Overview
This iteration of Baxia is a hybrid between Lapu-lapu and Yu Zhong. Baxia has the strongest laning ability in the entire game and is able to beat out every EXP Laner. He also effectively counters current meta-favorites in the EXP Lane like Yu Zhong, Alice, and Uranus.
Strengths
This iteration of Baxia is pretty much able to 1v1 every hero in the entire game and reliably win. With his 1st skill + Petrify combo, it almost always guarantees a kill or a Purify/Flicker proc. This Baxia has the incredible zoning capabilities of a Yu Zhong and Lapu-lapu without the weakness of being horrible against Marksmen. FUN FACT: Baxia, despite being a Tank, has absurd damage scaling, as he also possesses the highest scaling skill in the entire game, his ultimate "Tortoise's Puissance" with 5,600 + (3,360% Total Magic Power) Magic Damage at max.
Weaknesses
Baxia is a hero that has always been riddled by his slow wave clearing. This Baxia is no different. Build Molten Essence to circumvent this issue.
Cyphus Baxia EXP Sustain Build
For a more comprehensive and detailed guide on why, please check out this video of mine: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHu1PkN5/
The Sustain Triad
This emblem set-up gives a high amount of Spell Vamp, and also aids in wave clear with the help of Concussive Blast.
Battle Spell
This spell allows Baxia to make crucial set-ups while also being able to almost always guarantee a kill when combined with his 1st skill.
Early Game
Baxia dominates most EXP Lane matchups. He is pretty much always ahead in Turtle 1 if the user plays him correctly. Use your 2nd skill sparingly, make sure to not miss as much as possible. It is your only choke point.
Concentrated Energy Bought
By this phase, you now have the capability to burst most heroes (without Tough Boots) with your 1st skill + Petrify combo. Your sustain also increases dramatically.
Clock of Destiny Bought
The amount of defense this item gives is very good for Baxia. This is considered a major powerspike due to how much tankier Baxia gets after this item is bought and fully stacked.
Replace Molten Essence with Holy Crystal
By this point, Baxia has reached nigh-unbeatable status in 1v1 due to just how much damage his skills deal when the scaling is taken into account.
Best With Angela
Angela gives the speed boost, additional healing and shield, and flexibility that a Baxia desperately needs.
Watch Out For Masha
Masha is the only hero that Baxia consistently struggles against. However, she is still beatable.