Xingqiu
★★★★

Xingqiu

Hydro Sword Tier SS Sub-DPS
Reflects patch 6.7 (2026-07-06) — the meta store re-ranks every patch, never edited by hand.
Is Xingqiu worth building?

Xingqiu is one of the most worthwhile 4-stars in the whole game, practically a safety net for any Vaporize or National team. What he needs most is enough Energy Recharge (around 180%) to keep his Burst up nonstop; everything else goes into CRIT. No Jade Cutter? No problem: Sacrificial or Favonius Sword takes him far for free. Farm a clean 4pc Emblem of Severed Fate and hit your ER threshold first, and the damage follows.

Building Xingqiu — just follow the numbers

Xingqiu Build

Community consensus, patch 6.7 — free-to-play option included
Main & sub stats
SandsEnergy Recharge / ATK%
GobletHydro DMG Bonus
CircletCRIT DMG / CRIT Rate

Priority substats: Energy Recharge › CRIT DMG / CRIT Rate › ATK%

Talent priority

Q > E > NA — the Burst's rain of swords is his main damage, so max it first, then Skill; Normal Attacks barely matter.

Teams for Xingqiu

Hu Tao Vaporize
Hu Tao
Hu Tao
Xingqiu
Xingqiu
Yelan
Yelan
Zhongli
Zhongli

Xingqiu and Yelan blanket the field with Hydro so Hu Tao keeps triggering Vaporize, while Zhongli's shield protects her HP.

Raiden National
Raiden Shogun
Raiden Shogun
Xiangling
Xiangling
Xingqiu
Xingqiu
Bennett
Bennett

Xingqiu applies Hydro for Xiangling's Vaporize, Raiden Shogun handles the energy, and Bennett buffs ATK plus healing.

Xingqiu's talents

Guhua Style
Normal Attack
Performs up to 5 rapid strikes.

Charged Attack
Consumes a certain amount of Stamina to unleash 2 rapid sword strikes.

Plunging Attack
Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground below, damaging opponents along the path and dealing AoE DMG upon impact.
Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen
Xingqiu performs twin strikes with his sword, dealing Hydro DMG. At the same time, this ability creates the maximum number of Rain Swords, which will orbit your active character.
The Rain Swords have the following properties:
·When a character takes DMG, the Rain Sword will shatter, reducing the amount of DMG taken.
·Increases the character's resistance to interruption.

20% of Xingqiu's Hydro DMG Bonus will be converted to additional DMG Reduction for the Rain Swords.

The maximum amount of additional DMG Reduction that can be gained this way is 24%.
The initial maximum number of Rain Swords is 3.
Using this ability applies the Wet status onto the character.

"Easier to slay a rain dragon than to sever the rain."
Guhua Sword: Raincutter
Initiate Rainbow Bladework and fight using an illusory sword rain, while creating the maximum number of Rain Swords.

Rainbow Bladework
·Your active character's Normal Attacks will trigger consecutive sword rain attacks, dealing Hydro DMG.
·Rain Swords will remain at the maximum number throughout the ability's duration.

The "Way of the Rain Cutter" is one of the esoteric secret techniques of the Guhua Sect.
Hydropathic
When a Rain Sword is shattered or when its duration expires, it regenerates the current character's HP based on 6% of Xingqiu's Max HP.
Blades Amidst Raindrops
Xingqiu gains a 20% Hydro DMG Bonus.
Flash of Genius
When Xingqiu crafts Character Talent Materials, he has a 25% chance to refund a portion of the crafting materials used.

Combat Rotation

  1. Bring Xingqiu on field first and use his Elemental Skill (E) "Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen" (21s CD) to summon Rain Swords orbiting the active character.
  2. The Rain Swords shatter AUTOMATICALLY whenever the active character takes a hit from enemies (no Normal Attack needed to trigger this) — each shatter reduces DMG taken and deals AoE Hydro DMG around the character, applying Hydro to nearby enemies.
  3. Once 80 Energy is charged, immediately unleash the Elemental Burst (Q) "Guhua Sword: Raincutter" (20s CD) — this activates Rainbow Bladework, making the active character's Normal Attacks deal bonus Hydro DMG.
  4. Swap right away to the main DPS (e.g. a Pyro/Cryo/Electro character) while the Burst is still active to trigger elemental reactions (Vaporize/Freeze/Electro-Charged).
  5. Let the main DPS attack and use skills freely — every hit adds extra Hydro DMG from Xingqiu's Rainbow Bladework, no need to keep Xingqiu on field.
  6. When the Burst is about to end, swap back to Xingqiu if his Skill has come off cooldown (21s) and recast it to refresh the team's Rain Sword count.
  7. Repeat the loop: keep the Skill up as often as possible for the team shield, and save the Burst for whenever 80 Energy is ready to maximize Hydro application uptime.
  8. His role is sub-DPS/support: minimize on-field Normal Attacks with Xingqiu, focus on quickly cycling Skill/Burst then handing the field back to the main DPS.

