Genshin Impact 6.2 Second-Half Banners: Opportunity or Trap?

Genshin Impact has dropped the curtain on the second-half banners for Version 6.2, and the lineup is already sending ripples through the community. With Varesa, Xilonen, Gaming, Chevreuse, and Iansan gracing the Event Wish lineup, the patch presents a strategic dilemma: pull for strong reruns with proven meta value, or conserve Primogems for high-profile newcomers looming in Version 6.3?

At a Glance

Banner phase: 6.2 Phase II
Start/End: 2025-12-23 to 2026-01-14 (official server reset, UTC+8)
Featured 5-Star units: Varesa (Electro Catalyst), Xilonen (Geo Sword)
Featured 4-Star units: Gaming (Pyro Claymore), Chevreuse (Pyro Polearm), Iansan (Electro Polearm)
Competing banners ahead: Columbina, Neuvillette, Zibai in 6.3 (Unconfirmed—subject to change)

Banner Schedule and Details

Phase	Start Date	End Date	5★ Rate-up	4★ Rate-up
6.2 Phase II	2025-12-23	2026-01-14	Varesa, Xilonen	Gaming, Chevreuse, Iansan

Banner rate mechanics: Standard event rate-up structure. Each 5★ featured unit has a 50% chance to appear per pity cycle; soft pity begins at 75 wishes, hard pity at 90. 4★ units have elevated (approx. 50%) chance per ten-pull, with three rotating on each banner.

Images:
– Main banner splash (Varesa/Xilonen duo) — [alt: Varesa, Xilonen, and featured 4-stars facing forward amid electrified ruins]
– Unit portraits (all five rate-up characters grouped for visual clarity)

Veteran’s Take: Why 6.2’s Banners Are a Double-Edged Sword

On paper, this slate caters to anyone invested in Natlan-oriented teams, Overload mechanics, or hypercarry playstyles. Varesa is among the most consistent Electro hypercarries ever released—her kit, built for plunging attacks, offers exceptional flexibility for both Aggravate (Dendro + Electro) and Overload teams, echoing the meta-defining impact of characters like Raiden Shogun. Xilonen, meanwhile, holds up as a support staple for Geo and mixed-element rosters, much like Zhongli’s earliest days.

But if you survey your roster through a resource management lens, the decision becomes murkier. For the engaged collector or F2P optimizer, these reruns sit on a razor’s edge—delivering real value only if you’ve missed out previously or have synergy gaps.

Historical Context: Echoes of Banner History

The upcoming 6.2 reruns are not just a random shuffle. Varesa’s banner, for instance, is an exact replica of her debut run from 5.5—a detail sure to disappoint veterans who already went all-in. This pattern of recycling powerful 4-star trios aligns with previous HoYoverse design, as seen around Yanfei/Hu Tao (1.3/1.4) and Raiden/Kujou Sara.

Gaming and Chevreuse continue their reign as Overload pillars—a central element back in multinational Abyss rotations pre-4.0. Iansan’s flat ATK buff is unique, famously conducive to characters who rely on fluid movement. For long-timers, this banner lineup is a consolidation—not an innovation.

For the Min-Maxers: Resource Calculus and Pull Priority

F2P & Low-Spenders:
– With two full versions (6.1/6.2) yielding only moderate Intertwined Wish income, pulling now directly competes with saving for marquee releases.
– If you own Varesa or Xilonen and don’t need C1/C2, your Primogems are better reserved for new mechanics or first-time reruns.

Meta/Optimal:
– The banner enables a full-budget Overload or Aggravate team using only featured characters and Fischl (free via Hexerei tutorial).
– Chevreuse is particularly notable—still the best Overload enabler, while Gaming scales hard with each constellation, inviting investment for future Spiral Abyss.
– Iansan fills a rare mechanical role: a mobile-friendly buffer. Great for Varesa, Xiao, Clorinde mains.

Deadlines:
– Event banners switch on 2025-12-23, with overlap ending alongside version 6.3’s debut (expected 2026-01-14). No surprise extensions confirmed as of posting—players with time zone considerations (especially UTC-8/NA) should be vigilant.

Banner Trap Risks:
– Exact rerun = diminished value for repeat pullers
– Limited 5★ pool: No additional newcomers
– Speculative risk: 6.3’s Columbina (Archon-like) plus potential Neuvillette banner is expected to be power-creeped, based on datamined values (Unconfirmed—subject to change).

Community Chatter: What Veteran Players Are Saying

The consensus among experienced players on major forums is cautious optimism. On the Genshin Impact subreddit and notable Discord servers, many highlight:
– Overload Budget Team: Ability to build a full-functioning Overload lineup with only new 4-stars—a rare situation resembling early Inazuma banners.
– Pity Management: Players warn against splitting pity across this phase and the next, especially in the absence of guaranteed limited 5-star currency refunds.
– FOMO Mitigation: Strong sentiment to skip unless in need of specific constellations. Veterans point out the overlap with Anniversary primos (already spent) and upcoming Hexerei event pulls, reducing draw currency.

Teams & Synergies: Sample Compositions

Budget Overload: Varesa (on-field), Gaming, Chevreuse, Iansan (rotate for buffs/reactions)
Mobile Hypercarry: Xiao/Clorinde/Varesa + Iansan (ATK buff on the move)
Classic Shielded Comp: Xilonen in place of Noelle or Zhongli for Geo-based defensive/offensive core

Each team leverages not just element typing but unique utility: Iansan’s buff scales with distance moved, not static field presence—a design twist favoring high-skill pilots.

Preparation Checklist: Maximizing Your Pulls

Pre-Banner: Confirm your Intertwined Wish stock and tally event-limited currency.
Materials: Pre-farm talent books and ascension materials for all five units. Most, like Varesa and Xilonen, require region-exclusive drops.
Events: Complete Witch’s Homework for free Hexerei summons; don’t overlook daily events yielding wishes.
Abyss: Check upcoming Abyss modifiers—Overload and Aggravate bonuses are expected through 6.2-6.3.

Unconfirmed: Upcoming Patch 6.3 Leaks & Planning

Columbina and Neuvillette expected as 6.3’s first half headliners (Unconfirmed—subject to change; sourced from recent datamining, not present in official materials).
Zibai and Ineffa rumored for second half of 6.3. Save accordingly.
6.4 projected to feature Varka and Lohen (Knights of Favonius), with Lohen moving to Standard Banner afterward. Plan for long-term collection, not short-term reruns.

Conclusion: Plan for the Long Haul

The second-half banners in Genshin Impact 6.2 are a textbook example of HoYoverse’s talent for creating just enough tension between proven rerun value and the looming unknown. For Natlan enthusiasts, Overload fans, or fresh accounts, there is strong value here—especially from the 4-star pool. Still, with Columbina and a likely round of meta-redefining newcomers right around the corner, restraint is advised unless you have a carefully considered gap to fill.

Key watchpoint:
– Final banner schedule and unit details may shift; always re-verify before spending.
– For extended insights and our evolving patch event calendar, consult the EarlyGG Genshin Impact coverage.

All information verified with official announcements as of 2025-12-19. For last-minute changes, monitor EarlyGG main feed and @earlyggcom Twitter.

Genshin Impact 6.2 Second-Half Banners: Opportunity or Trap?