Genshin Impact Deep Dive: Banners, Characters, and Lore – Everything You Need to Know
Get ready, Travelers! If you’re exploring Teyvat, you’re in the right spot. We’re breaking down all things Genshin Impact. From upcoming banners to character insights and lore bits. All served with some dry humor because this game can be quite puzzling, like a Paimon riddle.
Upcoming Banners and Characters: Plan Your Primogem Spending
Gotta plan those Primogem spends, right? Banner schedules are vital for any Genshin player. Let’s look ahead to see what’s cooking.
Version 3.7: Throwback Thursday
First up, Version 3.7. It’s like a reunion for favorites. Phase 1 introduces the Pyro queen, Yoimiya, in her “Tapestry of Golden Flames.” Also returning is Yae Miko in her “Everbloom Violet” banner. New 4-star Dendro ninja, Kirara, joins both banners. Double the chances for her? Clever, Hoyoverse.
Version 4.4: Dress to Impress (for Free!)
Version 4.4 focuses on style. Xingqiu, our Hydro sword user, gets a new outfit. It’s free through the new event. Finally, a freebie that isn’t just weapon materials. Still, we always need those.
Version 4.6 Phase 2: A Banner Bonanza
Version 4.6 Phase 2 is a true banner feast. If you want to boost Anemo or Dendro, pay attention. The Wanderer and Baizhu lead the Limited Character Banner, with 4-stars joining them. Expect Faruzan for Anemo support, Beidou for Electro countering, and Layla for Cryo shielding. Choose wisely.
Version 4.8: The Mystery Box
Version 4.8 remains shrouded in mystery. Whispers are faint now. Hoyoverse may be holding secrets or just deciding. Stay alert for leaks and announcements. Anticipation is part of the fun, right?
Version 5.1: New Faces and Familiar Friends
Fast forward to Version 5.1. The first half will feature Xilonen, a new character, alongside Chiori. Reruns include Dendro Archon Nahida and Pyro queen Hu Tao. Version 5.1 promises a variety of banners. Start saving those Primogems.
Version 5.2: Anemo, Pyro, and Electro Oh My!
In Version 5.2, we get new characters. Phase 1 will introduce Chasca, a new 5-star Anemo character, along with a rerun of Lyney. Wait, there’s a 4-star surprise! Ororon, a new Electro character, also rates up on both banners. It’s like Hoyoverse says, “Enjoy these fresh characters!”
Meet the New Recruits: Playable Characters on the Horizon
New characters are Genshin Impact’s lifeblood. Let’s meet the fresh faces arriving in the game.
Chasca: Anemo Ace in the Sky
Chasca is shaping up nicely. She’s a 5-star Anemo DPS with a Bow. She can fly for 10 seconds! Ten seconds of air support? That’s longer than my focus in a Sumeru domain. She’s unique and strong. Her flying ability may make her a Spiral Abyss star. Team comps with Fina and Bennett are rumored. Sounds like a winning combo.
Ororon: Electro Buffer Extraordinaire
Ororon enters as a 4-star Electro bow user. Her main role involves off-field buffering and Electric damage. Think Fischl but with her own twist. Someone called her “other Granny.” Intriguing lore hint? Count me curious.
Varesa: The Competitive Eater with Electro Flair
Varesa will also be a playable Electro character. She’s known for competitive eating from the Collective of Plenty. Genshin makes unique backstories! Competitive eating? Okay, Hoyoverse, I’m intrigued. Will she have food skills? Electro-charged indigestion?
Xilonen: Support and DPS Dynamo
Xilonen is touted as an excellent Support who can also DPS when needed. Versatility is always valuable. Some compare her to Kazuha, suggesting she is worth getting if you missed him. High praise indeed. She’ll certainly fit into many team comps.
Alhaitham & Yaoyao: Dendro Duo from 3.4
Let’s not forget Alhaitham and Yaoyao. Version 3.4 introduced both characters. Alhaitham, the 5-star Dendro intellect, led his “Caution in Confidence” banner. Meanwhile, Yaoyao, the cute Dendro disciple, joined as well. They greatly expanded Teyvat’s Dendro roster.
Standard Banner Staples: The OG Five-Stars
The Standard Banner brings 5-star dreams to life… eventually. Let’s recall who joins this banner.
5-Star Characters: The Classics
The OG 5-star characters are classic rock in Genshin Impact lore. We have Diluc, your Pyro powerhouse; Jean, the reliable Anemo Acting Grand Master; Mona, the mysterious Hydro astrologist; Qiqi, the undead Cryo healer; and Keqing, Liyue’s Electro Yuheng. They’ve been here from day one, still kicking (and haunting us on 50/50 losses).
5-Star Weapons: Arm Yourself
The Standard Banner offers more than characters; look for 5-star weapons too. Iconic armaments include Amos’ Bow, Primordial Jade Winged Spear, Lost Prayers to the Sacred Winds, Wolf’s Gravestone, Aquila Favonia, plus the Skyward series: Skyward Harp, Skyward Spine, Skyward Atlas, Skyward Pride, and Skyward Blade. An armory of power awaits your pulls (or spooks, in case you wanted character).