Xingqiu constellations

C1
The Scent Remained

Increases the maximum number of Rain Swords by 1.

C2
Rainbow Upon the Azure Sky

Extends the duration of Guhua Sword: Raincutter by 3s.
Decreases the Hydro RES of opponents hit by sword rain attacks by 15% for 4s.

C3
Weaver of Verses

Increases the Level of Guhua Sword: Raincutter by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.

C4
Evilsoother

Throughout the duration of Guhua Sword: Raincutter, the DMG dealt by Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen is increased by 50%.

C5
Embrace of Rain

Increases the Level of Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen by 3.
Maximum upgrade level is 15.

C6
Hence, Call Them My Own Verses

Activating 2 of Guhua Sword: Raincutter's sword rain attacks greatly enhances the third sword rain attack. On hit, the third sword rain attack also regenerates 3 Energy for Xingqiu.

Compare all 6 constellations of Xingqiu side by side →

Base Stats (Lv90)

HP
10,222
ATK
202
DEF
758
Ascension Stat
ATK 24%

Character Profile

  • Region: Liyue
  • Voice Actors: JP 皆川純子 · EN Cristina Vee Valenzuela · KR Kwak Kyu-mi · CN 唐雅菁

Other Hydro characters

Ascension materials

Total ascension materials to reach level 90 (talent books not included).

Talent scaling by level

Guhua Style
  Lv 1Lv 10Lv 13
1-Hit DMG 46.6%92.1%117%
2-Hit DMG 47.6%94.2%120%
3-Hit DMG 28.6%+28.6%56.4%+56.4%71.7%+71.7%
4-Hit DMG 56.0%111%141%
5-Hit DMG 35.9%+35.9%70.9%+70.9%90.1%+90.1%
Charged Attack DMG 47.3%+56.2%93.5%+111%119%+141%
Charged Attack Stamina Cost 20.020.020.0
Plunge DMG 63.9%126.4%153.1%
Low/High Plunge DMG 128%/160%253%/316%306%/382%
Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen
  Lv 1Lv 10Lv 13
Skill DMG 168%+191%302%+344%357%+406%
Damage Reduction Ratio 20%29%29%
Duration 15.0s15.0s15.0s
CD 21.0s21.0s21.0s
Guhua Sword: Raincutter
  Lv 1Lv 10Lv 13
Sword Rain DMG 54.3%97.7%115%
Duration 15.0s15.0s15.0s
CD 20.0s20.0s20.0s
Energy Cost 808080

Advanced frame data (official)

Elemental application ICD, gauge units and interruption resistance — official numbers rarely published anywhere.

Guhua Style
Hit Gauge ICD Interruption res.
Normal Attack 1-Hit 1U 2.5s/3 Hits 47.7
Normal Attack 2-Hit 1U 49.5
Normal Attack 3-Hit A 1U 29.3
Normal Attack 3-Hit B 1U 29.3
Normal Attack 4-Hit 1U 57.6
Normal Attack 5-Hit A 1U 36.81
Normal Attack 5-Hit B 1U 36.81
Charged Attack 1-Hit 1U 50.3
Charged Attack 2-Hit 1U 50.3
Plunging Attack Collision 0U 25
Low Plunge 1U 100
High Plunge 1U 150
Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen
Hit Gauge Interruption res.
Skill DMG 1-Hit 1U 120
Skill DMG 2-Hit 1U 120
Wet to Self 1U, 0.5s
Guhua Sword: Raincutter
Hit Gauge ICD Interruption res.
Activation Knockback 400
Sword Rain DMG (Primary Sword) 1U 2.5s/3 Hits 25
Sword Rain DMG (Other Swords) 1U 25

FAQ about Xingqiu

What is the best weapon for Xingqiu?
Go with Primordial Jade Cutter. See the Build section above for full alternatives.
How much Mora to max out Xingqiu?
About 5,377,500 Mora (ascension + all three talents). Full per-phase table in the Materials section.
What are Xingqiu base stats at Lv90?
See the Base stats (Lv90) table on this page — numbers straight from the developer.

