In the world of Genshin Impact, weapon choice can make or break a character's performance. When it comes to Xingqiu, one of the game's most versatile Hydro supports, players often find themselves torn between two popular options: Sacrificial Sword and Favonius Sword. As we move into 2025, let's analyze which weapon truly deserves a spot on this shorts-wearing bookworm.

Understanding Xingqiu's Role and Energy Needs

Xingqiu remains one of Genshin Impact's premier off-field Hydro applicators and sub-DPS characters. His Elemental Burst, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, is his bread and butter, allowing for consistent Hydro application and significant off-field damage. However, with an 80-energy cost Burst, Xingqiu is notoriously energy-hungry.

This energy requirement is precisely why weapons like Sacrificial Sword and Favonius Sword have become staples for him. But which one actually performs better? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.

Sacrificial Sword: The Traditional Choice

Sacrificial Sword has long been considered Xingqiu's signature weapon, and for good reason. Its passive allows for a chance to reset his Elemental Skill cooldown after dealing damage with it. Since Xingqiu's Skill generates 5 Hydro particles per use, getting to use it twice in a rotation significantly eases his Energy Recharge requirements.

At R3 and above, Sacrificial Sword truly shines as the reset chance becomes more reliable. According to recent calculations, a Sacrificial Sword R3+ Xingqiu can function with approximately 180% Energy Recharge instead of the 235% needed with other weapons at C0-C5. This allows for more investment in offensive stats.

Additionally, double-casting his Skill provides more Rain Sword orbitals (when C1 is active), offering increased damage reduction and healing potential.

Favonius Sword: The Team Player

While Sacrificial Sword focuses on Xingqiu's personal energy needs, Favonius Sword takes a different approach. Its passive generates neutral energy particles that benefit the entire team when Xingqiu scores a critical hit.

This makes Favonius Sword an excellent choice for team compositions where multiple characters have high energy costs. Have you ever struggled with energy management for your entire team? Favonius weapons can be the solution.

The downside is that Xingqiu will need higher personal Energy Recharge (around 235% at C0-C5) and some CRIT Rate to reliably trigger the passive. You'll also need to perform a quick Normal Attack after using his Skill to have a chance of triggering the Favonius effect.

The C6 Game-Changer

Xingqiu's sixth constellation, "Hence, Call Them My Own Verses," dramatically alters the weapon discussion. This constellation provides Xingqiu with energy refund during his Burst, significantly reducing his ER requirements to around 190%.

At C6, the performance gap between Sacrificial and Favonius narrows considerably. The energy refund from C6 means Sacrificial's double Skill cast becomes less essential for Xingqiu's personal energy needs, potentially making Favonius more attractive for its team utility.

Performance Comparison

In terms of pure DPS potential, Sacrificial Sword R3+ outperforms Favonius Sword by approximately 3% at C0-C5 according to recent calculations. This assumes you're using an EEQ rotation (using Skill twice then Burst) with Sacrificial, versus an EQ rotation with Favonius.

However, DPS isn't everything. Consider these factors:

1. Rotation length: Sacrificial extends rotation time slightly to accommodate the second Skill cast

2. Team energy needs: Favonius benefits the entire team's energy economy

3. Constellation level: At C6, the performance gap narrows significantly

4. Refinement level: Sacrificial gains substantial value at R3+, while Favonius is serviceable even at R1

So Which Should You Choose?

The decision ultimately comes down to your specific circumstances:

Choose Sacrificial Sword if:

• You have it at R3 or higher

• You're focused on maximizing Xingqiu's personal damage

• You value the additional damage reduction from extra Rain Swords

• You have C0-C5 Xingqiu and struggle with his energy requirements

Choose Favonius Sword if:

• Your team has multiple energy-hungry characters

• You have C6 Xingqiu (reducing his personal ER needs)

• You don't have a highly refined Sacrificial Sword

• You prefer shorter, smoother rotations

One player shared their experience: "I have an R5 Sacrificial Sword that's permanently glued to Xingqiu. The double Skill cast just feels so satisfying and solves all his energy issues." Meanwhile, another commented: "Since getting Xingqiu to C6, I've actually switched to Favonius because it helps my Yelan get her Burst back faster too."

What About Other Options?

While Sacrificial and Favonius are the most discussed options, other swords like Skyward Blade, Primordial Jade Cutter, and even the new weapons introduced in recent patches can work well depending on your build and team composition. However, for most players, especially those focusing on Xingqiu's support capabilities, the choice remains between these two energy-focused weapons.

The verdict? There's no definitively "better" option - both weapons excel in different scenarios. Assess your team needs, consider your refinement levels, and make the choice that best supports your playstyle. After all, the true power of Genshin Impact lies in building synergistic teams where each component complements the others.

Have you made your choice between Sacrificial and Favonius for your Xingqiu? Or perhaps you've found success with an unconventional weapon option? The debate continues within the Genshin community, but one thing's certain - Xingqiu will remain a hydro powerhouse regardless of which energy recharge sword you ultimately decide to equip him with.