Genshin Impact, developed by miHoYo, has captivated millions of players worldwide with its expansive open-world design, immersive storytelling, and engaging combat mechanics. A significant aspect of the game is its gacha system, primarily represented through character and weapon banners. These banners allow players to acquire new characters and weapons, enhancing their gameplay experience. As the game evolves, the banners change, introducing new heroes and limited-time events. This article delves into the history of Genshin Impact banners, covering their evolution, notable characters, and the impact they have had on the community.
Understanding Genshin Impact Banners
Before we dive into the history, it's essential to understand the types of banners available in Genshin Impact.
Types of Banners
1. Character Event Banners: These banners feature a limited selection of 5-star and 4-star characters. They usually last around 21 days and include a featured 5-star character with an increased drop rate.
2. Weapon Event Banners: These banners focus on weapons, offering 5-star weapons with enhanced drop rates. They're typically released alongside character banners.
3. Standard Banners (Wanderlust Invocation): These banners are always available and feature a broader selection of characters and weapons, including those from previous events.
4. Limited-time Banners: Occasionally, miHoYo introduces banners for special events or collaborations, which are available for a short period.
Timeline of Character Event Banners
Since the game's launch in September 2020, Genshin Impact has seen a plethora of character event banners. Here’s a detailed timeline highlighting each significant banner release.
Version 1.0 - 1.1
- Launch (September 2020) - "Rerun of the Winds"
- Featured Characters: Venti (5-star), Fischl (4-star), Barbara (4-star)
- This banner was available at launch and laid the groundwork for future gacha mechanics.
- "Banner of the Seven" (October 2020)
- Featured Characters: Klee (5-star), Fischl (4-star), Noelle (4-star)
- Klee was the first character event banner after the launch, introducing a beloved character with explosive abilities.
- "Moment of Bloom" (November 2020)
- Featured Characters: Zhongli (5-star), Noelle (4-star), Xiangling (4-star)
- Zhongli's introduction was significant, as he later became pivotal in many team compositions.
Version 1.2
- "Invitation to Mundane Life" (December 2020)
- Featured Characters: Albedo (5-star), Xiao (4-star), Bennett (4-star)
- This banner marked the introduction of the Geo character Albedo.
- "Farewell of Snezhnaya" (January 2021)
- Featured Characters: Xiao (5-star), Beidou (4-star), Ningguang (4-star)
- Xiao’s debut brought a unique Anemo DPS character into the mix.
Version 1.3
- "Moment of Bloom" (February 2021)
- Featured Characters: Xiao (5-star), Beidou (4-star), Ningguang (4-star)
- "Invitation to Mundane Life" (March 2021)
- Featured Characters: Zhongli (5-star), Albedo (4-star), Hu Tao (4-star)
- Hu Tao's introduction was highly anticipated, as she is one of the most beloved characters in Genshin lore.
Version 1.4 - 1.5
- "Thorny Benevolence" (April 2021)
- Featured Characters: Venti (5-star), Fischl (4-star), Barbara (4-star)
- "Dandelion Seed" (May 2021)
- Featured Characters: Kazuha (5-star), Sucrose (4-star), Xiangling (4-star)
Version 1.6 - 2.0
- "Kazuha's Banner" (June 2021)
- Featured Characters: Kazuha (5-star), Beidou (4-star), Ningguang (4-star)
- "Ayaka's Banner" (July 2021)
- Featured Characters: Kamisato Ayaka (5-star), Ningguang (4-star), Yanfei (4-star)
- Ayaka's banner was one of the most hyped releases, featuring the first Cryo sword user.
Version 2.1 - 2.2
- "Raiden Shogun's Banner" (September 2021)
- Featured Characters: Raiden Shogun (5-star), Kujo Sara (4-star), Beidou (4-star)
- This banner introduced a crucial character for the Inazuma storyline.
