Genshin Impact Version 6.1 Banners Officially Revealed

HoYoverse has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Event Wish banner lineup for Genshin Impact Version 6.1, also known as Luna II, scheduled for release on October 22, 2025. The announcement confirms the debut of a new 5-Star character and the return of three of the most powerful and highest CPC-value reruns in the game’s history. This carefully crafted banner selection is poised to drive significant engagement and in-game spending, solidifying Version 6.1 as a crucial patch for both dedicated players and the developer’s revenue model.

Phase 1: The New Hypercarry and the Hydro Archon

The first half of Version 6.1 is set to begin on October 22, 2025, and will feature a dual-banner pairing of compelling strategic value. This phase is particularly exciting for players looking to strengthen their Dendro reaction teams and acquire top-tier support characters.

The Phase 1 character banners are:

• Nefer (5-Star, Dendro Catalyst): Debuting on the Temptation of the Crimson Sands banner, Nefer is introduced as a powerful new Dendro catalyst-user specializing in an on-field DPS role. Her kit is centered around a new mechanic—the Lunar-Bloom reaction—which generates a unique stack (Shadow Dance) that enhances her Charged Attacks, allowing for a distinct playstyle separate from traditional Dendro Core reactions. Her arrival marks a significant shift in the Dendro meta, catering to players seeking a fresh and high-damage output character.
• Furina (5-Star, Hydro Sword): Rerunning on the Chanson of Many Waters banner, the Hydro Archon, Furina, remains one of the highest-value pulls in the game. Her exceptional utility as a party-wide damage buffer, off-field Hydro DPS, and Hydro Application specialist makes her an indispensable unit for almost any team composition, including those centered around Nefer’s new Lunar-Bloom mechanic. The strategic pairing of the new Dendro Hypercarry with the arguably best Hydro support is a clear call to action for players’ Primogem reserves.

The accompanying Phase 1 Weapon Banner will also feature their respective Signature Weapons: the new 5-Star catalyst, Reliquary of Truth (Nefer’s signature), and the returning 5-Star sword, Splendor of Tranquil Waters (Furina’s signature). This combination of potent character and weapon banners creates one of the most tempting investment periods for whales and F2P players alike.

Phase 2: Archon Reruns and High-Demand DPS

Following the first phase, the latter half of Genshin Impact Version 6.1 is slated to run from November 11, 2025, to December 2, 2025, and features a pair of rerun characters highly sought after by the player base. This phase brings back two foundational characters, one for damage and one for defensive utility.

The Phase 2 character banners are:

• Arlecchino (5-Star, Pyro Polearm): Rerunning on The Hearth’s Ashen Shadow banner, the Fatui Harbinger continues to be a top-tier Pyro Polearm Main-DPS. Known for her unique Bond of Life mechanic, which significantly boosts her Pyro-infused Normal Attacks, she offers a dynamic and high-risk, high-reward gameplay loop. Her return is a major event for players who missed her debut and are looking for a powerful Pyro damage dealer.
• Zhongli (5-Star, Geo Polearm): Returning on the Gentry of Hermitage banner, the Geo Archon, Zhongli, is universally renowned as the game’s premier Shield Support character. His unparalleled shield strength and defensive utility provide near-complete interruption resistance and sustainability for any team. For players prioritizing Quality of Life and team survivability, Zhongli remains an S-tier pull and a consistent revenue driver for HoYoverse.

The Phase 2 Weapon Banner will feature their signature polearms: Crimson Moon’s Semblance (Arlecchino’s signature) and Vortex Vanquisher (Zhongli’s signature), rounding out a patch filled with high-value character and weapon acquisitions.

Beyond Banners: Miliastra Wonderland and New Content

Version 6.1 is more than just character banners; it also introduces a major new feature that shifts the paradigm of Genshin Impact’s longevity: Miliastra Wonderland. This ambitious new User-Generated Content (UGC) sandbox mode allows players to craft and share their own custom gameplay experiences, akin to a “Teyvat-based level editor.” The developer is positioning this mode as a cornerstone of future player engagement, designed to provide an almost infinite source of new content and community interaction without requiring massive open-world updates in every patch.

Other key updates in Version 6.1 include:

• The continuation of the main Archon Quest storyline within the new region of Nod-Krai.
• The introduction of a new World Boss, Frostnight Herra, whose materials will be necessary for ascending the new character, Nefer.
• A host of limited-time events, which are crucial for farming Primogems and Ascension materials.

The overwhelming strength of the Version 6.1 banner lineup, featuring two highly synergistic Archons, a high-impact Pyro DPS, and a brand-new Dendro Hypercarry, has led to widespread excitement and strategic planning within the Genshin Impact community. The patch is a masterful blend of new content, strategic reruns, and foundational new systems (UGC Mode), ensuring its success in the fiercely competitive AAA Gacha market.

Detailed Breakdown of Character Pull Value (Review Game & Investment Analysis)

From a critical game review and investment standpoint, the Version 6.1 lineup is unprecedented. Players face a significant choice on where to spend their Acquaint Fates and Intertwined Fates.

Phase 1 Investment Analysis: Synergy and Future-Proofing

The pairing of Nefer and Furina offers immediate, powerful synergy. Nefer is the gateway to the new Lunar-Bloom mechanic, making her a future-oriented pull. However, Furina’s long-term value in the Teyvat meta is arguably higher. Her ability to fit into a vast array of team compositions—as a universal buffer—makes her a “pull” for both power gamers and players seeking the greatest return on investment (ROI) for their premium currency.

• Nefer: Recommended for players seeking cutting-edge Dendro DPS and are committed to the new Lunar Reaction teams. High ceiling but potentially team-locked.
• Furina: Highly recommended. Best-in-slot Hydro unit for most teams, offering massive damage buffs and powerful off-field Hydro application. A character whose value is guaranteed to last for the game’s foreseeable future.

Phase 2 Investment Analysis: Stability and Raw Power

Phase 2 offers an excellent opportunity to bolster either offensive power (Arlecchino) or defensive stability (Zhongli), appealing to different player preferences. Arlecchino represents raw, sustained Pyro DPS, while Zhongli provides an unmatched layer of defensive security for challenging End-Game Content like the Spiral Abyss.

• Arlecchino: Recommended for players needing a powerful on-field DPS. She rewards aggressive play and high-skill execution, a prime example of a high-damage carry.
• Zhongli: Highly recommended for every account. His universal shield dramatically lowers the difficulty curve for all content, making challenging encounters manageable. An essential unit for QoL and high sustainability.

The overall patch structure reflects HoYoverse’s successful strategy: introduce captivating new characters to entice new revenue streams while rerunning core, must-have units to drain existing Primogem savings. This method ensures the continued health and profitability of the live-service gaming model, maintaining high player retention through compelling content cycles.