Summary: Genshin Impact Version 7.1 officially launches on September 23, continuing the Snezhnaya storyline with a major new Archon Quest, the threat of Ronova, and the long-awaited return of the Moonchase Festival.
Alongside the new story content and events, HoYoverse has officially confirmed the Phase 1 character banners. Players will face a tough choice between two brand-new 5-star units: the Anemo Sword hypercarry Vesna and the Hydro Catalyst support Vodyanitsa. If you are wondering how to spend your hard-earned Primogems, here is a complete tactical breakdown of their abilities, team roles, and pull priority.
Phase 1 Banner Overview & Release Date
Version 7.1 Launch Time: September 23, 2026.
Phase 1 Event Wishes:
"When Warm Winds Cavort" - Featuring Vesna (5-Star Anemo Sword)
"Surging Ballad" - Featuring Vodyanitsa (5-Star Hydro Catalyst)
Featured 4-Star Characters: Faruzan (Anemo), Chongyun (Cryo), and Diona (Cryo).
Vesna: The Vanguard of Stellar Swirl
In combat, Vesna is designed to be a premier on-field Anemo Main DPS and a key character for the new Stellar Swirl reaction system in Version 7.1.
Vesna Attributes
Weapon / Element: Sword / Anemo
Primary Role: On-field Hypercarry / Stellar Swirl Driver
Core Mechanic: Vesna can convert Cryo Swirl into Stellar Swirl through her kit. Her Elemental Skill generates Sword Essence, which works with her Spirit Blades to power her attacks.
Best Team Archetype: Stellar Swirl-focused teams or Double-Anemo compositions (e.g., paired with C6 Faruzan).
Why You Should Pull for Vesna
Master of the New Meta: Her kit directly interacts with the Stellar Swirl reaction, making her one of the key characters for the new Version 7.1 combat system.
Agile Exploration: Her Anemo-infused movement allows for rapid vertical and horizontal traversal, making her particularly useful for navigating rugged terrain and deep chasms.
Vodyanitsa: The Ultimate Hydro Enabler & Buffer
Vodyanitsa enters the roster as a highly flexible off-field Hydro Support and Healer with strong team utility and elemental resistance reduction.
Vodyanitsa Attributes
Weapon / Element: Catalyst / Hydro
Primary Role: Off-field Support / Healer / RES Shredder
Core Mechanic: Her Elemental Skill allows her to enter Water Imp form, continuously heal party members, reduce enemy Hydro and Cryo RES, increase resistance to interruption, and boost Hydro and Cryo-related team damage based on her HP.
Best Team Archetype: Freeze, Bloom, Hyperbloom, Vaporize, and Stellar Swirl setups.
Why You Should Pull for Vodyanitsa
Unmatched Account Longevity: In Genshin Impact's history, off-field Hydro enablers are traditionally the most valuable and future-proof investments.
All-in-One Utility: By combining Hydro application, healing, resistance reduction, and elemental support, she easily slots into existing teams while heavily amplifying reaction-focused compositions.
The Verdict: Who Should You Pull For?
Pull for Vesna if: You lack a dedicated, high-tier on-field active hypercarry to clear tough AoE content in the Spiral Abyss. She is also the definitive choice if you want the absolute best overworld exploration quality-of-life experience for the new region.
Pull for Vodyanitsa if: You prioritize long-term account versatility. Vodyanitsa is designed to provide most of her support value while remaining off-field, offers strong healing and resistance reduction, and elevates multiple elemental reaction archetypes across your entire account simultaneously.
Official Version 7.1 Benefits & Anniversary Rewards Guide
As confirmed by Genshin Impact's Official Announcement, the upcoming version cycle features an unprecedented tier of rewards. Players can claim up to TWO FREE 5-STAR CHARACTERS alongside massive currency injections:
1. Limited-Time Invitation (Choose 1 of 6 Limited 5-Stars)
By completing the Version 7.1 Archon Quest before November 3, players can invite one free limited 5-star character to join their party from the following selection:
Tartaglia (Childe)
Nilou
Baizhu
Chiori
Clorinde
Varesa
2. 5-Star Character Standard Selector (Choose 1 of 8)
Log in after the version update to choose one free 5-star from the Standard Wish selection, which includes:
Jean
Diluc
Qiqi
Mona
Tighnari
Keqing
Dehya
Yumemizuki Mizuki
These free character options can also influence how players approach their overall account planning, especially when deciding whether to build a new roster around Vesna or Vodyanitsa. For players considering Buy Genshin Impact Accounts, understanding which characters are already available can be useful before making any major account decision.
3. Additional Log-In & Anniversary Rewards
Intertwined Fate ×10 (via limited-time check-in).
Primogems ×1,600 (delivered straight via in-game mail).
Genesis Crystal Initial Top-Up Bonus Reset.
Special "Hilichurl Treasure" companion reward.
The additional Primogems and Intertwined Fates give players more resources for Phase 1 pulls, while the Genesis Crystal reset provides another opportunity for players planning to Buy Genshin Impact Top Up resources around the Version 7.1 banner cycle.
Make sure to look at these free 5-star selectors first to see which gaps they patch in your character roster before spending your Primogems on Vesna or Vodyanitsa!
