OMG, fellow travelers! As a hardcore Genshin addict who's been grinding since 1.0, I've been counting down the days until Version 5.5 drops. Honestly, the Phase 1 banner decision between Varesa and Xianyun has me sweating more than fighting the weekly boss without food buffs! 😅 Both characters revolve around plunging attacks but play COMPLETELY different roles, making this the ultimate 'DPS vs Support' showdown. Let me break down why this banner is literal fire and how to decide where your precious primogems should go!
⚡ Varesa: The Electro Plunge Queen
Straight-up, Varesa's kit is WILD. As a 5-star Electro catalyst user, she turns Teyvat into her personal trampoline park! Her charged attack literally YEETS her into the air for instant plunges - no elevator constructs needed. The real magic happens when you enter her Fiery Passion state:
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Charges gained through plunging attacks
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Enhanced abilities & special burst activation
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Minimal Energy dependence (biggest flex tbh)
Her rotations feel smoother than Barbara's singing voice: Skill → Burst → Plunging Attack spam → repeat. She's basically Xiao 2.0 but with Electro versatility allowing insane reaction teams. Personally tested her with Iansan? Chef's kiss! That ATK boost from movement syncs perfectly with her jumpy playstyle.
Pros
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✅ Self-sufficient plunge machine
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✅ Electro element = more reaction options
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✅ Natlan character synergy (Citlali/Xilonen/Mavuika)
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✅ Doesn't need babysitting with Energy
Cons
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❌ Peak performance requires Xianyun support
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❌ Feels redundant if you main Xiao
🌪️ Xianyun: Plunge Attack's Fairy Godmother
Now let's talk about Xianyun - the OG plunge enabler who finally got a rerun after disappearing for a whole freaking year! As someone who missed her debut, I'm low-key crying tears of joy. This Anemo support literally makes ANY character do Xiao-level plunges. Her skill gives triple jumps ending with a plunge, and her passive? Honey, it gives CRIT Rate boosts based on enemies hit! 🤯
But here's the tea ☕: Her burst transforms teammates into Olympic high-jumpers while buffing plunge shockwave damage. She also heals, but let's keep it real - that burst has Energy requirements higher than my anxiety during Abyss runs. You'll need ER sands AND weapon, no cap.
Who She Works With
| Character | Synergy Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ★★★★☆ | Natural plunge DPS |
| Diluc | ★★★☆☆ | Pyro plunge madness |
| Hu Tao | ★★★★☆ | Cancel CA with plunge |
| Any DPS | ★★★★☆ | Literally ANYONE |
Pros
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✅ Makes plunge teams accessible
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✅ Hybrid support/healer
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✅ Universal compatibility
Cons
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❌ ER demands are brutal
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❌ Healing locked behind burst
🎮 Personal Pull Verdict
After testing both, here's my take: If you don't have a dedicated plunge DPS, Varesa is a no-brainer. She's fresh, independent, and brings electro swag to Natlan teams. But if you already own Xiao/Gaming or want future-proof flexibility? Xianyun is worth every primo. That rerun scarcity is REAL - took 14 months for her comeback! Either way, banners only run until April 16, so don't dilly-dally!
❓FAQ - Quick Fire Edition ❓
Q: Should I pull if I have Xiao?
A: Depends! Varesa feels different enough with electro reactions, but Xianyun buffs Xiao into god mode. Choose based on needing DPS vs support.
Q: Can Xianyun work without constellations?
A: Absolutely! C0 is already game-changing. Her C2 is busted though if you're a whale.
Q: F2P weapon options?
A: Varesa = Hakushin Ring (craftable). Xianyun = Favonius Codex or Oathsworn Eye if you have it.
Q: Will they rerun soon?
A: Girl, Xianyun took over a year! Varesa might vanish just as long. Pull now or regret later!
Q: Who's better for Abyss?
A: Xianyun enables more team variations, but Varesa's raw DPS slays single-target. Different strengths!
Q: Should I skip for Xilonen/Venti?
A: Phase 2 banners are great, but Varesa/Xianyun's plunge synergy is unique AF. Meta chasers should consider both phases!
At the end of the day, this banner phase is straight fire 🔥. Whether you go for flashy electro princess Varesa or the ultimate enabler Xianyun, you're winning. Just remember to grab that free Ororon from the 'Tournament of Glory in Bloom' event! Happy pulling, gamers - may your 50/50s be blessed!