Xingqiu vs Yelan
The original F2P Hydro powerhouse vs. the scaling DMG Bonus engine.
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Xingqiu if…
- You want a F2P-accessible off-field Hydro that requires no additional investment.
- Your carry benefits from Xingqiu's damage reduction layer (survivability).
- You need consistent Hydro for Vaporize without paying 5★ Wishes.
Pick Yelan if…
- You want a damage contributor in addition to Hydro application — Yelan's own hits add meaningful DPS.
- Your team has a long rotation where Yelan's ramping DMG Bonus reaches its full 50% value.
- You already have Xingqiu and want to run both simultaneously (their effects stack and don't conflict).
Xingqiu is the best F2P off-field Hydro in the game — his sword rain provides consistent Hydro, meaningful damage reduction, and light healing, all from a 4★. Yelan surpasses him in raw team DPS contribution through her ramping DMG Bonus, but she costs a 5★ Wish. The most common answer in high-investment teams is to run both simultaneously, as they share field time independently. If you can only choose one, Xingqiu for budget, Yelan for ceiling.
At a Glance
Strengths & Weaknesses
Xingqiu
- One of the best options for Hydro application.
- Elemental Skill provides damage reduction, interruption resistance, and healing, giving Xingqiu strong supportive utility.
- 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.
Yelan
- Strong Hydro damage
- Versatile team options
- Requires investment
- Best teams use limited 5-stars
Shared Team Members
With Xingqiu
The classic pairing. Xingqiu's rain swords proc Hydro on every Charged Attack, and his damage reduction keeps Hu Tao alive at low HP. One of the most reliable Vaporize combos in the game.
With Yelan
Excellent alternative or companion. Yelan's ramping DMG Bonus stacks during a full Hu Tao rotation, adding a powerful multiplier on top of every Charged Attack. Slightly weaker than Xingqiu for raw Hydro consistency, stronger for ceiling.
With Xingqiu
Raiden National core. Xingqiu provides off-field Hydro for Raiden's Burst window, and their combined Hydro-Electro application creates Electro-Charged as a side reaction. Excellent ER synergy with Raiden's battery passive.
With Yelan
Strong Raiden + Yelan pairing. Yelan's DMG Bonus ramps during the rotation and her Q Hydro snapshots interact well with Raiden's Electro burst window. Higher ceiling than Xingqiu in longer rotations.
Best Builds (Signature)
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 %
Weapon
Aqua Simulacra
Artifacts
Emblem of Severed Fate
Sands
Energy Recharge or HP %
Goblet
Hydro DMG or HP %
Circlet
CRIT Rate / DMG
Substats
CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK% > ER%
Who Should You Pull?
- You want a F2P-accessible off-field Hydro that requires no additional investment.
- Your carry benefits from Xingqiu's damage reduction layer (survivability).
- You need consistent Hydro for Vaporize without paying 5★ Wishes.
- You run Hu Tao — Xingqiu's many sword rain hits keep Hydro applied through her Charged Attacks.
- You want a damage contributor in addition to Hydro application — Yelan's own hits add meaningful DPS.
- Your team has a long rotation where Yelan's ramping DMG Bonus reaches its full 50% value.
- You already have Xingqiu and want to run both simultaneously (their effects stack and don't conflict).
- You want HP-scaling off-field damage that doesn't require ATK investment.