Genshin Impact developer MiHoYo has revealed the backstory and profile of its latest character, Xiao, in a new trailer and blog post. While Xiao was initially unveiled as a playable character in the game’s beta, MiHoYo finally announced Xiao as part of the game’s 1.3 update during the developer’s special livestream last week, confirming previous rumors that he would be the new character released with the game’s next major update.
Apart from releasing Xiao, Genshin Impact’s 1.3 update is also introducing a new storyline focused on Liyue’s Lantern Rite festival as well as a few long awaited features or changes, such as controller support for players on iOS platforms, changes to the resin system, and buffs to both Zhongli and Geo characters in general. Players will also have a few activities to participate in when the 1.3 update launches, including a vendor where players can purchase nameplates and rare materials, an event where players can get a free 4-star character, and more.
MiHoYo published a new trailer and blog post that not only introduced the backstory and profile of Xiao but also some of the history of Liyue, one of the game’s most prominent locations. According to the trailer, Xiao is one of the Yaksha that were summoned by Rex Lapis (also known as Zhongli) to defend Liyue against demons thousands of years before the current timeline. Of the five Yaksha teased in the trailer, Xiao is currently the last known surviving member as three others perished while the fate of the last is unknown.
The character profile of Xiao reveals his other monikers as “Alatus,” the “Conqueror of Demons,” and the “Vigilant Yaksha.” He is apparently over two thousand years old and is considered one of the senior adepti of Liyue. In the game, he is an Anemo/Wind character that wields a polearm as his weapon of choice. Xiao’s ultimate ability sees him don his Yaksha mask to amplify his power and abilities at the price of his health. It’s one of the most interesting ultimate abilities the game has introduced so far, as it isn’t just a singular move but rather a buff that strengthens Xiao’s overall capabilities.
The release of Xiao is the first time in a while where only a single character has been announced with a new update. Another character, Hu Tao, was previously rumored to be released alongside Xiao but with only a week before the launch of the 1.3 update on February 3, 2021, it seems unlikely that Hu Tao will be released then. Although, it’s still possible that Hu Tao or even another character will be announced for release before the lifetime of the 1.3 update ends.
The backstory, profile, and abilities of Xiao definitely make him one of the game’s most interesting characters so far, particularly his unique ultimate ability. His backstory also easily sets up potential new characters in the future, in the form of the missing Yakshas.
Genshin Impact's 1.3 update is scheduled for release on February 3, 2021.
Source: MiHoYo, Genshin Impact/YouTube