Genshin Impact Version 6.1 Banner Characters Revealed—A Deep Dive into the Wish Lineup

Following the highly anticipated Version 6.1 Special Program, HoYoverse has officially unveiled the full roster of 5-star and 4-star characters set to feature on the Event Wishes for the upcoming update, “Song of the Welkin Moon: Reprise.” Version 6.1 is poised to be one of the most impactful patches of the year, not only introducing the much-speculated new Dendro Catalyst unit, Nefer, but also bringing back a slate of incredibly potent and high-demand rerun characters. This lineup presents a complex dilemma for players strategizing their limited Primogems, setting the stage for a major meta shift in the gacha game landscape.

Phase 1: New Dendro Powerhouse Meets the Hydro Archon

The first half of Genshin Impact Version 6.1, commencing on October 22, 2025, features a monumental dual-banner setup that promises to be a massive revenue generator for the publisher due to the sheer power and synergy of the featured characters. This phase is dominated by a new Dendro powerhouse and the Archon of Hydro.

Featured 5-Star Characters:

• Nefer (New 5-Star, Dendro/Catalyst): Nefer makes her debut as the latest 5-star character, hailing from the recently introduced region of Nod-Krai. Her kit is highly specialized, positioning her as an on-field DPS focused on exploiting the new Lunar-Bloom reaction. Her mechanics, which involve consuming “Verdant Dew” and “Shadow Dance” to unleash Enhanced Charged Attacks, require precise Hydro application, making her an exciting addition for team building enthusiasts. Early gameplay review suggests she will be a high-ceiling character, rewarding skill and proper team composition.
• Furina (Rerun 5-Star, Hydro/Sword): The return of the Hydro Archon is arguably the most significant aspect of Phase 1. Widely regarded as one of the best characters in the entire game, Furina provides immense, unconditional damage buffing for the entire team alongside consistent off-field Hydro application and considerable sub-DPS potential. Her synergy with Nefer is immediately apparent, as her Hydro application is crucial for maximizing Nefer’s Lunar-Bloom reaction damage. For players looking for a long-term investment, Furina remains a top-tier choice.

Weapons Banner (Epitome Invocation) Phase 1:

• The accompanying Phase 1 Weapon Banner will feature Nefer’s signature catalyst, Reliquary of Truth, alongside Furina’s signature sword, Splendor of Tranquil Waters. The Reliquary of Truth is expected to provide substantial CRIT DMG, Elemental Mastery, and CRIT Rate bonuses, perfectly tailored for Nefer’s DPS needs. This weapon banner offers incredible value for players targeting either character.

Phase 2: Archon Reruns and The “Knave’s” Second Appearance

The second half of Version 6.1, beginning around November 11, 2025, maintains the incredible investment value, bringing back two of the most universally sought-after 5-star characters in the Genshin Impact meta. This phase is scheduled to run until the Version 6.2 update on approximately December 2, 2025.

Featured 5-Star Characters:

• Arlecchino (Rerun 5-Star, Pyro/Polearm): “The Knave” returns for her second wish phase. As a highly dynamic Pyro Polearm DPS, Arlecchino’s unique kit revolves around the Bond of Life mechanic, which transforms her Normal Attacks into powerful, Pyro-infused strikes. Her immense damage potential makes her a must-pull for players seeking a new Pyro hypercarry or a highly engaging combat playstyle.
• Zhongli (Rerun 5-Star, Geo/Polearm): The Geo Archon and “God of Contracts” needs little introduction. Zhongli is arguably the best shielder in the game, providing near-unbreakable durability and universal Elemental Resistance Shred. His rerun is strategically placed to offer players a crucial defensive utility option. He provides excellent survivability for Arlecchino players, who take significant risks due to her Bond of Life self-healing restriction, and is a solid flex option for almost any team, including those featuring Nefer.

Weapons Banner (Epitome Invocation) Phase 2:

• Phase 2’s weapon banner is set to feature Arlecchino’s signature polearm, Crimson Moon’s Semblance, and Zhongli’s signature polearm, Vortex Vanquisher. Both are powerful 5-star weapons that significantly boost the performance of their respective wielder, completing a highly desirable rotation of premium-tier content for the entire patch.

Free Character and New Content: Miliastra Wonderland

Beyond the banners, Version 6.1 will also feature a key flagship event that rewards players with a free 4-star character. Leaks and official teasers suggest that Collei will be the free character giveaway, providing players with an accessible Dendro option, which is particularly relevant given Nefer’s debut and the new focus on the Dendro reaction meta.

Moreover, the update introduces Miliastra Wonderland, an ambitious new UGC (User-Generated Content) mode that allows players to design their own challenges and maps. This addition is a major developmental leap for Genshin Impact, diversifying the gameplay experience beyond traditional exploration and questing and offering a fresh avenue for community engagement and content sharing, a strategy often employed in top-tier live-service games to boost long-term retention.