As Genshin Impact approaches its eagerly awaited third anniversary, fans have found themselves in a mix of emotions, with hopes of a grand celebration not entirely met. The recent Version 4.1 Special Program livestream, held last Friday, confirmed that the anniversary would feature the return of the Daily Login Event, a tradition from the past two anniversaries that had garnered poor reception from players.

The third anniversary event, whimsically named “Bathing in Flowing Moonlight,” offers players 10 Intertwined Fates for logging in over seven days, alongside various in-game currencies and level-up materials.

Additionally, players will receive an in-game mail containing a generous reward package, including 1,600 Primogems (equivalent to 10 pulls in the gacha system), four fragile resin, and an exclusive commemorative pet and gadget. However, the absence of a free selection among the game’s standard 5-star characters has left some fans disappointed.

Critics argue that the event pales in comparison to the more generous anniversary celebrations in the sister game, Honkai Impact 3rd, giving rise to conspiracy theories about developer HoYoverse’s preferences between the two franchises. Speculation regarding their favoritism is likely to persist until Honkai: Star Rail reaches its own anniversary next April.

Despite the lukewarm reception of the anniversary plans, Version 4.1’s banner line-up has garnered a warmer response. HoYoverse has confirmed the introduction of two new 5-star characters, Neuvillette and Wriothesley, during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of V4.1, respectively. This unusual move, featuring two new 5-stars and no new 4-stars, is a departure from the norm and hasn’t occurred since Version 1.3 in February 2021.

Fans have already embraced the new characters on social media, indicating that HoYoverse maintains a favorable standing with the player base, despite the underwhelming anniversary festivities.

To sweeten the deal, both newcomers will share the spotlight with beloved returning characters on the second banner. Neuvillette’s debut banner coincides with the third rerun for the coveted Hu Tao, who, thanks to her high-investment/high-reward playstyle and absence from the gacha in 2022, has earned a special place in the hearts of players.

Wriothesley’s debut banner will feature Venti, the game’s first Archon character and event-exclusive unit, making his return to the gacha. Venti’s reappearance adds to the anniversary excitement, even though players will have to wait until mid-October, as he is featured in Phase 2.

Version 4.1 introduces an expansion of the Fontaine map, granting access to the Fortress of Meropide area. This new location, Fontaine’s Rapture-esque underwater prison, serves as Wriothesley’s base of operations and plays a pivotal role in the ongoing storyline of Version 4.

With Genshin Impact 4.1 set to go live on Wednesday, September 27th, just a day before the game’s three-year anniversary, players can look forward to exploring new content and enjoying the thrill of summoning the latest characters in this evolving and beloved open-world RPG.

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