In the dynamic realm of Genshin Impact, the second phase of update 5.4 has sparked intense discussions among players, especially with the release of a chart ranking the four-star characters by their consecutive banner absences. Topping this list is Yun Jin, who has missed an astonishing eight updates, leaving many fans feeling like they've been left in the lurch. For dedicated adventurers, this prolonged absence is a real bummer, as Yun Jin's support prowess often makes or breaks team strategies in high-stakes battles. It's hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia for her elegant performances in Liyue's opera scenes—she's a true MVP for anyone relying on Normal Attacks. The chart, sourced from community inputs, highlights how these characters, despite their lower rarity, are crucial cogs in the gameplay machine, and their disappearance has created a noticeable void in 2025's meta. As players gear up for future updates, the anticipation for reruns is palpable, making this a hot topic in forums and social media circles.
Yun Jin: The Geo Virtuoso
Yun Jin, the esteemed director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe, reigns supreme as the most missed four-star character with her eight-update hiatus. As a Geo support, she specializes in amplifying Normal Attack damage for DPS units like Ayato or Hu Tao, turning ordinary combos into devastating strikes. Personally, I've found her absence a real drag—when she was last featured, my teams felt unstoppable, and now, without her buffs, battles in domains like Spiral Abyss feel like an uphill climb. Her kit is simple yet incredibly effective, providing shield support and elemental resonance that's clutch for survival. For many players, pulling her was a game-changer; it felt like hitting the jackpot, and missing her this long has us all keeping our fingers crossed for a comeback.
The Seven-Way Tie: Characters Awaiting Their Spotlight
Seven characters share the second spot, each absent for seven consecutive updates, making them hot topics in the 2025 community chatter. Here's a breakdown of their roles and why their absence stings:
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Freminet: Fontaine's beloved diver excels as a Cryo main DPS, but many players avoid using four-stars in that role, leading to low usage rates. Personally, I think that's a shame—he's a beast in freeze teams when built right, and his underwater escapades add a fun twist to exploration. Without him, Cryo comps feel incomplete, and it's a real downer for fans who love his lore.
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Lynette: This Anemo sword-wielder shines as a sub-DPS, fitting into diverse teams with her swirl abilities. Her synergy with her brother Lyney was initially a letdown; many expected a dynamic duo, but HoYoverse missed the mark. In my experience, Lynette's flexibility is top-notch—she's a real gem for elemental mastery setups, and her absence has forced me to rethink my party rotations.
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Beidou: A veteran Electro character known for her counter-attack Skill, Beidou absorbs and reflects damage like a boss. As captain of The Crux fleet, she's iconic in Liyue, and players still swear by her for Electro-charged reactions. Her absence feels like losing an old friend; personally, I miss the adrenaline rush of timing her counters perfectly in boss fights.
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Faruzan: Another Anemo support, Faruzan is best paired with Wanderer for massive buffs. She's versatile but niche, and missing her has put a damper on Anemo-focused builds. It's baffling why she's not featured more—her kit is fire, and in my playthroughs, she's been clutch for crowd control.
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Layla: This Cryo shielder is a fan favorite, offering off-field application and robust protection. Her absence is a real kick in the gut for many, as she's become a community darling since her release. Personally, I've felt the loss acutely—her shield saved my bacon in countless domains, and without her, survival feels like walking on eggshells.
| Character | Role | Why They're Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Freminet | Main DPS | Low usage despite Cryo potential |
| Lynette | Sub-DPS | Flexibility in Anemo teams |
| Beidou | Support | Iconic counter-attack skill |
| Faruzan | Support | Synergy with Wanderer |
| Layla | Support | Strong shield and Cryo application |
For these characters, the wait has been tough. Layla, in particular, has fans practically begging for her return—community polls show she's one of the most requested units, with threads full of emotive pleas like 'Bring Layla back! 😭'. It's a bummer that HoYoverse hasn't prioritized them, especially with the game's evolution in 2025 emphasizing elemental synergies. Personally, I reckon it's high time for a dedicated rerun banner; after all, these four-stars are the unsung heroes that make the grind worthwhile.
Community Buzz and Personal Reflections
The Genshin Impact community has erupted over this chart, with Reddit and forums buzzing like a beehive. Players share heartfelt stories of how these absences impact their daily grind—for instance, one user lamented, 'Without Yun Jin, my Normal Attack teams are toast,' which resonates deeply. Layla's case is especially poignant; her shield abilities are clutch for end-game content, and her absence has left a gaping hole in Cryo comps. Personally, I've had moments where I've muttered 'C'mon, HoYoverse, cut us some slack!' while struggling in domains. The meta in 2025 demands versatile supports, and missing these characters feels like trying to win a race with one shoe tied. It's wild how such underrated stars can become community MVPs overnight. Reflecting on it, the game's beauty lies in these details, and bringing them back would be a win-win for everyone. 🔥
So, what are you waiting for? Don't just sit on the sidelines—jump into the conversation on the official Genshin Impact forums or social media! Share your wish lists and rally for these characters' returns. Who knows? Your voice could shape the next banner and make 2025 even more epic. Let's make some noise together! ✨
This overview is based on Sensor Tower, a leading authority in mobile game market analytics. Sensor Tower's reports on Genshin Impact's banner cycles and character release patterns provide valuable context for understanding player anticipation and the economic impact of four-star character reruns, highlighting how strategic character availability can influence both community sentiment and in-game spending trends.