Whether you're one of the lucky ones who got Xiao or not and whether you spent thousands of dollars trying to win him in a digital gambling game of Genshin Impact, there's no doubt that he's one of the hottest characters right now.
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Xiao is a top DPS character, right up there with Diluc, Ganyu, Childe, and Klee. As one of the newest additions in the DPS pool for Genshin Impact, it's high time Xiao is introduced properly. Turns out the quiet and secretive Adepti has, well, a lot of secrets. So to appreciate him better, here are some lesser-known facts about Genshin Impact's resident pogo stick.
Updated December 2, 2021, by Sid Natividad: Rumors and speculations point to a Xiao re-run on the horizon. While one will want to take those speculations with several grains of salt, some newfound appreciation for Xiao wouldn't hurt. After all, Genshin Impact is bound to re-introduce him via a re-run at some point. It just so happens that Xiao, being secretive and introverted he is, remains one of the most interesting silent-type characters in the Genshin Impact lore. There's much more to know about this angsty slayer of demons. Thus, an update on his personal secrets and insights is warranted.
15 He's Worried About Liyue's Fast Progress
Xiao might be thousands of years old, but that doesn't mean he's the wisest or most mentally flexible character in the game. Unlike Zhongli, Xiao has a tendency to cling to tradition. One of his dialogue lines stares that he's noticed Liyue's changing fast. Then he reverts back to his usual stoic facade and dismisses his own concerns about the nation.
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This does reveal more about his unease with Liyue becoming more and more modern, independent from gods and demi-gods like him. Sadly, he doesn't reveal much beyond that. It's unclear whether he's worried that he'll be forgotten and left behind like a relic, or is more anxious about whether the people of Liyue can look after themselves.
14 He Does Not Sleep
One might wonder how does a person like Xiao or even some of the gods in Liyue slumber or rest. The answer is that they probably don't. Well, Xiao doesn't, or at least that's what he implies when confronted about his drowsiness. He seems a bit offended by the Traveler's query about his sleep schedule, which is supposedly nonexistent.
Again, this might be Xiao just brushing off other people's concerns, for fear that it might make him appear weak or incapable. However, some of his kind, such as Ganyu (who's half Adepti) certainly so sleep. It could be that Xiao does get drowsy, but prefers to stay awake and remain vigilant.
13 He Finds Hu Tao Amusing
Hu Tao is quickly becoming public enemy number one in Liyue based on a lot of other characters' impressions about her. That's a fair evaluation, on their part as she can be an abrasive prankster and at times downright insensitive. Xiao, however, is one of the few people who can tolerate her.
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He does find Hu Tao irritating, especially her liveliness and extroversion. But Xiao also appreciates one of Hu Tao's redeeming qualities, which is her sense of humor. It seems even a stiff immortal like Xiao has a preference for humor and Hu Tao fits his criteria well enough.
12 He Doesn't Even Know Venti's Name
Based on Xiao's story quest and in the introductions for the Yakshas, Venti did something for him during his troubled state. Such was Venti's musical prowess that he was able to soothe Xiao and his pains. Still, that doesn't mean Xiao is grateful or even appreciative of Venti's tunes.
In fact, he doesn't even know Venti's name, meaning he likely didn't bother thanking the Bard or even recognizing him as a person. Xiao only learned Venti's name after the Traveler asked about his relationship with the Anemo god. It also seems he likes Venti's music but is too proud, shy, or reserved to admit it.
11 He Hates Dumplings
While Xiao has a favorite food much like most playable Genshin Impact characters, he also has that one food he loathes. Those would be dumplings of any sort.
In one of his dialogues, Xiao was somewhat disgusted or annoyed by the fact that one has to place the dumpling fillings in the wrapper before eating them. He prefers the older generations of humans, presumably the ones with a less refined palate.
10 He Requires The Same Flower As Ganyu
It was a huge dilemma in Genshin Impact's player base whether to prepare for Xiao or Ganyu. That's because both of these characters use the Qingxin flower for ascension. It just so happens that obtaining those is ridiculously difficult since they're all situated on mountaintops.
