GenshinBuilds’s Comprehensive Guide to Genshin Impact Banners: Current State, Upcoming Releases, and Past Trends
Expert Analysis: Version 6.2 Banners — A Glimpse into Genshin’s Evolving Meta
The introduction of Version 6.2, dubbed Luna III, within Genshin Impact represents a pivotal shift in the game’s meta, rivaling the impact of Sumeru’s Dendro element. This update doesn’t just bring new faces like Durin and highly anticipated reruns for characters such as Venti and Xilonen; it signals significant changes for veteran players. Beyond merely updating wish lists, these banners will influence Spiral Abyss team compositions, resource management strategies, and the careful allocation of limited Primogems as 2025 draws to a close.
HoYoverse’s strategy for this period is evident: pair newly impactful characters with beloved returning units, catering to diverse playstyles. Whether you are a dedicated collector, a meta-chaser, or a casual explorer, grasping the implications of these banners within Genshin’s historical rerun patterns—and understanding what awaits in early 2026—is vital for an effective pulling plan.
Quick Overview: Key Banner Details (6.2 Luna III, December–January)
- Banner Availability: December 23, 2025, to January 13, 2026 (following server reset, UTC+8)
- Featured Character Banners:
- Cornucopia of Contention (Varesa, first return)
- Forgefire’s Blessing (Xilonen, second return)
- Weapon Banner: Venti’s exclusive signature weapon (details provided below)
- Chronicled Wish: Not available during this cycle
Banner Schedule: Version 6.2 Luna III Breakdown
| Phase | Launch Date | Conclusion Date | 5★ Character Highlights | 4★ Character Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luna III Phase 2 | 2025-12-23 | 2026-01-13 | Varesa, Xilonen | Iansan, Chevreuse, Gaming |
| Weapon Banner | 2025-12-23 | 2026-01-13 | Venti’s Signature Weapon | Standard weapon pool |
Should You Engage? Pulling Advice for All Player Types
For Free-to-Play (F2P) and Low-Spending Players:Both Varesa and Xilonen possess considerable historical utility. Varesa is particularly valuable if you missed her initial appearance, offering unique enhancements for mono-Anemo compositions. Xilonen’s repeated reruns solidify her status as a potent Pyro anchor for both overworld exploration and challenging Spiral Abyss content. However, be aware that Primogem competition will intensify with the confirmed debuts of Columbina, Zibai, and Illuga in Version 6.3, commencing on January 13, 2026.If your pity count is high (e.g., at or above 60), prioritize banners that best complement your current character roster and align with anticipated meta shifts, especially if your team lacks versatile support units.
From a Min-Maxer’s Viewpoint:The current lineup of 4-star characters (Iansan, Chevreuse, Gaming) doesn’t redefine the meta as much as previous banner sets but does provide strong options for rounding out niche team archetypes. The absence of a Chronicled Wish banner in this phase means fewer potential detours, allowing players to concentrate their efforts on the primary event banners.
Weapon Banner Analysis:Venti’s signature weapon is often considered situational. Most players generally conserve their Primogems for obtaining limited-time characters, only pulling on weapon banners if they are dedicated to perfecting a multi-Anemo team composition.
Team Dynamics & Synergies: How Current Banners Influence Strategy
- Varesa: Bolsters Anemo’s strength in crowd control; achieves optimal results in double-Anemo setups or with flexible 4-piece Viridescent Venerer builds.
- Xilonen: Excels in delivering consistent Pyro application; pairs effectively with support characters like Bennett or newer Dendro units for powerful Burgeon reactions.
- The available four-star characters are more suited to supporting emerging team archetypes rather than leading them. Nevertheless, players on a budget can extract significant value, particularly for teams relying heavily on Elemental Mastery.
Preparation Guide—Your Daily/Weekly Tasks:Begin farming ascension materials for Varesa (available from her regional boss since Version 6.1).
Stock up on Fragile Resin; clearing Ley Lines is crucial for rapid character leveling.
If you plan to pull for upcoming patch debuts, focus on completing daily commissions and event Primogem rewards—early leaks suggest Columbina and Zibai will require unique overworld resources.
The Next Chapter: Confirmed Upcoming Characters
Arriving with Patch 6.3 (January 13, 2026, pending official adjustments):Columbina (new character), Zibai (new character), Illuga (new character)—all have been officially previewed through artwork and patch notes.
(Note: We only include details with official art or mentions; unconfirmed rumors or speculation are excluded.)
Historical Perspective: 6.2 Banners in Context
Recall the extended rerun droughts of Version 2.x? The current trend of dual reruns per phase, alongside new five-star characters appearing nearly every other patch, has dramatically diversified the overall character pool. Notably, Varesa’s rerun occurs just one patch after her initial release—a frequency not seen since Xiao’s quick return in Version 1.3 (2021). This suggests HoYoverse might be willing to accelerate reruns for characters that significantly impact the meta or quickly become fan favorites.
The inconsistent activation of the Chronicled Wish banner also continues a pattern observed since the 4.x era. While these event reruns are currently inactive, they could offer valuable opportunities for acquiring specific weapons or characters in the future, though caution is always advised.
Community Pulse: Veteran Insights & Cautions
On platforms like Reddit and NGA, seasoned players are discussing three primary concerns:
- Banner Saturation: The accelerated rerun cycles and almost monthly new character introductions present difficult choices for F2P players. Missing a banner now often means a potential return in just 2–3 patches, shifting the concern from power-creep to a sense of missing out.
- Pity System Navigation: The 50/50 and event pity mechanics remain unchanged. Players planning for future limited units must continue the Primogem saving discipline established during the Fontaine and Sumeru cycles.
- Meta Fluctuations: Analysis threads indicate an immediate surge in Spiral Abyss usage rates for characters like Varesa and Xilonen post-banner. However, historical Abyss trends show that reruns do not guarantee sustained peak performance, advising cautious investment.
Subtle Clues: Banner Art, Dialogue, and Upcoming Teasers
Astute fans have observed that Varesa’s most recent promotional art incorporates background elements from an upcoming region, hinting at her increased narrative importance. Similarly, recent in-game dialogue suggests that future banners will be closely tied to the unfolding main storyline.
Comprehensive Banner History: A Resource for Collectors
For those tracking when their preferred characters might return, GenshinBuilds’s comprehensive banner archive serves as the definitive reference—detailing debut dates, rerun frequencies, and 4-star character rotations. The standard of two banners per patch has been maintained since Version 2.3 (late 2021), with exceptions typically reserved for major regional milestones or significant story events.
(Information Not Officially Released): The schedule for the next Chronicled Wish activation; the timing for new Standard 5★ character additions.
What Lies Ahead
With Version 6.3 poised to introduce several major new five-star characters—and given HoYoverse’s current strategy of faster reruns—players can anticipate even shorter intervals between character debuts and their subsequent reruns. Diligent wish budgeting, meticulous planning for team ascensions, and staying informed about meta tournament updates will continue to yield significant rewards.
Key Message: Prioritize characters essential for your team compositions, understand that multi-year waits for reruns are largely a thing of the past, and manage your pulls strategically—especially since official teasers for high-tier units are now appearing a full patch in advance.
For a complete record of banner archives, ASCENSION/MATERIALS lists, or in-depth max-constellation strategy guides, please consult GenshinBuilds’s Genshin Impact guide hub.