Genshin Impact 6.1 Banners: Nefer Debuts, Furina & Archon Sy

Genshin Impact 6.1 Banners: Nefer's Debut and a New Meta Crossroads

Genshin Impact Version 6.1 marks a critical juncture for both meta chasers and longtime collectors, revealing a banner slate that balances anticipated debuts with all-time favorites. With the first confirmation of Nefer as a playable Dendro hypercarry alongside sought-after returns for Furina, Arlecchino, and Zhongli, players face difficult choices on banner priorities as the landscape of Teyvat undergoes yet another evolution.

This patch is more than a roster update: 6.1 also introduces the Miliastra Wonderland creative sandbox, expands the ongoing Nod-Krai Archon Quest, and delivers a shake-up to team-building theory with unique kit synergies. For dedicated players, this patch’s banners aren't just about collecting; they’re about disrupting established playstyles and preparing for the next wave of endgame content.

At a Glance: Version 6.1 Banner Essentials

Banner Phases:
- Phase 1 (2025-10-22 to ~2025-11-12 UTC+8): Nefer (5★ Dendro Catalyst), Furina (5★ Hydro Sword)
- Phase 2 (~2025-11-12 to 2025-12-03 UTC+8): Arlecchino (5★ Pyro Polearm), Zhongli (5★ Geo Polearm)
Notable 4★ units (Unconfirmed – Datamine): Lan Yan, Yun Jin, Rosaria
Signature Weapons: Available during respective banners, with additional Nod-Krai 4★ weapons (Phase 1)
Major Content Additions: Miliastra Wonderland (user-generated minigames), Archon Quest continuation
Release Window: 2025-10-22 to 2025-12-03 UTC+8

Banner Schedule: Version 6.1

Phase	Start Date	End Date	5★ Rate-Up Characters
Phase 1	2025-10-22 (UTC+8)	~2025-11-12	Nefer, Furina
Phase 2	~2025-11-12	2025-12-03	Arlecchino, Zhongli

Exact server reset time: Not stated in official materials; default to 06:00 server time (UTC+8) for estimate.

Veteran's Take: Why 6.1’s Banners Matter for the Meta

Every Genshin Impact patch leaves a mark, but 6.1’s banners present a rare collision of mechanical innovation and nostalgia. Nefer’s kit, designed for Dendro hypercarry roles and Seed conversion, is the most meta-distinct five-star launch since Kazuha’s Elemental Mastery revolution in 1.6. With Furina—still widely regarded as the best universal support released post-Fontaine—and enduring shield king Zhongli on the same patch, version reroll value is at an all-time high.

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Historical Context: Connecting the Dots

This banner cycle echoes past "all-star" banners such as 1.5 (Zhongli, Eula) and 3.5 (Dehya, Cyno, Ayaka, Shenhe), serving as reward and pressure point for long-term planners. Furina’s rerun fulfills her expected six-patch cycle, while Arlecchino, once considered a luxury hypercarry, now faces direct competition from versatile Dendro options. Notably, the introduction of user-generated minigames in Miliastra Wonderland marks Genshin’s biggest sandbox expansion since the introduction of Serenitea Pot in 1.5.

Should You Pull? (F2P, Low-Spend, and Veteran Guidance)

F2P & Low-Spend

Nefer is a premium Dendro main-DPS designed for hypercarry setups but functions at C0—with high team flexibility if you possess Nahida, Yelan/Xingqiu, or Zhongli.
- Resource note: Nefer’s kit emphasis is on Dendro Cores and her Seed mechanic. She is especially rewarding with Surge or Quicken reaction teams.
Furina: Unmatched support power, synergizes with nearly all meta teams; if you lack her, this is a top-priority rerun. Simply put, few non-limited characters match her universal value.
Arlecchino: Remains a fun, strong hypercarry, but powercrept in high-investment meta teams. Pull if you prefer her unique Blood-Debt mechanic.
Zhongli: Still irreplaceable for “comfort” runs, exploration, and relaxed play, but not a staple in hyperoptimized teams due to newer alternatives. Collect if you lack a top-tier shielder.

