Genshin Impact 5.5: Varesa or Xiao - Who to Pull?

In *Genshin Impact* Version 5.5, set to go live on March 26, players are introduced to two exciting new characters: Varesa and Iansan. While Iansan is a 4-Star Electro Polearm user, Varesa shines as a 5-Star Electro Catalyst character. During the Version 5.5 livestream, both characters’ abilities were showcased in detail, but it was Varesa’s kit that truly caught the spotlight—thanks to a playstyle strikingly similar to Xiao’s.

What Makes Varesa’s Playstyle Resemble Xiao’s?

Varesa’s gameplay mechanics draw strong parallels to Xiao, especially when it comes to her reliance on Plunging Attacks. Her Charged Attack is particularly unique—it propels her into the air, allowing for a Plunging Attack while simultaneously generating Nightsoul Points. As a Natlan-native character, this mechanic becomes central to her overall effectiveness in combat.

Her Elemental Skill, *Riding the Night-Rainbow*, enhances this further by transforming her into a luchador-style wrestler who dashes forward dealing Electro damage. After activation, her Normal Attacks become Plunging Attacks without consuming stamina—an effect that feels very familiar to those who have used Xiao.

When enough Plunging Attacks are performed and her Nightsoul Meter is full, Varesa can enter the powerful *Fiery Passion* state. This boosts her attack power and Elemental Burst, making her Plunging Attack-focused strategy even more potent. In essence, mastering her kit means embracing continuous aerial assaults.

Should You Stick With Xiao or Pull for Varesa?

While both characters rely heavily on Plunging Attacks, the key difference lies in how they access this playstyle. Xiao requires his Elemental Burst, *Bane of All Evil*, to enable rapid consecutive Plunging Attacks. Varesa, on the other hand, can initiate these attacks using just her Charged Attack, which makes her more flexible and less resource-dependent.

If you’re already a fan of Xiao’s gameplay and enjoy the thrill of high-speed, aerial combat, Varesa offers a fresh twist on the same concept. She doesn’t require her Elemental Burst to perform Plunging Attacks, giving her an edge in flexibility. Additionally, if you're building a Natlan-based team, Varesa integrates seamlessly with other members to maximize *Nightsoul’s Blessing* effects.

However, before making your decision, consider that Xianyun will also be featured on the *Genshin Impact* 5.5 (Phase I) banner. As a top-tier support for Plunging Attack builds like Xiao’s, she may offer more value depending on your current roster. If you already have Xiao but not Xianyun, it might be worth prioritizing her first. Otherwise, Varesa is an excellent choice if you're looking for a familiar yet distinct take on vertical DPS gameplay.

*Genshin Impact is available now on all major platforms.*