Genshin Impact 4.4: Xianyun's Complete Gameplay Kit, Abilities, and Role Analysis

The world of Teyvat is about to welcome a new adeptus in human form. Xianyun, the human incarnation of the Liyue adeptus Cloud Retainer, is set to debut as a playable 5-star character in Genshin Impact's Version 4.4. After her initial appearance as an NPC during the 2023 Lantern Rite Festival, players have eagerly awaited her arrival on the battlefield. According to comprehensive leaks compiled from reliable sources, Xianyun is shaping up to be a unique Anemo catalyst user who specializes in support and sub-DPS roles, with a particular focus on enhancing Plunging Attack mechanics. While HoYoverse may still adjust her final kit before the official release, the leaked information provides a detailed picture of what players can expect from this elegant new addition to the roster.

Vision and Weapon Type

Xianyun will wield an Anemo Vision, as confirmed by official sources, making her another addition to the game's roster of wind-element characters. More interestingly, she will be a catalyst user, which allows her Normal and Charged Attacks to naturally apply the Anemo element. Her signature 5-star weapon, according to leaks, is called "Crane's Echoing Call," visually represented as an elegant green hand fan adorned with intricate designs. This combination of Anemo Vision and catalyst weaponry positions her as a character who can consistently apply elemental reactions while supporting her team.

Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks

Xianyun's basic attacks follow the standard pattern for catalyst users but with distinctive flair. Her Normal Attack sequence, titled "Word Of Wind And Flower," summons swirling winds at the enemy's location, executing up to a 4-hit combo that deals Anemo damage with each strike. Her Charged Attack consumes Stamina to launch a "Breeze Bolt" forward in a straight line, damaging opponents in its path. While these attacks may seem conventional at first glance, her Plunging Attack mechanics reveal her true specialty. When attacking from the air, Xianyun gathers Anemo energy around herself and plunges downward, creating a small area-of-effect (AoE) that deals Anemo damage. But what makes her truly unique? The leaks indicate she possesses a special transformed Plunging Attack that becomes central to her gameplay loop.

Elemental Skill: White Clouds At Dawn

Xianyun's Elemental Skill introduces a dynamic movement and attack system. When activated, "White Clouds At Dawn" places Xianyun into the "Cloud Transmogrification" state, which grants her immunity to fall damage and allows her to use "Skyladder" once. Within this state, her regular Plunging Attack transforms into "Driftcloud Wave," an AoE Anemo attack that ends the Cloud Transmogrification state. The damage from this attack is considered Plunging Attack damage, with both its damage and area of effect increasing with each use of Skyladder during the state.

Skyladder can be activated while mid-air, making Xianyun leap forward and deal Anemo damage to enemies in her path. During a single Cloud Transmogrification state, she can activate Skyladder up to three times, though each opponent can only take damage from one Skyladder instance. The timing is crucial—if Skyladder isn't activated shortly after the previous use, the state cancels, preventing the use of Driftcloud Wave. This creates an engaging gameplay rhythm where players must chain Skyladder uses efficiently before executing the powerful transformed Plunging Attack.

Elemental Burst: Stars Gather At Dusk

Xianyun's Elemental Burst appears to be the cornerstone of her support capabilities. "Stars Gather At Dusk" creates an AoE of Anemo damage while periodically healing nearby characters based on Xianyun's ATK stat—similar to Barbara's Elemental Skill in its following mechanism. Upon activation, the Burst also triggers "Starwicker" and grants 8 stacks of "Adeptal Assistance," a buff that increases the jump height of nearby active characters.

When an active character performs a Plunging Attack, Starwicker consumes one stack of Adeptal Assistance to deal AoE Anemo damage. Only one Starwicker can exist simultaneously. According to leaks, the Burst lasts for 16 seconds, has an 18-second cooldown, and requires 70 Energy. This combination of healing, crowd control through Anemo application, and Plunging Attack enhancement solidifies her role as a dedicated support for plunge-focused teams.

Passive Talents

Xianyun possesses three Passive Talents that unlock as players ascend her:

1. Galefeather Pursuit: When Xianyun's Driftcloud Wave hits opponents, all nearby party members gain 1 stack of Storm Pinion for 20 seconds (maximum 4 stacks). Each stack independently increases characters' Plunging Attack CRIT Rate by 4%/6%/8%/10% respectively.

2. Consider, The Adeptus In Her Realm: When the Starwicker from Xianyun's Burst has Adeptal Assistance stacks, nearby active characters' Plunging Attack shockwave damage increases by 180% of Xianyun's ATK (capped at 9,000). This effect can only apply to one opponent per 0.4 seconds.

3. Crane Form: Increases the party's gliding speed by 15%, though this effect doesn't stack with similar buffs.

Constellations

Xianyun's Constellations further enhance her capabilities, with each level providing significant power spikes:

Team Synergy and Playstyle

Xianyun's kit clearly positions her as a premier support for characters who specialize in Plunging Attacks. Her synergy with Xiao, whose leaked rerun coincides with Version 4.4, appears particularly strong. She provides healing, increases plunge damage through her Passive Talents, enhances jump height via her Burst, and offers off-field Anemo damage—essentially addressing multiple needs for plunge-focused carries. Beyond Xiao, she could potentially enable plunge-based playstyles for other characters who don't normally utilize this attack type.

However, does this specialization limit her versatility? While she excels in plunge-attack teams, her healing and Anemo application could still prove valuable in other compositions, particularly as a driver for elemental reactions or in teams that benefit from her mobility tools. Her catalyst weapon ensures consistent Anemo application for Swirl reactions, while her healing provides sustain without requiring a dedicated healer slot.

Final Thoughts

As Genshin Impact approaches its Version 4.4 update in 2026, Xianyun represents an exciting addition to the game's character roster. Her unique focus on Plunging Attack mechanics offers new strategic possibilities for team building, particularly for players who enjoy aerial combat styles. While leaks suggest she may have some limitations outside plunge-focused teams, her combination of healing, crowd control, and damage enhancement could make her a valuable asset in various situations. As with all pre-release information, players should remember that her final kit may undergo adjustments before her official debut. Nevertheless, the prospect of finally playing as the human form of Cloud Retainer—with her elegant catalyst combat and adeptus-powered abilities—has undoubtedly generated significant anticipation within the Genshin Impact community.