Deciding between pulling for Xilonen and Venti in Genshin Impact 5.5 can be a challenging endeavor due to their unique abilities and how they enhance various team compositions. As we progress through Version 5.5 and its Phase 2 banners, it’s crucial for players to understand each character’s strengths and weaknesses, especially when considering the final days of Phase 1 where options include Varesa and Xianyun, both of whom focus on Plunging Attacks.
Phase 1 banners cater to players seeking a new Plunging Attack damage dealer with Varesa, who dishes out substantial Nightsoul-aligned Electro AoE damage through her relentless Plunging Attacks. In contrast, Xianyun stands out as one of the best supports for teams built around Plunging Attacks, boosting their CRIT Rate and turning almost any DPS character into a Plunging Attack adept with her Elemental Burst. As we near the transition to Phase 2 featuring Xilonen and Venti, understanding their unique roles becomes imperative.
Availability of Xilonen & Venti in Genshin Impact 5.5
Uncertainty Regarding Future Reruns
Xilonen and Venti are set to appear in Version 5.5 banners, available until May 6, pending a standard six-week update cycle. If this cycle holds, their banners will commence on April 16 and culminate with maintenance for Version 5.6. Players aiming for these characters should focus on optimizing their Primogem collection before this cut-off.
This marks Xilonen’s first rerun since her introduction in Version 5.1. Although a future rerun is possible, the timeline remains unpredictable—players may have to wait months, or even years, as exemplified by Wriothesley’s rerun occurring over a year after his initial release. Venti, having debuted in Version 1.0, has seen multiple reruns, allowing veteran players ample opportunity to secure him.
Evaluating the Pros & Cons of Pulling for Xilonen
Xilonen: A Top-Tier Support Unit
Xilonen is classified as a 5-star Geo character wielding a sword, primarily functioning as a support unit that inflicts Resistance Shred (RES shred) on enemies—similar yet distinct from Kazuha. Her Elemental Skill activates the Nightsoul’s Blessing, enhancing her movement speed and enabling her to deploy Source Samples tailored to her teammates’ elemental types. This mechanic integrates effectively with Pyro, Hydro, Cryo, and Electro, while defaulting to Geo for others. Notably, Source Samples reduce the Elemental RES of nearby foes.
It’s important to note that the RES shred does not stack for identical elements. For example, possessing two Hydro Source Samples will only result in one instance of Hydro RES reduction. Thus, optimizing team compositions with diverse elements is encouraged.
At level 10, Xilonen’s Elemental Skill can provide a notable 36% RES shred. Her Elemental Burst can be utilized in two distinct ways depending on the status of her Source Samples. If activated and modified, it serves to heal allies based on her DEF; otherwise, it inflicts AoE Geo damage also derived from her DEF. This dual utility shifts her effectiveness based on when the skill is employed during her rotation.
Overall, Xilonen represents a valuable support unit. While managing her rotation to accurately deploy Source Samples requires attention, the overall process is relatively straightforward and versatile. Her ability to deliver healing is a significant asset; however, it’s advisable not to rely solely on her for team sustainability—as missteps in her activation could compromise crucial healing moments at critical junctures.
Assessing the Pros & Cons of Pulling for Venti
The Anemo Archon: An Outdated Addition
In stark contrast to Xilonen’s debut, this marks Venti‘s fifth rerun, excluding his initial appearance in Version 1.0. As one of the early characters introduced, Venti has become somewhat outdated compared to newer options that fill similar roles. While he remains versatile, capable of functioning as an Anemo Swirl DPS or support, his effectiveness has diminished due to the introduction of characters that surpass his capabilities.
Venti’s Elemental Burst provides excellent crowd control, which can be leveraged frequently due to low Energy costs. However, this ability has limited effectiveness against bosses and tougher opponents. Nevertheless, he continues to be a fun character, especially useful for exploration, allowing players to soar across the skies.
Overall, Xilonen is a more compelling choice than Venti for Genshin Impact players, offering greater utility and relevance in contemporary team compositions. Unless you are specifically aiming to unlock Venti’s Constellation levels or simply have a personal affinity for the character, investing Primogems in Xilonen is highly advisable. Given my experiences with characters like Mavuika and Mualani, adding Xilonen to my roster would significantly enhance my team’s potential.