Zibai & Neuvillette Return: Genshin Impact Banner Guide 4.8
Genshin Impact’s 2026-02 banners bring the debut of Zibai (Geo), Neuvillette’s return, new 4-stars, and top weapons—what AR60 veterans should know.
Lumine Lee Zibai & Neuvillette Return: Banner Analysis for Genshin Impact 4.8
Genshin Impact’s late-stage 4.8 patch banners mark a turning point, featuring the debut of Zibai (Geo, 5-star) alongside a rerun of fan-favorite Neuvillette (Hydro, 5-star)—stacked with relevant 4-stars and high-value weapons. For both long-time AR60 veterans and newer players eyeing a fresh core for Spiral Abyss teams, this cycle offers access to meta-defining DPS roles and versatile utility picks. Understanding the competitive banner environment, potential team synergies, and resource management strategies is vital before making your decisions ahead of Fontaine’s late-stage meta shifts.
At a Glance: Patch 4.8 Event Wishes
- Duration: 2026-02-03 18:00 – 2026-02-24 14:59 (UTC+8; server time, not explicitly stated in all regions)
- Character Banner 1: "Harmonious Abundance" — Zibai (Geo, 5-star), boosted rate
- Character Banner 2: "Decree of the Deeps" — Neuvillette (Hydro, 5-star), boosted rate
- Shared 4-star rate-ups: Illuga (Geo, 4-star, new), Aino (Hydro, 4-star), Gorou (Geo, 4-star)
- Featured Weapon Banner: "Epitome Invocation" — Lightbearing Moonshard (Sword, 5-star) and Tome of the Eternal Flow (Catalyst, 5-star)
Banner Schedule & Details (Official HoYoLab)
| Phase | Banner | Featured 5-stars | Rate-up 4-stars | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harmonious Abundance | Zibai (Geo) | Illuga (Geo), Aino (Hydro), Gorou (Geo) | 2026-02-03 18:00 | 2026-02-24 14:59 |
| 2 | Decree of the Deeps | Neuvillette (Hydro) | Illuga (Geo), Aino (Hydro), Gorou (Geo) | 2026-02-03 18:00 | 2026-02-24 14:59 |
| W | Epitome Invocation | Lightbearing Moonshard (Sword), Tome of the Eternal Flow (Catalyst) | Xiphos' Moonlight, Favonius Greatsword, Dragon's Bane, Eye of Perception, Favonius Warbow | 2026-02-03 18:00 | 2026-02-24 14:59 |
Note: Character Event Wish and Character Event Wish-2 (Zibai/Neuvillette) share pity/guarantee count, but are independent from weapon or standard banners. Refer to the in-game Details corner for region-specific info.
Veteran’s Take: A Meta-Shifting Update
This patch’s banners reflect HoYoverse’s continued escalation of power and kit complexity near regional endgames. Zibai, a completely new Geo 5-star, debuts with unique party-sustain and Geo resonance potential, finally offering dedicated Geo mains a new prospective carry. For Spiral Abyss min-maxers, this is the first Geo DPS since Navia to compete at the top of the resonance meta, possibly shifting abyss team compositions with her arrival.
Neuvillette’s rerun is notable for both his raw Hydro DPS output and sustained Fontaine-era value. Since his original release in 4.1, Neuvillette has maintained a tier 0 status in community-made tier lists (see EarlyGG’s Neuvillette tier guide), owed to his battery-agnostic playstyle and strong resonance with both Hydro and Electro comps. This banner cycle is one of the final opportunities to secure him before an anticipated Sumeru/Inazuma rerun rotation.
Historical Context & Community Chatter
The double-up on Geo 4-stars (Illuga debut, Gorou return) echoes previous Arataki Itto banners, where HoYoverse directly targeted mono-Geo and hybrid Geo lineups. Community response on forums has already started drawing parallels to 2.3’s surge in Geo interest, sparking debates around the element’s evolving place in Abyss meta, especially after Fontaine introduced rivers of Hydro-centric enemies. Meanwhile, Neuvillette’s return has topped both r/Genshin_Impact and NGA hotlists, with many AR60 theorycrafters sharing new one-shot benchmarks thanks to recent weapon synergies.
