Hey everyone! Just watched the latest Special Program for Genshin Impact 3.4, and my Primogems are already sweating! 🥵 As a long-time player, I know the struggle of choosing between banners all too well. HoYoverse has officially announced the new character banners for the update, and it's another tough choice between four incredible heroes. This time, the banners are split across two phases, featuring one brand-new character and the return of three absolute fan favorites. It's like being a kid in a candy store, but the candy costs your entire life savings of Fates! 😭 So, let's dive into the details and see who's coming to wish for in the Lantern Rite Festival update!
Phase 1 Banners: The Wise Scholar & The Vigilant Yaksha
First up, Phase 1 is bringing the heat with a brand-new 5-star Dendro character! Say hello to Alhaitham! 🌿
This guy isn't just another pretty face from the Akademiya; he's a top scholar and a key player in Sumeru's main story. He wields a sword and his combat style revolves around creating these cool "Chisel-Light Mirrors" that turn his attacks into Dendro damage. From what the leaks suggested (and seem to be true!), he's gonna be an Elemental Mastery monster, perfect for amplifying Spread reactions. Getting him is like finally getting the answer key to the hardest exam in Teyvat—everything just clicks into place! 🤯
Sharing the spotlight in Phase 1 is the one and only Xiao, the Conqueror of Demons, making his rerun! 🎭 He's the premier Anemo plunging attack DPS, and his playstyle is as high-risk, high-reward as ever. If Alhaitham is a precise, calculated formula, Xiao is a raging storm—uncontrollable, devastating, and utterly breathtaking to watch. Pairing these two in the same phase is a masterstroke; it's like offering both a scalpel and a sledgehammer and asking players to choose their weapon.
And let's not forget the new 4-star! Yaoyao, the long-awaited Dendro polearm healer, is finally making her playable debut! She'll have a boosted drop rate on both Phase 1 banners. While you can get her later from standard wishes or the Lantern Rite event itself, pulling for her now is your best shot.
Phase 1 Featured Characters:
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alhaitham (Dendro Sword) - NEW
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Xiao (Anemo Polearm) - Rerun
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⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yaoyao (Dendro Polearm) - NEW
Phase 2 Banners: The Strategic Return of Legends
If Phase 1 got your heart racing, Phase 2 might just make it stop! This phase is all about reruns, and they're bringing back two of the most powerful and popular characters in the game.
First, we have Yelan, the mysterious Hydro archer. 🌊
Since her release, Yelan has cemented herself as an S-tier Sub-DPS and support. Her ability to deal massive off-field Hydro damage while buffing the active character is simply unmatched. She's the Swiss Army knife of Hydro application—versatile, reliable, and makes every team she's in significantly better. Rolling for her constellations is like upgrading a high-performance engine; each level unlocks smoother, more powerful gameplay.
And then, there's Hu Tao. 🔥 The beloved (and slightly unhinged) Pyro polearm DPS from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor returns! Her unique playstyle, which revolves around staying at low HP for maximum damage, is still one of the most satisfying in the game. She hits like a truck fueled by pure chaos. Managing her health is a delicate dance, but pulling it off feels as rewarding as nailing a perfect solo in a rock concert—thrilling and slightly dangerous!
Phase 2 Featured Characters:
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yelan (Hydro Bow) - Rerun
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hu Tao (Pyro Polearm) - Rerun
Why This Banner Lineup Makes Perfect Sense
You might have noticed a theme here. Except for Alhaitham from Sumeru, all the other featured 5-star characters (Xiao, Yelan, Hu Tao) are from Liyue. That's no coincidence! Version 3.4 is centered around the Lantern Rite Festival, Liyue's biggest annual celebration. It's only fitting that the banners reflect the festival's significance, bringing back Liyue's iconic heroes for players to welcome during the festivities. It's HoYoverse's way of throwing a massive party for Liyue, and we're all invited to spend our Primogems as party favors! 🎉
Final Thoughts & Primogem Strategy
So, here's the breakdown in a simple table:
| Phase | Featured 5-Star Characters | Featured 4-Star | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alhaitham (NEW) & Xiao | Yaoyao (NEW) | Wisdom & Vigilance |
| 2 | Yelan & Hu Tao | TBA | Liyue Legends |
As of 2026, these banners remain iconic examples of HoYoverse's banner planning. My advice? Plan carefully! These banners are only live for a limited time. If you're a meta player, Yelan is arguably one of the best investments you can make for your account. If you love complex, stylish gameplay, Alhaitham looks incredible. And if you just want unga-bunga big numbers, Xiao and Hu Tao are waiting for you.
Remember, the gacha system can be as unpredictable as a Dendro slime in a fireworks factory. Good luck to everyone pulling! May your 50/50s be won and your pulls be early! 🍀 Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go stare at my Primogem count and cry a little... 😂