Genshin Impact 7.1 Banners: Should You Pull?

Genshin Impact Version 7.1 arrives on 2026-09-22 at 11:00 PM ET (UTC-4), and the banner lineup is splitting the community. Phase 1 introduces two new 5-stars in Vesna and Vodyanitsa, while Phase 2 brings back the proven Skirk and Escoffier duo. For the latest Genshin Impact news, EarlyGG has you covered.

This patch is less about universal must-pulls and more about team archetypes. If you are building around the new Stellar Swirl mechanic, Phase 1 is your window. If you already have a Cryo-Hydro core, Phase 2 offers immediate upgrades.

At a Glance

• Version 7.1 launch: 2026-09-22, 11:00 PM ET (UTC-4)
• Phase 1: 2026-09-23 to 2026-10-13 — Vesna (5-star Anemo Sword DPS) and Vodyanitsa (5-star Hydro Catalyst support)
• Phase 2: 2026-10-13 to 2026-11-03 — Skirk (5-star Cryo Sword DPS) and Escoffier (5-star Cryo Polearm support/sub-DPS)
• New mechanic: Stellar Swirl, introduced in 7.0 and expanded in 7.1
• Pity system: 90 wishes for a 5-star, 180 for a guaranteed limited 5-star

Version 7.1 Banner Schedule

Dates	Characters	Rarity	Element & Weapon	Role
2026-09-23 to 2026-10-13 (Phase 1)	Vesna (New)	5-star	Anemo / Sword	DPS
2026-09-23 to 2026-10-13 (Phase 1)	Vodyanitsa (New)	5-star	Hydro / Catalyst	Support / Buffer
2026-10-13 to 2026-11-03 (Phase 2)	Escoffier (Rerun)	5-star	Cryo / Polearm	Support / Sub-DPS
2026-10-13 to 2026-11-03 (Phase 2)	Skirk (Rerun)	5-star	Cryo / Sword	DPS

New Characters in Phase 1

Vesna

Vesna is a Snezhnayan character tied to the Druzhna, a group loyal to the Tsaritsa. She appears in the Transcendence Trailer — "Sudden Snow" — leading a search operation. As an on-field Anemo DPS, her kit is built around the Stellar Swirl mechanic, which rewards mobile, agile combat.

Vodyanitsa

Vodyanitsa is the Prima Soprano of the Korolevskiy Troupe. Her name surfaced in character material before her full reveal in the same trailer. As a Hydro Catalyst user, she is designed to complement Stellar Swirl teams, providing buffs and Hydro application from the backline.

Should You Pull?

Pull for Vesna if:

• You want to explore the Stellar Swirl archetype from the ground up.
• You need a dedicated on-field Anemo DPS with mobility.
• You are willing to build a team around her specific needs.

Pull for Vodyanitsa if:

• You plan to run Vesna and want her best support.
• You need a Hydro buffer for reaction-focused teams.
• You prefer Catalyst users with off-field presence.

Pull for Skirk or Escoffier if:

• You already have a Cryo-Hydro Freeze core and want to strengthen it.
• You missed them on their debut and need reliable Cryo damage or resistance shred.
• You prefer proven teams over experimental ones.

Skip if:

• Your Primogem budget is tight and neither archetype fits your roster.
• You are saving for a future patch character not yet revealed.

Primogem Planning

A Character Event Wish guarantees a 5-star within 90 wishes. If that 5-star is not the featured promotional character, the next 5-star is guaranteed to be the featured one. From zero pity and no guarantee, budget up to 180 wishes for one completely guaranteed limited 5-star.

Goal	Maximum Wishes	Primogems
One 5-star	90	14,400
Fully guarantee one limited 5-star	180	28,800
Worst-case budget for two limited 5-stars	360	57,600

Most players will not hit hard pity every time, but these ceilings are useful for long-term savings. If you want both Vesna and Vodyanitsa, preserve as much of a two-character guarantee as possible. Character and weapon Wish counters are separate, so do not spend heavily on a weapon before securing your main target.

Weapon Banner Notes

Vesna's signature weapon fits her agile Anemo combat style. Vodyanitsa's Catalyst aligns with her Hydro element and performer identity. For F2P and low-spend players, the safest priority remains: character first, signature weapon second. Waiting for the complete weapon pairing is important because a weapon banner becomes much more attractive when both featured 5-stars are useful for your account.

Not stated in official materials: full weapon banner lineup and exact weapon stats.

Teams and Synergies

Vesna and Vodyanitsa are designed to work together in Stellar Swirl teams. Vodyanitsa's Hydro application and buffing support Vesna's on-field Anemo damage. This is a new archetype, so expect experimentation before optimal rotations settle.

Skirk and Escoffier form a proven Cryo-Hydro core. Escoffier provides off-field Cryo application, healing, and resistance reduction, while Skirk handles on-field damage. If you already have one, pulling the other completes a reliable Freeze-oriented roster.

For more details on Vodyanitsa's kit and team options, see our Vodyanitsa banner and team guide.

Events and Rewards

Version 7.1 is expected to include the usual patch events and rewards, but specific event details, dates, and reward totals are not stated in official materials. Check back closer to launch for confirmed event schedules.

For a broader look at what is coming, see our 7.1 banner preview and the Rekviem for the Underworld preview.

Conclusion

Version 7.1 asks you to choose between a new archetype and a proven one. Vesna and Vodyanitsa reward players willing to build around Stellar Swirl. Skirk and Escoffier offer immediate value for existing Cryo-Hydro teams. Before wishing, check your roster, your Primogem budget, and whether you can field the teammates each character needs. Evaluating characters as part of a complete team will give you the clearest picture of their account value.