Best Free Characters in Genshin Impact: Complete F2P Tier List & Build Guide 2025
Genshin Impact’s free‑to‑play model has evolved dramatically since its launch. Players now have access to a growing roster of high‑utility characters without spending real money. In this guide, we’ll unveil the best free characters genshin impact of 2025, rank them in a definitive tier list, and provide detailed build and team composition strategies that will keep you competitive in every domain, Spiral Abyss, and event. Whether you’re a new traveler or a seasoned alchemist, this article gives you the practical knowledge needed to build a powerful F2P lineup.
Top 5 Best Free Characters Ranked for 2025
After combing through the latest patch notes, community feedback, and competitive meta analyses, we’ve distilled the top five free characters that deliver the most value in 2025. These selections are based on damage output, utility, versatility, and the ability to synergize with other free characters.
- Qiqi – The Cryo healer has become indispensable in the Spiral Abyss thanks to her constant HP restoration and powerful burst. Her Frozen reaction synergy with Pyro characters turns every encounter into a high‑damage combo.
- Albedo – A versatile Geo catalyst, Albedo excels as a sub‑DPS or support. His Geothermal field provides continuous elemental damage and shields, making him ideal for team compositions that rely on elemental stacking.
- Venti – The Anemo bard remains a staple for crowd control and elemental reaction orchestration. His Wind Domain can trap enemies while amplifying team damage.
- Gorou – The Shogun’s shield and crowd‑control abilities make him a go-to support. His Gorou’s Shield can absorb significant damage, allowing the team to focus on burst damage.
- Wanderer (Dendro Traveler) – With the introduction of Dendro, the Traveler can now serve as a powerful elemental catalyst. His Bloom reaction offers consistent damage and healing, making him a dual‑utility asset.
These characters have topped the community polls and professional streams, proving their effectiveness across all game modes. By prioritizing them in your roster, you’ll have a solid foundation for tackling any challenge without dipping into your wish pool.
Xiangling: The Ultimate Free Sub‑DPS Character
Xiangling’s role as a sub‑DPS has grown exponentially with the recent updates. Her Pyronado skill, combined with her Pyroburst burst, provides high sustained damage while also generating Pyro particles for the team. Here’s how to maximize her potential:
- Weapon Choice: The Faneto or Wolf’s Gravestone are ideal for increasing AoE damage and crit rate. If you prefer a more balanced build, the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear offers damage and attack bonuses.
- Talent Prioritization: Level your Pyronado first to maximize damage output. Follow with Pyroburst for burst potential and then Frying Pan for the elemental skill that creates a continuous Pyro field.
- Artifact Set: The Crimson Witch of Flames set (2/4) boosts Pyro damage and reaction damage. Pairing it with the Gladiator’s Finale set can provide a balanced boost to attack and crit.
- Team Composition: Pair Xiangling with a Cryo or Hydro character to trigger Melt or Vaporize. Her Pyro field also synergizes with Heater characters like Hu Tao or Chongyun for amplified damage.
By following this build, Xiangling becomes a formidable sub‑DPS that can sustain damage across multiple enemies while also providing essential elemental reactions. Her versatility makes her a top choice for players who want to keep their team flexible without spending on premium characters.
Dendro Traveler Build Guide and Team Compositions
The introduction of Dendro has opened up new avenues for elemental synergy. The Traveler’s new Bloom reaction is a game‑changer for both damage and healing. Below is a comprehensive build guide to help you harness the full potential of the Dendro Traveler.
Weapon Selection
For the Dendro Traveler, the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is the most balanced choice, providing a solid attack bonus and an increase to critical rate. However, if you’re focusing on reaction damage, the Skyward Spine offers a boost to elemental mastery, enabling stronger Bloom reactions.
Talent Prioritization
- Level the Elemental Skill first to increase the duration and damage of the Bloom field.
- Follow with the Elemental Burst to maximize damage output during the 15‑second window.
- Finally, level the Normal Attack talent to capitalize on the increased damage from the skill and burst.
Artifact Set
- 4‑Piece Crimson Witch of Flames – Boosts Dendro damage and reaction damage by 15%.
- 2‑Piece Crimson Witch + 2‑Piece Gladiator’s Finale – A balanced approach that provides attack and elemental damage bonuses.
Team Compositions
The Dendro Traveler shines best in teams that can trigger Bloom and other Dendro reactions. Here are two optimal setups:
- Pyro + Dendro + Hydro – Pair the Traveler with a Pyro (e.g., Hu Tao or Yanfei) and a Hydro (e.g., Barbara or Mona) to create Vaporize and Bloom reactions. The Traveler’s field can continuously generate Dendro particles, fueling the Hydro character’s healing.
- Cryo + Dendro + Electro – Combine the Traveler with a Cryo (e.g., Ganyu or Kaeya) and an Electro (e.g., Fischl or Thoma) to trigger Superconduct and Electro-Charged. The Traveler’s Bloom field adds consistent damage and can be used to amplify the team’s overall output.
By integrating the Dendro Traveler into your roster, you gain a versatile character that can adapt to multiple team compositions while providing both damage and support.
Free 5‑Star Characters from Anniversary Events
Genshin Impact’s anniversary events have historically unlocked powerful 5‑star characters for free. The 2025 anniversary introduced two new free 5‑star characters: Raiden and Kokomi. These characters offer high damage potential and unique utility, making them valuable additions to any F2P lineup.
Raiden
Raiden is a Hydro polearm user with a focus on burst damage. Her Shocking Rain skill creates a field that deals continuous Hydro damage, while her burst amplifies damage across the entire party. Raiden’s Electro-Charged reaction synergy with Electro characters turns her into a potent team builder.