To makes matters worse, their banners succeed each other, meaning players who had Ganyu probably didn't have anymore Qingxin flower stocks for Xiao. Still, it makes sense for them to share the flower lore-wise. After all, Xiao is Ganyu's mentor and both of them are Adepti.
9 His Height Is 5'2"
Despite being one of the most powerful Adepti in Genshin Impact, Xiao isn't exactly blessed with vertical advantage. For some reason, his character model uses that of a teenage male in Genshin Impact, making him the same height as the teenage models.
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That puts him at around 5'2", but it's clear that in a game like Genshin Impact, a character's physical traits don't signify their capabilities. Xiao's height certainly didn't affect his fighting skills. The spear likely helped big time.
8 His Yaksha Name Is Alatus
One can't rightfully call themselves a Xiao "stan" or "fan" if they don't know his real name. Xiao was merely a moniker granted to him after he was rescued by a god. His other more formal name for his Yaksha designation is Alatus.
Alatus is also a constellation in Genshin Impact and in Latin, it means "winged." Seeing Xiao's playstyle and general mobility, it's a fitting name for him though he probably doesn't like being called as such. Too many bad memories as a Yaksha.
7 He's Over 2,000 Years Old
Speaking of bad memories, Xiao has more than thousands of years' worth of them. That's because as an Adepti, he ages differently and was estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. Someone who has lived that long despite the occupational hazards is undoubtedly one of the best fighters around.
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This sort of longevity also arguably makes Xiao lonely and disconnected from the mortal world. Each human he meets is probably just a speck in his timeline though his age doesn't reflect his appearance; many people still consider him as a "handsome Adepti boy."
6 Zhongli Is His Former Boss
As for the god who rescued Xiao from a cruel Adepti fate? That would be Rex Lapis/Morax/Zhongli. Zhongli has always been Liyue's deity and protector ever since time immemorial and he maintained it well until the current timeline of Genshin Impact where he quite out of laziness.
Even so, there are no two ways about it, Zhongli is Xiao's boss. As Morax, he was the one who formed the Yakshas out of Adepti in order to combat the demons in Liyue. That didn't end well for the four other Yakshas though.
5 He Doesn't Remember How He Got His Vision
While being over 2,000 years of age has its perks, Xiao often disregards some of his most important memories or just completely forgets them. One of those would be how he got his Vision or his elemental powers in Genshin Impact.
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For other characters, it can be as dramatic as losing one's wolf family or fighting a sea monster for several days straight. For Xiao, he just doesn't remember or care enough to recall how he was blessed with Anemo or wind powers.
4 He Doesn't Like Any Other Food Than Almond Tofu
Every playable character in Genshin Impact has their own contribution to the recipe pool, and their favorite food is usually a unique twist to an already existing cuisine. Xiao's favorite is none other than an Almond Tofu variant whom he calls "Sweet Dream."
In Xiao's case, it's even quite severe since he dislikes all other food in Teyvat (especially dumplings, as mentioned above.) The only thing he can tolerate is Almond Tofu. The texture of the meal reminds him of the dreams he used to eat during his demon-slaying stint as a Yaksha.
3 Venti's Music Kept Xiao Sane
Since Xiao ate too many bad dreams and slew too many demons, he's haunted by the violence of his past and thus carries a heavy karmic burden. It was even implied that Xiao would have gone insane or perished like his other Yaksha comrades.
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However, the character cutscene showed Xiao listening to Venti while the latter plays his Dihua flute. It's then suggested that Xiao could have succumbed to his karmic burden if not for Venti's soothing music.
2 He Has One Of The Highest Base ATK
Before he was even released in the finished game version, Xiao was regarded as an overpowered or even broken character in the Beta testing days of Genshin Impact. Of course, the developers had to iron things out but Xiao still remains one of the most powerful characters in the game right now.
