Hey, fellow Traveler. If you are reading this in 2026, you already know how Genshin Impact version 5.3 played out. But I still want to rewind to those banners, because they were a real turning point for Natlan and for my own account. HoYoverse packed the update with three new characters — Mavuika, Citlali, and Lan Yan — and split the action across two phases. At the time, everyone was asking the same question: should I pull now, or save for later? Let me walk you through what we got, why players argued about it, and how it all looks from a 2026 perspective.
Phase 1: Mavuika and Citlali stole the show
Phase 1 was the headline act. Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, arrived as a five-star Pyro unit with a kit that made Pyro damage feel like a brand-new toy. Citlali, a five-star Cryo character, brought shields, Cryo application, and a weirdly charming granny energy. Together, they were the kind of pair that made team-building feel exciting again. I remember staring at my Primogems and thinking, okay, this is going to hurt. 😅
The four-star lineup in Phase 1 was Bennett, Diona, and Kachina. Kachina, the four-star Dendro unit from the Natlan arc, was the fresh face. Bennett and Diona, meanwhile, were the veterans. Bennett is still one of the best supports in the game, and Diona has been a comfort pick since launch. But that was exactly why some players groaned. If you have played for years, you probably already have both at C6. Seeing them again felt less like a gift and more like a rerun of a show you have memorized.
Phase 2: Arlecchino, Clorinde, and Lan Yan
Phase 2 flipped the script. Arlecchino, the five-star Pyro unit who made a splash during the Fontaine story arc, returned to the banner. Clorinde, the Electro powerhouse, came back alongside her. For anyone who missed them the first time, this was a huge deal. Both characters had already proven themselves in Abyss and in overworld teams, and their reruns gave newer players a chance to catch up.
The four-star lineup here was Lan Yan, Rosaria, and Chevreuse. Lan Yan was the new four-star Anemo character, and she also played a pivotal role in the Lantern Rite Festival. Rosaria brought her Cryo skills back for efficient team builds, while Chevreuse rounded things out as a four-star Pyro support. Honestly, I thought Phase 2 had the better four-star spread for account variety. Lan Yan felt fresh, Rosaria was useful for freeze and crit sharing, and Chevreuse opened up overload teams.
| Phase | Five-star characters | Four-star characters |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Mavuika, Citlali | Bennett, Diona, Kachina |
| Phase 2 | Arlecchino, Clorinde | Lan Yan, Rosaria, Chevreuse |
Why the community argued about it
Fans took to social media fast. Some were thrilled about Mavuika and Citlali. I saw plenty of posts saying this was the most exciting banner pair in months. Others were disappointed with the Phase 1 four-star lineup, mainly because Bennett and Diona had been around forever. It is a fair complaint. Genshin Impact has a huge roster now, and rerunning the same launch-era supports can feel stale.
Rumor had it that the unusual clustering of new five-star characters in the first phase was a strategic move tied to the upcoming events in Liyue, especially the Lantern Rite Festival. That made sense to me. Lantern Rite is always a big moment for the game, and HoYoverse loves to line up banners with regional events. The festival also brought additional events and free rewards, including the much-anticipated free copy of Lan Yan. That freebie was a smart move. It gave everyone a chance to try the new Anemo four-star without spending a single Wish.
Looking back from 2026
Now that we are in 2026, the 5.3 banners are history, but their impact is still easy to feel. Mavuika remains a premium Pyro damage dealer, and Citlali is still a fantastic support for teams that want comfort and Cryo application. Lan Yan carved out a solid niche as a four-star Anemo shielder and Viridescent Venerer holder. Arlecchino and Clorinde reruns were valuable then, and both characters still show up in endgame content. And yes, Bennett is still Bennett. He refuses to retire. 😂
If you missed these banners, you are now waiting on reruns like everyone else. That is the Genshin cycle. You save, you speculate, you pull, and then you start saving again. But version 5.3 was a reminder of why character banners matter so much. They are not just gacha events. They shape how we build teams, how we approach Abyss, and how we experience the story of Teyvat.
So, if you are a newer player in 2026 and you are wondering whether Mavuika, Citlali, or Lan Yan are worth your Primogems when they come back, my answer is simple: yes, but plan around your account. Pull for the characters who make the game fun for you. That is the real meta. And keep an eye on the calendar, because HoYoverse never stops moving.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the story of Genshin Impact continues to unravel.
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