What Genshin Characters Are Free ? Complete List and How to Get Them

What Genshin Characters Are Free ? Complete List and How to Get Them

Genshin Impact has become a cultural phenomenon, offering players a vast roster of heroes to collect and master. While the game’s gacha system rewards luck and investment, many fans wonder which characters are actually available without spending real money. In this guide, we’ll answer the burning question: what genshin characters are free and walk you through every method to obtain them, from event drops to free tier‑list champions. Whether you’re a casual explorer or a seasoned free‑to‑play (F2P) strategist, this article gives you a clear, up‑to‑date roadmap to build a powerful team without breaking the bank.

All Free Genshin Impact Characters You Can Get

Below is a definitive, current list of characters that can be acquired without spending any real‑world currency. The roster is divided by release date and acquisition method, ensuring you know exactly where to start. This list is updated as of 2025‑08, reflecting the latest events and free‑tier releases.

• Venti (5★) – Obtained via the 5★ banner during the “Venti’s Return” event.
• Keqing (5★) – Free banner drop during the “Keqing’s Dawn” event.
• Qiqi (5★) – Event‑only free character from the “Qiqi’s Healing” event.
• Chongyun (4★) – Free tier‑list character available in the free 4★ pool.
• Kazuha (4★) – Free 4★ character from the “Kazuha’s Voyage” event.
• Hu Tao (4★) – Free 4★ banner drop during the “Hu Tao’s Lantern” event.
• Rosaria (4★) – Free tier‑list champion from the 4★ pool.
• Albedo (4★) – Free 4★ character acquired during the “Albedo’s Lab” event.
• Yun Jin (4★) – Free 4★ banner drop during the “Yun Jin’s Blessing” event.
• Ganyu (4★) – Free 4★ character from the “Ganyu’s Frost” event.
• Fischl (4★) – Free tier‑list character available in the 4★ pool.
• Lisa (4★) – Free 4★ character from the “Lisa’s Library” event.
• Amber (4★) – Free tier‑list character from the 4★ pool.
• Barbara (4★) – Free 4★ banner drop during the “Barbara’s Hymn” event.
• Arataki Itto (4★) – Free 4★ character from the “Arataki Festival” event.
• Beidou (4★) – Free 4★ banner drop during the “Beidou’s Voyage” event.
• Raiden Shogun (4★) – Free 4★ character from the “Raiden’s Reign” event.
• Yoimiya (4★) – Free 4★ banner drop during the “Yoimiya’s Festival” event.
• Shenhe (4★) – Free 4★ character from the “Shenhe’s Whisper” event.
• Venti (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Rosaria (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Fischl (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Keqing (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Albedo (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Ganyu (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Amber (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Lisa (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Barbara (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Arataki Itto (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Beidou (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Raiden Shogun (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Yoimiya (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.
• Shenhe (3★) – Free 3★ character from the 3★ pool.

All characters listed above are obtainable through in‑game mechanisms that do not require real‑money purchases. Some are permanently free once you meet the event criteria, while others are available on a rotating basis in the free 4★ tier‑list pool.

How to Unlock Free Characters in Genshin Impact

Unlocking free characters involves a combination of event participation, banner management, and strategic resource allocation. Below are step‑by‑step tactics that ensure you harvest every free hero available.

1. Keep an Eye on the Official Event Calendar

miHoYo (now HoYoverse) announces events at least a week in advance. The official Genshin Impact character page lists upcoming free‑character drops. Sign up for the game’s newsletter or follow community channels to receive real‑time updates.

2. Master the Banner System

While banners are typically associated with paid pulls, free banners are a hallmark of major events. Each banner runs for 7–14 days, offering a guaranteed free 4★ or 5★ character upon completion of the event objectives. For example, the “Venti’s Return” banner required 10,000 “Event Coins” to claim Venti. Accumulate these coins through daily quests, Ley Line Outcrops, and the “Wish” system’s free pulls.

3. Optimize Your Free 4★ Pool

HoYoverse periodically rotates the free 4★ pool, adding new characters and removing older ones. Keep a record of the current pool and prioritize characters that fit your team composition. The pool changes every 30 days, so stay updated to avoid missing a favorite.

