Summary
The latest beta build is introducing further buffs for Xilonen inGenshin Impact, but arguably at a steep cost to the overall balance of the game. Though every region inGenshin Impacthas introduced its fair share of meta characters, such as Alhaitham and Neuvillette, an argument could be made that Xilonen has steadily become the definition of a “must pull” unit. Her role as a universal Geo Support makes Xilonen invaluable to a wide array of teams, as Neuvillette, Navia, and Arlecchino all stand to benefit from having her in the party.
Even during her initial announcement, Xilonen was met with plenty of excitement fromGenshin Impactfans – both from a design perspective, and due to the potential of her ability kit. In addition to providing the buff from the new Artifact Set from Version 5.0, Xilonen provides elemental resistance shredding, as well as healing to her teammates. The only niche unavailable to her is shielding, whereZhongli inGenshin Impactstill remains unchallenged.
Xilonen’s ability kit inGenshin Impactmade its way to the beta in a powerful state, and rather unexpectedly, the developers kept giving her buffs with each passing build. The latest changes weredocumented by HomDGCat, and they specifically concern Xilonen’s second and sixth Constellation. Whereas the latter is intended forGenshin Impactaccounts that aren’t afraid to heavily invest in new characters, a significant number of casual fans are cautiously wondering if it’s worth pulling for Xilonen’s C2.
C6 – Imperishable Night Carnival
The changes can best be summed up as an overall increase to the buffs provided by Xilonen’s C2, while her C6 now provides party-wide healing as well, upgrading Xilonen’s role from a single-target healer. Though theGeo element inGenshin Impactis finally receiving the heavy hitters it deserves, some players can’t help but wonder if HoYoverse is starting to dabble with power creep.
Genshin Impactis often praised for avoiding power creep, despite its longevity as a gacha, but the recent changes to the Spiral Abyss, and the rise of characters such as Xilonen, have made the community feel just as apprehensive as they are excited. Xilonen will firmly entrench herself in the meta whenVersion 5.1 forGenshin Impactcomes out, and will likely replace Kazuha and Zhongli in a decent number of teams. However, it remains to be seen if she will be an exception in the wider scheme of things, or a sign of things to come.
