So, you’ve probably seen the splash art by now. Honestly, HoYoverse really knows how to pull at our heartstrings—and our wallets. The Genshin Impact new banner for Version 6.3, titled Luna IV, is officially live as of January 14, 2026, and it’s a total game-changer. We finally have Columbina, "The Damselete," stepping out of the Fatui Harbinger shadows and into our rosters.
She isn't just another Hydro unit. If you were expecting a second Furina or a better Xingqiu, you might be looking at this all wrong. Columbina is a Hydro Catalyst user, but her soul belongs to the brand-new Lunar Reaction system.
Phase 1: The Harbinger and the Shield
Right now, the character event wishes are split between Columbina’s debut banner, Somnias a Luna, and a rerun for Ineffa in Astral Actuation. This phase runs until February 3, 2026.
Columbina is basically the backbone of the new "Nod-Krai" meta. Her kit focuses on off-field Hydro application that scales with Max HP, but the real kicker is her ability to buff Lunar Reaction damage. If you've been playing around with the new mechanics, you know how clunky they can feel without the right support. She’s the "right support."
Then there’s Ineffa. She’s an Electro Polearm user who provides a shield based on her ATK and a massive Elemental Mastery (EM) buff during her Burst. If you missed her last time, she’s a solid pick for Aggravate or Hyperbloom teams. But let’s be real: most people are pulling for the Harbinger.
📖 Related: Siegfried Persona 3 Reload: Why This Strength Persona Still Trivializes the Game
The 4-star lineup for Phase 1 is surprisingly Electro-heavy:
- Fischl: The queen of off-field Electro. Still top-tier after all these years.
- Sethos: A decent Electro bow user if you like that high-speed playstyle.
- Ifa: A newer Anemo unit that helps with grouping and swirl.
Phase 2: The Adeptus and the Dragon
Mark your calendars for February 3. That’s when Phase 2 kicks in, and it’s arguably just as stacked. We’re getting Zibai, a new 5-star Geo Sword user known as the "White Horse Adeptus," alongside a rerun of the Hydro Sovereign himself, Neuvillette.
Zibai is interesting because she’s the first main DPS designed specifically for "Lunar-Crystallize." Her gameplay revolves around a state called Phase Shift Radiance. Basically, she hits fast, triggers reactions, and uses DEF and EM to shred enemies.
And Neuvillette? Well, he’s Neuvillette. Even in 2026, his Hydro pumps are still clearing the Spiral Abyss like it’s a casual stroll through Fontaine. If you don't have him, this is probably the best time to fix that mistake.
👉 See also: The Hunt: Mega Edition - Why This Roblox Event Changed Everything
The 4-stars in Phase 2 feature another new face, Illuga (a Geo Polearm support), alongside Aino and the ever-present Gorou. If you're planning to build a Geo team around Zibai, you’ll want Illuga for those Nightingale’s Song buffs.
The Weapon Banner Trap
The Epitome Invocation is looking spicy but dangerous. In Phase 1, we have Columbina’s signature catalyst, Nocturne's Curtain Call, paired with Ineffa’s polearm, Fractured Halo.
Nocturne’s Curtain Call has a massive 88.2% CRIT DMG secondary stat. It’s custom-built for Columbina, increasing Lunar-Charged damage significantly when the user is shielded.
For Phase 2, the weapon banner features Zibai’s sword, Lightbearing Moonshard, and Neuvillette’s Tome of the Eternal Flow. Honestly, Phase 2 is a win-win for the weapon banner. If you lose the 50/50 on Zibai’s sword, you get one of the best catalysts in the game. That’s a rare luxury in Genshin.
✨ Don't miss: Why the GTA San Andreas Motorcycle is Still the Best Way to Get Around Los Santos
What about Version 6.4?
The leaks are already flying. Rumors suggest Version 6.4, launching around February 25, 2026, will finally bring Grandmaster Varka to the game. He’s expected to be an Anemo Claymore user with a unique "Favonius Bladework" style.
If you’re a Mondstadt fan, you might want to save. There’s also talk of a new character named Lohen being added directly to the Standard Banner, and a potential map expansion into Dornman Port.
Actionable Strategy for Your Wishes
Don't just spend because of the hype. Here is how to handle your Primogems right now:
- Check your roster for Lunar Reaction synergy. If you already have characters like Flins or Lauma, Columbina is a mandatory pull to make those teams viable in the endgame.
- Evaluate your Neuvillette situation. If you already have a C0 Neuvillette, consider his C1 instead of pulling for Zibai. The interruption resistance is still some of the best value in the game.
- Budget for the "Lantern Rite" equivalent. Since we're in the early part of the year, expect plenty of free pulls from upcoming seasonal events, but don't count on them to hit a hard pity.
- Skip the weapon banner unless you have 200+ pulls. The Fate Point system is better than it used to be, but it’s still a black hole for Primogems if you get unlucky.
If you’re F2P, you’re looking at roughly 107 pulls available throughout Version 6.3. That’s enough for one guaranteed 5-star if you're close to pity, but you’ll have to choose between the Harbinger and the Adeptus. Choose wisely.
Next Steps for Your Account
- Pre-farm Varunada Lazurite and the new regional specialties in the "Aubade of Morning Star and Moon" area if you’re going for Columbina.
- Farm the "Wherever a Breeze Blows" artifact set if you plan on pulling for Varka in 6.4, as early theorycrafting suggests it will be his best-in-slot.
- Save your Starglitter. With the potential Chronicled Wish coming back in 6.4 for Mondstadt characters, you might need it for those final constellations on older units like Jean or Diluc.