Genshin Impact Version 6.1 Banners Revealed—New Dendro Catalyst and Stacked Reruns Confirmed

HoYoverse has officially unveiled the highly anticipated character Event Wishes for Genshin Impact Version 6.1, titled “Luna II,” confirming a banner schedule that is arguably one of the most compelling and high-value lineups the game has seen. Scheduled to launch on October 22, 2025, the new update not only progresses the main Archon Quest storyline in the new region of Nod-Krai but also introduces a powerful new 5-Star character, Nefer, alongside the return of three universally sought-after 5-Star units: Furina, Arlecchino, and Zhongli. This combination promises a frenetic period for Wishes and Primogem expenditure across the global gaming market.

Phase 1: The Debut of Nefer and the Return of the Hydro Archon

The first half of Version 6.1, running from October 22, 2025, to November 11, 2025, is dominated by the simultaneous appearance of a brand-new character and one of the game’s most meta-defining supports.

New 5-Star Character: Nefer (Dendro Catalyst)

The spotlight of Phase 1 is firmly on Nefer, a new 5-Star Dendro Catalyst wielder and on-field DPS unit. Her kit is designed to fully embrace and elevate the Lunar-Bloom reaction, a new elemental mechanic introduced in the Nod-Krai region.

Key Gameplay Review:

• Elemental Focus: Nefer’s damage output centers around generating special stacks—referred to as “Shadow Dance”—and consuming “Verdant Dew” to unleash enhanced Charged Attacks that deal significant Lunar-Bloom DMG. This mechanism positions her as a dedicated hypercarry, demanding specific team compositions to maximize her potential.
• Signature Weapon: The accompanying Phase 1 Weapon Banner, “Epitome Invocation,” will feature her signature 5-Star Catalyst, the Reliquary of Truth. Its passive effects are tailored to boost CRIT Rate, Elemental Mastery, and CRIT DMG, offering a clear path for players looking to secure the best-in-slot option for this new Dendro powerhouse.

Rerun 5-Star Character: Furina (Hydro Sword)

Running alongside Nefer is the highly anticipated rerun of Furina, the Hydro Archon and a versatile 5-Star Hydro Sword user. Furina’s reputation as one of the single best characters in Genshin Impact remains unchallenged due to her immense flexibility.

Value Proposition:

• Unmatched Utility: Furina excels as an off-field Hydro applicator, a powerful damage buffer, and a sub-DPS. Her Ousia/Pneuma Arkhe system allows her to switch between summoning damaging Hydro familiars (at the cost of party HP) and providing single-target healing.
• Synergy Potential: Her utility, especially the consistent Hydro application, makes her an ideal partner for Nefer to consistently trigger the required Lunar-Bloom reactions. This strong meta synergy makes the Phase 1 banners an exceptionally high-priority target for players seeking both top-tier DPS and support units.

The Phase 1 Weapon Banner will also feature Splendor of Tranquil Waters (Furina’s signature Sword), creating a premium investment opportunity for players seeking maximum character optimization for both 5-Star units.

Phase 2: Archons and Harbingers—Arlecchino and Zhongli Return

The second half of Version 6.1, beginning on November 11, 2025, is set to continue the “stacked” trend with two powerful rerun characters, offering players a choice between raw Pyro DPS and unparalleled defensive utility.

Rerun 5-Star Character: Arlecchino (Pyro Polearm)

Arlecchino, the Fatui Harbinger and 5-Star Pyro Polearm on-field DPS, makes her return. Her unique gameplay revolves around the Bond of Life mechanic, converting it into a massive Pyro DMG boost for her Normal Attacks.

• Aggressive Gameplay: Her kit mandates a highly aggressive playstyle, with her self-buffs and healing mechanics directly tied to her combat engagement. She remains one of the premier Pyro DPS options in the gacha game roster.

Rerun 5-Star Character: Zhongli (Geo Polearm)

The second rerun is for Zhongli, the Geo Archon and 5-Star Geo Polearm wielder. His place in the meta remains secure as the gold standard for shield support and sustain.

• Defensive Staples: Zhongli’s unbreakable shield provides invaluable interruption resistance and protection for almost any team composition, making him a “pull-or-die” unit for players prioritizing survivability and ease of gameplay.
• Potential Synergy: He offers excellent defensive support for the high-risk, high-reward playstyle of Arlecchino, ensuring her Bond of Life mechanics can be maximized without the threat of being knocked out of her attack sequence.

The Phase 2 Weapon Banner will feature their respective signature weapons: Crimson Moon’s Semblance (Arlecchino’s Polearm) and Vortex Vanquisher (Zhongli’s Polearm), catering to those aiming for maximum character potential and high CPC (Cost Per Conversion/Cost Per Character in this context) pulls.

New 4-Star Character and Community Events

Version 6.1 will also introduce a new 4-Star character, Aino (Hydro Claymore), who will be permanently added to the “Wanderlust Invocation” standard banner after the update. Additionally, the update is set to include the highly anticipated Miliastra Wonderland UGC (User-Generated Content) mode, allowing players to create and share their own sandbox levels and potentially redefining long-term player engagement.

Furthermore, early information suggests that a rerun of the 4-Star Dendro Bow character, Collei, may be featured as a free reward through the main “Flagship” event of Version 6.1, offering a valuable constellation upgrade or a free new unit for newer Travelers.

Investment Outlook for Savvy Travelers

For players focused on team optimization and Spiral Abyss performance, Version 6.1 is a critical patch. The dual-focus of Phase 1 on a powerful new DPS (Nefer) and a legendary support (Furina) presents one of the best value propositions for Primogem spending this year. Players are advised to carefully budget their wishes, as the second half offers crucial utility and DPS units that are hard to pass up. This truly is a patch where strategic wishing will be paramount for securing the highest ROI (Return On Investment in terms of in-game power).