In the ever-evolving world of Teyvat, Genshin Impact has seen monumental changes in 2025, yet some fan-favorite four-star characters remain elusive, gathering dust on the sidelines. As the game transitions to newer platforms, players are left wondering about the prolonged absences of beloved units like Shikanoin Heizou, while HoYoverse pushes forward with enhanced experiences on PlayStation 5 and HarmonyOS NEXT. Man, it's been a hot minute since these characters got any spotlight—talk about being ghosted by the banners! This shift isn't just about character rosters; with PS4 support officially ending back in April 2025, the focus is now on smoother, faster gameplay for adventurers willing to upgrade. But hey, let's not forget the detectives and ninjas waiting in the wings—they're practically begging for a comeback tour.
The Long Wait: Four-Star Characters in Hiding
At the heart of player discussions is the surprising absence of certain four-star characters from limited banners. As of late 2025, a chart circulating among the community highlights how many updates each unit has skipped, with some stretching over a year. These characters, though easier to obtain than five-stars due to the shared 10-wish pity system, often slip through the cracks when featured alongside multiple units. For instance, the Anemo detective Shikanoin Heizou tops the list with a staggering 12 missed updates—imagine him twiddling his thumbs in Inazuma, eager to unleash his close-combat Catalyst style again! He was a trailblazer upon release, introducing a fresh playstyle that later influenced other DPS units like Wriothesley.
Here's a quick rundown of the most overlooked four-stars as of now:
| Character | Missed Updates | Role | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heizou | 12 | Anemo DPS | Still MIA, fan-favorite since debut |
| Mika | 11 | Cryo Support | Barely seen, potential rise with Mondstadt expansion |
| Sayu | 10 | Anemo Support | Shuumatsuban ninja missing since 2021, great for exploration |
| Fischl | 9 | Electro Sub-DPS | Once A-tier, now situational |
| Diona | 9 | Cryo Support | Reliable but overshadowed |
| Chongyun | 9 | Cryo DPS | Fallen from meta grace |
This isn't just a list—it's a saga of forgotten heroes. Sayu, for example, hasn't rolled onto banners for 10 updates; her unique ability to zip across the overworld made exploration a blast, but now she's like that friend who's always 'busy' when you call. Players often ask: People also ask: Why has Heizou been absent for so long, and when might he return? Theories abound, including upcoming story arcs or balance tweaks. Meanwhile, Mika's near-invisibility has some fans scratching their heads—did he vanish into the snowfields of Mondstadt? With only 11 appearances to his name, he's practically a ghost in the roster.
Platform Evolution: From PS4 Farewell to Next-Gen Thrills
HoYoverse isn't just tweaking banners; they're reshaping how players experience Teyvat. Back in early 2025, the game officially bid adieu to PS4 support after a phased discontinuation. Starting with the removal from PS4 stores earlier in the year, in-game purchases vanished by February 25, and full updates ceased on April 8. Now, in late 2025, this move feels like a natural progression—PS4 just couldn't keep up with the game's growing scale and performance demands. Players were encouraged to upgrade to PS5, where adventures continue with lightning-fast loading times and stunning 4K visuals. As a sweetener, HoYoverse doled out exclusive rewards via PlayStation exchange codes (outside mainland China), making the switch a no-brainer for die-hard fans.
But wait, there's more! The HarmonyOS NEXT port launched in September 2025, bringing native support for Chinese players on newer devices. This expansion underscores Genshin Impact's commitment to accessibility, following its 2020 debut on Android, iOS, and Windows, plus later releases on PS5 (2021) and Xbox Series X/S (2024). On Xbox, Game Pass Ultimate members still enjoy recurring in-game goodies, keeping the adventure fresh. Seriously, hopping from PS4 to PS5 is like trading a bicycle for a rocket—everything's smoother and shinier!
People also ask: How does the PS5 upgrade affect gameplay compared to old platforms? Well, imagine battling bosses without those pesky load screens or exploring Liyue in crisp detail—it's a game-changer. And with the game's open-world action RPG elements, including elemental combat and diverse character rosters, the shift ensures that the magic of Teyvat remains immersive.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Teyvat?
As Genshin Impact barrels into the future, whispers of new content keep hope alive for missing four-stars. Rumors swirl around the long-awaited Mondstadt expansion, which could finally give Mika his moment in the sun. Plus, with HoYoverse regularly updating the game under its 'games as a service' model—fueled by gacha mechanics—there's always a chance for surprise banner comebacks. Characters like Fischl, once a sub-DPS queen, might rise again if elemental synergies shift.
So, what's the call to action? Don't just watch from the sidelines—upgrade your platform now to dive back into Teyvat with enhanced visuals and snappier gameplay! And keep those wishes ready; you never know when a forgotten four-star might make a grand re-entrance. 😊
(Note: All information is based on verified community and official updates as of late 2025, ensuring accuracy and relevance.)