Hey Travelers! Version 5.8 is finally here and you know what that means—it’s time to talk about the brand-new Event Wishes line-up. If you’ve been saving up those Primogems or just wondering whether it’s time to jump back into Genshin Impact, Phase I of the 5.8 banners might just be the spark you need 🔥.
Whether you’re hunting for new characters, rerun favorites, or meta-breaking weapons, Version 5.8 has a little something for everyone. Let’s break down exactly what’s cooking in Phase I and why you might want to roll—or skip—these banners.
What Are Event Wishes in Genshin Impact?
In Genshin Impact, Event Wishes are limited-time banners where players can use Primogems or Fates to “wish” for characters and weapons. These banners rotate periodically, offering exclusive and boosted-drop items.
During each version update, Event Wishes are divided into phases, giving players the chance to obtain featured 5-star and 4-star characters, as well as limited weapons.
Phase I Overview: What’s New in 5.8 First Half?
Phase I of Version 5.8 kicks off strong with the return of fan-favorite 5-star characters and brand-new 4-star additions. Whether you’re into aesthetic collecting or team optimization, this update delivers exciting options.
Here’s the breakdown of what you can expect during Phase I: two character Event Wishes and one weapon banner, also known as the Epitome Invocation.
5-Star Characters: Who’s Back and Why It Matters
Phase I brings back two highly popular 5-stars: Yelan and Lyney. Let’s talk about why this matters.
Yelan is a Hydro bow user known for her mobility, scaling, and utility in off-field damage. With her high-speed gameplay and excellent support capabilities, she’s become a go-to pick for Spiral Abyss clears and team variety.
Lyney, on the other hand, is a Pyro bow main DPS from Fontaine. His mechanics favor players who enjoy on-field gameplay and strategic HP management. Plus, Lyney’s animation and design are among the most elegant and unique in the game!
Which Banner Should You Pull?
If you’re into support roles and flexible Hydro comps, Yelan is your girl. But if you’ve been craving a powerful Pyro main DPS who’s not named Hu Tao or Diluc, Lyney could shake up your roster beautifully.
Still undecided? Focus on your current team synergy. If you already run Hydro-heavy options like Xingqiu or Kokomi, Yelan slides in perfectly. For Pyro resonance or melt comps, Lyney opens new creative doors.
4-Star Highlights: Some Fresh Faces
The four-star pool also gets a refresh. This round features three key units: Chevreuse, Bennett, and Fischl.
Bennett—say less. He’s the Swiss Army knife support of Genshin, offering healing and massive ATK buffs. If you haven’t crowned him yet, now’s your chance to grab constellations.
Fischl brings consistent Electro application with her familiar Oz. Excellent for reaction-based comps, she pairs well with Swirl and Hydro characters.
Chevreuse is the new kid on the block. As a Pyro support with firearm-like abilities, she’s starting to make waves as a viable option for overload teams and fast-paced Pyro reactions.
Weapon Banner: Epitome Invocation, Worth Your Wishes?
The 5-star weapons on the stand are Aqua Simulacra and The First Great Magic. Both are tailor-made to complement Yelan and Lyney, respectively.
Aqua Simulacra provides crit damage and HP benefits, ideal for Yelan’s scaling. Meanwhile, The First Great Magic enhances charged attacks and boosts team synergy for characters like Lyney.
Unless you’re a whale or deeply invested in optimizing Yelan/Lyney, it’s safe to skip the weapon banner. The pity system is less forgiving, and standard weapons often don’t provide the same bang for your buck.
Are These Reruns Worth It?
Yes—especially if you missed Yelan the first time or if Lyney rounds out your Pyro comp. Both characters bring solid value, and Bennett buffs are always appreciated.
That said, if you’re saving for Fontaine Phase II or leaks reveal a character more aligned with your playstyle, patience could pay off.
How Long Is Phase I Active?
Phase I of Version 5.8 runs for about three weeks—from the update’s launch day until the midpoint of the version cycle.
During this time, both banners will be live simultaneously, giving you ample time to farm, calculate pity, or consult constellation plans.
Helpful Tool: Genshin Wish Tracker and Calculator
If you’re a statistical soul trapped in a gacha world (aren’t we all?), using a wish or pity calculator can be incredibly satisfying. One of the best tools out there is Paimon.moe, which offers an easy way to track pulls, calculate pity, and plan your Primogem consumption like a pro.
Plus, the UI is super friendly and even provides historical banner data—so you’re never in the dark when guessing future reruns 🤓.
Meta Snapshot: Where Yelan and Lyney Stand Now
Yelan is firmly S+ tier across most Genshin meta charts. Her off-field Hydro application, scalability with HP, and universal team fit make her a core unit in many high-end team comps.
Lyney is less about meta and more about style and flair. While he doesn’t dominate the leaderboards, he offers unique playstyle diversity for those wanting something beyond the cookie-cutter DPS models.
Also, in team comps focusing on Pyro Resonance and Mono Pyro builds, Lyney starts to feel like a sleeper pick that rewards creative team synergy over brute force.
Character Comparison: Yelan vs Xingqiu and Lyney vs Yoimiya
Yelan vs Xingqiu: Both sport fast Hydro application, but Yelan edges ahead for off-field damage. Xingqiu offers healing through his rain swords, but Yelan’s burst scales better with HP and crit builds.
Lyney vs Yoimiya: Lyney relies on charged shots and HP manipulation, while Yoimiya is more auto-attack focused. Lyney is more technical; Yoimiya offers smoother playability for beginners.
Final Thoughts: Should You Pull or Pass?
If you love strategic gameplay and character designs that stand out, Phase I of 5.8 feels like a must-pull. Still, FOMO can be strong—so consider your priorities and future character leaks (safely) before committing.
To stay updated and make informed decisions, bookmark wish planners and review community feedback regularly. And remember—there’s always the next banner. Or…the banner after that 👀.
Found this breakdown helpful? Share it with your fellow Travelers, drop a comment with your pull results, or let us know your wishlist character. Happy wishing and may the Primogen gods be kind! ✨
FAQ
Q: How long does Phase I of Version 5.8 last?
A: Phase I typically runs for about three weeks from the update’s launch before transitioning to Phase II.
Q: Are Yelan and Lyney limited-time characters?
A: Yes, both are featured in time-limited Event Wishes, with reruns based on future version plans.
Q: Is it worth pulling on the weapon banner?
A: Unless you’re fully building Yelan or Lyney, the weapon banner can be risky due to lower pity odds.
Q: Can I get both Yelan and Lyney in the same phase?
A: Technically yes, but since they’re on separate banners, it may require more Primogems and luck.
Q: Is Chevreuse a strong unit?
A: Still early to tell, but she shows potential as a Pyro enabler or secondary support in overload comps.
