Genshin Impact 7.1, titled "A Rekviem for the Underworld," launched on September 23, 2026, and it's already being called one of the most generous patches in recent memory. Players are diving into a wealth of free rewards, a challenging new world boss, and the return of the beloved Moonchase Festival. Whether you're a veteran refining your roster or a newer player building your first meta team, this guide will help you prioritize your time and resources. For more ongoing coverage, keep an eye on the Genshin Impact news hub.
🎁 Two Free 5-Star Selectors – Don't Miss the Deadline
The 7.1 anniversary introduces two free 5-star selectors: one from the standard pool and one limited. This is a rare opportunity to fill gaps in your roster or grab a constellation for a key unit. According to the 7.1 anniversary selector guide, the limited selector includes options like Varesa, Clorinde, Nilou, and Yumemizuki Mizuki. The standard selector features Tartaglia, Baizhu, Chiori, and others.
| Selector Type | Featured Characters | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Limited | Varesa, Clorinde, Nilou, Yumemizuki Mizuki | 2026-11-03 |
| Standard | Tartaglia, Baizhu, Chiori, and more | 2026-11-03 |
Pull if: You need a specific 5-star to complete a team (e.g., Nilou for Bloom, Clorinde for Aggravate).
Skip if: You already own the character and don't need constellations.
Save for: Future banners if none of the options appeal to you.
Remember, the deadline is 2026-11-03. Don't miss it.
🐉 New World Boss: Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow
Patch 7.1 adds a new world boss, the Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow. This boss has a unique mechanic that requires breaking its defenses to expose a vulnerable phase. The 7.1 new boss guide covers its attack patterns and recommended teams. Bring characters who can apply consistent elemental damage and have high stagger potential. Teams with strong shield-breaking or multi-hit attacks will fare best. Expect to farm this boss for ascension materials for the new characters.
🌙 Moonchase Festival 2026 Returns
The Moonchase Festival returns in 2026 with a fresh set of challenges and rewards. Expect to earn Primogems, Mora, and exclusive items. For a full breakdown of activities and rewards, see the Moonchase Festival 2026 guide. Here are some quick tips:
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Complete Archon Quests to unlock event areas.
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Save Fragile Resin for event domains.
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Check daily reset times to maximize progress.
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Use event-exclusive buffs to clear harder stages.
❄️ New Characters: Vodyanitsa and Vesna
Two new characters, Vodyanitsa and Vesna, are making waves in the meta. Vodyanitsa excels in Stellar Swirl and Freeze teams, with premium setups including Skirk and Vesna. For budget options, consider Cryo Traveler, Diona, and Sucrose. The Vodyanitsa best teams guide and Vesna team guide provide detailed rotations and substitutes. Both characters offer fresh playstyles and are worth building if you have the resources.
🧭 Player Recommendations by Profile
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New players: Focus on free selectors and build a solid core.
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Midgame players: Use Vodyanitsa or Vesna to clear Abyss floors.
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Min-spend players: Prioritize constellations for key supports.
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Collectors: Grab limited 5-stars before the deadline.
🔑 Redeem Codes from the 7.1 Livestream
Don't forget to redeem the latest Genshin Impact codes from the 7.1 livestream. These codes expire quickly, so use them as soon as possible. The redeem codes page is updated regularly. Typically, codes give Primogems, Mora, and experience materials.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Genshin Impact 7.1 offers a wealth of content and rewards. Prioritize the free 5-star selectors, tackle the new boss, and enjoy the Moonchase Festival. With careful planning, you can strengthen your account without spending a dime. For more tips, explore the Genshin Impact guides hub. The patch runs through late 2026, so there's plenty of time to catch up—but the selector deadline of November 3 is non-negotiable. Happy adventuring, Travelers! 🎉