As 2026 unfolds and the familiar festive music begins to drift through Liyue Harbor once more, I find myself, like countless other Travelers, facing that wonderful annual dilemma: who should I invite to join my team from this year's Lantern Rite event? The tradition of receiving a free 4-star Liyue character is one of the highlights of the Teyvat calendar, a gift that can genuinely shape an account's future. But with a roster of eleven distinct characters, each with their own unique abilities and roles, the decision is never simple. Is it about chasing the absolute meta for the Spiral Abyss, or is it about finally welcoming a character you've always loved into your party? Let me walk you through my thought process and the community wisdom I've gathered over the years.

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The selection this year remains as generous as ever. We have the classic veterans and some newer faces, all waiting for a chance to light up your journey:

  • Beidou (Electro, Claymore): The Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean, a parry master.

  • Chongyun (Cryo, Claymore): The exorcist who brings a chill to the battlefield.

  • Gaming (Pyro, Claymore): The vibrant lion dancer, a master of plunge attacks.

  • Ningguang (Geo, Catalyst): The Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, a formidable Geo DPS.

  • Xiangling (Pyro, Polearm): The master chef from Wanmin Restaurant, an off-field Pyro powerhouse.

  • Xingqiu (Hydro, Sword): The Guhua geek, a peerless Hydro applicator.

  • Xinyan (Pyro, Claymore): The rock 'n' roll musician, shielding with style.

  • Yanfei (Pyro, Catalyst): The legal advisor with a fiery passion for justice.

  • Yaoyao (Dendro, Polearm): The gentle disciple, a healer who spreads Dendro.

  • Yunjin (Geo, Polearm): The opera star, a buffer for Normal Attack-focused teams.

Now, the real question begins: with such a list, where do you even start? I believe the best approach is to look inward at your own account's needs. Are you a veteran breezing through the Abyss, or a newcomer still building your core team?

🔥 For Those Conquering End-Game Content

If your goal is maximizing efficiency for the Spiral Abyss, the conversation often starts and ends with two names. Let's be honest, haven't we all heard the community chants? "National Team this, Vaporize that."

  • Xiangling: Why is she still, after all these years, considered one of the best choices? It's simple. Her Pyronado is arguably the most powerful, persistent, and versatile off-field Pyro ability in the game. Snagging a constellation for her, especially C4 which extends its duration, is a direct power spike for countless meta teams like the National Team and its many variants. Choosing her isn't just getting a character; it's investing in a cornerstone of end-game team-building.

  • Xingqiu: What makes a Sub-DPS truly irreplaceable? Consistent, rapid Hydro application. Xingqiu provides exactly that, enabling devastating Vaporize and Bloom reactions. His constellations are incredibly valuable, with C2 reducing Hydro RES and C6 providing a massive damage and energy boost. For any account lacking a reliable Hydro enabler, he is quite simply non-negotiable.

💎 Discovering Underrated Gems

But what if you already have these staples well-built? That's where the fun truly begins! The Lantern Rite is a perfect opportunity to explore new playstyles without spending precious Primogems.

  • Gaming: Remember the excitement when a brand-new character joins the free selection? Gaming brings a uniquely dynamic playstyle centered on high-flying Plunge Attacks. He's not just another Pyro DPS; he's a spectacle. If you're tired of the same old rotations and want to literally leap into a new combat rhythm, Gaming offers thrilling and fresh gameplay.

  • Yaoyao: In the age of Dendro, having a reliable Dendro applicator who can also heal is a luxury. Yaoyao is precisely that—a comfortable, efficient unit for Dendro reaction teams like Hyperbloom or Spread. She might not top the damage charts, but she enables your other characters to do so while keeping everyone healthy. She's the definition of a supportive gem.

🤔 Listening to the Community's Heart

Scrolling through forums and in-game chats as 2026's event approaches, the diversity of opinions is what I love most. Some players are ecstatic, declaring, "Finally, I can get C6 for my main!" Others are drawn purely by character design and story, saying, "I don't care about meta, I just want to adventure with Ningguang!"

This spectrum of choices reflects the beautiful depth of Genshin Impact. For one player, the best choice is a strategic C4 for Xiangling. For another, it's finally unlocking Yaoyao to complete their Dendro collection. For a new player, it might be grabbing Xingqiu to have a solid Hydro support for their first real team.

So, as the lanterns prepare to ascend into the night sky of Liyue, ask yourself these questions:

  1. What is my account's biggest weakness right now? (A lack of Hydro application? No strong off-field Pyro?)

  2. Which character's playstyle genuinely excites me?

  3. Is there a constellation that would transform a character I already use and love?

There is no universally "correct" answer, only the best answer for you and your journey through Teyvat. Whether you choose for power, for passion, or for completing a collection, this Lantern Rite gift is a celebration of your unique adventure. May your choice bring you joy and strength in the year of the [Current Chinese Zodiac Animal for 2026]!