Xiangli Yao
Who is Xiangli Yao?
Xiangli Yao is a 5★ Electro main DPS using Gauntlets and the definitive on-field Electro carry in Wuthering Waves. His kit is built around martial combos — Normal Attack chains that build Forte and set up a powerful Resonance Liberation burst. He benefits enormously from Yinlin's Judgment Mark system and Outro Electro buff, making Xiangli Yao + Yinlin one of the strongest DPS pairings in the game.
Kit Summary
Multi-hit Gauntlets combo with increasing Electro DMG per hit; final hit in chain deals the highest modifier — landing full chains is the key skill expression.
Launches a powerful Electro Gauntlets strike that generates heavy Forte gauge and deals high burst damage; short cooldown.
At max Forte, unleashes an extended Gauntlets combo sequence with massive Electro multipliers — his signature burst window.
Large Electro AoE dealing enormous burst damage; generates maximum Forte for immediate Inverse Inference follow-up.
Build Guide
🔮 Best Relic / Echo Set
Void Thunder (4pc) — Electro DMG Bonus + stacking Electro DMG on Normal/Heavy Attack. Perfect for his combo-heavy Normal Attack style.
⚔ Best Light Cone / Weapon
Abyss Surges (Signature) — CRIT DMG + ATK buff during Forte Circuit; significantly increases his burst window damage. F2P: Stonard (4★ Gauntlets event weapon) or any CRIT/ATK Gauntlets — his personal kit carries most of the damage load.
📊 Substats Priority
👥 Best Teams
Premium Electro: Xiangli Yao + Yinlin + Verina (Yinlin marks + Outro +25% Electro DMG; Verina healing + ATK buff Outro)
Budget Electro: Xiangli Yao + Yinlin + Baizhi (Yinlin still mandatory; Baizhi replaces Verina for accessible healing)
F2P Verdict
Yinlin is Xiangli Yao's best partner — without her he loses significant DPS from Judgment Mark procs and Outro Electro buff. Consider pulling Yinlin on rerun if you play Xiangli Yao.
Baizhi (free 4★) is a perfectly viable healer — saves all 5★ slots for DPS units.
His Gauntlets combo rewards active play — consistent full combo chains over auto-attacking meaningfully increases damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Xiangli Yao need Yinlin?
Yinlin is his best partner by a significant margin — she provides off-field Electro procs from Judgment Marks AND her Outro grants +25% Electro DMG. Without Yinlin, his DPS drops noticeably. If you pull Xiangli Yao, consider Yinlin as a priority on her next rerun.
How do I play his combos?
His Normal Attack chain has 4 hits — the 4th hit deals the highest Electro DMG. Aim to complete full 4-hit chains whenever possible before using Resonance Skill to reset the chain. Interrupting chains early reduces his overall DPS significantly.
Is he beginner-friendly?
His kit is straightforward compared to Changli or Jinhsi — the skill expression is more about maintaining his Forte gauge and completing Normal Attack chains than complex positioning. Intermediate difficulty.