Xiao

Lore & Background

Before the Archon War two thousand years ago, Xiao was enslaved by another god and forced to commit countless crimes. After the Geo Archon defeated this enslaver, Xiao was freed, given his name, and accepted a mandate to protect Liyue alongside other yakshas. When the fallen gods died, their accumulated resentment manifested as corruption and hallucinations that threatened the region. Xiao fought these manifestations for centuries, absorbing supernatural filth that caused him excruciating pain. The Anemo Archon, Venti, once saved Xiao at Dihua Marsh after he collapsed under this karmic miasma, making Venti his benefactor. All of Xiao's yaksha companions perished centuries before the game's events. In version 1.3, during the quest "Perilous Trail," Xiao investigated the death of an unnamed yaksha in the Chasm, discovering it was actually Bosacius, the yakshas' leader. Exhausted by the end, Xiao attempted to sacrifice himself to save his companions but was rescued by Zhongli.

In Their Own Story

In the main story, Xiao learns from the Traveler that the Geo Archon has died and joins other adepti to confront the Liyue Qixing. However, the Fatui break an ancient seal to summon a god threatening Liyue Harbor, forcing both sides to suspend their confrontation and defeat the threat together. Later, in "Perilous Trail," Xiao investigates Bosacius's death in the Chasm, descending into sealed depths with the Traveler and companions. They uncover traces of the leader before breaking the seal and escaping. At the final moment, Xiao exhausts his strength and resolves to sacrifice himself to send others to safety, only to be saved by Zhongli. Yelan rejects his fatalistic suggestion during a parallel situation. Ultimately, with the Traveler's reassurance, Xiao reconciles with himself, realizing fallen yakshas were not doomed victims but heroes who chose protection. Freed from survivor's guilt, he gradually opens his heart to those who care for him.

Reader's Guide

Xiao is a five-star Anemo character who uses a polearm. His Elemental Skill allows him to dash rapidly, even in midair, striking enemies in his path. His Elemental Burst places him in an enhanced state, greatly increasing jumping ability and enabling powerful plunging attacks. For visual design, the team shifted his color palette from red to teal and white to match the Anemo element, reflecting his cold, taciturn personality. Darker purplish tones on his lower half convey corruption absorbed over years of battle. His combat animations were inspired by wuxia films like "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" and produced using motion capture technology. Xiao's signature weapon is the "Primordial Jade Winged-Spear." His Japanese voice actor, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, deliberately pitched his voice very low during recording to reflect Xiao's status, while English voice actor Laila Berzins portrays him with a stern demeanor that occasionally reveals gentleness.

Did You Know?

• Xiao's name and backstory draw inspiration from the guardian deity Huaguang Dadi found in shenmo literature, as well as the Wutong Shen.
• His epithet "Alatus" derives from Miqi Luo, one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals who presides over the rooster in the Chinese zodiac.
• Xiao's combat animations were inspired by multiple wuxia films including Flying Swords of Dragon Gate and Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon.
• On February 3, 2021, when Xiao first became playable, the mobile version of Genshin Impact generated over US$15 million in revenue on that day alone.
• Xiao's mask colors were chosen to be black, blue, and gold specifically to create a fierce, intimidating image based on traditional Nuo dance masks.