Xiangling build guide

Xiangling functions as an off-field DPS character that does a ton of damage when both her team and her is well invested. Her strength primarily comes from her Burst (Q) that does high AOE pyro damage that can also be further amplified from elemental reactions. Add this with the fact that her Burst (Q) can snapshot and have a huge off-field presence, this makes her crucial for pretty much all endgame content and meta comps. Her sole and only weakness is that she does not generate enough energy for herself to maintain a high Burst (Q) uptime. Hence why all respectable build guides would prioritize Energy Regeration (ER%) stat for her before even considering achieving a high Crit Rate (CR%) and Crit Damage (CD%) ratio.

Reverse Vape Xiangling

Reverse vape Xiangling comps enable her to achieve the highest damage potential for her Burst (Q). The trio is dubbed as the “National Team” and consists of Xiangling, Bennet and Xingqiu. Bennet role in this comp is buffing and generating pyro particles for Xiangling. Xingqiu’s strong single target damage, off-field presence and hydro aura application makes him valuable member to enable Xiangling’s Burst (Q) to vaporize and allow Bennet to take the field. The fourth slot is anyone who can enable the trio to achieve higher damage while not messing with the rotation too much. Currently the strongest fourth slot belongs to Raiden as she can further boost both Xiangling and Xingqiu Burst (Q) while also easing the energy requirement for them.

Reverse-Vape Childe

Childe’s AOE hydro application would enable Xiangling’s Burst (Q) to vaporize multiple enemies during his attack phase. His downtime then gives the opportunity to battery and do your rotation setup for the next phase. The fourth slot is interchangeable with any Anemo character with 4 piece Viridescent Venerer (VV) set. More about Reverse-Vape Childe here.

OFF-FIELD DPS

Regarding Weapon Choices: THIS LIST ASSUMES THAT XIANGLING IS RUN WITH BOTH BENNETT AND A SECONDARY BUFFER (i.e. Kazuha/Sucrose/Zhongli)

Regarding Staff of Homa and Engulfing Lightning: These two weapons each have specific scenarios where one would pull ahead of the others, but the difference is practically negligible and you should opt for whichever weapon fits your substat allocation best.
Regarding Vortex Vanquisher: Vortex Vanquisher falls flat due to the overwhelming amount of attack hitting diminishing returns (further compounded by Bennett) . It outperforms Skyward Spine if ran with a shielder.

Regarding Dragon’s Bane: Dragon’s Bane outperforms an R1 Deathmatch at R5.
Regarding Favonius Lance: The utility provided from a highly refined Favonius Lance can make it a weapon of choice in a team comp where Xiangling is not triggering the reaction and is instead used as an aura. (i.e. Reverse Melt teams)
Regarding Kitain Cross Spear: Kitain Cross Spear’s passive reduces the ER threshold of Xiangling greatly, down to 120-130ER% at R5. This allows you to distribute ER rolls into otherwise offensive substats and due to this, an R5 Kitain Cross Spear can outperform an R1 Dragon’s Bane. Due to lowering ER thresholds so much, the Crimson Witch of Flames (4) artifact set will outperform Emblem of Severed Fate (4).

Regarding Artifact Sets:
Crimson Witch (4): This set pulls ahead over Emblem of Severed Fate (4) on team comps where Xiangling has lower Energy Recharge requirements (such as Raiden National).