The Genshin Impact community is buzzing with excitement as we head further into 2025, with a torrent of new information for Version 5.5 making its way online. While the current Version 5.4 has been a quieter patch focused on events, Version 5.5 is shaping up to be massive, bringing a new Natlan map expansion, new artifacts, and most importantly, new characters. Among the most discussed topics is the Genshin Impact actual leaked Xianyun rerun, which appears to be strategically timed with the debut of a brand-new 5-star DPS, Varesa.
Version 5.5 Phase 1: The Plunging Attack Powerhouse
Reliable leaks, including those from HomDGCat, have given us a clear picture of the upcoming character banners. Phase 1 of Version 5.5 is set to be a game-changer for fans of a particular high-flying playstyle. The banners are expected to feature the new 5-star Electro Catalyst user, Varesa, alongside the highly anticipated rerun of the 5-star Anemo Catalyst user, Xianyun.
Here’s the breakdown of the leaked Phase 1 banners:
| 5-Star Characters | 4-Star Characters |
|---|---|
| Varesa (Electro Catalyst) | Iansan (Electro Polearm) |
| Xianyun (Anemo Catalyst) | Gaming (Pyro Claymore) |
| Chevreuse (Pyro Polearm) |
The synergy here is almost impossible to ignore. Leaks about Varesa's kit suggest she is a dedicated Plunging Attack DPS. Her abilities reportedly allow her to propel herself into the air to unleash powerful Plunging Attacks, which form the core of her damage output. This is where Xianyun comes in. Since her release, Xianyun has established herself as the premier support for Plunging Attack teams, offering not just healing but also a significant Plunging Attack DMG bonus and even a CRIT Rate buff for her allies. Her ability to enable any character to perform Plunging Attacks is valuable, but for a character like Varesa who is built for it, Xianyun's buffs are simply phenomenal. 🤩
Is Xianyun Actually a Must-Pull for Varesa?
While the synergy seems perfect on paper, the community is deep in discussion about how crucial Xianyun really is for Varesa's best teams. Some players argue that while Xianyun is a top-tier option, she might not be the absolute only choice, especially considering the other characters available. With the new 4-star Electro character Iansan also on the banner, and Chevreuse providing powerful buffs for Overload teams, there are compelling alternatives.
One potential issue is overcapping on certain stats. For instance, a well-invested Varesa might already have a high CRIT Rate, and the additional CRIT Rate from Xianyun's passive could lead to diminishing returns. Furthermore, some theorycrafters suggest that teams built around Chevreuse for Overload or even teams featuring the powerful Geo support Xilonen might compete with, or in some cases outperform, the Xianyun variant depending on constellations and investment levels. The comparison isn't just about Varesa + Xianyun, but about the entire team composition, including staples like Iansan or the ever-present Furina. It's a classic Genshin Impact dilemma: chase the perfect synergistic support or build a powerful team with more accessible or versatile units you already have? 🤔
Phase 2 Banners and Future Primogem Planning
For players who decide to skip Xianyun or are looking for other powerful characters, Phase 2 of Version 5.5 also looks very tempting. The leaked banners for the second half feature:
-
Xilonen (5-Star Geo Sword)
-
Venti (5-Star Anemo Bow)
-
Faruzan (4-Star Anemo Bow)
-
Beidou (4-Star Electro Claymore)
-
Yanfei (4-Star Pyro Catalyst)
This marks the long-awaited first rerun for Xilonen, one of Natlan's most reliable and flexible support characters, known for her RES shred capabilities. Pairing her with Venti and his premium Anemo support, Faruzan, makes Phase 2 an incredibly valuable banner period for both new and veteran players. Ultimately, Version 5.5 is shaping up to be a fantastic but challenging patch for anyone trying to save Primogems. Whether you're pulling for the Genshin Impact actual leaked Xianyun rerun to enable Varesa's aerial dominance or saving for the versatile Xilonen, careful planning will be key. As always, remember that this information is based on leaks and is subject to change until the official announcement from HoYoverse. Good luck, Travelers! ✨