Out of all of them, he has one of the highest base attack numbers available. Previously, this spot was occupied by Diluc and Ganyu at 26 base ATK on level 1. Xiao has 27 at that same level. That doesn't necessarily mean he's top DPS right now; that's still up for a mathematical and practical debate.
1 He Eats Snow
You can be the toughest Yaksha or the most hard-hitting DPS in Genshin Impact but that doesn't mean you can't be goofy. Xiao, all 2,000 years of him, still eats snow in the current Genshin Impact timeline.
Some eagle-eyed players discovered that fact in Xiao's in-game voice lines where he says "once the snow is thick enough, we can eat it." Knowing Xiao's stern personality, it's not a joke. It's also probably why he has a soft spot for Ganyu; she's practically a walking buffet for Xiao... because of her cryo abilities, mmkay?
Genshin Impact is available now for PlayStation 4, Android, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, iOS, PlayStation 5.
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FAQs
What did Xiao suffer from? ›
Xiao suffers from his war-filled past. He and the now-deceased other Yakshas answered Zhongli's call for battle during the Archon War. However, fighting with the remains of fallen gods eventually accumulated enough “karma debt” to drive them mad. Xiao now bears the title of the last surviving Yaksha.
Does Xiao have a crush on traveler? ›Secretly has feelings for the traveler, but he refuses to admit it. Xiao thinks feelings like these are a waste of time and only bring pain; since he's been through much and the ultimate emo, he's even more emotionally constipated than the normal person.
What is the fact about Xiao Genshin Impact? ›Xiao is one of the mysterious characters in Genshin Impact as he tends to be quiet but has a sharp gaze. He prefers silence and solitude rather than having to mingle with others. According to the lore, in order to meet him, one will have to come to the remote Wangshu Inn.
Why did Xiao not go insane? ›In his character profile, it's explained that Xiao survived madness thanks to the sound of a Dihua flute. “The Guardian Adepti” trailer implies that the tune came from Venti, the Anemo Archon. Fun fact: It's also a reason why the Xiao/Venti pairing is a thing.
Who does Xiao hate the most? ›4 Xiao's Greatest Enemy is Himself
Before that, he was forced to kill when he was imprisoned by an evil god. Due to this, Xiao has seen many violent acts throughout his life and is still haunted from his time before meeting Zhongli.
#1 - Xiao. As the last remaining Yaksha in Genshin Impact, Xiao's life has been subject to numerous conflicts and tragedies. One of the most telling examples was when an evil god forced Xiao to do despicable acts, including having to kill many people and being forced to devour their dreams.
Who is Xiao being shipped with? ›XiaoVen is the slash ship between Xiao and Venti from the Genshin Impact fandom.
How old is Xiao physically? ›| Character | Age | Birthday |
|---|---|---|
| Xiao | Over 2000² | April 17 |
| Xingqiu | 16 - 17² | October 9 |
| Xinyan | 16 - 17² | October 16 |
| Yaoyao | "Lovable child" | March 6 |
5 Xiao, 2000 Years Old
Currently, Xiao is the only Yaksha left in Genshin Impact, the one presiding over the element of Anemo. As a full adeptus, Xiao has a long history of 2000 years.
Xiao was merely a moniker granted to him after he was rescued by a god. His other more formal name for his Yaksha designation is Alatus.
What is Xiao's famous line? ›
I have no mercy. Though perhaps you can stand your ground alone.
Who is Aether shipped with? ›Tropes. Xiaother is the slash ship between Xiao and Aether from the Genshin Impact fandom.
What is Xiao's real name? ›Xiao's Real Name. Xiao is the name that Zhongli gave this yaksha. But his real name is Alatus. Many people call this yaksha "General Alatus" and his story quest chain is also titled "Alatus Chapter".
Does Xiao call his dead friends? ›you can hear xiao calling his dead friends. listen carefully.
What does Xiao call Zhongli? ›It is implied that Xiao knows of Rex Lapis' mortal form with evidence from his voiceline "About Zhongli", referring to Zhongli as 'Zhongli-daren' and 'Zhongli-sama' in the Chinese voice and Japanese dub respectively.
