acting as a battery to fund her high-cost Burst and providing the ATK buff that she can snapshot for the entire duration of Pyronado. Without him, her energy needs and damage potential are significantly compromised.
With Thoma
Bennett provides Thoma with the energy he needs to maintain his Burst shield and offers Pyro resonance for a team-wide ATK boost. His healing provides an extra layer of safety, ensuring the team remains healthy even if Thoma's shield is momentarily broken.
Best Builds (Signature)
Weapon
The Catch
Artifacts
Emblem of Severed Fate
Sands
Energy Recharge
Goblet
Pyro DMG Bonus
Circlet
CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG
Substats
ER% (until 200%) > CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK%
Weapon
Kitain Cross Spear
Artifacts
Flower of Paradise Lost
Sands
Energy Recharge / Elemental Mastery
Goblet
Elemental Mastery
Circlet
Elemental Mastery
Substats
Energy Recharge > Elemental Mastery > HP % > HP
Who Should You Pull?
- In any team that can provide enough Hydro for her Pyronado
- When you need the highest possible off-field Pyro damage
- In 'National' team variants where she is the primary carry
- In Dendro/Hydro teams specifically to trigger Burgeon
- When you need a Pyro shield that refreshes with normal attacks
- If you need an alternative Pyro unit that doesn't consume all buffs