Xingqiu Vs Kaeya A Detailed Comparison Of The Best Sub-DPS In Genshin Impact
In the world of Genshin Impact, creating a powerful team requires careful consideration of each character's strengths and how they synergize with one another. Among the many roles a character can fulfill, the sub-DPS is crucial for providing consistent damage and elemental reactions while the main DPS is on cooldown. Two popular choices for this role are Xingqiu and Kaeya, both 4-star characters with unique abilities that make them valuable assets to any team. This article dives deep into a comprehensive comparison of Xingqiu and Kaeya to determine who truly reigns supreme as the better sub-DPS. We will analyze their kits, damage potential, elemental application, utility, and team synergies to help you make an informed decision for your own Genshin Impact journey.
Understanding the Sub-DPS Role
Before we delve into the specifics of Xingqiu and Kaeya, it's important to understand the role of a sub-DPS. The sub-DPS is a character who can deal significant damage even when they are not the active character on the field. They typically achieve this through off-field abilities like elemental bursts or skills that persist after they switch out. A good sub-DPS should also provide consistent elemental application to trigger reactions, which are the cornerstone of Genshin Impact's combat system. This consistent application allows the main DPS to deal even more damage by capitalizing on elemental combinations such as Vaporize, Melt, Electro-Charged, and more. In essence, the sub-DPS acts as a damage enabler, supplementing the main DPS's output and ensuring a steady stream of damage even during downtimes.
When evaluating a sub-DPS, several factors come into play. Damage potential is certainly a key consideration; a sub-DPS should be capable of contributing a substantial amount of damage to the team's overall output. However, utility is equally important. A sub-DPS that can provide additional benefits such as healing, crowd control, or buffs will be far more valuable than one that simply deals damage. Finally, team synergy is paramount. A sub-DPS should complement the main DPS's abilities and playstyle, enabling the team to function as a cohesive unit. By carefully analyzing these factors, we can determine which character is the best fit for the sub-DPS role in any given team composition.
Xingqiu: The Rain Swordsman
Xingqiu, the young bookworm from Liyue, is a Hydro character renowned for his exceptional sub-DPS capabilities. His kit revolves around his Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, and his Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter. These abilities summon Rain Swords that orbit the active character, providing a multitude of benefits. The Rain Swords deal Hydro damage to enemies when the active character attacks, reduce incoming damage, and increase the active character's resistance to interruption. This combination of damage, defense, and interruption resistance makes Xingqiu an incredibly versatile sub-DPS suitable for a wide range of teams.
Xingqiu's damage primarily comes from his Rain Swords, which trigger Hydro application and deal substantial damage over time. His Elemental Burst, in particular, is a powerhouse, unleashing a barrage of Rain Swords that can consistently Vaporize Pyro attacks or Electro-Charge enemies. The damage scaling on his Burst is impressive, making him a formidable damage dealer even when he's not the active character. Beyond damage, Xingqiu's Rain Swords also provide significant defensive utility. The damage reduction they offer can greatly enhance the survivability of the active character, while the increased resistance to interruption prevents enemies from knocking them out of their attack animations. This utility is especially valuable in challenging content such as the Spiral Abyss, where survivability is just as important as damage output.
Furthermore, Xingqiu's Hydro application is remarkably consistent, making him an ideal enabler for Pyro and Electro main DPS characters. His ability to consistently apply Hydro allows teammates like Diluc, Hu Tao, or Raiden Shogun to trigger powerful Vaporize or Electro-Charged reactions, significantly amplifying their damage output. This synergy is what truly elevates Xingqiu to the top tier of sub-DPS characters in Genshin Impact. His combination of damage, utility, and elemental application makes him an invaluable asset to any team that relies on elemental reactions.
Kaeya: The Cavalry Captain
Kaeya, the charismatic Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius, is a Cryo character who can also excel in the sub-DPS role. While he is often overlooked due to being a free character, Kaeya possesses a surprisingly strong kit that can provide consistent Cryo application and decent damage output. His Elemental Skill, Frostgnaw, deals Cryo damage in a small area, while his Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, summons icy icicles that orbit the active character, dealing Cryo damage to nearby enemies. These abilities allow Kaeya to contribute to the team's damage even when he's off the field.
Kaeya's strength as a sub-DPS lies in his ability to consistently apply Cryo. His Glacial Waltz Burst is particularly effective at this, as the icicles orbit the active character and deal Cryo damage to any enemy that gets too close. This consistent Cryo application makes Kaeya an excellent enabler for Melt reactions, allowing Pyro main DPS characters like Diluc or Yanfei to deal significantly increased damage. Furthermore, Kaeya's Cryo application can also be used to trigger Superconduct reactions, which reduce the Physical resistance of enemies, benefiting Physical DPS characters like Eula or Razor.
