The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and somewhere in the bustling world of Teyvat, a new chapter is about to unfold. HoYoverse has officially confirmed that Genshin Impact Version 7.1, titled "A Rekviem for the Underworld," will launch on September 23, 2026. For a community that has weathered countless banner cycles and material grinds, this announcement landed like a burst of Anemo energy—refreshing, unexpected, and just a little chaotic. The patch promises a pair of free five-star characters, a generous anniversary reward package, and a reset of the Genesis Crystal first top-up bonus. Details beyond the headline perks remain scarce, but the confirmed goodies alone have already sparked a wave of excitement across forums and social media.

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At the heart of the announcement is a simple yet stunning line: players can "invite two 5-star characters to join your party." That phrase alone sent ripples through the community. Does it mean a selector event? A free giveaway tied to login campaigns? The official materials don't say. Character names, banner phases, and weapon banner details are all absent. For now, players are left to speculate—and speculate they have. Some dream of finally adding a long-coveted Archon to their roster; others hope for a meta-defining DPS. But as any seasoned Traveler knows, assumptions can lead to wasted Primogems. The smart move is to wait for the official banner schedule before making any pulls.

🎁 Confirmed Anniversary Rewards

The anniversary rewards are the centerpiece of this update. Here's what HoYoverse has locked in so far:

Reward Details
Free five-stars Invite two five-star characters to your party (method TBA)
Login rewards Intertwined Fate ×10, Primogems ×1,600
Top-up bonus Genesis Crystal first top-up bonus reset
Additional rewards To be announced in upcoming in-game notices

That's effectively 20 free pulls toward any banner—a meaningful buffer for anyone saving for a guaranteed five-star. For free-to-play players, this is a golden opportunity to build pity without spending a single Primogem. Low-spenders, meanwhile, might want to hold off on the Genesis Crystal reset until they see whether the top-up bonus aligns with a character they actually want. Patience, as always, is a virtue.

⏳ What We Still Don't Know

Beyond the headline rewards, the details are sparse. The exact characters available for the free five-star invitation, their eligibility requirements, and the acquisition method are all unstated. Based on previous anniversary patches, these free characters may be tied to limited-time events or login campaigns. Weapon banner details are also missing. Without knowing which characters are featured, a pull recommendation is impossible. The best advice? Avoid spending Primogems on assumptions. Wait for the official banner schedule.

🧠 Planning Advice for F2P and Low-Spenders

For free-to-play players, the strategy is simple: bank those rewards and resist pulling until the 7.1 banners are revealed. If you're close to soft pity—around 74 pulls—the free Intertwined Fates could push you over the edge on a future banner. Low-spenders should evaluate the Genesis Crystal reset against their budget once the character banners are known. There's no rush; the reset will still be there after the reveal.

With no character names or kits revealed, team-building advice would be pure speculation. Pre-farming ascension materials for unknown characters is a gamble. Instead, focus on universal resources like Mora, Hero's Wit, and weapon enhancement ore. These are always useful, no matter who joins your party. If you're eager to prepare, that's the safest path.

✅ Pre-Update Checklist

Before September 23, tie up loose ends:

  • Finish any limited-time events from the current patch—their rewards won't carry over.

  • Spend your resin on weekly bosses if you're low on talent materials.

  • Complete Battle Pass missions if you're close to a reward tier.

  • Double-check your Genesis Crystal top-up status if you plan to take advantage of the reset.

Once the update goes live:

  • Log in and claim the Intertwined Fate ×10 and Primogems ×1,600 from your in-game mail.

  • Check the event menu for the free five-star invitation process.

  • Review the banner schedule before spending any Primogems.

  • If you're a spender, evaluate the Genesis Crystal reset against your budget.

🌟 A Standout Anniversary Patch

Even with limited details, Genshin Impact Version 7.1 is shaping up to be one of the most player-friendly patches in recent memory. The free five-stars, 20 pulls worth of currency, and top-up reset are confirmed wins for the community. As September 23 approaches, the excitement will only grow. Stay tuned to EarlyGG for banner reveals, character kits, and event guides as HoYoverse releases more information. For now, save your Primogems, stock up on Mora, and get ready—the Underworld awaits its rekviem.