The much-awaited Genshin Impact 5.0 update has finally dropped, and with that, we have received a lot of new content. The major addition to the game is a new map called Natlan, the region-specific story quests, more primogem resources, new Genius Invokation TCG cards, and a free 5-star character. The free SSR reward is the first time MiHoYo has added something like this, which every traveler is eligible for.
In this article, we will look at the best units from the game’s standard roster and which ones are worth getting. We have selected three S-tier characters and explored their abilities, constellations, and value in the current state of the game. This should help you make informed decisions when choosing the free offering from the anniversary event.
Genshin Impact’s TCG and Its Real-World Parallels
The addition of new Genius Invokation TCG cards in the latest update continues to show Hoyoverse’s love for deck-building card games. The TCG minigame is still underrated. If you have missed out on it before, now is your chance. If you are low on primogems, completing the TCG mini-game can reward you with just enough game currency for a few more pulls.
It appears Genshin Impact’s Genius Invokation was inspired by deck-building games like Magic: The Gathering. Card games have existed since ancient times, their many iterations give insight into the evolution of tabletop card games.
From classic playing cards to poker games, all card games come from the same origins. Their newest iterations can be found online – for instance, online casino games at Bovada offer innovative card games, such as Red Dog, Craps, Classic Baccarat, Live Poker, Zappit Blackjack, and more. These online versions of card games are no different from their real-life counterparts, except that they are more convenient, and the mechanics can come with enhanced features, fascinating visuals, and generous payouts.
With advancements in technology, most trading card games from popular franchises also transitioned to digital format. Similarly, in card games at online casinos, players can participate in games with just a few clicks on their phone or a computer. The responsive design is not just limited to the big casino games featuring progressive jackpots, but rather applies to minor titles that you’d play casually.
This is in parallel with Genshin Impact’s mobile versions, where you can play its TCG minigame on your phone from anywhere, given you have an internet connection. This ability to play online card games on-the-go, be it at an online casino or any other platform, has changed how we experience games.
Free 5-Star Character, How to Obtain & Which One to Choose
In an unexpected turn of events, HoYoverse announced they will be giving away a free 5-star character from the standard banner on every anniversary starting from Genshin Impact version 5.0. Players get to choose one SSR from the seven standard banner characters in the latest update.
Out of the seven characters: Qiqi, Diluc, Keqing, Mona, Jean, Tighnari, and Dehya, there are a few that fit in every team composition, and some get stronger with higher constellations.
S-tier: Tighnari, Jean & Mona
Tighnari
Tighnari is the most versatile character even in the current state of the game, despite the addition of stronger Dendro units. So if you are looking for a good DPS unit, Tighnari is a must-pick. If you already have him, getting another copy of him will only make him stronger. Below are the effects of all his Constellations.
- C1 – Tighnari’s Charged Attack CRIT Rate is increased by 15%.
- C2 – When there are opponents within the Vijnana-Khanda Field created by Vijnana-Phala Mine, Tighnari gains 20% Dendro DMG Bonus. The effect will last up to 6s if the field’s duration ends or if it no longer has opponents within it.
- C3 – Increases the Level of Fashioner’s Tanglevine Shaft by 3. Maximum upgrade level is 15.
- C4 – When Fashioner’s Tanglevine Shaft is unleashed, all nearby party members gain 60 Elemental Mastery for 8s. If the Fashioner’s Tanglevine Shaft triggers a Burning, Bloom, Quicken, or Spread reaction, their Elemental Mastery will be further increased by 60. This latter case will also refresh the buff state’s duration.
- C5 – Increases the Level of Vijnana-Phala Mine by 3. Maximum upgrade level is 15.
- C6 – Wreath Arrow’s charging time is decreased by 0.9s, and will produce 1 additional Clusterbloom Arrow upon hit. This arrow deals 150% of Tighnari’s ATK as DMG.
Tighari’s level 1 constellation massively increases his DPS capabilities, which may even surpass some of the limited 5-star units with the right artifacts. This is an overall S-tier choice not only for Dendro teams but also pure DPS builds.
Jean
Jean and Mona weren’t as strong in the early updates of the game as they are now. Sumeru and the Fontaine update introduced a variety of characters that form perfect teams with the two standard banner characters. Jean, especially, is an indispensable part of many team compositions that use Furina to buff DPS units.
Like every other character, Jean has two constellations (C3 and C5) that increase the level cap of two of her talents. Here are the effects of the rest of her constellation levels:
- C1 – .Increases the pulling speed of Gale Blade after holding for more than 1s, and increases the DMG dealt by 40%.
- C2 – When Jean picks up an Elemental Orb/Particle, all party members have their Movement SPD and ATK SPD increased by 15% for 15s.
- C4 – Within the Field created by Dandelion Breeze, all opponents have their Anemo RES decreased by 40%.
- C6 – Incoming DMG is decreased by 35% within the Field created by Dandelion Breeze. Upon leaving the Dandelion Field, this effect lasts for 3 attacks or 10s.
Mona
Mona can play a crucial role in Melt and Vaporize teams. Though you can make her work in dendro teams as well with a good setup. She is generally a support thanks to her powerful buffing abilities.
Mona’s Constellation levels except for the usual C3 and C5 are incredibly good buffs to her kit. Here are her important Constellations:
- C1- When any of your own party members hits an opponent affected by an Omen, the effects of Hydro-related Elemental Reactions are enhanced for 8s:
- C2 – When a Normal Attack hits, there is a 20% chance that it will be automatically followed by a Charged Attack. This effect can only occur once every 5s.
- C4 – When any party member attacks an opponent affected by an Omen, their CRIT Rate is increased by 15%.
- C6 – Upon entering Illusory Torrent, Mona gains a 60% increase to the DMG of her next Charged Attack per second of movement. A maximum DMG Bonus of 180% can be achieved in this manner. The effect lasts for no more than 8s.