Why is Xiao always sad? ›Xiao was once enslaved by an evil god and suffered immensely under his rule until finally regaining his freedom at Rex Lapis' hand.
Who is taller than Xiao? ›| Characters | Ages | Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Xiangling | 14 | 5'1.5" / 156.2cm |
| Xiao | Over 2000 | 5'3" / 160cm |
| Xingqiu | 17 | 5'4" / 162.5cm |
| Xinyan | 16/17 | 5'2" / 157.4cm |
XiaoLumi is the het ship between Xiao and Lumine from the Genshin Impact fandom.
Who is the bad girl in Genshin? ›Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter, better known as La Signora and by her codename The Fair Lady, briefly known as the Crimson Witch of Embers, and formerly known as the Crimson Witch of Flames, is a major antagonist in the 2020 action role-playing fantasy video game Genshin Impact and acts as the primary antagonist for the ...
Who is the real villain in Genshin? ›Asmoday, also known as The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, The Unknown God and simply the God, is the main antagonist of the 2020 action role-playing fantasy video game Genshin Impact.
Why do people ship Xiao with Hu Tao? ›
The ship was born when their voice lines about each other were revealed. HuXiao shippers often think that Xiao would be protective towards Hu Tao and Hu Tao might be the one to help Xiao find peace/happiness. Many HuXiao shippers like the ship due to their fun dynamic, angst potential, and many thematic similarities.
Why is Xiao so short? ›Well... he was malnourished 99% of his life, most of his diet consists of snow, he only sometimes eats almond tofu... Also teenage male characters have the fastest fighting animations... that might have something to do with his height... Snow and almond tofu probably isn't the healthiest of diets.
Who adopted Xiao? ›Zhongli adopts Xiao, As he wanted to know how parenting was like.
Did Xiao have a mom? ›Xiao's mother was the wife of Emperor Kang Zi, the biological mother of Xiao, and adoptive mother of Shi Long. Not much is known about her history or status.
How tall is Xiao canonically? ›It is estimated that Xiao is of 5'2″ height which is the same height as Fischl, Xiangling, Noelle, and Keqing. Xiao is probably not the best character for the players who are creating a party for the purpose of exploration only.
What race is Xiao? ›Xiao (/ʃaʊ/; Chinese: 蕭) is a Chinese-language surname.
Is Xiao an orphan? ›Xiao Zheng is an orphan. Although he had lived in the Ming Zhu City since he was young, he had never been close to anyone.
Does Xiao have a gender? ›Xiao is a gender-neutral name of Chinese origin and has several meanings, but the most notable translations are “dawn”, “little”, and “reverent of the elderly.” Xiao's connotation with the morning will make natural early-risers fall in love with this precious moniker.
Is Xiao an immortal? ›On the one hand, Xiao is an immortal adeptus, while on the other hand, he is a young warrior. This is a great variance in image, and it posed a significant challenge for us from an art perspective.
What is Xiao's demon name? ›Summary. Xiao (Chinese: 魈 Xiāo, "Mountain Demon") is a playable Anemo character in Genshin Impact. He is an adeptus, under the name Alatus, and the only known remaining member of the five foremost Yakshas dispatched by Morax to subdue the demonic spirits that plagued Liyue.
What animal is Xiao? ›
Xiao or Hsiao (simplified Chinese: 嚣; traditional Chinese: 囂; pinyin: xiāo; Wade–Giles: hsiao; lit. 'clamor'), alternately pronounced Ao (pinyin: aó; Wade–Giles: ao), is a mythological creature described as resembling either an ape or a bird.
What is Xiao's tattoo of? ›xiao's yaksha name 'alatus' meaning wings in Latin. so he is surely related to bird mythical Chinese creatures and the closest to the tattoo on his shoulder is a vermillion bird.
