Genshin Impact 4.0 Banners: Everything You Need to Know

The Genshin Impact banner system represents the core gacha mechanic that governs character and weapon acquisition. Each game version typically spans approximately 42 days, divided into two distinct phases of 21 days each. This structured approach allows developers to introduce new content while providing opportunities for character re-runs that players may have missed previously.

Originally, the system featured single banners per phase with exclusive five-star characters. However, as the character roster expanded significantly with each region update, HoYovese implemented dual banner phases to accommodate both new introductions and returning favorites. This evolution directly responded to community feedback requesting more frequent re-run opportunities for beloved characters from earlier versions.

A critical mechanic every player must understand is the shared pity system. When you perform wishes across different character event banners within the same phase, your pity counter accumulates collectively. For instance, if you’ve made 40 wishes on the first banner and then switch to the second banner, your next wish will register as number 41 in the pity counter. This system prevents wasted wishes when targeting multiple characters simultaneously.

The standard version duration of six weeks provides consistent content pacing, though exceptions have occurred. During the COVID-19 pandemic in China, update schedules experienced significant delays, resulting in the Kamisato Ayaka banner remaining active for several months rather than the typical three-week duration. Such instances highlight the importance of flexibility in your wish planning strategy.

Weapon banners maintain separate pity systems from character banners, with each phase featuring signature weapons corresponding to the featured five-star characters. The permanent standard banner, “Wanderlust Invocation,” operates independently with its own pity counter and features a fixed pool of standard five-star characters and weapons that never change.

Genshin Impact Version 4.0 introduced the highly anticipated Fontaine region, bringing justice-themed narratives and hydro-powered mechanics to the game. The banner schedule follows the established two-phase structure, with carefully curated character selections that complement the new aquatic gameplay elements and story progression.

Phase 1 showcases Lyney, the five-star pyro bow user from Fontaine, alongside Yelan, the formidable hydro bow character from Liyue. This phase benefits from exceptional synergy between these characters, particularly for players building vaporize teams or seeking powerful hydro application. The featured four-star roster includes Lynette (Fontaine’s anemo sword user), Xingqiu (hydro support specialist), and Sayu (anemo healer and mobility character).

Phase 2 delivers two highly sought-after Liyue re-runs: Zhongli, the geo archon renowned for his unparalleled shield capabilities, and Tartaglia (Childe), the hydro dps with unique melee/ranged stances. These characters represent some of the most powerful utility and damage options in their respective roles. The accompanying four-star characters are Freminet (Fontaine’s cryo claymore user), Noelle (geo healer/shielder), and Xinyan (pyro physical dps).

The weapon banners feature signature equipment tailored to each phase’s characters. Phase 1 introduces “The First Great Magic” (Lyney’s signature bow) alongside “Aqua Simulacra” (Yelan’s signature weapon). Phase 2 showcases “Vortex Vanquisher” (Zhongli’s signature polearm) and “Polar Star” (Childe’s signature bow). Weapon banners represent significant primogem investments, so careful consideration of your account needs is essential before committing resources.

Strategic assessment of these banners should consider your existing roster, desired team compositions, and available primogem reserves. New Fontaine characters like Lyney and Lynette introduce mechanics specific to the region’s underwater exploration, while re-run characters like Zhongli provide universal utility that benefits virtually every team composition in the game.

Mastering Genshin Impact’s banner system requires strategic foresight beyond simply wishing for favorite characters. Begin by establishing a primogem budget for each version cycle, accounting for daily commissions, event rewards, spiral abyss clears, and exploration primogems. Most free-to-play players can accumulate approximately 60-70 wishes per version, while welkin moon buyers can reach 90-100 wishes.

The pity system guarantees a five-star character every 90 wishes, with soft pity beginning around wish 74 where probability increases significantly. Understanding the 50/50 mechanic is crucial—your first five-star has a 50% chance to be the featured character and 50% chance to be a standard banner character. If you lose the 50/50, your next five-star is guaranteed to be the featured character, carrying over between banners of the same type.

Common mistakes include spreading wishes too thinly across multiple banners without securing guarantees, neglecting to track pity counters accurately, and impulsively wishing on weapon banners without understanding the epitomized path system. Weapon banners feature two five-star weapons with no guarantee of obtaining your desired weapon without the epitomized path, which requires up to 240 wishes for guarantee compared to 180 for character banners.

Advanced optimization involves planning multiple versions ahead by monitoring leaks and official announcements from reliable sources. Consider creating a wish priority list ranking characters by their value to your account, team synergy potential, and gameplay preference. Characters with universal utility like Zhongli often provide greater long-term value than niche specialists unless they perfectly complement your existing roster.

For players interested in mastering team compositions beyond banner strategies, our Class Guide provides detailed analysis of character roles and synergies. Additionally, understanding resource management is crucial—check our Complete Guide for comprehensive primogem optimization techniques that apply across different game modes and activities.

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