Genshin Impact 5.5 Best Characters: Who to Pull for in the Latest Update

The Genshin Impact 5.5 update, set for release on March 26, 2025, is bringing some of the most anticipated 5-star characters back into the spotlight. With four powerful options—Varesa, Xianyun, Xilonen, and Venti—players are faced with a tough decision on who to prioritize. While Varesa, the new Electro Catalyst user, is drawing attention as a potential top-tier DPS, the supportive prowess of Xianyun and Xilonen makes them equally appealing. And, of course, Venti, the beloved Anemo Archon, is making another grand return.

With Primogems being a scarce resource, choosing the right character can be the key to strengthening your team. Some players might seek a powerful main DPS, while others might need a support unit to complement their lineup. This guide breaks down each of the best characters in Genshin Impact 5.5, explaining their strengths, playstyles, and how they fit into the current meta. Whether you’re a new player looking to make your first big pull or a veteran planning to optimize your roster, here’s everything you need to know.

Xilonen – The Best Geo Support in Genshin Impact 5.5

Among the 5-star characters available in Genshin Impact 5.5, Xilonen stands out as one of the best support options. Introduced in version 5.1, Xilonen has solidified her place in top-tier team compositions due to her ability to shred enemy resistance (RES). This makes her a must-have for teams looking to maximize their damage output. Unlike many support characters, Xilonen’s Elemental Skill synergizes well with normal attacks, enhancing the overall DPS of her team.

Aside from her RES reduction, Xilonen offers a single-target healing effect, which improves significantly upon reaching her C6 constellation. While she might not be a dedicated healer like Kokomi or Jean, her ability to provide both offensive buffs and healing makes her a valuable addition to any team, particularly in Spiral Abyss battles.

Varesa – A Game-Changing Electro DPS

The newest addition to the Genshin Impact roster, Varesa, is shaping up to be one of the strongest Electro damage dealers in the game. As a Catalyst user from the Collective of Plenty, she brings a unique combat style that revolves around Plunge Attacks. Unlike traditional Electro DPS characters like Cyno or Keqing, Varesa relies on charging into enemies and dealing massive burst damage from above.

Her Elemental Skill and Burst abilities enhance her Plunge Attacks, giving her increased resistance to interruption—a crucial feature for sustained damage output. The 5.5 livestream provided a glimpse of her abilities, and early impressions suggest she could rival characters like Raiden Shogun in terms of raw Electro damage. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting DPS to build your team around, Varesa is an excellent choice.

One exciting bonus for pulling on Varesa’s banner is the inclusion of Iansan, a new 4-star character. As a support unit designed to synergize with Varesa, Iansan’s Electro abilities could make Varesa’s damage potential even greater.

Xianyun – The Ultimate Plunge Attack Enabler

Xianyun, also known as Cloud Retainer, is another 5-star Anemo Catalyst user, and she plays a pivotal role in teams focused on Plunge Attacks. She first appeared in version 4.4 and has since been a favorite among players using characters like Xiao and Gaming. Her Elemental Burst not only enables more Plunge Attacks but also significantly buffs their damage.

Beyond her offensive capabilities, Xianyun is also an exceptional healer. Her Elemental Burst restores HP for the entire team, making her a strong alternative to characters like Bennett or Jean. Given her synergy with Plunge Attack-focused characters, she could also be a fantastic teammate for Varesa, providing both buffs and healing support.

Players looking for a hybrid support-healer with mobility-enhancing capabilities should strongly consider pulling for Xianyun.

Venti – The Master of Crowd Control

As the first-ever 5-star limited character in Genshin Impact, Venti has remained one of the most iconic characters in the game. His Anemo Bow-wielding abilities make him a fantastic crowd control (CC) unit, capable of sucking enemies into a vortex with his Elemental Burst. For players who struggle against multiple smaller enemies, Venti remains one of the best solutions.

However, his relevance has diminished over the years due to newer enemies being immune to his crowd control. Larger bosses and elite enemies, such as those found in the Abyss, are unaffected by his Elemental Burst, making him less versatile compared to other support units like Kazuha or Sucrose. That said, Venti still shines in open-world exploration and domains where his energy regeneration and AoE control can make battles significantly easier.

For players who missed his earlier banners, Venti is still a great pick for clearing content efficiently, but he may not be as universally strong as he once was.

Final Verdict – Which Character Should You Pull in Genshin Impact 5.5?

The Genshin Impact 5.5 update brings some incredible banner options, each catering to different playstyles and team needs. Varesa stands out as the best Electro DPS option, while Xilonen and Xianyun shine as premier support units. Venti remains a strong CC pick, though his relevance has waned in certain scenarios.

Ultimately, your pulling decision should depend on your team composition. If you need a strong main DPS, Varesa is the obvious choice. If you’re looking for a versatile support, Xilonen and Xianyun offer unparalleled utility. No matter who you choose, the Genshin Impact 5.5 banners provide exciting opportunities to enhance your roster.

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