Recommendation:
– If you have not secured Furina and depend on Hydro for team compositions, prioritize her.
– Nefer is most rewarding if you play or aspire to high-investment Dendro teams.
– Consider saving Primogems for Durin (rumored 6.2), unless you want the comfort utility or collectability.

For detailed optimal planning and comparison of upcoming patches, see EarlyGG’s Primogem Count breakdown.

Synergy & Team Insights: Who Benefits?

Nefer’s Core Teams

Best Team Core: Nefer (Dendro main DPS) / Nahida / Yelan (or Xingqiu) / Zhongli (or Baizhu for Dendro resonance)
- Alternative Flex: Aino, Baizhu (flex slot for sustain); can run with classic Hyperbloom or Quicken shells.
- Key Mechanic: Nefer converts Dendro Cores into Seeds of Deceit via Enhanced Charged Attacks. Mastery investment is critical for maximizing Seed output.

Furina’s Teams (Updated)

Synergizes best with characters scaling on off-field or coordinated attacks (e.g., Neuvillette, Navia, Clorinde, Alhaitham).
Remains the best 5★ support for both casual and Spiral Abyss teams, with no planned direct replacement.

Arlecchino

Excels in single-target, Pyro-bleeding comps; pairs well with supports enabling rapid elemental application (e.g., Bennett, Xiangling, Kazuha for VV).
Still outperformed in absolute DPS by multiflag Dendro/Mono-hydro teams but offers a unique playstyle for enthusiasts.

Events & New Features

Miliastra Wonderland

Type: User-driven minigame sandbox
Access: All players (details and regional eligibility: Not stated in official materials)
Rewards: Primogems, event currencies, limited avatar frames (subject to future clarifications)
Note: Functions similarly to previous "Theatre Mechanicus," but focuses on customizable UGC content for lasting replay.

Nod-Krai Archon Quest Continuation

Continues the expansion of endgame lore; will likely tie into future region unlocks and story-critical battles.
Schedule: Story expansion available at patch launch (2025-10-22 UTC+8)
Eligibility: Standard Adventure Rank progression required (not stated in official materials)

Preparation Checklist

Pre-farm Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Geo ascension gems and talent books.
Hunt weekly bosses linked to Sumeru and Fontaine.
Reserve Fragile Resin for new weapon domain grinds; plan for likely signature weapon materials for Nefer, Furina.
Check EarlyGG for livestream redeem codes.

Unconfirmed: Future Banners & Leaks

Datamined 4★ Characters: Not confirmed—Lan Yan, Yun Jin, Rosaria reportedly feature across banners. Subject to official announcement.
Upcoming Characters:
- Durin (rumored 6.2, Pyro support)
- Columbina (rumored 6.3, Hydro support)

Reminders: All unconfirmed details are subject to change. Refer to official sources for final Live update notes.

Conclusion: Choosing Wisely in 6.1

With both meta-defining opportunities and nostalgic reruns, Genshin Impact 6.1 offers vital decision points for every profile—whether optimizing Spiral Abyss clears, investing in a main DPS for years to come, or adding fan-favorite characters for the collection. As always, the best strategy is to set goals before pulling, keep tabs on confirmed patch notes at EarlyGG, and plan Wish reserves in advance of incoming updates.

Next to watch: Stay alert for the official 6.2 reveal—Durin’s playable details and planned power curve could shift value calculations once again.

Suggested Additional Visuals

Character splash arts for Nefer, Furina, Arlecchino, Zhongli (with bolded alt text highlighting elemental theme and role)
A compact table graphic for the banner schedule (dates, units, server timezone highlighted)
Screenshot of Miliastra Wonderland interface (if provided in future livestreams)

For more on ongoing and upcoming Genshin Impact events, resources, and expert meta guidance, check out: EarlyGG Genshin Archive