TL;DR
- Genshin Impact 4.4 offers one free 4-star Liyue character during Lantern Rite festival
- Choose from 10 characters including Gaming, Xingqiu, Xiangling, Beidou, and Yaoyao
- Complete Archon Quest prerequisites to unlock the selection event
- Xingqiu provides exceptional sub-DPS value while Gaming offers new gameplay options
- Claim through event menu during the version 4.4 update period
The Genshin Impact 4.4 update brings exciting opportunities for players to strengthen their roster with complimentary characters. During the annual Lantern Rite festival celebration, HoYoverse continues its tradition of generosity by offering adventurers a chance to acquire a free 4-star character from the Liyue region. This event coincides with the Chinese New Year festivities, providing both new and veteran players with valuable resources to enhance their team compositions.
To participate in this character selection event, players typically need to complete specific story progression milestones. Based on previous similar events and current information, you’ll likely need to finish either Act III of the Prologue Archon Quest titled Song of the Dragon and Freedom or reach Act IV of Chapter 1 known as We Will Be Reunited. These requirements ensure players have sufficient game knowledge to properly utilize their new character while maintaining story coherence.

The character selection pool for Genshin Impact 4.4 includes ten diverse 4-star characters from Liyue, each offering unique combat styles and elemental abilities. Your available choices encompass: Gaming, Xiangling, Beidou, Xingqiu, Ningguang, Chongyun, Xinyan, Yun Jin, Yanfei, and Yaoyao. This selection represents a balanced mix of damage dealers, support units, and specialized characters to fit various team archetypes and playstyles.
When evaluating your optimal choice, consider both immediate needs and long-term account value. Xingqiu stands out as arguably the most versatile selection, functioning as an S-tier sub-DPS with exceptional hydro application for reaction-based teams. Beidou provides powerful electro AoE damage and damage reduction, while YaoYao offers reliable dendro healing and application. The newly introduced Gaming presents fresh gameplay mechanics for plunge attack enthusiasts, and Yun Jin excels as a normal attack buffer for characters like Yoimiya and Ayato.
Claiming your free 4-star character follows a straightforward process once the event becomes active. Players who have completed the necessary Archon Quest prerequisites can access the event through the game’s main menu during the version 4.4 update period. The selection interface typically appears in the events section, where you can browse available characters and make your final choice with a simple confirmation.
The event duration usually spans several weeks within the update cycle, giving players ample time to complete any remaining prerequisites. Historical patterns suggest the selection window remains open for approximately three weeks, but always verify exact dates in the official event announcements. Once selected, your character immediately joins your roster without requiring additional resources or gacha pulls, making this an exceptionally resource-efficient acquisition method.
Making an informed character selection requires careful consideration of your current roster, resource availability, and team composition goals. For players lacking strong hydro applicators, Xingqiu represents the premier choice due to his consistent off-field damage and elemental reaction enabling capabilities. If your account needs defensive utility, YaoYao provides exceptional healing with dendro application synergy for bloom and hyperbloom teams.
Newer players should prioritize characters with lower investment requirements and broader team compatibility. Xiangling remains a fantastic free-to-play friendly option with her powerful pyronado and snapshot mechanics. Meanwhile, veterans might consider constellation progression for characters they already use frequently or niche picks like Yun Jin to enable specific team compositions. Always evaluate how each character fits into your existing teams rather than viewing them in isolation.
Avoid common selection mistakes like choosing based solely on appearance or immediately available materials. Consider long-term value, constellation benefits, and weapon availability. Characters at higher constellations often experience significant power spikes, so if you already have C5 Xiangling, completing her C6 could provide more value than acquiring a new character you may rarely use.
Action Checklist
- Complete required Archon Quests (Act III Prologue or Act IV Chapter 1)
- Wait for version 4.4 update and event activation
- Access event menu through game interface
- Evaluate character options based on team needs and constellations
- Confirm selection and claim your free character
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Genshin Impact 4.4: How to Get a Free 4-Star Liyue Character? Complete guide to claiming your free 4-star Liyue character in Genshin Impact 4.4 with strategic selection advice
