In Genshin Impact Version 5.5, launching on March 26, players are introduced to two new characters: Varesa and Iansan. Iansan, a 4-Star Electro Polearm user, joins the roster alongside Varesa, a 5-Star Electro Catalyst wielder hailing from Natlan. During the Version 5.5 livestream, both characters’ abilities were showcased—but it was Varesa’s kit that immediately caught the community’s attention, primarily due to its striking similarity to Xiao’s dynamic playstyle.
What Makes Varesa’s Kit Stand Out?
Varesa’s gameplay revolves around mobility, aerial combat, and resource generation through her unique Charged Attacks. When she uses a Charged Attack, she propels herself into the air, enabling a Plunging Attack while simultaneously generating Nightsoul Points. As a Natlan-native character, this mechanic is central to building up her Nightsoul Meter, which fuels her more powerful abilities.
Her Elemental Skill, Riding the Night-Rainbow, transforms her into a luchador-inspired warrior who dashes forward, dealing Electro damage. After its use, her Normal Attacks are converted into Plunging Attacks—and crucially, these do not consume stamina. This feature immediately draws comparisons to Xiao, whose Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil, grants enhanced jump mechanics and enables rapid, high-damage Plunging Attacks in succession.
When Varesa fills her Nightsoul Meter, she can activate her enhanced state, Fiery Passion, entering a masked luchador form that boosts her attack power and enhances her Elemental Burst. To maximize her damage output, players will need to prioritize continuous Plunging Attacks, making aerial combat the core of her rotation.
How Does Varesa Compare to Xiao?
While both characters share a reliance on Plunging Attacks, the key difference lies in execution. Xiao depends entirely on his Elemental Burst to enable his aerial combat style, which also drains his HP and requires careful team support. Varesa, on the other hand, can initiate Plunging Attacks using only her Charged Attack—no burst needed. This makes her more accessible and sustainable in prolonged fights, especially since she doesn’t carry the same self-damage risk.
Additionally, Varesa’s ability to maintain her enhanced state through Nightsoul Points offers greater flexibility. If you already enjoy Xiao’s fast-paced, skyborne combat but want a safer, more self-sufficient alternative, Varesa presents an appealing option.
Image via HoYoverse
Should You Pull for Varesa or Stick with Xiao?
If you're a fan of Xiao’s gameplay and are looking for a character with a similar rhythm but improved sustainability, Varesa is a strong candidate. Her independence from her Burst for core mechanics makes her more versatile, and her synergy with other Natlan characters—especially under the Nightsoul’s Blessing mechanic—adds long-term value.
However, consider that Xianyun is also returning in Genshin Impact 5.5 (Phase I). As a top-tier support for Plunging Attack users like Xiao, she significantly enhances their damage and survivability. If you already have Xiao but lack Xianyun, prioritizing her banner might yield greater team-wide benefits.
Ultimately, if you’re drawn to the thrill of aerial combat and want a fresh take on it, Varesa is worth the investment. For fans of this unique playstyle, she offers a refined, exhilarating experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
Genshin Impact is available to play now.