Voice actors

  • 日本語: 皆川純子
  • English: Cristina Vee Valenzuela
  • 中文: 唐雅菁
  • 한국어: Kwak Kyu-mi

Ascension & Talent Materials

Total Mora to max out: 5,377,500

Official name in other languages

Xingqiu's name as written in other languages — useful when searching in Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian…
EnglishXingqiu
Chinese (Simplified)行秋
Chinese (Traditional)行秋
Japanese行秋
Korean행추
VietnameseXingqiu
ThaiXingqiu
GermanXingqiu
FrenchXingqiu
IndonesianXingqiu
SpanishXingchiu
PortugueseXingqiu
RussianСин Цю
ItalianXingqiu
TurkishXingqiu

Wish banner history

  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Moonsong of the Groves Version 6.5 · Apr 28, 2026 – May 19, 2026
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Temptation of the Crimson Sands Version 6.1 · Oct 22, 2025 – Nov 11, 2025
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Astral Actuation Version 5.8 · Jul 30, 2025 – Aug 19, 2025
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) The Moongrass' Enlightenment Version 5.1 · Oct 29, 2024 – Nov 19, 2024
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Decree of the Deeps Version 4.5 · Apr 2, 2024 – Apr 23, 2024
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Decree of the Deeps Version 4.1 · Sep 27, 2023 – Oct 17, 2023
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Moment of Bloom Version 3.4 · Feb 7, 2023 – Feb 28, 2023
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Adrift in the Harbor Version 3.0 · Sep 9, 2022 – Sep 27, 2022
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Gentry of Hermitage Version 2.4 · Jan 25, 2022 – Feb 15, 2022
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Drifting Luminescence Version 2.1 · Sep 21, 2021 – Oct 12, 2021
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Born of Ocean Swell Version 1.5 · May 18, 2021 – Jun 8, 2021
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Moment of Bloom Version 1.3 · Mar 2, 2021 – Mar 16, 2021
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Adrift in the Harbor Version 1.2 · Jan 12, 2021 – Feb 2, 2021
  • Rate-up (featured 4★) Sparkling Steps Version 1.0 · Oct 20, 2020 – Nov 10, 2020
See the full Genshin Impact banner history

Release date

Released: Sep 27, 2020 · Version 1.0

See the Genshin Impact version history

Voice Lines & Comments

Official HoYoverse Fetter voice-lines — the character introducing themselves, commenting on allies, sharing likes and their birthday.

Birthday

May this day of your birth be filled with much mirth!

Birthday

According to historical records, Tiancheng's stone bridge was formed by a fallen rock spear thrown by the Geo Archon Morax in battle. If you walk along the bridge on your birthday and throw some Mora into the sea from both sides, you will be blessed in the coming year... Your birthday only comes once a year, so be quick about it if you wanna go... I'm not kidding, it's true! Go try it and you'll see!

Self-Introduction

Hello

Xingqiu at your service, my liege! I humbly trust that even one such as I, a mere bookworm, may yet prove to be of some utility under your wise leadership. Nice, I don't often get a chance to speak with such formality. It felt pretty good!

About Xingqiu

I always have to put on an act around other people, because they see me only as the second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. It's a relief that I can just be myself around you. I think it's because you don't see me in the same way.

More About Xingqiu: I

Are you keeping well, my liege? If you have no other matters to attend to, might I recommend a trip to the Wanwen Bookhouse?

More About Xingqiu: II

You ask why I enjoy reading in solitude? ...Studiousness can hardly be considered a bad habit. There's not much more to it than that. Really.

More About Xingqiu: III

Your schedule is free today? Wonderful. I am ready to leave whenever you are. ...My book? Oh, never mind that! I can always pick up where I left off when I get back. But those in distress who need our assistance cannot afford to wait.