Kokomi
Kokomi is a Dendro catalyst who excels at healing and crowd control. Her Sea of Tranquility skill provides a shield and heals allies, while her burst generates a Dendro field that heals and damages enemies. Kokomi’s Bloom reaction synergy with other Dendro characters makes her a flexible support option.
How to Maximize Their Impact
- Weapon Choices: For Raiden, the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear boosts attack and crit rate. For Kokomi, the Skyward Spine increases elemental mastery, enhancing her healing output.
- Artifact Sets: Raiden benefits from the Crimson Witch of Flames set for increased Hydro damage. Kokomi thrives with the Shimenawa’s Reminiscence set to increase healing.
- Team Pairings: Pair Raiden with Electro characters like Fischl or Thoma to maximize Electro-Charged. Kokomi pairs well with Dendro characters like the Traveler or Ayaka to trigger Bloom.
These free 5‑star characters provide a significant advantage, especially in high‑level content where burst damage and healing are critical.
Starglitter Exchange Characters Worth Getting
Starglitter exchanges allow players to trade in starglitter for powerful characters, often at a lower cost than wishes. In 2025, the most valuable starglitter exchanges include Albedo, Kazuha, and Gorou. These characters are not only free to obtain but also provide essential support and damage in various team compositions.
Albedo
Albedo’s Geothermal field offers continuous elemental damage and shielding, making him indispensable in both Spiral Abyss and boss fights. His Genesis skill creates a temporary shield that can absorb significant damage.
Kazuha
Kazuha’s Anemo abilities excel at crowd control and elemental reaction amplification. His Wandering Pyre skill creates a field that boosts team damage, while his burst provides a large AoE that can reset enemy timers.
Gorou
Gorou’s shield and crowd‑control abilities give him a unique role as a frontline support. His Gorou’s Shield can absorb massive damage, allowing the team to focus on burst damage.
How to Utilize Starglitter Effectively
- Prioritize starglitter exchanges that provide characters with high utility and synergy.
- Combine starglitter characters with free 5‑star characters for powerful reaction combos.
- Use starglitter characters as core support in teams that rely on elemental stacking.
By focusing on these starglitter exchange characters, you can build a robust team that’s capable of tackling any challenge in Genshin Impact.
Best Free Characters for Early Game Progression
Early game progression relies heavily on characters that can provide consistent damage, healing, and elemental reactions. The following free characters are essential for clearing domains, completing weekly bosses, and leveling up the Spiral Abyss.
- Amber – A reliable Pyro archer who can clear mobs quickly.
- Kaeya – His Cryo abilities freeze enemies, making him ideal for crowd control.
- Lisa – Provides a strong Electro field for triggering Electro-Charged reactions.
- Venti – Offers excellent crowd control and elemental stacking.
- Fischl – A consistent Electro DPS that can stay on the field for extended periods.
These characters are easy to acquire and provide the foundational support needed to progress through the game’s early stages. Pairing them with the free 5‑star characters and starglitter exchanges discussed earlier will give you a well‑rounded team capable of handling any challenge.
F2P Team Compositions Using Only Free Characters
Creating a high‑performing team without spending on premium characters is entirely possible. Below are three all‑free team compositions that cover DPS, support, and utility.
Composition 1: Pyro‑Heavy Burst Team
- Primary DPS: Hu Tao (free 5‑star)
- Sub‑DPS: Xiangling
- Support: Venti (for crowd control)
- Healer: Barbara (free 4‑star)
Composition 2: Electro‑Catalyst Team
- Primary DPS: Fischl
- Sub‑DPS: Albedo (starglitter)
- Support: Kazuha (starglitter)
- Healer: Kaeya (Cryo support)
Composition 3: Dendro‑Burst Team
- Primary DPS: Traveler (Dendro)
- Sub‑DPS: Gorou (shield and crowd control)
- Support: Raiden (free 5‑star)
- Healer: Lisa (Electro support)
These compositions showcase how free characters can be combined to create a balanced and powerful team. Adjust the weapon and artifact builds to suit your playstyle, and you’ll be ready to tackle any content.
How to Build Free Characters on a Budget
Building free characters effectively requires strategic allocation of resources. Below are key steps to maximize your free roster without overspending.
- Prioritize Weapon Upgrades – Focus on upgrading weapons that provide the highest stat boosts for your main DPS. For example, upgrade the Faneto for Xiangling or the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear for the Traveler.
- Artifact Allocation – Use the Crimson Witch of Flames set for Pyro and Dendro characters, and the Gladiator’s Finale set for general attack boosts. Rotate artifacts based on the character’s role.
- Use Stardust and Starglitter Wisely – Save stardust for leveling up 4‑star characters and starglitter for 5‑star starglitter characters. This balance ensures you’re not bottlenecked on one resource.
- Participate in Events – Events often grant free artifacts, weapons, and even characters. Keep an eye on the event calendar to catch these opportunities.
- Team Synergy – Build teams that can trigger high‑damage reactions. The more reactions you can generate, the less you need to rely on raw DPS.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your free characters at peak performance while minimizing in‑game spending.
Free Characters vs Gacha: Value Comparison
While the Gacha system offers an exciting way to acquire new characters, the cost can quickly add up. Free characters, on the other hand, provide consistent value without the gamble. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Free Characters | Gacha Characters |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Zero real money | Variable, often high |
| Reliability | Guaranteed acquisition | Uncertain |
| Utility | High, especially for support | High, especially for DPS |
| Long‑Term Value | Stable across updates | Can become obsolete |
In 2025, the free roster has grown enough that players can compete at high levels without spending. However, Gacha characters still offer unique playstyles that can complement a free team. The key is to strike a balance that suits your playstyle and budget.
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