Build Explanation

This build capitalizes on Xaku's ability to achieve relatively high evasion to become a pseudo-tank.

This build self-sustains the cost of The Vast Untime via [Energy Siphon] giving us enough energy to recast The Vast Untime when it runs out.
If you decide to modify this build, I have supplied a table to aid in achieving the self sustain sweet spot. See Mods section for details.

What this means is that you can maintain that 87% (includes [Agility Drift]) evasion all the time, which is perfect since you will need it up constantly. RIP your cosmetics though :(

So the general rule of thumb is to always keep The Vast Untime up and be a spooky scary skeleton or a Terminator roleplay. Its slowing effect is very useful as it further reduces the amount of chances enemies will have to hit you.

I do recommend using [Xaku]'s other abilities, but it isn't necessary :).

Mods

USE A DECAYING DRAGON KEY WITH THIS BUILD. Especially if you plan to use this in Steel Path.

There are 2 (maybe 3) mods that are replaceable here:

• Cunning Drift
• Augur Reach
• [Rolling Guard]

[Cunning Drift] and [Augur Reach] are here for the Ability Range. Much of [Xaku]'s abilities rely on good Ability Range stats, while also relying on some Ability Strength (hence why [Overextended] isn't present).

[Rolling Guard] is a staple for shield gating builds. [Xaku] are amongst the few frames that have a unique rolling animation. Their animation is pretty quick which is good since it allows you to perform more things under [Rolling Guard]'s invulnerability phase.

You can replace [Cunning Drift] and [Augur Reach] with whatever you want really. Choose whatever mods fit your playstyle.

[Rolling Guard]

I do not recommend replacing [Rolling Guard]. It provides lots of utility and convenience to this build's gameplay.

If you insist on replacing it, then I recommend you check out these alternatives:

• Carnis Carapace - for the set bonus if you intend on using a heavy attack build.
• Primed Sure Footed - the immunity to knockdowns is so nice.
• Fast Deflection/Vigilante Vigor - for replenishing your shield gate just a little faster.
• Armored Agility - for the sprint speed since it would help in being generally evasive in your movements.

The Vast Untime & [Energy Siphon] Self Sustain Table

Given an efficiency %, this table will tell you what your duration % should be (at minimum) to sustain The Vast Untime in conjunction with Energy Siphon.

Efficiency | Duration | Duration w/ Coaction Drift
-----------|----------|---------------------------
       30% |   1134%  | 857%
       35% |   1100%  | 832%
       40% |   1067%  | 807%
       45% |   1034%  | 782%
       50% |   1000%  | 757%
       55% |    967%  | 731%
       60% |    934%  | 706%
       65% |    900%  | 681%
       70% |    867%  | 656%
       75% |    834%  | 631%
       80% |    800%  | 605%
       85% |    767%  | 580%
       90% |    734%  | 555%
       95% |    700%  | 530%
      100% |    667%  | 505%
      105% |    634%  | 479%
      110% |    600%  | 454%
      115% |    567%  | 429%
      120% |    534%  | 404%
      125% |    500%  | 379%
      130% |    467%  | 353%
      135% |    434%  | 328%
      140% |    400%  | 303%
      145% |    367%  | 278%
      150% |    334%  | 253%
      155% |    300%  | 227%
      160% |    267%  | 202%
      165% |    234%  | 177%
      170% |    200%  | 152%
      175% |    167%  | 127%

Helminth

I would like to note the effectiveness of putting Condemn on this build (in place of Xaku's 1).

Condemn would be an excellent choice for this build because:

• Cheap (6.25 energy)
• Excellent range (about 30 meters)
• Decent duration (about 10 seconds)
• Good for replenishing our shield gate (only needs to hit 1 enemy, assuming you're using a Decaying Dragon Key)
• Infinitely scales with enemies' levels

It synergizes with Gaze (the ability) by locking enemies down so they can't escape the defense reduction radius.

All-in-all I would highly recommend checking out this subsume, but it isn't necessary for the functionality of this build.

Arcanes

You can change out the arcanes if you wish, I enjoy not having to deal with toxin procs and [Xaku] needs their energy so magnetic procs are kinda dangerous.

Focus

I recommend using Vazarin for this build. Mainly for Protective Sling and Guardian Shell.

If you decide to subsume Condemn, then any focus school is fine.

[Sly Vulpaphyla]

The [Sly Vulpaphyla] pairs well with this build. Specifically the Sly Devolution precept. Ironically, an optimal build for it would be to make the vulpaphyla as squishy as possible so that it can proc that ability more often.
However, seeing a message that your pet is down every 30 seconds can get annoying real quick.

I do think that evasion is capped at some number, but I'm not really sure what that number is.

I have made a very inexpensive build that leverages the precept. It requires no potato.