More About Xingqiu: IV

You feel inspired, you say? You want to write a martial arts detective novel based on our adventures together? And you want to call it the "Chronicles of Wanwen"? Hahaha... It's a good idea, it really is. But I'll have to decline, I'm sorry. Yes, really...

More About Xingqiu: V

"A weaver of verses who draws from an ocean of expression..." That's the reputation I aspire to. But you're the only person I can share that with. I am actually writing a novel... but I can't let you see it. Not yet. The time will come, though... You'll be able to read it when it's on sale in book stores all over Liyue.

About Us: Reading Buddies

I would say we are book buddies. Huh? Combat? Guhua Clan? Comrades in arms? ...What on earth are you talking about? I told you that's our little secret!

About Us: Swornship

We should become sworn siblings, let's go to the altar at Jueyun Karst. Nope, no ifs, no buts, you know too much about me! You know the real me, the one I normally have to hide. I simply can't let you go until you promise me you will go through with it!

Thoughts About Other Characters

Beidou

I have great respect for Lady Beidou. I just wish she wouldn't call me "kid" and ruffle my hair each time she sees me.

Ningguang

In her capacity as the Tianquan, I am obliged to respect her. Otherwise, it could create issues for my father and brother. On a personal level? Let me think... I think I will go with "no comment." I shan't speak ill of others.

Chongyun

Ah, dear Chongyun. Though he understands me quite well, one has to exercise caution when teaming up with him to go on a quest. He is making good progress in the martial arts, but I would say he hasn't quite internalized the chivalric code yet... He needs more practice. Especially at eating spicy food...

Yun Jin

When Yun Jin drinks a beverage she is fond of, she will be inspired to write a new play. So, I keep a jar of tea leaves under my bed at all times, ready to deliver to her on the day that her inspiration dries up. This way, I shall never run out of heroic tales to listen to!

Hu Tao

Ah yes, the young lady who is now the Master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If you're asking what I think about her as a person... Well, there are all sorts of rumors about the way she works. But I think if you really want to understand someone, you need to find out what they are really after.

Qiqi

I've always thought there is more to Qiqi than meets the eye. But it's impossible to have a conversation with her when Baizhu's around. Hmm... We could wait till Baizhu makes a home call to one of his other patients and corner her...

Xiangling

When you first spot Xiangling out and about, the first thing you should do is check the look on her face. Especially when she's just coming back from collecting new ingredients — the more excited she looks, the more dangerous it is to approach. Because if she sees you, she'll force you to taste-test her latest concoction... I usually get Chongyun to handle these situations, hehe...

Xinyan

Where does Xinyan perform? Anywhere from Chihu Rock to Yujing Terrace — no spot is untouched by her disruptive presence... A quiet day when I can curl up with a good book is a rare treasure indeed.

Albedo

I've thought of all the illustrations I want for each major event in the next three volumes! I should write my thoughts down before I forget them, and send them to Mr. Kreideprinz...

Zhongli

My father and brother entertained that gentleman as a guest once. From the way they were acting, he must be a very high-profile figure indeed. I also heard that he directs funerals for the adepti, so he must surely have great depth to his character. We should do some digging and see what we can find out about him!

Shenhe

I find that Miss Shenhe seems to look at me somewhat fiercely, so I daren't approach her lightly. Bizarre, did I inadvertently upset her? Or maybe... upset someone close to her?

Yelan

Have you heard the expression "same person, different face"? Ms. Yelan gives me precisely this feeling. When she came to visit my family, my father and brother treated her with respect, and she was pleasant and polite in return. She seemed like a kind and mature young lady to me. But when I saw her elsewhere, she gave a completely different impression.

Gaming

Gaming's work has all the trappings of a chivalric hero. Picture the scene — on a dark and moonless night, a lone young figure clad in black stands fearless on a secluded country road. They say his mastery of the martial arts is unparalleled, and the mythical beast by his side always does his bidding... Bandits and brigands beware, for none who challenge him come away unscathed... When he has the time, I'd love to hear more about his experiences as a guard. You should come along too.

Hobbies & Personality

Xingqiu's Hobbies

Evidently, my hobby is reading. I'll read anything and everything. ...What's that mischievous grin for? Oh. That's between the two of us, okay? It's not appropriate to discuss it out loud. There's no point in bringing it up anyway.

