A 2026 Look Back at Genshin Impact 5.1 Phase 1: Two Geo Swords and Three Sumeru Stalwarts

It’s 2026, and I still keep a tiny, slightly embarrassing shrine to Version 5.1 Phase 1 in my brain. Yes, that banner arrived around October 1, 2024, which makes this a proper archaeological dig by live-service standards. But I refuse to let go, because that lineup was weird in a way that still teaches me useful lessons about Genshin Impact team building. Two five-star Geo sword users on one phase? Three four-stars from Sumeru? My first reaction was confusion. My second reaction was checking my Primogems like a raccoon checking a trash can. 🦝

Why Two Geo Sword Users Still Make Me Laugh

Xilonen was the shiny new five-star, and she had already been strutting through the main storyline like she owned the place. Chiori joined her on the first banner, which meant HoYoverse served up two five-star Geo sword users in the same phase. That is not illegal, but it is the Genshin equivalent of ordering two desserts and pretending it is a balanced meal. Many fans pointed out how unusual it was. I nodded along while quietly wondering whether my Wallet was about to file a complaint.

One reason the pairing made sense was synergy. Geo characters usually like other Geo characters, because monoculture teams often help them reach their potential. Chiori and Xilonen sharing an element and weapon type looked suspiciously convenient. But Xilonen was not a one-note Geo statue. Her kit reveal confirmed that she could be a much more flexible unit, which is the polite way of saying she could sneak into teams that had no business inviting a Geo character.

A part of Xilonen’s build let her adapt to the elements of her team composition. That made her a very flexible support character, and it also made my team-building brain hum like a fridge with a bad attitude. In 2026, I still appreciate that kind of flexibility. New characters come and go, but a support who can fit into multiple compositions ages like fine wine. Or at least like a decent energy drink.

Chiori, meanwhile, was the sharper-edged option. She benefited from Geo friends and gave the banner a second reason for Geo enjoyers to open their wallets. I did not pull for both. I am reckless, not financially radioactive. Still, I respect a phase that says, yes, you may have two Geo sword five-stars, and no, we will not apologize for the weapon-type overlap.

The Four-Star Lottery: Candace, Dori, and Collei

Let us talk about the four-star lineup, because that is where the banner gets its spicy little personality. Genshin Impact four-stars have a 10-wish pity, so a four-star drop is guaranteed every 10 wishes. Five-stars have a 90-wish pity, which is a much longer and more emotional journey. Every Limited Character Banner includes three four-star units, and they rotate every three weeks. The odds are split between those three, so getting one specific four-star can feel like asking three cats to pose for a family photo.

The Phase 1 four-stars were Candace, Dori, and Collei. Here is my 2026 scorecard:

Dori is widely considered the best budget option for teams that need Energy Recharge solutions, because she can generate large amounts of Energy particles. She is also a decent healer who can fit into many different team comps. I know some players treat Dori like a walking battery with a claymore, but honestly, a battery with a claymore is exactly what some teams need. Candace is a solid support choice for teams built around Hydro-based elemental reactions. Collei serves a similar role for Dendro teams with her strong sub-DPS potential. Three Sumeru four-stars on one phase was a nice touch, and several comments praised HoYoverse for it.

How I Judge This Banner in 2026

In 2026, I judge old banners by how well they age, not by launch-day hype. Version 5.1 Phase 1 still holds up surprisingly well. Xilonen’s flexibility makes her the star of the memory. Chiori gives Geo fans a second shiny sword to admire. Dori remains the budget energy solution I recommend with a smirk. Candace helps Hydro reaction teams, and Collei gives Dendro teams a reliable sub-DPS option. Would I call the phase perfectly balanced? No. Would I call it memorable? Absolutely. Two Geo sword five-stars and three Sumeru four-stars is a strange combo, but it is the kind of strange that keeps Genshin Impact team building interesting. And yes, I am still checking my Primogems in 2026. Old habits are the most durable artifacts of all. 😄