Exploring Genshin Impact’s Previous Banners: A Retrospective Journey
Genshin Impact, the wildly popular open-world RPG developed by miHoYo, has captivated millions of players worldwide with its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and ever-evolving content. One of the most anticipated aspects of the game is its banner system, which introduces new characters, weapons, and events regularly. For both new and veteran players, keeping track of previous banners is essential to understanding the game’s progression and making informed decisions about which characters to pursue. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of Genshin Impact’s previous banners, highlight some of the most notable ones, and explore how they’ve shaped the game’s meta.
The Importance of Banners in Genshin Impact
Banners are a core part of Genshin Impact’s gacha system, allowing players to pull for limited-time characters, weapons, and events. Each banner typically features a 5-star character or weapon as the main attraction, often accompanied by increased drop rates for specific 4-star characters or weapons. These limited-time events create a sense of urgency and excitement, as players strive to acquire their desired characters before the banner ends.
Previous banners also play a crucial role in the game’s meta. Many characters introduced in earlier banners have become staples in team compositions, while others have been revisited in rerun banners, giving players a second chance to acquire them. Understanding which characters were featured in previous banners can help players plan their pulls and optimize their teams.
Notable Previous Banners in Genshin Impact
Over the course of the game’s updates, there have been numerous previous banners that left a lasting impact on the community. Here are a few examples:
Zhongli’s Banner (Version 1.1)
Zhongli, the Geo Archon, was one of the most hyped characters when he first appeared in Version 1.1. His unique abilities and versatility in both damage dealing and shielding made him a must-pull for many players. Zhongli’s banner was particularly notable because it coincided with the release of the Liyue region, adding to the excitement of exploring a new area.
Hu Tao’s Banner (Version 1.3)
Hu Tao, the fiery Pyro polearm user, quickly became a fan favorite after her release in Version 1.3. Her high damage output and stylish playstyle made her a top priority for many players. Her banner was also one of the first to showcase the game’s ability to create a buzz around a single character.
Shenhe’s Banner (Version 2.4)
Shenhe, the Cryo catalyst user, was introduced during the Lantern Rite festival in Version 2.4. Her banner was unique because it featured a double banner system, allowing players to pull for both Shenhe and a rerun of Zhongli simultaneously. This was a bold move by miHoYo and received mixed reactions from the community.
Yelan’s Banner (Version 2.6)
Yelan, the enigmatic Hydro bow user, was one of the most anticipated characters of 2022. Her banner in Version 2.6 was a major talking point due to her versatility in both sub-DPS and healing roles. Yelan’s design and backstory also added depth to the game’s lore, making her a standout character.
The Impact of Previous Banners on the Game’s Meta
The characters and weapons featured in previous banners have significantly influenced the game’s meta. For example, characters like Kamisato Ayaka and Raiden Shogun have become cornerstone picks in many team compositions, while weapons like the Engulfing Lightning have dominated the weapon meta for specific characters.
Moreover, the rerun of popular characters in previous banners has given players who missed out the first time a chance to complete their collections. Reruns are often met with excitement, as they breathe new life into older characters and encourage players to revisit their builds.
Case Study: The Popularity of Rerun Banners
One of the most notable trends in Genshin Impact is the popularity of rerun banners. Characters like Klee and Venti have seen multiple reruns due to their immense popularity and utility in the game. These reruns not only generate revenue for miHoYo but also keep the community engaged by offering a second chance to acquire beloved characters.
For instance, Klee’s rerun banner in Version 2.1 was a major success, with many players pulling for the Spark Knight to add her explosive power to their teams. Similarly,