Xingqiu's Troubles

What annoys me? Hmm... Well, one day my brother will inherit the family business. What will happen to me then? I fear my current carefree existence would... Oh — no no no, it's not about my status or anything like that. I don't care for that kind of thing. I just think my brother is something of a simpleton and I would probably end up having to do most of his job for him...

Favorite Food

I like baked goods and Yue-style seafood. Probably because I'm used to quite a bland diet at home.

Least Favorite Food

I hate carrots. When I was young, my mother would mash them up into... Ugh, I can't go on. Just thinking about it makes me feel sick...

Feelings About Ascension

Feelings About Ascension: Intro

Were it not for my capability, the cause that so inspires me would remain confined to the pages that extol its virtues.

Feelings About Ascension: Building Up

Had I no moral compass, my efforts would have been misguided. Doomed to grasp at shadows while missing the substance, I would have become a philistine that seeks only violence.

Feelings About Ascension: Climax

There is a cause that I seek to champion, yet few in Liyue share my aspiration. This I have known for a long time, for it is a path I have walked for many years.

Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion

I am most grateful for your company on my journey. I am proud of my achievements, both in the martial arts and in championing the cause so dear to my heart. ...Ah, I guess there's no need to euphemize any longer. Chivalry! That is the cause that inspires me, and that I seek to champion. Why should I shy away from it? I am sure my father and brother are under no illusion as to what I stand for by now. ...But of course, I still need to be somewhat discreet in the way I go about my business.

Receiving a Gift

Receiving a Gift: I

I need only sample this delight but once for its aroma to remain forever in my memory.

Receiving a Gift: II

With cooking skills as good as yours, it'd be a waste not to open a restaurant, wouldn't you agree?

Receiving a Gift: III

I couldn't possibly. But please, you eat your fill. I insist.

Source: official HoYoverse Fetter (friendship) voice-lines — Genshin Impact

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths
  • The core mechanic (via Hydropathic) scales with HP — HP% is also an easy-to-find substat, and the character usually comes with high survivability too.
  • 4★ (Sword) — obtainable via the standard wish/banner, no need to pull on a limited banner.
Weaknesses
  • Since it scales with HP (via Hydropathic), it can't share ATK%-geared artifacts with other DPS — needs a separate HP-focused artifact/weapon set.
  • The ascension stat is just plain ATK% — no built-in CRIT/EM/DMG Bonus advantage like many other characters, everything has to be rolled from scratch on artifacts.

Role Rankings

Auto-assessed from the OFFICIAL skill descriptions — not copied from any other site's tier list.
On-Field DPS
Not this character's job
Scanned 6 skills — no sign of this role in the official skill text.
Off-Field DPS
Does this well
Evidence: Guhua Sword: Raincutter — “·Your active character's Normal Attacks will trigger consecutive sword rain attacks, dealing Hydro DMG.”
Support
Does this well
Evidence: Hydropathic — “When a Rain Sword is shattered or when its duration expires, it regenerates the current character's HP based on 6% of Xingqiu's Max HP.”
Exploration
Not this character's job
Scanned 6 skills — no sign of this role in the official skill text.

Machine-classified by scanning mechanic keywords in the OFFICIAL skill text (not another site's opinion ranking). Characters whose weapon type is inherently elemental (e.g. catalysts, bows) may not show "Does this well" for On-Field even if they can still be played on-field — this is a limit of text-based detection.

1 / 1 characters
No character matches your search.
Character Weapon Artifact Set Main Stats Substat Priority Where To Farm
XingqiuSS
Option 1
Sands: Energy Recharge / ATK%
Goblet: Hydro DMG Bonus
Circlet: CRIT DMG / CRIT Rate
Energy Recharge › CRIT DMG / CRIT Rate › ATK%
Up next for you…

Full profile

A young man carrying a longsword who is frequently seen at book booths. He has a chivalrous heart and yearns for justice and fairness for all.

  • Affiliation: Feiyun Commerce Guild
  • Birthday (day/month): 10/9
  • Specialty dish: All-Delicacy Parcels
  • Namecard: Xingqiu: Rainbow — Namecard style. Come watch the night rain that brings no rainbow.
  • Outfits (skins): Bamboo Rain
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