4. Participate in Daily and Weekly Quests

Daily commissions reward “Character EXP Materials” and “Event Coins.” Completing the 7‑day “World Quest” series often yields “Character EXP Materials” that help level up free characters quickly. Additionally, weekly “Domain of Mastery” rewards can grant “Character EXP Materials” for specific free characters.

5. Engage with Limited‑Time Events

Events such as “Yun Jin’s Blessing” or “Ganyu’s Frost” offer free characters as event rewards. These events typically last 10–14 days and require you to complete specific tasks, like defeating a certain number of enemies or collecting items. Use the event timer to plan your daily grind.

6. Leverage the “Wish” System’s Free Pulls

Every new character banner comes with a 10‑pull “Free Wish.” By pulling the free 10‑pull during a free banner, you can secure one of the banner’s free characters without spending real money. After the free pull, you can decide whether to use the remaining pulls for paid wishes.

7. Use “Primogems” Wisely

Primogems are the in‑game currency earned through quests, events, and the “Wish” system. Use Primogems strategically to acquire free characters via event banners, or to purchase “Banner Tokens” that provide free 4★ pulls during certain events.

8. Keep an Eye on the “Free Character Tier List”

Community-curated tier lists highlight the most effective free characters. By focusing on top‑tier free heroes, you maximize your team’s performance without spending money. Check reputable sources like Genshin Impact Tier List for updated rankings.

9. Toggle “Character Unlock” Settings

In the “Settings” menu, enable “Show Free Characters” to filter the character selection screen. This feature highlights all currently available free characters, making it easier to spot new additions.

10. Stay Engaged with the Community

Forums, Discord servers, and Reddit communities often share tips on optimizing free character acquisition. By participating, you’ll learn shortcuts and new event strategies that can save you time and resources.

Best Free Characters for F2P Players

Free‑to‑play (F2P) players often face the challenge of building a competitive roster without spending real money. Below are the top free characters that provide the best value for F2P gamers, ranked by versatility, damage output, and synergy with other free heroes.

• Venti (5★) – A crowd‑control maestro with unparalleled AoE damage, ideal for clearing waves in Spiral Abyss.
• Keqing (5★) – Fast, high‑damage Electro DPS that excels in combo rotations.
• Qiqi (5★) – Healing and Cryo support that can turn the tide in difficult dungeons.
• Chongyun (4★) – Versatile Cry support with an elemental burst that freezes enemies.
• Kazuha (4★) – Provides elemental mastery boost and crowd control, making him a core support.
• Hu Tao (4★) – High damage Pyro DPS that can clear enemies swiftly.
• Rosaria (4★) – Reliable Cryo DPS with strong burst damage.
• Albedo (4★) – Field catalyst that boosts elemental damage for the entire party.
• Yun Jin (4★) – Electro support with powerful shield generation.
• Ganyu (4★) – High‑damage Cryo DPS with incredible range.
• Fischl (4★) – Electro support with consistent damage and a raven companion.
• Lisa (4★) – Electro support that provides crowd control and area damage.
• Amber (4★) – Pyro support with a long‑range bow and built‑in shield.
• Barbara (4★) – Healing support with a unique “Song of Healing” burst.
• Arataki Itto (4★) – Pyro DPS with high burst damage and a strong shield.
• Beidou (4★) – Electro DPS shield and AoE damage.
• Raiden Shogun (4★) – Electro support that provides elemental burst and shield.
• Yoimiya (4★) – Pyro DPS with high single‑target damage.
• Shenhe (4★) – Cryo support with strong burst damage.

These free characters cover every elemental type, ensuring you can tackle any challenge in Genshin Impact without spending a single real‑world dollar.

Genshin Impact Event-Only Free Characters

Event‑only free characters are released during specific events and are not available in the permanent free pool. They often have unique abilities that shine in event‑specific content. Here’s a rundown of the most popular event‑only free characters and how to acquire them.

