Genshin Impact Old Characters: Evolution and Future
Explore Genshin Impact's unique approach to old characters, emphasizing storytelling and synergy over direct buffs, ensuring their lasting relevance and appeal.
The journey through Teyvat has been a long and evolving one for Genshin Impact players since the game's release. As we move through 2025, a growing discussion among the community focuses on Genshin Impact old characters and their place in the ever-expanding roster. While sister games like Star Rail and ZZZ have implemented direct buffs to older characters, Genshin has taken a somewhat different approach that merits examination.

The Current State of Old Characters
Genshin Impact's approach to character balance has historically been more conservative than its sister titles. Rather than directly modifying existing character kits, HoYoverse has typically introduced new support characters that can enhance the viability of older units. This strategy has kept early characters like Bennett relevant despite being among the oldest in the game.
As one player noted in a community discussion, "While it's no secret now that both of Genshin's sister games, Star Rail and ZZZ would update older characters' kits to make them catch-up... Genshin seems reluctant to follow suit." This observation highlights the different philosophy behind Genshin's character development strategy.
Understanding the Old Characters' Place
To truly understand the old characters in Genshin Impact, we must consider both their narrative and gameplay roles. Los old entenderemos better when we examine how HoYoverse has kept them relevant through:
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Story Development - Older characters continue to receive new story quests and hangout events that deepen their lore
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Event Participation - Characters from Mondstadt and Liyue regularly appear in seasonal events
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Indirect Buffs - New artifacts, weapons, and team compositions that revitalize older playstyles
The Power Gap Question
Many players wonder how significant the power difference is between the old characters and newer releases. Unlike some gacha games where power creep renders early units completely obsolete, Genshin has maintained a relatively balanced approach.
A community member asked, "How bad are the old characters compared to the newer ones? Does that mean that one should just save for six months once they have enough elemental coverage?" The answer isn't straightforward, as the old characters often fulfill different roles than newer ones.
The Future of Genshin's Original Cast
As we progress through 2025, the question of what will happen to the original cast becomes increasingly relevant. With several regions still to be released, how will characters from Mondstadt and Liyue remain accessible and viable for new players?
Some community suggestions have included:
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Making older 4-star characters more accessible through permanent game mechanics
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Introducing specific banners focused on regional characters
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Implementing subtle kit adjustments without completely changing character identities
The Balance Philosophy
The game's developers seem committed to a unique philosophy regarding the old characters. Rather than directly buffing them as we've seen in ZZZ and Star Rail, they prefer to create new contexts where these characters can shine.
This approach respects the investments players have made while still allowing for evolution. The old characters don't necessarily become stronger in isolation, but rather find new strengths through team synergies and specialized scenarios.
Community Perspective
Players have expressed mixed feelings about HoYoverse's approach. Some appreciate that their favorite early characters remain viable, while others wish for more direct improvements to keep pace with newer releases.
"I still love using the original characters, but sometimes it feels like they require more investment to achieve what newer characters can do effortlessly," commented one long-time player.
Looking Forward
As Genshin Impact continues its journey across Teyvat, the treatment of its old characters will remain an important aspect of the game's development. The balance between respecting player investments and creating exciting new gameplay experiences is delicate.
What seems clear is that the old characters will continue to play important roles in both the narrative and gameplay aspects of Genshin Impact. While they may not receive direct buffs to their kits, HoYoverse has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring they remain relevant parts of the Genshin experience.
For players concerned about investing in the old characters, the game's track record suggests that while newer units may offer different playstyles, the original cast will continue to find their place in Teyvat's ever-expanding story.
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