For years, the prospect of HoYoverse handing out a free Standard Banner character on Genshin Impact's anniversary was a community pipe dream, whispered about with the same mix of hope and skepticism as finding a perfectly rolled artifact. So, when the developers officially announced in 2024 that this myth would become an annual reality, Teyvat's Travelers collectively felt a shockwave of joy that could rival a fully-charged Raiden Shogun's Musou Shinsetsu. Now, as we roll into the 2025 anniversary, the delightful dilemma returns: with seven classic characters on the table, who should you invite to your party for free? This guide will break down each option, from the S-Tier superstars to the more niche picks, helping you make a choice that won't leave you feeling like you wasted a precious wish.
Let's cut to the chase. Not all free 5-stars are created equal. Based on their utility at Constellation 0 (C0), here's the current lay of the land:
| Tier | Character | Primary Role | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Tier | Tighnari | Dendro DPS/Quick-Swap | Aggravate/Spread Teams |
| S-Tier | Jean | Healer/Anemo Support | Sunfire Teams, General Healing |
| S-Tier | Mona | Hydro Buffer/Nuker | Vaporize & Freeze One-Shot Comps |
| A-Tier | Keqing | Electro DPS | Aggravate Teams |
| A-Tier | Diluc | Pyro DPS | New Players, Classic Vaporize |
| C-Tier | Qiqi | Healer | Overworld Survival |
| C-Tier | Dehya | Tank/Sub-DPS | Very Specific Teams (Copium) |
🟢 The S-Tier Elite: The Crown Jewels of the Standard Banner
First up is Tighnari. In the verdant jungle of Dendro DPS units, Tighnari remains a sleek and efficient predator. While newer characters have broader kits, Tighnari excels in his niche like a master archer hitting a bullseye from a mile away. His value lies in his speed; he can unleash a devastating volley of Charged Attacks and a massive Dendro burst in mere seconds, perfect for quick-swap Aggravate or Spread teams. For players who enjoy fast-paced, reaction-heavy combat, picking Tighnari is like finding a secret shortcut in the Spiral Abyss—it gets you to the damage finish line incredibly fast.
Next, we have Mona, the astrologist whose buffing potential is as deep and mysterious as the reflection in her own illusionary taunt. Even with powerhouses like Furina on the field, Mona's Omen buff retains a unique, instant-gratification appeal. She doesn't require complex stacking mechanics; just pop her burst, and the next big hit—preferably a Vaporize or Melt—gets amplified to astronomical levels. She's the ultimate enabler for nuke compositions, turning a powerful strike into a screen-clearing spectacle. Choosing Mona is like installing a turbocharger on your team's biggest cannon.
Finally, the Dandelion Knight herself, Jean. She is the Swiss Army knife of healers, offering cleansing, crowd control, and solid damage all in one neat package. In an era where team slots are fiercely contested, Jean's versatility keeps her relevant. Her value isn't static, either; her constellations are among the most meaningful on the standard banner, offering everything from massive attack speed boosts to healing buffs. Grabbing a Jean, especially for a first copy, is a future-proof investment. She's as reliable as the dawn over Mondstadt, and just as welcome.
🟡 The A-Tier Contenders: Solid Picks with a Spark
Keqing experienced a glorious renaissance with the dawn of the Dendro element. Her rapid, multi-hit Electro application went from being a quirky trait to the engine of a powerful Aggravate machine. For fans of the Yuheng, picking her up allows you to build a fast and flashy team that zips around the battlefield. She's not the absolute top-tier Electro DPS anymore, but she's more than capable and incredibly fun to play.
Diluc, the original Pyro archon of version 1.0, may have seen his meta dominance eclipsed by flashier characters, but he's far from obsolete. For a new player, he remains a fantastic introduction to claymore combat and consistent Vaporize reactions. He's straightforward, powerful, and carries a certain classic prestige. Think of him as a trusty, well-worn greatsword—it might not be the newest model, but it's more than capable of getting the job done with style.
đź”´ The C-Tier Considerations: Niche Uses and Missed Potential
Let's talk about Qiqi. In a pure vacuum of healing numbers, Qiqi is an undisputed champion. Her healing output is so potent it could revive a fossil. However, Genshin Impact teams demand more than just raw healing; they need energy generation, elemental application, or buffs. Qiqi offers little beyond her incredible heals, making her a luxury pick for overworld exploration or specific scenarios where you simply cannot die. Picking Qiqi is like buying an industrial-grade freezer when you just need to keep your drinks cool—overkill for most situations.
Then there's Dehya, a character whose story is one of the game's great disappointments. With a kit that feels as awkward as a puzzle with mismatched pieces, she struggles to find a definitive role. She has defensive utility and some off-field Pyro application, but it's all delivered with frustrating limitations. It's as if HoYoverse built a magnificent sports car (Dehya) but forgot to install the steering wheel. While dedicated mains have found ways to make her work, for the vast majority of players, she represents the riskiest pick from the anniversary selection.
đź’Ž The Constellation Conundrum
Your decision shouldn't be based solely on C0 power. Consider your existing roster:
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Need a new, top-tier role player? Go for Tighnari, Mona, or Jean (first copy).
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Building a specific team? A Keqing could be perfect for your Dendro squad.
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Hunting for powerful constellations? Jean's C2 (Attack Speed) and C4 (Anemo Shred) are game-changers. Mona's C1 improves her reaction damage significantly.
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Just starting your journey? Diluc is a phenomenal early-game carry.
In the end, the 2025 anniversary freebie is a celebration. Whether you pick for meta strength, for love of a character, or to finally get that one elusive standard unit, it's a win. Just make sure your choice brings a smile to your face—after all, that's what gaming in Teyvat is all about. Now go forth, claim your champion, and may your next artifact roll be crit-tastic!