What are the new character banners in Genshin Impact's latest version update?

In Genshin Impact, character banners are a core part of the game's gacha system, allowing players to obtain new and returning characters. Each version update typically introduces two phases of character banners, each featuring a 5-star character and three 4-star characters with increased drop rates. The latest version update, as of now, includes two new character banners: one featuring a new 5-star character and another featuring a rerun of a previously released 5-star character. These banners are accompanied by a weapon banner that includes signature weapons tailored for the featured characters.

To understand how to approach these banners, it's important to first grasp the mechanics of the gacha system. Each banner has a pity system, which guarantees a 5-star character or weapon after a certain number of pulls. For character banners, the soft pity starts at around 75 pulls, with a guaranteed 5-star at 90 pulls. If you don't get the featured 5-star character, the next 5-star pull is guaranteed to be the featured character. This is known as the 50/50 system. The weapon banner works similarly but has a different pity system, with a soft pity at 65 pulls and a hard pity at 80 pulls. Additionally, the weapon banner uses an epitomized path system, where you can select a specific weapon and guarantee it after two failed attempts.

To maximize your chances of obtaining the featured characters, it's crucial to save Primogems and Intertwined Fates. Primogems can be earned through daily commissions, events, exploration, and quests, while Intertwined Fates are used specifically for limited-time banners. Plan your pulls based on your priorities. If you're aiming for a specific 5-star character, ensure you have enough resources to reach the pity system, which is approximately 180 pulls for a guaranteed character.

When pulling on banners, consider the 4-star characters featured alongside the 5-star. These characters often have increased drop rates and can be valuable additions to your roster. For example, if the banner includes a strong support character like Bennett or Xingqiu, it might be worth pulling even if you're not specifically aiming for the 5-star character. Additionally, evaluate the weapon banner if the featured weapons are highly beneficial for your main DPS characters. However, be cautious with the weapon banner, as it can be more resource-intensive due to the epitomized path system.

Team composition is another important factor to consider when pulling on banners. If you're aiming for a new 5-star DPS character, think about how they will fit into your existing team. For example, if the new character is a Pyro DPS, you might want to pair them with a Hydro support like Xingqiu for powerful Vaporize reactions. Similarly, if the character is a support or sub-DPS, consider how they can enhance your current team's performance. For instance, a character like Kazuha can provide crowd control and elemental damage buffs, making them a versatile addition to many teams.

Artifact and weapon recommendations are also crucial for optimizing your new characters. Each character has a preferred artifact set and main stats that maximize their potential. For example, a DPS character like Hu Tao benefits from the Crimson Witch of Flames set, which boosts Pyro damage and reaction damage. Similarly, support characters like Bennett thrive with the Noblesse Oblige set, which increases the team's attack after using an elemental burst. When it comes to weapons, signature weapons are often the best choice, but there are also strong 4-star alternatives. For example, the Staff of Homa is Hu Tao's signature weapon, but the Dragon's Bane is a viable 4-star option for increasing her elemental mastery.

Common mistakes to avoid include pulling on banners without a clear plan or sufficient resources. It's easy to get tempted by the allure of new characters, but without enough Primogems, you might end up empty-handed. Additionally, avoid spreading your resources too thin by pulling on multiple banners simultaneously. Focus on one banner at a time to ensure you can reach the pity system if needed. Another mistake is neglecting to consider the 4-star characters and weapons on the banner. Even if you don't get the 5-star character, the 4-star options can still be valuable additions to your team.

Advanced techniques include tracking your pity count and planning your pulls around future banners. By keeping track of how many pulls you've made since your last 5-star, you can better predict when you'll hit pity. Additionally, staying informed about upcoming banners through official announcements and leaks can help you save resources for characters you truly want. For example, if you know a highly anticipated character like Raiden Shogun is returning in the next update, you might choose to skip the current banners to save for her.

In summary, approaching character banners in Genshin Impact requires careful planning and resource management. Understand the pity system, prioritize your pulls based on your team's needs, and consider the 4-star characters and weapons featured on the banner. Avoid common mistakes like impulsive pulling and spreading resources too thin. By following these strategies, you can maximize your chances of obtaining the characters and weapons that will enhance your gameplay experience.