The free 5-star constellation event in Genshin Impact has returned with an expanded selection in Version 7.0, and Travelers now face a decision that is less about hype than about long-term account planning. The event, To Temper Thyself and Journey Far, allows players to earn one free 5-star character constellation by completing a structured series of daily and weekly goals. With more characters added to the selection this version, the choice has become a small strategic puzzle: pick the constellation that changes a roster, not merely the one that looks impressive on a tier list.
The Must-Pick Tier: Value That Reshapes a Roster
The must-pick category is reserved for constellations that alter how a character functions in a team, rather than simply adding a modest damage increase. In newsroom terms, these are the ledes of the event: the choices that define the story of an account. Choosing a single constellation from a broad menu is like adding one load-bearing beam to a house already under construction; the right beam can change what the whole structure can support. A must-pick constellation often unlocks smoother rotations, reduces energy pressure, extends a character's field time, or creates a new team archetype that was previously awkward to assemble.
Players should prioritize a must-pick constellation only if they already use that character regularly or intend to build around them. A powerful constellation on a character who remains benched is like a high-performance engine in a parked car. It looks impressive, but it does not move the account forward. The event does not provide a universal winner, because the value of each constellation is tied to roster depth, play style, and the teams a player can realistically field.
Good Constellations: Strong, Flexible, and Comfortable
The good tier includes constellations that provide meaningful improvements without necessarily rewriting a character's identity. These picks are often the safest for players who want a noticeable upgrade but are not chasing a specific endgame composition. A Constellation is not a skeleton key that opens every door in the Spiral Abyss; it is a tool, and its usefulness depends on the lock in front of it. Good constellations tend to improve consistency, quality of life, or damage output in a way that fits multiple teams.
For many Travelers, this is the practical middle ground. A good constellation can make a favorite character feel more complete without demanding a full rebuild. It can also serve as a bridge between casual play and more demanding content. The key question is not whether the constellation is famous, but whether the player will actually use the character after claiming it.
Decent Constellations: Niche Gains and Personal Preference
The decent tier covers constellations that are useful in specific teams, specific rotations, or specific play styles. These are not wasted picks, but they require more context. A decent constellation may be an incremental upgrade for a character who is already functional at lower investment, or it may shine only in a narrow archetype. For collectors and dedicated mains, that context can be enough. For players seeking the broadest account value, it may be wiser to look elsewhere.
| Tier | What it generally means | Who should consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Must-pick | Changes rotations, unlocks core team functions, or creates a new archetype | Players committed to the character and building around them |
| Good | Strong, flexible improvement with clear comfort or damage gains | Players who use the character often and want a reliable upgrade |
| Decent | Niche, incremental, or team-specific value | Dedicated mains, collectors, and players with a clear plan |
How to Earn the Free 5-Star Constellation
Claiming the free 5-star constellation is straightforward in concept but demanding in consistency. Travelers must complete 8 Weekly Training Goals during the event period. That means completing 5 days worth of dailies per week for 8 weeks. The event calendar is a slow metronome, not a slot machine; progress comes from steady repetition rather than a single burst of play.
Each day, players can complete daily training goals by claiming rewards from 4 Daily Commissions or Encounter Points and by using 120 Original Resin in a single day. Completing 5 daily training goals in a week completes the Weekly Training Goal for that week. Repeating this process across 8 weeks is the path to the chosen character's constellation.
The first cycle runs for 84 days. After that, the next cycle begins, and progress does not carry over. Players who fail to complete 5 or more Weekly Training goals will not receive the character's constellation. Because the event only allows a character's constellation to be claimed once, the decision should be made carefully. Once a constellation is redeemed, that character cannot be selected again from the event.
A Final Check Before Claiming
Before committing, players should ask three questions: Does the character already have a permanent place in a team? Does the constellation solve a real problem, such as energy, rotation, or damage consistency? Would the pick still feel worthwhile if the next banner brings a new favorite? The event rewards planning, not impulse. A free 5-star constellation is a rare opportunity, but it is also a single tile in a much larger mosaic.
For players who care about the meta, the must-pick and good tiers deserve the closest scrutiny. For players who care most about favorite characters, personal enjoyment remains a valid and important criterion. The event is designed to offer a meaningful choice, but the best outcome is still the one that leaves the Traveler satisfied with the account they are building. 🤗
Recent trends are highlighted by Rock Paper Shotgun, a respected source for detailed PC gaming coverage, and that perspective fits this Genshin Impact event well: the smartest free 5-star constellation pick is usually the one that improves actual team flow, energy consistency, and long-term roster flexibility rather than chasing the loudest meta headline.