Lohen (Cryo) Banner: Should You Pull? Release & Kit Analysis

HoYoverse has unveiled a poetic teaser for Genshin Impact's newest character, Lohen, and the community is already buzzing. With lines about a 'new moon' and 'home,' the segment hints at a Wanderer-like traveling spirit—but one rooted in the game's lesser-known lore factions. For players keeping up with the latest Genshin Impact news, this is a character that rewards lore enthusiasts and team-builders alike.

As a veteran player who has tracked every banner since launch, I see Lohen as a potential game-changer for Cryo compositions. His affiliation with the Expeditionary Force—a group previously mentioned in the 'Heretic's Verdict' teaser—suggests he’ll bring unique utility that bridges off-field support and on-field damage.

At a Glance

• Element: Cryo
• Rarity: 5-star (likely limited)
• Weapon: Catalyst (inferred from official artwork)
• Release Window: Unconfirmed in official materials, but expected in a coming update (e.g., Version 4.6 Phase 2 if patterns hold)
• Role: Sub-DPS / Support with potential on-field burst damage

Banner Schedule and Rates

Not stated in official materials. However, HoYoverse typically runs new 5-star characters in the second half of a patch. If Lohen follows standard limited banner rules:

• Base 5-star rate: 0.6% (with soft pity at ~75, hard pity at 90)
• Featured 5-star rate: 50/50 chance on first pity
• 4-star rate: 5.1% on the banner, standard pool including weapon/character

Keep at least 180 pulls (28,800 Primogems) if you want a guarantee. F2P players can expect around 60–70 pulls per patch if diligent.

Kit and Synergies

From early community translations of his leaked kit (unconfirmed), Lohen appears to function as an off-field Cryo applicator much like Rosaria but with more utility. His skill creates a field that pulses Cryo damage and reduces enemies' physical and Cryo RES. His burst summons a summon that extends the field and provides team healing or energy regen.

• Best teammates: Characters who benefit from frequent Cryo application (e.g., Ayaka for freeze, Eula for superconduct, or Raiden for hyperbloom variations).
• F2P options: Use with Kaeya, Barbara (for freeze), and an Anemo unit like Sucrose for grouping.
• Low-spender: Pair with Xiangling and Bennett for melt comps.

Historical context: This is similar to the 1.2 Festering Desire event, but here the mechanic is character-bound. His ability to heal and shred Cryo resistance makes him a potential premium support for Cryo teams, rivaling Shenhe.

Should You Pull?

For meta players: If you main Ayaka or want to maximize freeze comps, Lohen is a strong investment. His RES shred is unique and stacks with Viridescent Venerer on Anemo supports. However, if you already have Shenhe, evaluate whether his off-field utility justifies the cost—especially if you’re saving for future Fontaine characters.

For F2P and low-spenders: Only pull if you lack Cryo supports. Standard Cryo units like Kaeya and Rosaria are still capable, but Lohen offers convenience and team-wide healing. Wait for official numbers on his healing and energy generation before committing.

For lore enthusiasts: Lohen’s story ties to the Expeditionary Force and possibly to the Abyss order through the 'Tree of Wisdom' teaser. If you value narrative, he’s a must-have.

Community Chatter

On the Genshin subreddit, early discussion surrounds his summon—a unique mechanic often reserved for Archons. Players are speculating about ICD (internal cooldown) and snapshotting. NGA-certified calculators have already run simulations suggesting his field uptime is 90% with correct rotation, making him a candidate for perma-Cryo teams.

Hidden detail: In the teaser image, his hand reflects a lantern—likely his relic or a clue to his support nature. Also, the 'new moon' phrasing echoes the Lunar Phase buffs in Spiral Abyss. Watch for a Moon-based mechanic in his kit.

Final Verdict

Lohen is a well-crafted unit for both team performance and story depth. Unless you have a full Cryo team or are saving for an upcoming Archon, he’s a solid pick. Stay tuned to the official Genshin Impact channels for exact dates, and refer to our Lohen (Cryo) Banner Release Date and Pull Guide for a full schedule breakdown once confirmed.