Genshin Impact Version 6.1 Banner Lineup Confirmed, Featuring New Dendro Catalyst Nefer and Triple Archon Reruns

HoYoverse has officially unveiled the highly anticipated banner schedule for Genshin Impact Version 6.1 (internally designated as Luna II), and the lineup is a calculated move designed to entice players with a blend of a powerful new character and the rerun of three of the game’s strongest Archon-tier units. The new patch, which is set to launch today, October 22, 2025, continues the expansion of the new region, Nod-Krai, and introduces a high-stakes, meta-defining character rotation that promises significant shifts in team composition and the damage meta.

Phase 1: A New Dendro DPS Alongside the Hydro Archon

The first half of Version 6.1, running from October 22 to November 11, 2025, offers a potent duo of characters, combining a brand-new five-star unit with the return of a ubiquitous Archon.

New Character: Nefer (5-Star Dendro Catalyst)

The spotlight of Phase 1 is firmly fixed on Nefer, a new 5-Star Dendro Catalyst wielder who is poised to become a formidable on-field Main DPS. Her kit is intricately tied to the new Lunar-Bloom reaction introduced in the previous patch, Luna I. Nefer’s gameplay revolves around generating and consuming stacks—Lunar-Bloom’s unique Dendro Core replacement—to unleash devastating Enhanced Charged Attacks. Early beta testing and kit reviews indicate that while she experienced some changes, her DPS potential remains exceptionally high, particularly when paired with consistent Hydro application.

• Rarity & Weapon: 5-Star, Catalyst
• Vision: Dendro
• Banner Name: Temptation of the Crimson Sands
• Signature Weapon: Reliquary of Truth (5-Star Catalyst), which is expected to be a highly sought-after weapon with a focus on CRIT DMG and Elemental Mastery to maximize her reaction-based damage output.

Rerun Character: Furina (5-Star Hydro Sword)

Running concurrently with Nefer is the highly anticipated rerun of Furina, the Hydro Archon. Often cited as arguably the single best support character in the current Spiral Abyss meta, her presence alongside Nefer in Phase 1 is no coincidence. Furina’s ability to provide immense off-field Hydro application and a substantial party-wide damage buff makes her the ideal partner for the new Dendro DPS, maximizing the potency of the Lunar-Bloom reaction. This pairing presents a compelling, high-return-on-investment choice for players looking to build a top-tier team instantly.

• Rarity & Weapon: 5-Star, Sword
• Vision: Hydro
• Banner Name: Chanson of Many Waters
• Signature Weapon: Splendor of Tranquil Waters (5-Star Sword), an excellent CRIT-focused weapon for off-field Sub-DPS roles.

Phase 2: A Double-Archon Rerun Stack for Sustain and Sub-DPS

The second half of the patch, scheduled to run from November 11 to December 2, 2025, maintains the incredible value of the update by bringing back two colossal characters with high CPC (Cost-Per-Conversion) value due to their meta relevance and consistent demand.

Rerun Character: Arlecchino (5-Star Pyro Polearm)

The Fatui Harbinger and Pyro Main DPS, Arlecchino, returns to the Event Wish banner. Known for her unique Bond of Life mechanic, which transforms her Normal Attacks into powerful, infused Pyro strikes at the cost of healing restrictions, she remains a top-tier Pyro DPS option. Her polearm-wielding style offers fast, fluid combat, making her an exciting and high-skill cap character for the gacha gaming audience. Her rerun offers a crucial acquisition opportunity for players seeking a dedicated Pyro on-field carry.

• Rarity & Weapon: 5-Star, Polearm
• Vision: Pyro
• Banner Name: The Hearth’s Ashen Shadow
• Signature Weapon: Crimson Moon’s Semblance (5-Star Polearm).

Rerun Character: Zhongli (5-Star Geo Polearm)

Completing the quartet is the Geo Archon, Zhongli. His return is always a welcome sight, as his unparalleled shield capability—providing the highest damage mitigation in the game—makes him the ultimate sustain and quality-of-life support unit. For Arlecchino, who requires max uptime and protection due to her Bond of Life healing restriction, Zhongli is an excellent defensive partner, making the pairing in Phase 2 particularly synergistic for players prioritizing character protection and survivability.

• Rarity & Weapon: 5-Star, Polearm
• Vision: Geo
• Banner Name: Gentry of Hermitage
• Signature Weapon: Vortex Vanquisher (5-Star Polearm).

4-Star Character Rate-Ups and the Weapon Banner Investment

While the specific 4-star characters for both phases are still being finalized, a partial list for Phase 1 indicates strong utility options, including a mix of characters with good synergy with the featured 5-stars. The inclusion of new 4-star character Aino (Hydro Claymore) in the permanent Wanderlust Invocation banner at the start of the patch also adds to the overall character pool expansion.

The associated Epitome Invocation (Weapon) Banners are equally appealing, offering the signature weapons for all four 5-star characters, with Phase 1 being particularly strong by featuring Reliquary of Truth and Splendor of Tranquil Waters—two Best-in-Slot weapons for their respective characters. The decision to pull on this high-risk, high-reward banner will be a key discussion point for players looking to maximize their Genshin Impact investment.

Version 6.1: A Must-Pull Update for Long-Term Value

The sheer power level and utility offered by the Version 6.1 banner line-up solidify its status as one of the most compelling updates in recent memory. The simultaneous rerun of two Archons (Furina and Zhongli) alongside the launch of a new, meta-relevant DPS (Nefer) creates a difficult choice for players balancing their Primogem savings. Whether aiming for the powerful new Lunar-Bloom enabler, the best Hydro Sub-DPS, the ultimate shield, or a potent Pyro carry, Version 6.1 is undeniably a high-value patch that will define the account strength of both veteran players and newcomers for the foreseeable future.