Varesa emerges as the highly anticipated 5-star character set to debut in Genshin Impact version 5.5. This new addition to the game is classified as an Electro main DPS unit, utilizing a Catalyst as her weapon of choice. Varesa is associated with the Collective of Plenty tribe and, during the Genshin Impact 5.5 livestream, her unique gameplay mechanics were spotlighted. Primarily functioning as a Plunge DPS character, she utilizes a new mechanic called Nightsoul to unleash impressive damage through Plunge Attacks.
The introduction of the Nightsoul feature is expected to attract players, especially those fond of Natlan characters. However, potential players might hesitate to obtain Varesa, as her combat style shares some similarities with that of the established 5-star Anemo character Xiao. In this article, we will compare the kits of both characters, providing insight into their respective combat styles as Plunge DPS units.
Comparative Analysis: Xiao vs. Varesa in Plunge DPS
Even though both Varesa and Xiao are 5-star characters specializing in Plunge DPS, their combat mechanics and kits reveal notable differences. To discern which character stands out as the superior DPS unit, we’ll delve into their respective abilities and strategies.
Exploring Varesa’s Abilities and Combat Style

Varesa’s gameplay heavily revolves around the Nightsoul’s Blessing state, a hallmark of her combat style as a Natlan character. She accumulates Nightsoul points through her Elemental Skill and Plunge Attacks, allowing her to fill up her Nightsoul points bar with relative ease. Upon reaching maximum points, Varesa enters the “Fiery Passion”state, granting her Plunge Attacks a significant damage multiplier.
When Varesa executes a Charged Attack, she leaps high before descending and dealing Electro damage. This leap serves as a cornerstone of her kit, emphasizing Plunge Attacks as her primary source of damage due to the substantial bonuses they receive.
Xiao’s Combat Mechanism and Playstyle

Xiao also excels as a Plunge DPS character, but his effectiveness is highly contingent on his Elemental Burst. Once activated, Xiao gains a considerable damage boost for his Plunge Attacks, which convert to Anemo damage, solidifying him as a formidable option in this role.
The simplicity of Xiao’s kit allows players to perform Plunge Attacks without requiring complex setups, making him an accessible choice for many players.
Evaluating Their Strengths: Is Varesa Superior to Xiao?

In the debate of who is the superior Plunge DPS, many players may lean towards Varesa due to her independence from Elemental Burst for her damage output. Her ability to inflict significant damage regardless of energy availability sets her apart from Xiao, whose power is largely dependent on his Elemental Burst activation. While Xiao remains a strong Plunge DPS character, his damage potential excels notably when paired with supportive teammates like Xianyun and Faruzan.
If you’re new to the game or lack Xiao in your roster, Varesa could be an appealing option for your team, especially if her combat style intrigues you. Conversely, if you already possess Xiao, consider that Varesa may not drastically surpass him in performance, making her acquisition less critical.