Genshin Impact version 7.1, titled "A Rekviem for the Underworld," launches on September 23, 2026. It coincides with the game's sixth anniversary and is the first patch to give players two free 5-star characters at once: one limited event exclusive and one from the standard banner pool.

The limited pick is the bigger deal. The standard selector has returned for several anniversaries. The limited one is new.

How to claim both free characters

The limited 5-star comes from the event Tabletop Troupe: A Gathering on Adventure's Eve. You must finish the version 7.1 Archon Quest "A Rekviem for the Underworld" first. Until that quest is done, the invite screen stays locked. The event window runs from September 23 to November 3, 2026. The choice is permanent and cannot be changed after you confirm.

The standard 5-star selector is a separate anniversary reward available in the same window. Claiming one does not lock you out of the other.

You also get 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, and other login and mail rewards during the patch.

Limited 5-star selector: who to pick

The pool is Varesa, Clorinde, Chiori, Nilou, Baizhu, and Tartaglia. This is the first time HoYoverse has let players choose a limited 5-star for free. The gap between the best and worst option is large.

Best default pick: Varesa

Varesa is the newest unit in the list and the strongest C0 option for most accounts. She is an Electro on-field DPS built around plunging attacks. She works with accessible teammates, holds up in hard content without constellations, and her mobility helps in the overworld. If you do not already own her, take her.

 

Strong exception: Clorinde if you are one copy from C2

Clorinde is a very strong Electro carry at C0. Her C2 is the real spike. It adds interruption resistance and a large damage increase that smooths her rotations. If you already have her at C1, using the selector to hit C2 is often better than grabbing a new C0 Varesa. If you do not own her at all, Varesa is still safer.

 

Situational: Nilou if you play Bloom and are close to C2

Nilou at C0 is narrow. She needs a dedicated Bloom or Lunar-Bloom team to matter. Her C2 is excellent: it cuts enemy Hydro and Dendro RES by 35 percent and turns her into a top-tier support for those teams. Grab her only if you already run that archetype and are one constellation away. Otherwise skip.

 

Situational: Chiori if you need off-field Geo

Chiori is a reliable off-field Geo damage dealer. She fits teams built around units like Navia, Itto, or later Geo DPS. She is not a generalist. Pick her only if your roster is missing that role. New or thin accounts should look elsewhere.

 

Skip unless you collect: Baizhu and Tartaglia

Baizhu offers Dendro application, healing, and a shield, but free units like Yaoyao cover most of that job. Tartaglia (Childe) has a unique stance-switch kit and remains a collector favorite, especially for Fatui Harbinger fans. Both have been power-crept. They are the lowest-value picks for combat.

Note that several of these characters (Nilou, Chiori, Baizhu, Clorinde, Tartaglia) can also gain constellations through the recurring To Temper Thyself and Journey Far event. That can change the math if you are already farming Stella Fortuna on them.

Standard 5-star selector: who to pick

The pool is Jean, Diluc, Qiqi, Mona, Tighnari, Keqing, Dehya, and Yumemizuki Mizuki.

Best overall: Jean

Jean is still the most useful standard 5-star for a wide range of accounts. She heals the whole team on burst, which pairs especially well with Furina, and she can hold Viridescent Venerer. She stays relevant even if you already have other Anemo options.

 

Best for new or returning players: Tighnari

Tighnari is the strongest standard DPS in the pool. He is a bow user, which helps with puzzles and time trials, and he can carry early-to-mid game content with little investment.

 

Solid fillers: Dehya and Mizuki

Dehya and Yumemizuki Mizuki fill real roles if you lack limited alternatives. They are better than the older carry options in the list.

Lower priority: Mona, Diluc, Keqing, Qiqi

Mona still has some utility as a Hydro applicator and burst buffer. Diluc and Keqing are playable but usually outclassed by limited units in the same slots. Qiqi is the weakest practical pick.

If you already own Jean and Tighnari, use this selector for a constellation on Jean or for whichever remaining unit fills a hole.

Quick decision guide

  • You do not own Varesa: take Varesa from the limited selector.
  • You have Clorinde at C1: take Clorinde to reach C2.
  • You main Bloom or Lunar-Bloom and have Nilou at C1: take Nilou to reach C2.
  • You need off-field Geo and already have Varesa or Clorinde: take Chiori.
  • New or returning account on the standard selector: take Tighnari or Jean.
  • Established account that already has Jean and Tighnari: take Jean for constellations or Dehya/Mizuki if you lack them.

The limited selector will return on future anniversaries with a different pool, so skipping someone now does not mean they are gone forever. Still, Varesa is the newest and strongest C0 unit on this list, which makes her the safest first copy for most players.

Finish the Archon Quest as soon as 7.1 drops so the limited invite unlocks. Confirm the constellation text on the invite screen before you lock in. The choice is final.