Hey, Travelers! Have you ever found yourself wishing for a certain four-star character to appear on a banner, only to wait months—or even years—for their return? Well, you’re not alone! In Genshin Impact’s 5.3 update, the community is buzzing about a newly revealed chart that highlights four-star characters who’ve been waiting the longest for a banner re-run. These characters may not have the same five-star sparkle, but their importance in team building and versatility can’t be overstated. Let’s take a look at who’s been patiently waiting in the wings and why their return is such a big deal.
Why Four-Star Characters Matter More Than You Think
Sure, five-star characters are the stars of the show, but four-stars bring something unique to the table. They’re easier to pull (thanks to that handy 10-pull pity system), more accessible for free-to-play players, and often serve as the backbone of solid team compositions. Every limited character banner includes three four-stars alongside a headlining five-star, giving players the chance to snag both new and returning heroes.
But here’s the kicker: some four-star characters end up waiting forever for a re-run. This means some of your favorites might be sitting on the bench for over a year, leaving players desperate to either grab them for the first time or unlock extra Constellations. In Version 5.3, a few long-absent four-stars are finally back in the spotlight—and fans are ecstatic.
Sayu: The Anemo Ninja Rolls Back into Action
First up, let’s talk about Sayu, everyone’s favorite pint-sized ninja from Inazuma. Sayu hasn’t graced a banner since Version 4.0, meaning she’s been absent for a whopping 12 updates. Can you believe that? For players who’ve been patiently waiting to roll for her, this feels like a long-overdue homecoming.
So, what makes Sayu so special? Well, aside from her adorable design, she’s a jack-of-all-trades character who can support your team in multiple ways. Need a healer? She’s got you covered. Looking for a sub-DPS? Sayu can handle that too. And let’s not forget her Elemental Skill, which turns her into a literal rolling ball of fun, making exploration faster and, honestly, a lot more enjoyable. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran who missed her the first time, Sayu’s return is a big deal.
Charlotte: Fontaine’s First Cryo Hero Waits Her Turn
Next on the waiting list is Charlotte, the first-ever Fontaine character to make an appearance in the game. She initially popped up in the storyline before Fontaine was officially added, but her playable debut didn’t happen until Version 4.2. And while fans were thrilled to finally get their hands on her, Charlotte hasn’t had a re-run since, leaving her in the “most-wanted” category for many players.
Charlotte shines as a support character, particularly in Cryo-based team compositions. Her kit is designed to enhance Cryo reactions, making her a valuable asset for players looking to optimize their setups. With her elegant design and strong utility, it’s no wonder so many players are eagerly awaiting her return. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of Fontaine flair in their roster?
Gorou: The Geo Genius That Holds It All Together
If you’re a fan of Geo characters, then Gorou is probably already on your radar. This four-star archer is a must-have for mono-Geo teams, thanks to his ability to buff Geo DMG and provide additional utility for teams that lean heavily into this often-overlooked element. Gorou’s buffs scale with the number of Geo characters in your party, making him the ultimate team player for builds featuring units like Arataki Itto, Xilonen, or Navia.
Despite his niche focus, Gorou has a loyal fanbase that appreciates his unique playstyle and contributions to Geo setups. His absence from banners has been felt, but his return in 5.3 is great news for players who’ve been saving up Primogems to complete their Geo dream teams.
Mika: The Physical Support That’s Struggling to Shine
Last but not least, we have Mika, a Cryo polearm wielder designed to support Physical team compositions. Mika was initially hyped as a perfect partner for Physical DPS characters like Eula, but he’s had a bit of a rough go when it comes to fitting into the current meta. With Genshin Impact’s increasing emphasis on elemental reactions, Physical damage has taken a backseat, leaving Mika in a somewhat awkward position.
That being said, Mika still has a lot of potential, especially for players who enjoy experimenting with off-meta builds. His buffs to Physical damage and attack speed can give your team a unique edge, and his Cryo element adds versatility to his kit. If you’re looking to try something different—or if you’re still running a Physical-focused team—Mika might be worth a second look.
How the Community is Reacting
As you’d expect, the reveal of the four-star waiting list has sparked plenty of discussion online. On platforms like Reddit and Twitter, fans are sharing their excitement about finally being able to pull for long-missed characters like Sayu and Gorou. Many players have expressed their relief that Sayu is making a comeback, with posts reminiscing about her fun Elemental Skill and how much easier she makes exploring the overworld.
On the flip side, there’s been some debate about Mika’s place in the game’s current meta. While some players appreciate his niche as a Physical support, others are hoping for tweaks to his kit or balance changes that make Physical damage teams more viable in the long run. Regardless, it’s clear that fans are invested in seeing these characters return to banners.
What This Means for Version 5.3
The inclusion of these long-absent four-star characters in 5.3’s banners is a clear win for the community. Not only does it give newer players a chance to grab these versatile units, but it also allows veterans to enhance their favorite characters with additional Constellations. Sayu’s rolling mobility, Charlotte’s Cryo utility, Gorou’s Geo synergy, and Mika’s niche Physical support all bring something unique to the table.
This lineup also highlights HoYoverse’s continued effort to cater to a variety of playstyles, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in each update. Whether you’re a collector, a meta-chaser, or just someone looking to experiment with new team comps, 5.3 has plenty to offer.
Conclusion: Who’s on Your Wish List?
So, Travelers, who are you most excited to pull for in Version 5.3? Whether it’s Sayu’s versatility, Charlotte’s Cryo charm, Gorou’s Geo mastery, or Mika’s off-meta potential, there’s no shortage of reasons to dive into these banners. With long-awaited re-runs and exciting opportunities for team-building, this update feels like a much-needed reunion for some of Genshin Impact’s most beloved four-star characters.