Genshin Impact 4.5 Leaks: Albedo's Bittersweet Absence and Banner Shake-Up

The world of Teyvat is once again buzzing with rumors and leaks, and the latest batch surrounding Genshin Impact's Version 4.5 is serving up a cocktail of excitement and despair. As players are still soaking in the Lantern Rite festivities of Version 4.4, the winds of change—or perhaps the stubborn lack thereof—are blowing from the land of Mondstadt. The central figure in this drama? The aloof and brilliant Chief Alchemist, Albedo, whose banner continues to be the gaming equivalent of a ghost, seen by few and chased by many.

Recent leaks, courtesy of sources like Dim and shared across the community, paint a specific picture for the upcoming 4.5 character banners. The lineup is rumored to be:

• Phase 1: The debut of the new 5-star Geo character, Chiori, alongside a rerun of the boisterous Arataki Itto. 🪨💪

• Phase 2: A powerhouse duo featuring reruns of the Hydro Sovereign Neuvillette and the Anemo maestro Kaedehara Kazuha. 💧🍃

Noticeably absent from this list is Albedo. His last appearance was way back in Version 3.1, during the early days of Sumeru. For the math-inclined Travelers out there, that's over 500 days and counting without a chance to officially invite the Kreideprinz home. This extended hiatus is particularly baffling when you consider that Neuvillette, who just debuted in late 2026, is already lined up for a comeback. The Hydro Dragon's popularity and sales power are undeniable, but this commercial strategy leaves Geo enthusiasts and completionists feeling a bit like Albedo's abandoned experiments. 😔

The implications are stark. For players running premier Geo compositions—whether it's maximizing Itto's charged attacks or fueling Navia's crystallize firepower—Albedo's off-field Geo damage and EM buff are nearly irreplaceable. His continued absence forces players to make do with suboptimal substitutes, putting a literal and figurative damper on their team's potential. It's like trying to bake a Sunsettia pie without Sunsettias; you might get something edible, but it's just not the same.

However, HoYoverse might be cooking up a new recipe to address this growing roster problem. Enter the most tantalizing rumor of all: a third, region-themed banner. Leaked by sources like UncleX and GenshinMeow, this new banner type would not focus on a single character but instead feature a pool of characters from a specific nation, such as Mondstadt.

The proposed mechanics are still shrouded in mystery, but it could function similarly to the Epitomized Path on the weapon banner, allowing players to chart a course toward their desired character. This system could be the lifeline Albedo fans have been waiting for. Even if he doesn't get his own dedicated spotlight, a Mondstadt-themed banner would offer a consistent, if diluted, chance to pull him. This addresses a critical issue: with over 70 characters and counting, the current system of four banners per update is becoming painfully inadequate for reruns. Characters risk fading into obscurity for years, which is a terrible fate for any hero of Teyvat.

Let's break down the pros and cons of this potential new banner system:

Potential Benefit	Potential Drawback
✅ More frequent access to standard and older limited characters.	❌ Likely lower pull odds for any specific 5-star compared to a dedicated banner.
✅ Relieves banner schedule pressure, allowing new characters to shine.	❌ Unclear pity system and cost (new currency or old Fate?).
✅ Thematic fun! Pulling for a region's heroes feels immersive.	❌ Could feel like a consolation prize instead of a proper featured rerun.

Of course, it's crucial to remember the golden rule of Teyvat tourism: Treat all leaks like a suspicious-looking treasure chest. 🧐 They might contain primogems, or they might be a Hilichurl trap. The banner structure and the rumored third banner are subject to change, delay, or complete vaporization by HoYoverse's development alchemy.

So, where does this leave the hopeful Albedo wanters? In a state of cautious optimism. The direct path—a glorious, flower-strewn Albedo rerun banner—seems blocked in 4.5. Yet, a new, winding road through a Mondstadt-themed banner might just lead to the same destination. Whether this new system arrives in 4.5 or later, it represents a necessary evolution for Genshin Impact's gacha economy as it marches toward its seventh year. The hope is that it won't just be a new way to pull, but a fairer one that ensures no character, not even a quiet alchemist from Dragonspine, is left out in the cold for too long.