The Version 6.2 second-half banner window is now in its final phase of early January 2026, and Genshin Impact players are weighing a familiar question: spend now on proven reruns or save for the rumored power spike in Version 6.3. The current Event Wish lineup features Varesa and Xilonen as the 5-star rate-ups, backed by Gaming, Chevreuse, and Iansan. It is a strong-looking slate on paper, but the real answer depends heavily on roster gaps, pity status, and long-term Primogem planning.

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Item Detail
Phase 6.2 Phase II
Duration 2025-12-23 to 2026-01-14, official server reset, UTC+8
Featured 5-stars Varesa, Electro Catalyst; Xilonen, Geo Sword
Featured 4-stars Gaming, Pyro Claymore; Chevreuse, Pyro Polearm; Iansan, Electro Polearm
Pity mechanics 50% featured chance per 5-star pity cycle; soft pity at 75 wishes, hard pity at 90; 4-stars boosted to roughly 50% per ten-pull
Rumored next banners Columbina, Neuvillette, and Zibai in 6.3, unconfirmed and subject to change

On the surface, this banner offers something for nearly every combat preference. Varesa remains among the most consistent Electro hypercarries ever released, with a plunging attack kit that fits naturally into both Aggravate and Overload teams. Xilonen has become a dependable Geo and mixed-element support, similar in utility to Zhongli during his earliest meta days. For players who missed these units in previous cycles, the current window represents a meaningful chance to patch a clear roster hole.

For veterans, however, the appeal is much weaker.

Varesa's current run is an exact replica of her debut lineup from Version 5.5. Gaming and Chevreuse continue their reign as Overload pillars, while Iansan offers a rare movement-based ATK buff. This is a consolidation banner, not an innovation banner. Players who already invested heavily in the 5.5 cycle may find little reason to pull again unless they are chasing specific constellations.

💰 F2P and low-spender perspective

  • Wish income across Versions 6.1 and 6.2 has been moderate, so pulling now directly competes with saving for marquee releases expected in 6.3.

  • If you already own Varesa or Xilonen and do not need C1 or C2, your Primogems are likely better reserved for new mechanics or first-time reruns.

  • Splitting pity across this phase and the next is risky, especially because guaranteed limited 5-star currency refunds are not part of the system.

  • Many players point out that Anniversary Primogems have already been spent, and the upcoming Hexerei event pulls will reduce available draw currency further.

The consensus on major forums is cautious optimism, with many experienced players warning against poor pity management and unnecessary pulls.

⚡ Meta and team-building value

The 4-star lineup is arguably the real prize. Chevreuse remains the best Overload enabler in the game, and Gaming scales well with each constellation, making him a long-term Spiral Abyss investment. Iansan fills a rare mechanical niche because her flat ATK buff scales with distance moved, not static field presence. That design favors high-skill pilots using Varesa, Xiao, or Clorinde.

With only the featured characters and a free Fischl from event systems, a functional Overload or Aggravate team can be assembled quickly.

Team style Core units Why it works
Budget Overload Varesa, Gaming, Chevreuse, Iansan F2P-friendly Overload rotation using only featured 4-stars
Mobile Hypercarry Xiao, Clorinde, or Varesa plus Iansan Iansan's ATK buff rewards movement-based play
Shielded Geo core Xilonen plus Geo or mixed DPS Defensive and offensive flexibility without relying on Zhongli

  • Exact rerun composition means diminished value for repeat pullers.

  • The limited 5-star pool offers no additional newcomers.

  • Speculative risk from 6.3 remains high: datamined values suggest Columbina and a potential Neuvillette banner could be power-creeped, though this is unconfirmed and subject to change.

  • Players in UTC-8 and other North American time zones should be especially careful with banner end timing.

📦 Preparation checklist

  • Confirm your Intertwined Wish stock and tally event-limited currency before pulling.

  • Pre-farm talent books and ascension materials for Varesa, Xilonen, Gaming, Chevreuse, and Iansan.

  • Complete Witch's Homework for free Hexerei summons, and do not overlook daily events that yield wishes.

  • Check upcoming Abyss modifiers, with Overload and Aggravate bonuses expected through Versions 6.2 and 6.3.

🔮 What comes next

Recent datamining, which is unconfirmed and subject to change, points to Columbina and Neuvillette headlining the first half of Version 6.3, with Zibai and Ineffa rumored for the second half. Version 6.4 is projected to introduce Varka and Lohen, with Lohen potentially moving to the Standard Banner afterward. If those rumors hold, saving Primogems now could yield far greater value in the coming patches.

Final verdict

The Version 6.2 second-half banners are a textbook example of HoYoverse creating tension between proven rerun value and the looming unknown. For fresh accounts, Overload fans, or Natlan enthusiasts, there is strong value here. For everyone else, restraint is advised unless a specific gap can be filled. Re-verify banner details before spending, and keep an eye on official announcements as the 6.3 transition approaches.