What is the most popular Xiao ship? ›- Xiao x Venti. Votes: 4 23.53%
- Xiao x Ganyu. Votes: 0 0%
- Xiao x Zhongli. Votes: 2 11.76%
- Xiao x Aether/Lumine. Votes: 8 47.06%
- Other (plz specify in comments) Votes: 3 17.65%
Xiao (Chinese: 魈 Xiāo) is a playable Anemo character in Genshin Impact. He is an adeptus, under the name Alatus, and the sole surviving member of the five foremost Yakshas dispatched by Morax to subdue the demonic spirits that plagued Liyue.
Who has a crush on Aether? ›Venti has a Crush on Aether - Genshin Impact Comic Dub.
Who does Venti love? ›9 He Loves Annoying Zhongli
Although they may not be the most similar of characters, they do have mutual respect for each other. However, the quirky, fun-loving Venti loves to prank, annoy, and make fun of Zhongli, and he makes use of every single chance he gets to do so.
However, the last story scenes indicating that both Ayaka and Aether attracted to one another.
What is Xiao's hair color? ›Appearance and Personnality. Xiao has the appearance of a young man, not adult. He has yellow eyes and green/dark hair.
Who is Xiao's parents? ›Venti and Zhongli are Xiao | Alatus's Parents (Genshin Impact) - Works | Archive of Our Own.
How did Xiao get his vision? ›Xiao is another character that's vision is linked to tragedy. While he does use the power of anemo to protect the people of Liyue, he probably didn't receive it while working with Zhongli. Instead, he seems to have received the power when he was under the control of an evil god.
Does Xiao have PTSD? ›
Venti struggles with his alcohol addiction, whilst Xiao still suffers from PTSD.
Does Xiao lose health? ›10 Playing Him Without A Healer
For the duration of his Burst, Xiao constantly loses HP, which means he will soon be on the brink of death. To handle this issue, it is crucial to protect Xiao with a healer.
It's said that the vision we can physically see on Xiao is fake. The real one, or the source of his anemo powers, is in that little purple diamond on his forehead.
Who is Zhongli's lover? ›Guili is the het ship between Guizhong and Zhongli from the Genshin Impact fandom.
Do Venti and Xiao know each other? ›Even though they are connected to different regions, Venti and Xiao share a very sweet connection. Xiao almost died one night due to his negative karma but was saved by the sound of Venti playing his flute.
Who saved Xiao in the chasm? ›Shortly afterward, Xiao is shown to still be alive, thanks to Zhongli saving him.
Does Xiao constantly lose health? ›10 Playing Him Without A Healer
For the duration of his Burst, Xiao constantly loses HP, which means he will soon be on the brink of death.
Xiao, the only remaining Yaksha, is more than 2000 years, but physically looks younger, which is one of the very few exceptions. Similarly, Venti and Zhongli may seem like a teenager and a young person in their human form, but they are thousands of years old thanks to their Archon form.
Why is Xiao's vision so small? ›Xiao's Vision may not be a typical Vision, as Xiao is an adeptus and wears a Vision specifically because he takes on a human form.
What age is Xiao physically? ›| Character | Age | Birthday |
|---|---|---|
| Xiao | Over 2000² | April 17 |
| Xingqiu | 16 - 17² | October 9 |
| Xinyan | 16 - 17² | October 16 |
| Yaoyao | "Lovable child" | March 6 |
Does Xiao's burst hurt him? ›
While the burst is in effect, his damage is significantly increased, and he can jump high in the air to deal AoE plunging damage.
Who is the prettiest person in Genshin Impact? ›Reddit user deyan_ivanov has shared the poll results that reveal who is considered the prettiest character in the community. Around 1000 players did the poll and at the top of the list with 81 votes is the Electro Archon Raiden Shogun.
What does Xiao's mask mean? ›This inner suffering is present in the design of his skills: when Xiao uses "Bane of All Evil," he dons his mask, which continually enhances his combat abilities but also continually drains his health. This demonstrates the great suffering he must endure as a consequence of using this power.