Genshin Impact Reveals 5-Star Waiting List for Version 5.1

A new waiting list for Genshin Impact Version 5.1 has been released, and it highlights a surprising milestone—Shenhe has now officially surpassed Eula's record for the longest absence from the Event Banners, going more than 14 versions without a reappearance. While Genshin Impact’s expansive world of Teyvat is beloved for its open-world exploration, it’s the game’s diverse and dynamic characters that keep players hooked. Over the years, the game has welcomed fan-favorites like Nahida, Neuvillette, and Navia into the roster.

However, the introduction of new characters has made it increasingly difficult for developers to maintain balance when it comes to Event Banner schedules. This often leaves some less popular characters waiting in the wings for long periods. Eula, for instance, famously went over 500 days without being featured in a banner. Now, with Version 5.1, Ganyu will soon join the “500-day club,” while Shenhe has shattered Eula's record with an absence of 568 days and counting.

The latest waiting list chart, compiled by RapidFresh and shared on the Genshin Impact subreddit, highlights the confirmed Event Banners for Version 5.1, which will feature Xilonen, Chiori, Nahida, and Hu Tao. Among these, only Hu Tao has missed a significant amount of time, having last appeared during Version 4.1.

Genshin Impact Version 5.1 5-Star Character Waiting List

The prolonged absence of Shenhe and Ganyu has left many Genshin Impact players feeling frustrated, particularly since both characters received new premium outfits in Version 4.4. Wriothesley’s absence from the Event Banners also adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cryo characters in the game. While characters like Navia, Chiori, and Xilonen have successfully addressed weaknesses in the Geo element, Cryo characters seem to be in a less favorable position.

That said, it’s clear that HoYoverse hasn’t abandoned the Cryo element. Rumors suggest that Citlali, an upcoming 5-Star Cryo Catalyst, will serve as a powerful Shield Support. Additionally, Capitano, who showcased his Cryo abilities in Version 5.0, is expected to become a 5-Star Cryo Sword hypercarry, although leaks remain unclear about when he’ll be playable during the Natlan era.

For Version 5.2, characters like Chasca and Wanderer are rumored to be featured, but it’s unlikely that Ganyu and Shenhe will return before the next Lantern Rite festival. Meanwhile, players can look forward to the probable return of Tartaglia and Zhongli, with Zhongli being all but guaranteed due to his Archon status.