Unlocking every character in Genshin Impact is a thrilling pursuit for many Travelers, blending luck, strategy, and dedication. With over 80 playable characters spanning Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, and Snezhnaya as of May 2025, the journey to a complete roster is both challenging and rewarding. This comprehensive guide synthesizes the best advice and strategies from across the Genshin community to help you unlock all characters, whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or willing to invest.
Understanding Character Acquisition in Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact primarily uses a gacha system called "Wishes" for character acquisition. However, several characters are available for free through gameplay progression and special events.
Character Types
- Standard Characters: Available in the permanent "Wanderlust Invocation" banner.
- Limited-Time Characters: Only obtainable during special event banners.
- Free Characters: Earned via story progression, permanent challenges, or limited-time events.
Free Characters: Who and How
Not all characters require spending Primogems or Fates. Here’s how you can unlock several for free:
| Character | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Traveler | Automatically at the start of the game |
| Amber | Complete the quest "Wind-Riding Knight" (Prologue, Mondstadt) |
| Kaeya | Complete the quest "Crash Course" (Prologue, Mondstadt) |
| Lisa | Complete the quest "Sparks Amongst the Pages" (Prologue, Mondstadt) |
| Barbara | Reach Adventure Rank 18 and complete "A Long Shot" |
| Xiangling | Clear Floor 3, Chamber 3 of the Spiral Abyss |
| Collei | Complete Sumeru Archon Quest Act I or Spiral Abyss Floor 4, Chamber 3 |
| Lynette | Complete Fontaine World Quest or reach Adventure Rank 25 |
| Noelle | Guaranteed from the Beginner’s Wish banner |
| Aloy | Previously available via collaboration (currently unobtainable) |
Tip: Always check the official Genshin Impact events page for new free character opportunities.
Unlocking Characters via Wishes (Gacha System)
Types of Banners
- Standard Banner ("Wanderlust Invocation")
- Permanent, features a pool of standard 4-star and 5-star characters.
- Character Event Wish
- Limited-time, features new or returning 5-star characters and boosted 4-stars.
- Weapon Event Wish
- Focuses on weapons; not relevant for character acquisition.
How to Make Wishes
- Primogems: Earned through gameplay, quests, achievements, and events.
- Fates: Intertwined Fate (event banners) and Acquaint Fate (standard banner).
- Genesis Crystals: Purchased with real money, converted to Primogems.
Steps to Make a Wish
- Collect Primogems via daily commissions, quests, events, and exploration.
- Convert Primogems to Fates in the shop.
- Go to the Wish menu and select your desired banner.
- Make a Wish (single or 10x for guaranteed 4-star or higher).
Note: The pity system guarantees a 4-star every 10 pulls and a 5-star every 90 pulls (with "soft pity" increasing odds after 75 pulls). If you lose the 50/50 on a limited banner, your next 5-star is guaranteed to be the featured character.
Event-Exclusive Characters
Some characters are only available during special banners or events:
- Limited 5-star characters (e.g., Raiden Shogun, Nahida, Neuvillette)
- Event 4-star characters (sometimes given for free during events)
How to Get Event Characters
- Participate in event banners during their active period.
- Use Intertwined Fates to make wishes on the event banner.
- Check for event rewards that may offer a free 4-star character.
Starglitter Exchange: Paimon's Bargains
Duplicate pulls grant Masterless Starglitter, which can be used in the in-game shop:
- Two rotating 4-star characters are available each month (34 Starglitter each).
- Intertwined and Acquaint Fates can also be purchased.
- See the current shop rotation here.
Pro Tip: Save Starglitter for characters you really want, as the shop rotates monthly.
Optimizing Primogem and Fate Collection
Efficient resource management is key to maximizing your pulls:
Daily and Weekly Sources
- Daily Commissions: 60 Primogems per day.
- Spiral Abyss: Up to 600 Primogems bi-weekly.
- Serenitea Pot: Realm Currency can be exchanged for wishes.
- Battle Pass: Free and paid tiers offer Fates.
- Web Events and HoYoLAB Check-ins: Small but steady Primogem sources.
Version Updates and Events
- Maintenance Compensation: 300-600 Primogems per update.
- New Areas: Exploration rewards (chests, Sacred Sakura, Tree of Dreams).
- Events: Each version typically offers 2000+ Primogems.
Other Tips
- Achievements and Tutorials: Often grant Primogems.
- Redemption Codes: Watch for promo codes on official channels.
Banner Planning and Pulling Strategy
With limited resources, plan your pulls:
- Save for guarantees: Accumulate at least 160-180 wishes before pulling for must-have 5★ characters.
- Track your pity: Use tools like Paimon.moe Wish Counter.
- Prioritize banners: Focus on one banner at a time to maximize your pity count.
- Understand the 50/50 system: If you lose the 50/50, your next 5-star is guaranteed to be the featured character.
Building Your Roster: Roles and Synergy
Unlocking characters is just the first step—building a balanced team is crucial:
| Role | Description | Example Characters |
|---|---|---|
| Main DPS | Primary damage dealer | Hu Tao, Ganyu, Ayaka |
| Sub-DPS | Secondary damage, burst potential | Xingqiu, Yelan, Raiden Shogun |
| Support/Healer | Buffs team or heals | Bennett, Kokomi, Diona |
| Utility | Shields or crowd control | Zhongli, Kazuha, Venti |
For more on team building, see How to set realistic fitness goals and achieve lasting results—the principles of planning and consistency apply here too!
Advanced Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Impulse Pulling: Don’t spend Primogems on every banner. Plan ahead for characters you truly want.
- Don’t Ignore 4-Stars: Many 4-star characters, like Bennett or Sucrose, are incredibly powerful.
- Track Your Pity: Losing track can lead to missed guaranteed pulls.
- Anniversary and Special Events: Major milestones often offer free selectors or increased rates.
- Cross-Game Collaborations: Occasionally, collaborations introduce unique acquisition methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get every character for free?
No, most characters are only available through the gacha system. However, a handful are given for free through gameplay and events.
Are event characters ever rerun?
Yes, popular limited-time characters often return in future banners. Keep an eye on official announcements.
Is there a way to guarantee a specific character?
The only way to guarantee a specific character is through the pity system on event banners.
The Reality: Is Unlocking All Characters Possible?
For F2P players, unlocking every single character is extremely challenging and relies on luck and years of consistent play. New characters are released frequently, making it a moving target. For paying players, it’s easier but can be expensive, especially if aiming for constellations.
Important: Genshin Impact is an ongoing game. "Unlocking all characters" is a continuous pursuit rather than a one-time achievement.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey
Unlocking all characters in Genshin Impact is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on strategic resource management, participate in events, and enjoy the adventure through Teyvat. For more gaming tips, check out legit ways to get free gems in Clash of Clans or explore how many planets you can visit in No Man’s Sky.
Happy wishing, Traveler!