As Teyvat's horizons broaden in 2025, Genshin Impact's ever-growing roster of characters shines a spotlight on the creaky foundations of the Wish Banner system. With each update adding new four-star and five-star heroes, the existing methods for obtaining them feel like a worn-out map in an uncharted wilderness—players are left navigating a labyrinth where certain characters, especially Cryo wielders and fresh four-stars, get lost in the shuffle. According to recent leaks, this is about to change with phase two of the 5.4 update, where long-neglected Cryo characters like Charlotte, Chongyun, and Mika are finally emerging from the shadows, signaling a potential shift in how miHoYo addresses character droughts and rerun priorities. But as players rejoice over this frosty revival, it's clear that deeper cracks in the system need patching to prevent history from repeating itself.
The Cryo Comeback: A Leak Reveals the Long-Awaited Frost
The whispers from trusted sources like HomDGCat have finally solidified into something tangible: the upcoming Event Wish Banners in phase two of Genshin Impact's 5.4 update will feature a trio of Cryo characters that have been gathering dust in the roster's back alleys. For players who've endured the icy silence of 2024—a year where Cryo characters were as rare as a summer snowstorm—this feels like a thaw in a frozen tundra. The leaked lineup includes:
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Charlotte (Cryo Catalyst): A character who's been waiting in the wings for so long, she's practically become an urban legend among the community. Her absence since her debut in version 4.2 back in November 2023 has been a sore spot, making her rerun a beacon of hope.
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Chongyun (Cryo Claymore): Once a staple, but lately overshadowed, his return is like finding an old family heirloom tucked away in the attic—familiar yet refreshing.
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Mika (Cryo Polearm): A newer addition who never quite got his due, now stepping into the spotlight as if emerging from a long hibernation.
This Cryo-heavy Banner isn't just a random event; it's miHoYo's response to the neglect that's plagued the element. Throughout 2024, Cryo characters were treated like forgotten relics in an ancient archive, rarely featured in reruns or new releases. Imagine them as ice sculptures slowly melting in a deserted museum—visually stunning but ignored until someone finally turns on the lights. Now, with this update, players have a golden chance to bolster their teams with frosty firepower. But why did it take so long? Charlotte's case is especially poignant; she's been sitting atop the rerun waiting list with a record-breaking streak of absence. Her return feels like a thawed glacier finally carving a path forward, yet it raises questions about why characters must endure such prolonged isolation in the first place. :snowflake:
The Underlying Chill: Why Character Neglect Persists
Genshin Impact's character acquisition mechanics have always danced on a tightrope, balancing novelty with accessibility. But in 2025, the system feels increasingly strained. Event Wish Banners, the primary avenue for snagging characters, often favor flashy five-star reruns while leaving four-stars—especially newer ones—stranded in a purgatory of neglect. This isn't just about Cryo; it's a broader issue where characters like Charlotte become cautionary tales, trapped in a cycle of invisibility. The problem? Older four-stars have had countless opportunities to shine, with players easily maxing out their Constellations, while newcomers languish. It's as if the game's economy is a bustling market stall where only the vintage items get prime display, leaving the fresh produce to rot in the back—a disheartening sight for anyone investing time and primogems.
The leaks suggest this Banner might be a band-aid solution, but it highlights the need for systemic overhauls. Consider the current setup: Event Wish Banners don't prioritize based on the rerun waiting list, leading to absurd gaps like Charlotte's. And if miHoYo introduces a third Banner for five-star characters, as rumored, it could worsen the four-star dilemma if they share the same pool. That's like adding a new lane to a highway but forgetting to fix the potholes—traffic might flow better for some, but others still hit bumps. Players have floated ideas for fixes, such as:
| Solution Idea | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Adding characters to Paimon's Bargains shop | Makes neglected heroes purchasable with Starglitter, giving them a permanent shelf life |
| Separate pity system for featured four-stars | Ensures players can target specific characters, reducing RNG frustration |
| Prioritizing reruns by waiting list order | Prevents long droughts by rotating characters fairly, like a librarian shelving books by arrival date |
Yet, without action, the neglect continues. Mika's inclusion in this Banner is a step forward, but he represents a larger cohort of characters who arrive with fanfare only to fade into obscurity—akin to fireworks fizzling out before they light up the sky. :confused:
Melting the Ice: A Personal Glimpse into Genshin's Future
From a player's perspective, the frosty revival in the 5.4 update is a welcome breeze, but it's merely the tip of the iceberg. If miHoYo doesn't implement lasting changes, we risk more characters ending up like Charlotte—stuck in a limbo that feels like an eternal winter. I envision a 2026 where Genshin Impact evolves into something more dynamic: imagine a dedicated rotating Banner for underused characters, functioning like a phoenix rising from the ashes of neglect. Each month, a curated selection of forgotten heroes could get their moment, turning what was once a desolate wasteland into a thriving ecosystem. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a necessity to keep the game fresh and fair. After all, characters are the lifeblood of Teyvat, and letting them freeze over does no one any favors. :fire:
In the meantime, players are diving into the 5.4 update with renewed vigor, hoping this Cryo infusion marks a turning point. Let's toast to fewer character droughts and more inclusive mechanics—because in a world as vast as Genshin Impact, every hero deserves a chance to shine.