Xiao vs Varka
The ancient guardian vs. the legendary knight
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Xiao if…
- When you need to clear an entire floor of enemies simultaneously
- If you have a dedicated healer like Jean or Xianyun to offset HP drain
- For high-speed combat that utilizes vertical space
Pick Varka if…
- When you want a more traditional 'tanky' carry experience
- In teams that can't provide the constant healing Xiao requires
- If you prefer the aesthetic and reach of large Claymore swings
Xiao is the definitive Anemo hypercarry for speed and AoE, but Varka offers a sturdier, less punishing alternative. Xiao's ceiling is higher, but Varka is often more comfortable to play.
At a Glance
Strengths & Weaknesses
Xiao
- Xiao’s basic combos require little skill
- Xiao’s Plunging Attacks have a large AoE
- His teammates require minimal investment but excel at high investment
- Xiao has limited free weapon options
- As a Burst-reliant damage dealer, Xiao requires intentional Energy management
- Xiao’s teammates are limited by his long field time
Varka
- Strong on-field DPS with dual-element damage.
- Flexible team compositions since he can be play with any other Elements between Anemo, Pyro, Cryo, Hydro, and Electro.
- Benefits from Hexerei synergies.
- Specific team requirements wanting Heixerei, another Anemo unit and two of another element.
- Complex rotation to optimise damage.
- Weapons outside of Varka's signature are notably worse.
Shared Team Members
With Xiao
Faruzan provides the critical Anemo RES shred and DMG bonus required to scale Xiao's hypercarry potential in high-floor Abyss content. Her burst provides a moving buff zone that follows Xiao's mobile playstyle, ensuring he always benefits from her presence.
With Varka
Varka's heavy Anemo strikes are amplified by Faruzan's specialized Anemo support kit, which reduces enemy resistance to his powerful attacks. This synergy is key for overcoming high Anemo-resistant enemies that would otherwise hinder his damage output.
Best Builds (Signature)
Weapon
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
Artifacts
Vermillion Hereafter
Sands
ATK%
Goblet
Anemo DMG%
Circlet
CRIT DMG
Substats
CRIT Rate ≥ 60% > CRIT DMG > ATK% > ER% to 160%
Weapon
Gest of the Mighty Wolf
Artifacts
A Day Carved From Rising Winds
Sands
ATK %
Goblet
Pyro DMG / ATK %
Circlet
CRIT DMG >= CRIT Rate
Substats
CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK % > Elemental Mastery > Energy Recharge
Who Should You Pull?
- When you need to clear an entire floor of enemies simultaneously
- If you have a dedicated healer like Jean or Xianyun to offset HP drain
- For high-speed combat that utilizes vertical space
- When you want a more traditional 'tanky' carry experience
- In teams that can't provide the constant healing Xiao requires
- If you prefer the aesthetic and reach of large Claymore swings