Xiao vs Wanderer
The plunging Yaksha vs. the hovering Wanderer
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Xiao if…
- When facing massive waves of enemies where his AoE plunge shines
- If you have Xianyun to elevate his plunge damage to the sky
- When you want a carry with higher stagger potential
Pick Wanderer if…
- For superior overworld exploration and flexible movement
- When you need a ranged Anemo carry to handle flying or mobile enemies
- If you prefer a character whose damage isn't locked behind an expensive burst
Xiao wins on raw AoE and feels more impactful in heavy combat scenarios, especially with Xianyun. Wanderer is more versatile for daily play and exploration, while offering smoother combat transitions.
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
Wanderer
- Strong single target and AoE Damage.
- Can fly, making Wanderer amazing for exploration.
- No Stamina used on charged attacks while in the air.
- Can easily be knocked out of the air making shielding important.
- Teambuilding often requires Faruzan, ideally at C6.
- Terrible at grouping and crowd control compared to most Anemo characters.
Shared Team Members
With Xiao
Faruzan is the premier Anemo support for Xiao, offering rare Anemo RES shred and Anemo DMG bonuses through her Wind Realm of Nasamjnin. At C6, she becomes mandatory for her off-field particle generation and Critical DMG buffs, which significantly elevate Xiao's plunge damage.
With Wanderer
Wanderer benefits immensely from Faruzan's Anemo buffs, which amplify his high-speed Normal and Charged attacks during his Windfavored state. Her ability to shred enemy resistance ensures his airborne barrages hit their maximum potential across varied enemy types.
With Xiao
Zhongli's Jade Shield provides essential interruption resistance, preventing Xiao from being knocked out of the air during his high-stakes plunge cycles. The shield's universal 20% RES shred also boosts Xiao's Anemo damage, which is otherwise difficult to amplify.
With Wanderer
For Wanderer, Zhongli's shield is a vital safety net that prevents him from being grounded while hovering in his Windfavored state. This allows for an uninterrupted offensive rotation, ensuring he can utilize his full stamina bar on attacks rather than dodging.
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
Tulaytullah's Remembrance
Artifacts
Desert Pavilion Chronicle
Sands
ATK %
Goblet
Anemo DMG
Circlet
CRIT DMG / CRIT Rate
Substats
CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK % > ATK > Elemental Mastery > Energy Recharge
Who Should You Pull?
- When facing massive waves of enemies where his AoE plunge shines
- If you have Xianyun to elevate his plunge damage to the sky
- When you want a carry with higher stagger potential
- For superior overworld exploration and flexible movement
- When you need a ranged Anemo carry to handle flying or mobile enemies
- If you prefer a character whose damage isn't locked behind an expensive burst