Character Deep Dive: Nitty-Gritty Details
Want details on specific characters? Let’s dive further.
Chasca: Spiral Abyss Slayer
Chasca is “unique and absurdly strong.” Her flying ability and straightforward gameplay make her user-friendly with scaling damage to excel in Spiral Abyss. Team synergy talk includes “Fina” and Bennett for Hydro and Pyro reactions. Watch this one; she may shake up the game.
Ororon: Granny Lore?
The “other Granny” reference for Ororon? Confusing. Is there another “Granny” in Genshin lore? A familial tie? Or just a quirky nickname? Hoyoverse loves their hints and mysteries. Let’s explore the lore.
Chiori vs. Albedo: Geo Construct Showdown
Chiori and Albedo, both create Geo constructs. Chiori’s constructs are “indestructible,” a clear upgrade from Albedo’s flower that wilts under pressure (literally). Chiori dishes out more damage too. But Albedo has a wider range and versatility at C0. Chiori shines better with constellations, especially C1, to maximize utility. Better? It’s complicated—striking constructs and damage versus versatility.
Ganyu and Amos’ Bow: A Perfect Pair
Yes, Ganyu wields Amos’ Bow. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. Some pairings just fit perfectly together.
Chiori vs. Xilonen: Choose Your Role
In the Support vs. Sub-DPS debate, Xilonen offers DPS alongside support. Chiori focuses strictly on damage. If you seek Anemo crowd control, choose Xilonen. For off-field Geo damage, go for Chiori. Ultimately, it’s about your team and play style.
Game Mechanics Explored: Primogems and Pity
Let’s break down game mechanics for beginners and veterans alike.
Primogems to Wishes: The Numbers
To guarantee a 5-star character, save up 14,400 Primogems. That’s 90 wishes. It’s a must for that 5-star drop. Time to save up and pause spending on resin refills.
The 50/50 System: Take Your Chances
The risky 50/50 system drives Genshin’s gacha. On a Limited Character Banner, you have a 50% chance to pull the featured 5-star character. If you pull a Standard Banner character (like Jean or Diluc), you lose. Losing ensures your next 5-star will be the banner character. A mix of risk and emotional ups and downs.
Exploring Teyvat: Regions and Lore
Teyvat offers beauty and rich lore. Let’s tour its geography and history.
Natlan: The Fiery Nation
Next up is Natlan, the Pyro nation. Rumors suggest inspiration from the Philippines or Africa. Expect lively cultures and fiery terrain.
Inazuma: The Electro Frontier
After Liyue came Inazuma. Following elemental patterns, Hydro follows Electro, hinting that Fontaine is next. Every region unfolds a narrative connecting Teyvat.
Fontaine: Land of Hydro
Fontaine debuts in Genshin Impact 4.0 on August 16, 2023. It sits in Teyvat’s northwest. Rumors hint at two Archons—a “current Archon” and “late Archon.” Expect drama and power struggles as Fontaine unfolds.
Khaenri’ah: Shadows of Myths
Khaenri’ah, a lost nation, hides mystery and tragedy. Its lore draws from Germanic and Nordic stories, especially the Nibelungenlied. Themes of fallen kingdoms and ancient tech await exploration.
Not Just Playable Characters: Lore Entities and NPCs
Genshin features countless characters beyond the playable ones. Let’s meet a few.
Mavuika: The Pyro Ruler
Mavuika serves as the Pyro Archon. While details are scarce, as Natlan’s leader, her role will be crucial in future narratives.
Aberaku: Legend from Enkanomiya
Aberaku no Mikoto, or Abrax, holds historical significance in Enkanomiya. This area’s lore is already rich, but Aberaku adds more intrigue. Expect secrets and perhaps ghostly tales in Enkanomiya.
Melusines: Unique Fontaine Dwellers
In Fontaine reside the Melusines. This all-female race exemplifies Fontaine’s diversity. Anticipate unique interactions and quests about their culture.
Xavier: An NPC Connection
Xavier can be found at Mikage Furnace in Inazuma. Originally from Petrichor, Fontaine, his presence connects different regions. NPCs like Xavier provide insights into distantly related cultures.
Genshin History: A Timeline Overview
Let’s review the Genshin Impact version history for context.
Version 3.0: Sumeru Joins
Version 3.0, featuring Sumeru and Dendro, released on August 24, 2022. This update offered a whole new region with new reactions to master.
Version 3.4: New Characters Debut
Version 3.4, released in January 2023, introduced Alhaitham and Yaoyao, enhancing Sumeru’s character pool.
Version 3.7: TCG Takes Off
Version 3.7 arrived on May 24, 2023, revolutionizing the game with a Genius Invokation TCG update for card game fans.
Version 5.4: Current Updates
5.4 launched on February 12, 2025. Genshin evolves steadily with new versions and regions expanding the gameplay landscape.
That’s a quick trip through Genshin Impact’s world. From banner predictions to lore deep dives, use this knowledge to explore Teyvat like an expert adventurer. Go forth, explore, and may your wishes be in your favor while winning those 50/50s.