While Kaeya's damage output may not be as high as Xingqiu's, he still contributes a respectable amount of damage to the team. His Glacial Waltz Burst deals decent damage over its duration, and his Frostgnaw Skill can provide a burst of Cryo damage when needed. In addition to damage, Kaeya also offers some utility through his ability to create ice bridges over water. This can be useful for exploration and traversal, although it's not a significant factor in combat. Overall, Kaeya is a solid sub-DPS option, particularly for players who need a consistent Cryo applicator or are looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
Kit Comparison: Skills and Talents
When comparing Xingqiu and Kaeya, it's crucial to analyze their kits in detail. Both characters have unique skills and talents that contribute to their effectiveness as sub-DPS units. Xingqiu's Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, creates Rain Swords that orbit the active character, reducing damage taken and increasing resistance to interruption. His Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, unleashes a barrage of Rain Swords that deal Hydro damage to enemies when the active character performs Normal Attacks. These abilities synergize perfectly, providing both defensive utility and consistent Hydro application for elemental reactions.
In contrast, Kaeya's Elemental Skill, Frostgnaw, deals Cryo damage in a small area, while his Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, summons icicles that orbit the active character, dealing Cryo damage to nearby enemies. Kaeya's kit is more focused on offensive Cryo application, making him a strong enabler for Melt and Superconduct reactions. However, he lacks the defensive utility that Xingqiu provides through his Rain Swords. This difference in their kits highlights their distinct strengths and weaknesses as sub-DPS characters.
Their passive talents further differentiate their playstyles. Xingqiu's "Hydropathic" talent grants a 20% Hydro Damage Bonus, increasing his overall damage output. His "Sword Rain Disperses" talent heals the active character based on Xingqiu's Max HP when the Rain Swords shatter or expire, adding another layer of utility to his kit. Kaeya's "Heart of the Abyss" talent increases his Cryo application uptime by regenerating Energy when he uses his Elemental Skill, while his "Glacial Heart" talent provides a shield for a short duration when he's frozen, which is niche but can be useful in specific situations. By comparing their skills and talents, we can see that Xingqiu excels in providing both damage and utility, while Kaeya is more specialized in Cryo application.
Damage Potential: Xingqiu's Consistent Output vs. Kaeya's Burst
When it comes to damage potential, both Xingqiu and Kaeya can contribute significantly to a team's overall damage output, but they achieve this in different ways. Xingqiu's damage is characterized by its consistency. His Rain Swords, summoned by his Elemental Burst, deal Hydro damage whenever the active character performs Normal Attacks. This constant stream of damage, combined with the potential for Vaporize reactions, makes Xingqiu a reliable damage dealer over time. His damage scales well with his ATK and Hydro Damage Bonus, and his Constellations can further enhance his damage output.
Kaeya's damage, on the other hand, is more burst-oriented. His Elemental Burst, Glacial Waltz, deals a significant amount of Cryo damage over its duration, especially when paired with characters who can consistently apply other elements for reactions like Melt. However, Kaeya's damage is less consistent than Xingqiu's, as it relies heavily on the active character staying within the Burst's range and enemies remaining within the area of effect. While Kaeya can deal impressive burst damage, his overall damage output may be lower than Xingqiu's in extended fights.
The choice between Xingqiu and Kaeya in terms of damage potential depends largely on the team composition and the encounter. In teams that prioritize sustained damage and consistent elemental reactions, Xingqiu is generally the better choice. His consistent Hydro application and damage output make him a reliable damage dealer throughout the fight. However, in teams that focus on burst damage and can capitalize on Melt reactions, Kaeya can be a strong contender. His Glacial Waltz Burst can deal massive damage in a short period, making him a valuable asset for quickly dispatching enemies.
Elemental Application: Hydro vs. Cryo
Elemental application is a critical aspect of a sub-DPS character, as it determines their ability to trigger reactions and enable the main DPS. Xingqiu excels in Hydro application, thanks to his Rain Swords. These swords apply Hydro to enemies whenever the active character performs Normal Attacks, providing a consistent stream of Hydro application that is ideal for triggering Vaporize or Electro-Charged reactions. Xingqiu's Hydro application is also relatively wide, as the Rain Swords can hit multiple enemies simultaneously.
Kaeya, on the other hand, specializes in Cryo application. His Glacial Waltz Burst summons icicles that orbit the active character, dealing Cryo damage to nearby enemies. This provides consistent Cryo application, making Kaeya an excellent enabler for Melt and Superconduct reactions. However, Kaeya's Cryo application is more limited in range compared to Xingqiu's Hydro application. The icicles only hit enemies within a certain radius of the active character, which can be a disadvantage in encounters with scattered enemies.
The choice between Hydro and Cryo application depends on the team composition and the desired elemental reactions. Hydro application is particularly valuable for teams that rely on Vaporize reactions, as it allows Pyro main DPS characters to deal significantly increased damage. Cryo application, on the other hand, is essential for teams that focus on Melt or Superconduct reactions. Melt reactions can amplify Pyro or Cryo damage, while Superconduct reactions reduce the Physical resistance of enemies, benefiting Physical DPS characters. By carefully considering the desired elemental reactions, players can determine whether Xingqiu's Hydro application or Kaeya's Cryo application is more beneficial for their team.
