Xianyun, aka Cloud Retainer, is a 5-star Anemo support unit inGenshin Impact. Her unique kit heals her team and enables anyone to become a Plunge DPS, unlocking a brand new playstyle. Here are Xianyun’s best artifacts and weapons to support her team.
Xianyun’s best artifacts
Artifact Sets
4pc Viridescent Venerer (4VV)This is my recommended set if Xianyun is supporting a Pyro, Cryo, Hydro, or Electro DPS. The 4pc effect reduces enemies’ elemental RES when Xianyun triggers Swirl, resulting in a potent debuff. 4VV is best for teams withHu Tao, Diluc, Gaming, or other elemental DPS units.
4pc Noblesse Oblige (4NO)If your plunge DPS does not have a Swirl-able element, then 4pc Noblesse Oblige may be the better option. I recommend this set for Xiao teams.
4pc Ocean-Hued Clam (4OHC) / 4pc Song of Days Past (4SoDP)These sets convert some of Xianyun’s healing into damage. I still recommend 4VV or 4NO if you’re able to obtain them, but if you already happen to have a functional healing set, these will work just fine.
2pc combosIf you have none of the above, or are having trouble meeting Energy Recharge requirements, feel free to combine 2pc sets with beneficial stats. These will primarily be ATK and Energy Recharge.
Artifact Stats
Xianyun can require quite a lot of Energy Recharge, depending on her team. As the sole Anemo character, she can require upwards of 200% Energy Recharge. With other Anemo characters and her signature weapon though, this can be reduced to around 120-130%. Your best bet is to try out different values to see what works for you and your team.
Xianyun’s healing and buffs scale with her total ATK stat. Once Energy needs are met, she should focus solely on ATK. CRIT Rate is only recommended if using Favonius Codex in order to help proc its passive effect.
Xianyun’s best weapons
Crane’s Echoing CallThis is Xianyun’s signature Catalyst, with a passive tailor-made for her playstyle. It confers a buff to her team’s Plunging Attacks and helps offset Xianyun’s Energy needs.
Oathsworn Eye / Favonius CodexThese 4-star weapons provide Xianyun with Energy Recharge. Oathsworn Eye was a free event weapon obtained during Version 2.5, while the Favonius Codex can still be acquired through the gacha. Favonius comes with a potent Energy Recharge secondary stat as well as a passive effect that generates particles for the whole team when Xianyun scores a CRIT.
Skyward Atlas / Memory of DustThese 5-star Catalysts are good ATK stat sticks, provided Xianyun can still reach her Energy Recharge thresholds. As such, I only recommend them when Xianyun is paired with Xiao, preferably with Faruzan too.