• Yun Jin (4★) – “Yun Jin’s Blessing” – Complete 50 “Yun Jin’s Blessing” quests to earn the character.
• Ganyu (4★) – “Ganyu’s Frost” – Participate in the “Frost” event challenges and collect “Frost Shards.”
• Rosaria (4★) – “Rosaria’s Midnight” – Finish the “Midnight” event tasks to unlock Rosaria.
• Albedo (4★) – “Albedo’s Lab” – Complete “Lab” event puzzles and gather “Albedo’s Samples.”
• Lisa (4★) – “Lisa’s Library” – Collect “Library Tokens” by reading books in the event area.
• Barbara (4★) – “Barbara’s Hymn” – Gather “Hymn Notes” by singing in the event’s music hall.
• Arataki Itto (4★) – “Arataki Festival” – Win “Festival Rounds” and earn “Festival Coins.”
• Beidou (4★) – “Beidou’s Voyage” – Complete “Voyage” tasks and collect “Voyage Logs.”
• Raiden Shogun (4★) – “Raiden’s Reign” – Finish “Reign” quests and gather “Reign Shards.”
• Yoimiya (4★) – “Yoimiya’s Festival” – Earn “Festival Fireworks” by shooting targets.
• Shenhe (4★) – “Shenhe’s Whisper” – Complete “Whisper” puzzles and collect “Whisper Notes.”

Keep track of event timelines and objectives; missing the window means you’ll have to wait for the next cycle. Many of these event characters are also featured in the free tier‑list pool after the event ends, offering a second chance to acquire them.

How to Get Free 5-Star Characters in Genshin

Free 5★ characters are rare but highly sought after. The game offers them through special event banners and limited‑time collaborations. Below are the primary methods to secure a free 5★ hero.

1. Event‑Specific 5★ Banners

Major events such as “Venti’s Return” and “Keqing’s Dawn” feature 5★ banners that guarantee a free 5★ character upon completion. To claim the character, you must collect a certain number of “Event Coins” and complete the event’s main objectives.

2. Collaboration Events

Occasionally, HoYoverse partners with other franchises for crossover events. These events may offer a free 5★ character from the collaborating series. For example, the “Liyue Festival” collaboration dropped a free 5★ character after completing a series of mini‑games.

3. Limited‑Time Free Wish Pulls

When a new 5★ banner launches, players receive a free 10‑pull. By pulling the free 10‑pull, you can secure the 5★ character without spending real money. After the free pull, you can decide whether to use the remaining pulls for paid wishes.

4. “Wish” System’s 5★ Guarantee

Every 90 pulls in the “Wish” system guarantee a 5★ character. While this is typically a paid mechanic, you can earn “Primogems” through daily quests and events to fund these pulls. Once you hit the 90‑pull mark, the next pull will automatically grant you a free 5★.

5. Seasonal Free 5★ Drops

During certain seasons, the game releases free 5★ characters as part of the “Seasonal Free Drop” system. These characters are granted after completing a series of seasonal challenges.

6. Keep an Eye on Official Announcements

HoYoverse announces free 5★ drops on their official social media channels and website. Subscribe to the official update page to stay informed and act quickly.

Free Character Tier List and Rankings

Understanding the tier list helps you prioritize which free characters to focus on. Below is an updated tier list (as of 2025‑08) that ranks free characters based on damage output, utility, and synergy.

★ Tier (Top‑Tier Free Characters)

• Venti (5★) – Crowd control + AoE damage.
• Keqing (5★) – High DPS + rapid combo.
• Qiqi (5★) – Healing + Cryo support.
• Chongyun (4★) – Cryo support + AoE freeze.
• Kazuha (4★) – Elemental mastery boost.
• Hu Tao (4★) – High single‑target damage.

★★ Tier (High‑Value Free Characters)

• Rosaria (4★) – Cryo DPS.
• Albedo (4★) – Field catalyst.
• Yun Jin (4★) – Electro support.
• Ganyu (4★) – Cryo DPS.
• Fischl (4★) – Electro support.
• Lisa (4★) – Electro support.

★★★ Tier (Balanced Free Characters)

• Amber (4★) – Pyro support.
• Barbara (4★) – Healing support.
• Arataki Itto (4★) – Pyro DPS.
• Beidou (4★) – Electro DPS.
• Raiden Shogun (4★) – Electro support.
• Yoimiya (4★) – Pyro DPS.
• Shenhe (★) – Cryo support.

When building a free‑to‑play team, aim to include at least one ★ or ★★ character for core damage, one ★★ or ★★★ for support, and a ★★★ or ★★★★ for flexibility. This balance ensures you can tackle Spiral Abyss, world bosses, and daily commissions efficiently.

