Honestly, if you took a break from Teyvat for a year or two and just logged back in, the character selection screen probably looks like a chaotic fever dream. We’ve come a long way from the days of just "Diluc vs. Klee" for the top Pyro slot.
By early 2026, the sheer volume of all characters in Genshin Impact has crossed the 100-mark. That is a massive mountain of lore, Ascension materials, and artifact sets to climb. But it’s not just about the numbers. The way we play these characters has fundamentally shifted with the introduction of the Natlan and the newer Nod-Krai regions.
The State of the Teyvat Roster in 2026
It’s getting crowded. Seriously.
As of the Version 6.3 "Luna IV" update, we’ve officially entered the era of the Fatui Harbingers becoming regular roster staples. The arrival of Columbina (The Damselette) as a Hydro Catalyst powerhouse has essentially rewritten the rulebook on "support" roles. She doesn’t just apply Hydro; she manipulates the new Lunar Reactions that have defined the meta since we stepped into the northern reaches of Nod-Krai.
Then you have the local legends. Characters like Zibai, a Geo Sword user who actually makes Geo feel fast for once, and the 4-star support Illuga. If you're looking at the total count, we are sitting at roughly 102 playable units, including the Traveler’s various elemental forms.
Keeping track is a nightmare. You’ve got:
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- The Mondstadt Veterans: Varka is finally—finally—on the horizon for 6.4, looking like an Anemo Claymore unit that actually uses a "dual-wield" mechanic.
- The Liyue Adepti: Still dominated by the likes of Zhongli, though newer units like Yumemizuki Mizuki have carved out niches in the Anemo swirl meta.
- The Fatui presence: Arlecchino, Tartaglia, and now Columbina. Sandrone is rumored to be lurking in the 2026 release schedule too.
Why Element Supremacy is a Myth Now
Remember when Benett and Xingqiu were the only characters that mattered? Okay, they still matter. Benett is basically the immortal king of Genshin. But the "National Team" isn't the end-all-be-all anymore.
The introduction of specialized regional mechanics has made all characters in Genshin Impact feel more like tools in a very specific toolbox rather than universal Swiss Army knives. In the Natlan cycle, we dealt with "Nightsoul" mechanics. Now, in the 6.X series, it’s all about the Hexenzirkel-inspired buffs and Lunar cycles.
Take Durin, for example. Not the dragon, but the playable version released late last year. He scales specifically with ATK and CRIT but gains massive bonuses when paired with Hexenzirkel members like Mona or the long-awaited Nicole Reeyn. If you aren't playing into these regional synergies, your damage feels like you’re hitting enemies with a wet noodle.
The Power Creep Conversation
People love to complain that new characters make old ones obsolete. It's a valid worry. When Neuvillette dropped, he basically deleted the need for other Hydro DPS.
However, HoYoverse has been surprisingly decent at using the "Imaginarium Theater" and "Stygian Onslaught" modes to force us to use our benched characters. You can't just rely on a C6 Furina to carry you through everything. The game now demands horizontal investment. You need a deep bench. You need that level 80 Amber or that niche Geo traveler more than you think.
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The "Must-Haves" vs. The "Fan Favorites"
If you're looking at who to actually pull for in 2026, the list has narrowed.
Kazuha and Nahida remain the gold standard. They are the "safe" picks. But if you’re looking at the current 6.3 banners, the focus is heavily on the "Lunar" system. Columbina is the clear winner there. Her kit allows for off-field Hydro application that makes the old Yelan/Xingqiu duo look slow.
On the flip side, we have "Physical" damage. Poor Eula. Despite some attempts to revive Physical through characters like Varesa, it’s still the red-headed stepchild of Genshin elements. Unless Varka brings a massive Physical shred kit (which some leakers suggest, but don't hold your breath), the meta is firmly Elemental.
Hidden Gems You’re Probably Ignoring
- Sethos: People slept on him, but in a 2026 Hyperbloom-plus-Lunar team? He’s a monster.
- Aino: A 4-star Hydro Claymore from Snezhnaya who actually holds her own as a sustain unit.
- Kachina: Still one of the best "driver" units for Natlan-based teams, even if she’s "just" a 4-star.
Managing the Grind: It Never Ends
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: farming.
With over 100 characters, the Boss Material grind is soul-crushing. HoYoverse added the "Quick Start" for Bosses, which helps, but if you’re trying to max out all characters in Genshin Impact, you’re looking at months of resin.
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My advice? Stop at Level 80 for everyone except your absolute favorites or those who scale on HP/EM (like Kazuha or Nilou). The jump from 80 to 90 is a resource sink that rarely pays off unless you're trying to 36-star the Abyss with zero effort.
What’s Next for the Roster?
The road to Snezhnaya is almost fully paved. We know the Tsaritsa is coming. We know the remaining Harbingers like Sandrone and Capitano are likely to fill out the 6.X and 7.X patches.
The biggest shift we're seeing is the "Model Type" variation. Varka is rumored to use a significantly bulkier male model—something fans have begged for since 2020. If this is true, it opens the door for more diverse character designs that go beyond the standard "Tall Male / Short Female" templates we've had for years.
Practical Steps for Your Account
Don't let the 100+ character count paralyze you. If you want to stay competitive without spending a fortune:
- Prioritize "System Enablers": Characters like Nahida (Dendro), Furina (Hydro/Buffs), and now Columbina (Lunar) are better investments than pure DPS units.
- Watch the 6.4 Varka Leaks: If he truly dual-wields, he will likely change the Anemo meta. Save your Primos.
- Don't ignore 4-stars: Units like Chevreuse and Sethos are often better than "mid" 5-stars in specific team comps.
- Check the "Temper Thyself" Selector: Use the 8-week character selector to grab constellations for your core supports rather than chasing a new C0 DPS you don't have artifacts for.
Focus on building teams, not just collecting individuals. Teyvat is big, but your resin is small. Plan accordingly.