Should You Pull? (F2P, Low-Spend, Optimal Path)
Zibai (Geo) — New 5-star
- Why pull? Exclusive kit designed for mono-Geo or Geo-centric hybrid teams. If you missed Navia or Itto, Zibai offers fresh team-building angles (subject to full kit analysis once trials open).
- Resources: Geo ascension materials, Artifacts (likely Husk of Opulent Dreams or upcoming Geo set; not finalized).
- F2P/Low-spend: Unless you lack strong Geo carries or need new team diversity, consider holding pulls. Early constellations may be underwhelming if kit relies on C2+ for peak output (not stated in official materials).
Neuvillette (Hydro) — Rerun 5-star
- Why pull? Still best-in-slot Hydro DPS for most Abyss cycles, massive AoE, and forgiving team comp flexibility.
- F2P: Strong at C0 with signature weapon, but performs admirably even on free-to-play options (Prototype Amber, Sacrificial Fragments). Weapon banner is high-value if you plan multiple pulls.
- Optimal: Consider weapon banner if you anticipate future Fontaine team expansion or want maximum investment value.
Weapon Banner: Lightbearing Moonshard & Tome of the Eternal Flow
- General advice: Weapon banners remain highest risk/reward for low spenders. Only target if you have path secured or both weapons are high value for your account.
- Epitomized Path: Use sparingly unless you have substantial saved Primogems and a tolerance for RNG variance.
Teams, Synergies, & Notable 4-stars
- Illuga (Geo, new 4-star): Details on skills, weapon, and gameplay not stated in official materials—refer to the in-game Test Run for hands-on.
- Gorou: Remains the only dedicated Geo support; valuable for both Zibai and Itto teams.
- Aino: Hydro 4-star support—synergies with Neuvillette, but also strong in future Hydro-based comps.
- Quick Team Recommendations:
- Zibai: Gorou, Albedo, Zhongli (classic mono-Geo)
- Neuvillette: Furina, Kazuha, Kokomi, Xiangling (standard Hyperbloom/Hypercarry variants)
Preparation Checklist
- Farm Zibai/Illuga/Gorou ascension gems and talent books ahead of banner launch.
- Accumulate enough Primogems—target soft pity at ~75 pulls per banner (consult EarlyGG’s Primogem planner).
- Complete “Test Run” for all new/featured units for trial rewards (primogems, mats, exp items).
- Prepare artifact sets: Husk, Noblesse, Emblem, and verify weapon ascension materials.
Hidden Details & Observations
- Banner Artwork: Zibai’s teaser art features motifs reminiscent of Liyue’s original Adepti, suggesting potential lore crossover in her character questline.
- Weapon Banner: Pairing Lightbearing Moonshard (Sword) with Tome of the Eternal Flow (Catalyst) may signal upcoming dual DPS events, not officially confirmed.
- Illuga's standard pool inclusion: Unusual for a new 4-star; typically signals the character will be core to coming story cycles.
Conclusion: A Landmarked Banner Cycle for Geo & Hydro Mains
Genshin Impact’s February 2026 banners set the tone for late-stage Fontaine meta and the possibility of Snezhnaya-influenced cycle changes. For completionists, this is the critical window to secure Zibai at launch or finally pick up Neuvillette before his likely long hiatus. Carefully evaluate team needs and pity status; these banners offer both rare new units and old favorites that remain competitive in Spiral Abyss and endgame domains. As always, monitor HoYoLab for post-release feedback, and consult EarlyGG's banner tracker for live updates on rates and community pulls.
Suggested Visuals:
– Side-by-side banner preview of Zibai and Neuvillette (with alt text: "Official Genshin Impact 4.8 event wish banners for Zibai (Geo) and Neuvillette (Hydro), showing featured 5-stars and 4-stars")
– Table of materials needed for Zibai (with alt text: "Table listing Zibai’s ascension and talent materials for player reference")