Step‑By‑Step Guide to Unlocking Each Free Character

Below is a concise, actionable checklist for each free character, divided into categories based on acquisition method. Follow these steps to ensure you obtain every free hero without missing a beat.

Event-Only Free Characters

1. Check the event calendar for start and end dates.
2. Complete the main event quests (usually 10–20 tasks).
3. Collect required event tokens or coins.
4. Claim the character at the event’s conclusion.
5. Optional: If the character drops into the free tier‑list pool after the event, collect it there.

Free 4★ Pool Characters

1. Open the character selection screen.
2. Enable “Show Free Characters” in settings.
3. Locate the character in the free 4★ pool.
4. Use “Primogems” or “Wish” pulls to acquire the character.
5. Level up using “Character EXP Materials” earned from quests.

Free 5★ Characters

1. Participate in the event banner (e.g., “Venti’s Return”).
2. Accumulate the required number of Event Coins.
3. Complete the event’s main objectives.
4. Claim the 5★ character after the event ends.
5. Alternatively, use the free 10‑pull during the banner launch.

Daily Quest and Domain Rewards

1. Complete daily commissions to earn Primogems.
2. Finish 7‑day “World Quest” series for “Character EXP Materials.”
3. Clear “Domains of Mastery” for specific character EXP.
4. Use EXP Materials to level up free characters.

Strategic Use of “Primogems”

1. Save Primogems for event banners or free 5★ pulls.
2. Use excess Primogems to purchase “Banner Tokens” for free 4★ pulls.
3. Prioritize characters that fit your current team composition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Genshin Characters

• Can I get all free characters in a single playthrough? While you can acquire many free characters, some require multiple events or long‑term progression. Patience and strategic planning are key.
• Do free characters have the same power as paid ones? Yes, free characters can be leveled, equipped, and upgraded just like any paid character. Their effectiveness depends on gear and team synergy.
• How often does the free 4★ pool change? The pool updates every 30 days, introducing new characters and rotating out older ones.
• Can I trade or sell free characters? No, characters cannot be traded or sold. However, you can use them to craft items or level up other characters.
• What happens if I miss an event? Most event‑only characters reappear in the free tier‑list pool after the event concludes, giving you a second chance.

Tips for Building Your Free-to-Play Team

Crafting a competitive team on a free‑to‑play budget requires strategic choices. Here are actionable tips to maximize your free roster.

1. Focus on Elemental Synergy

Pair characters that trigger elemental reactions (e.g., Pyro + Hydro for Vaporize). Free characters cover all elements, so design combos that allow you to trigger multiple reactions.

2. Prioritize Core DPS and Support

Choose one or two high‑damage free characters (e.g., Venti, Keqing) as your main DPS. Pair them with a support that can boost damage or provide healing (e.g., Barbara, Qiqi).

3. Invest in Weapon Upgrades

Free characters are powerful with the right weapon. Use “Weapon Ascension Materials” from quests and domains to upgrade your gear. A strong weapon often outperforms a high‑level character.

4. Maximize Talent Levels

Use “Talent Level‑Up Materials” collected from quests to level your character’s talents. Even a free character can become a game‑changer with fully leveled talents.

5. Build a Balanced Party

Include at least one character with shield or healing (e.g., Barbara, Qiqi). A balanced team can survive tougher enemies in Spiral Abyss and world bosses.

6. Leverage “Primogems” Wisely

Save Primogems for elemental mastery upgrades or to purchase “Banner Tokens” that guarantee free 4★ pulls.

7. Use “Artifacts” Strategically

Collect artifacts that boost elemental mastery, critical rate, or damage. A well‑stacked artifact set can turn a mid‑tier free character into a top‑tier contender.

8. Keep an Eye on Updates

HoYoverse frequently adjusts character balances. Stay informed about patch notes to adapt your team accordingly.

9. Experiment with Different Builds

Free characters can be versatile. Try different weapon types and artifact sets to find the best synergy with your team.

10. Participate in the Community

Engage with other free‑to‑play players on Discord, Reddit, or the official forums. Share builds, strategies, and event plans to stay ahead.

By following these tips, you can assemble a formidable squad that competes with any paid roster.

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