- "Childe's Rerun" (October 2021)
- Featured Characters: Tartaglia (Childe) (5-star), Xiangling (4-star), Noelle (4-star)
Version 2.3 - 2.5
- "Itto's Banner" (December 2021)
- Featured Characters: Arataki Itto (5-star), Gorou (4-star), Noelle (4-star)
- "Yae Miko's Banner" (February 2022)
- Featured Characters: Yae Miko (5-star), Fischl (4-star), Beidou (4-star)
Version 2.6 - 3.0
- "Kamisato Ayato's Banner" (March 2022)
- Featured Characters: Kamisato Ayato (5-star), Ningguang (4-star), Xingqiu (4-star)
- "Sumeru Release" (August 2022)
- Featured Characters: Tighnari (5-star), Collei (4-star), Dori (4-star)
Version 3.1 - 3.3
- "Nilou's Banner" (September 2022)
- Featured Characters: Nilou (5-star), Barbara (4-star), Beidou (4-star)
- "Scaramouche's Banner" (December 2022)
- Featured Characters: Scaramouche (5-star), Alhaitham (4-star), Kuki Shinobu (4-star)
Notable Features and Changes
Over time, Genshin Impact has introduced various features and changes to its banner system:
1. Increased Pity System: Players have a guaranteed 5-star character after a certain number of pulls, initially set at 90, later adjusted for more accessibility.
2. Rerun Banners: Popular characters have seen rerun banners, allowing players who missed them the first time to acquire them.
3. Character Availability: With each new version update, older characters rotate out of the character event banners, ensuring a fresh experience for players.
4. Limited-Time Events: Special banners are often accompanied by seasonal events, increasing the excitement and engagement in the community.
Community Impact and Reception
The banners have a remarkable influence on the Genshin Impact community. Players strategize on which banners to pull for based on character abilities, team synergy, and personal preference. The anticipation surrounding new banners fosters a sense of community as players share their experiences and outcomes on social media.
Key Points of Player Engagement:
- Fan Art and Cosplay: The excitement for new characters often leads to fan art and cosplay, enriching the game’s culture.
- Content Creation: YouTube and Twitch channels often focus on banner pulls, reviews, and character guides, contributing to the game's vibrant content creation landscape.
- Community Events: Players often collaborate in events to celebrate new character releases, creating a sense of unity.
Conclusion
The history of Genshin Impact banners is a reflection of the game’s growth and the evolving preferences of its community. With each new version, miHoYo continues to surprise players with unique characters, mechanics, and engaging storylines. As the game progresses, the banner system will likely evolve, introducing new features and exciting characters that keep players invested in their journey through Teyvat. The banners are not just a means to an end but a vital part of Genshin Impact's allure, creating a shared experience that brings together players from all walks of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Genshin Impact banner?
A Genshin Impact banner is a limited-time event that features specific characters and weapons available for players to wish for.
How often do new banners get released in Genshin Impact?
New banners are typically released every three weeks, aligning with the game's update schedule.
What types of banners are available in Genshin Impact?
There are mainly two types of banners: character banners, which feature specific 5-star and 4-star characters, and weapon banners, which focus on specific weapons.
What was the first banner in Genshin Impact?
The first banner in Genshin Impact was the 'Rerun of the Wishing for the Destiny' banner featuring characters like Amber and Kaeya.
How does pity work in Genshin Impact banners?
Pity is a mechanic that guarantees a 5-star character or weapon after a certain number of wishes, which is 90 for character banners and 80 for weapon banners.
Can players save their wishes for future banners in Genshin Impact?
Yes, players can save their wishes as they accumulate Intertwined or Acquaint Fate, which can be used on future banners.
Are limited-time banners permanent in Genshin Impact?
No, limited-time banners are not permanent and will be replaced with new banners after the event period ends.
What happens to characters from past banners in Genshin Impact?
Characters from past banners can eventually return in rerun banners, allowing players another chance to wish for them.
