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The Lantern Rite festival is once again upon us in 2025, and with it comes one of the most anticipated events of the year: the chance to claim a free 4-star Liyue character of your choice! It's a fantastic opportunity for both new and veteran players to strengthen their rosters. However, with an expanding list of incredible characters, making that final decision can be tough. This Genshin Impact updated selector guide is here to break down your options and help you make the best choice for your account.

Who's on the Guest List for 2025?

While HoYoverse always keeps the final roster a secret until the event begins, we can make a highly educated guess based on previous years. The 2025 "Fortuitous Invitation" event will likely feature all the Liyue 4-star characters released to date. This year, that includes the exciting addition of Gaming, the Wushou-dancing transport professional who took the region by storm.

Here is the expected list of available characters:

  • Xingqiu (Hydro Sword)

  • Xiangling (Pyro Polearm)

  • Beidou (Electro Claymore)

  • Ningguang (Geo Catalyst)

  • Chongyun (Cryo Claymore)

  • Xinyan (Pyro Claymore)

  • Yun Jin (Geo Polearm)

  • Yaoyao (Dendro Polearm)

  • Gaming (Pyro Claymore)

The Golden Rule: Your Account, Your Choice

Before we dive into specifics, let's get one thing straight: there is no single "best" character for everyone. The right pick depends entirely on what your account needs. Are you a new player missing foundational units? Are you a veteran looking for a game-changing constellation? Or do you simply want to pick the character whose design and personality you love the most? All are valid reasons! The goal is to choose a character you'll actually use and enjoy. 😉

Top-Priority Picks for Any Roster

For the vast majority of players, the choice will likely come down to a few top-tier powerhouses who define the meta. If you don't have these characters or are missing their key constellations, they should be at the top of your list.

Xingqiu: Often called one of the best characters in the game, period. His off-field Hydro application is unmatched, enabling powerful reactions like Vaporize, Freeze, and Hyperbloom. He provides damage reduction and minor healing, making him an incredibly comfortable and high-value slot in any team. If you don't have him, get him. If you do, his C6 is arguably the biggest power spike for any 4-star character.

Xiangling: The Pyro Archon in disguise. Xiangling's Elemental Burst, Pyronado, is a vortex of fiery destruction that deals immense damage even when she's off-field. She is the backbone of the famous "National Team" and its many variations. Her C4 extends the duration of her Pyronado, making it a crucial constellation to aim for.

Yaoyao: Since the introduction of Dendro, Yaoyao has become an incredibly valuable asset. She is a healer who can also apply Dendro from off-field, a combination that is perfect for reaction-based teams like Hyperbloom and Burgeon. If you lack a premium Dendro unit like Nahida or a healer like Baizhu, Yaoyao is an outstanding choice that opens up many new team-building possibilities.

Fantastic Niche and Specialized Choices

Maybe you already have the big three, or you're looking to enable a specific playstyle. In that case, these characters offer incredible value in the right teams.

  • Gaming: The newest face on the block! Gaming is a vibrant and fun on-field DPS who specializes in Plunging Attacks, a playstyle that has gotten a lot of love recently. If you're in need of a Pyro DPS or just want to try something new and exciting, he's a fantastic pick.

  • Yun Jin: The queen of Normal Attacks. Yun Jin's Elemental Burst provides a massive flat damage bonus to any character's Normal Attacks. This makes her an irreplaceable support for characters like Yoimiya, Wanderer, or even a physical DPS Fischl. Her value skyrockets with constellations.

  • Beidou: If you find yourself struggling against groups of enemies, Beidou is your answer. Her Elemental Burst creates a chain-lightning effect that bounces between foes, dealing immense AoE Electro damage. She shines brightest in Taser (Electro-Charged) teams and requires her C2 to feel truly powerful.

Quick-Choice Summary Table

Still undecided? Here’s a simple table to help you finalize your decision in this updated selector guide.

Your Primary Need Top Recommendation(s) Why You Should Pick Them
Universal Team Upgrade Xingqiu, Xiangling These two fit into countless meta teams and provide enormous off-field damage.
Enable Dendro Reactions Yaoyao The perfect entry point into Dendro teams, providing both healing and application.
A Fun New Main DPS Gaming A unique and powerful Plunging Attack playstyle that is incredibly satisfying.
Boost a Normal Attacker Yun Jin The absolute best-in-slot support for characters who rely on Normal Attacks.
Game-Changing Constellations Xingqiu (C6), Xiangling (C4), Beidou (C2) These specific constellations elevate the characters to a whole new level of power.

Ultimately, the Lantern Rite is a celebration. This Genshin Impact updated selector guide is here to help you make an informed decision, but don't forget the most important factor: fun! Choose the character that will bring you the most joy as you continue your adventures in Teyvat. Happy Lantern Rite, Traveler! 🎉