Utility: Damage Reduction, Healing, and More
Beyond damage and elemental application, utility is another important factor to consider when evaluating a sub-DPS character. Xingqiu shines in this area, offering a range of utility benefits that can greatly enhance a team's survivability and damage output. His Rain Swords, in addition to dealing damage and applying Hydro, also provide damage reduction and increase the active character's resistance to interruption. This makes Xingqiu a valuable asset in challenging content where survivability is crucial.
Furthermore, Xingqiu's "Sword Rain Disperses" talent heals the active character based on Xingqiu's Max HP when the Rain Swords shatter or expire. This provides a small but consistent source of healing, which can be particularly useful in teams that lack a dedicated healer. Xingqiu's combination of damage reduction, interruption resistance, and healing makes him an incredibly versatile sub-DPS character who can contribute to the team in multiple ways.
Kaeya's utility is more limited compared to Xingqiu's. He does not offer damage reduction or healing, but he can provide some utility through his ability to create ice bridges over water. This can be useful for exploration and traversal, but it's not a significant factor in combat. Kaeya's main utility lies in his consistent Cryo application, which can enable Melt and Superconduct reactions. While Kaeya lacks the defensive utility of Xingqiu, his ability to consistently apply Cryo makes him a valuable asset for certain team compositions.
Team Synergies: Who Works Best with Whom?
Team synergy is a crucial aspect of Genshin Impact, and the choice between Xingqiu and Kaeya as a sub-DPS often depends on the other characters in the team. Xingqiu excels in teams that rely on Vaporize reactions, making him an excellent partner for Pyro main DPS characters like Diluc, Hu Tao, and Yanfei. His consistent Hydro application allows these characters to trigger Vaporize reactions frequently, significantly increasing their damage output. Xingqiu also synergizes well with Electro main DPS characters like Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko, enabling Electro-Charged reactions.
Kaeya, on the other hand, shines in teams that focus on Melt or Superconduct reactions. He is an excellent partner for Pyro main DPS characters like Diluc or Xiangling, allowing them to trigger Melt reactions for massive damage. Kaeya also works well with Physical DPS characters like Eula or Razor, as his Cryo application enables Superconduct reactions, which reduce the Physical resistance of enemies. Kaeya's Cryo application can also be used to create Frozen teams, where enemies are frozen in place, making them vulnerable to attacks.
Ultimately, the best sub-DPS for a team depends on the specific characters and the desired playstyle. Xingqiu is a versatile choice that works well in a wide range of teams, while Kaeya is more specialized and excels in teams that focus on Cryo-related reactions. By carefully considering the team composition and the desired elemental reactions, players can choose the sub-DPS that best complements their team.
Constellations: Enhancing Their Potential
Constellations are an important factor to consider when evaluating the potential of a character in Genshin Impact. Both Xingqiu and Kaeya have constellations that can significantly enhance their abilities and make them even more effective as sub-DPS units. Xingqiu's Constellations are particularly impactful, with several constellations providing significant boosts to his damage output and utility.
Xingqiu's C2, "Rainbow Upon the Azure Sky," extends the duration of his Elemental Burst by 3 seconds, increasing the number of Rain Swords he unleashes and boosting his overall damage. His C6, "Hence, Call Them My Own Good Sword," further enhances his Burst by increasing the number of Rain Swords generated and regenerating Energy for him, allowing him to use his Burst more frequently. These constellations make Xingqiu an even more powerful and consistent sub-DPS.
Kaeya's Constellations are also beneficial, but they are generally less impactful than Xingqiu's. Kaeya's C1, "Excellent Blood," increases his Crit Rate against frozen enemies, which can be useful in Frozen teams. His C2, "Never-Ending Performance," regenerates Energy when his Elemental Skill hits an enemy, improving his Energy Recharge. While Kaeya's Constellations enhance his abilities, they don't provide the same level of damage boost or utility as Xingqiu's Constellations. This is another factor that contributes to Xingqiu's overall superiority as a sub-DPS.
Conclusion: Who Emerges as the Better Sub-DPS?
After a thorough comparison of Xingqiu and Kaeya, it's clear that Xingqiu emerges as the better sub-DPS in most situations. His consistent Hydro application, damage reduction, healing, and impressive damage output make him an incredibly versatile and valuable asset to any team. Xingqiu's ability to enable Vaporize reactions for Pyro main DPS characters is particularly noteworthy, making him a must-have for many team compositions.
While Kaeya is a solid sub-DPS option, particularly for players who need a consistent Cryo applicator or are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, he simply doesn't offer the same level of utility and damage potential as Xingqiu. Kaeya's Cryo application is valuable for Melt and Superconduct reactions, but his overall damage output is lower, and he lacks the defensive utility that Xingqiu provides.
Ultimately, the choice between Xingqiu and Kaeya depends on the specific team composition and the desired playstyle. However, for most players, Xingqiu is the better choice as a sub-DPS. His versatility, damage output, and utility make him one of the best 4-star characters in Genshin Impact. If you're looking for a reliable and powerful sub-DPS to enhance your team, Xingqiu is the clear winner.
