At first glance, Genshin Impact Version 5.6 looks like a typical update: a shiny new 5-star character, Escoffier, and reruns for Navia, Kinich, and the ever-popular Raiden Shogun. But don’t let the surface-level balance fool you — these banners are a calculated primogem trap laid out by HoYoverse.
According to content creator Zhongli’s Realm, Version 5.6 isn’t just a standard patch. It’s part of a bigger, deliberate strategy designed to drain player resources ahead of the highly anticipated 5.7 update, where Skirk and Mavuika — two of the most hyped characters in recent memory — are expected to arrive.
Raiden Shogun’s Rerun Breaks the Mold
One of the biggest red flags? Raiden Shogun’s rerun.
Typically, Archons get one rerun per region. Raiden already got hers back in Version 5.0, at the start of Natlan. Her sudden appearance again in 5.6 goes completely against HoYoverse’s established rerun pattern. There’s no lore justification, no major role in the current story. Her rerun just… showed up. Randomly.
And that’s exactly what makes it suspicious.
Escalating Towards 5.7
It’s no secret that Version 5.7 is shaping up to be massive. With leaks pointing to the release of Skirk, a long-awaited character first mentioned all the way back in Version 1.1, and a rerun (or even major appearance) from Mavuika, the Pyro Archon herself, 5.7 is likely to reshape the game’s entire meta.
HoYoverse knows players have been saving primogems for months, anticipating exactly this. So how do they shake loose those savings? Simple: they bait.
The Perfect Bait: Escoffier and Raiden Shogun
On her own, Escoffier is already an incredibly strong Cryo support. Her synergy with freeze comps, her power as a team buffer, and her healing utility make her almost too good to pass up. She’s a near must-pull for anyone looking to improve their Cryo-based teams, especially Ayaka mains.
But pair her with Raiden Shogun, one of the most beloved and popular Archons in the game? That’s guaranteed bait.
According to Zhongli’s Realm, this is a textbook marketing move by HoYoverse: starve players of exciting banners for several patches (as we’ve seen since Mavuika’s debut), then drop a one-two punch of a meta-defining new support and a fan-favorite Archon to empty primogem reserves before the real stars arrive in the next patch.
The Bigger Picture: Banner Fatigue & Sales Recovery
Over the last few updates, the banners have been… let’s face it, underwhelming. Aside from Furina’s rerun, which was her third, most of the patches between 5.3 and 5.6 have lacked standout limited characters. Many players have been quietly saving primogems, waiting for a real reason to pull.
Now, with sales possibly slowing down and excitement at a low point, HoYoverse needs a recovery. And that’s where this trap banner comes in. It’s designed to look too good to resist, combining top-tier power (Escoffier) with nostalgia and fan loyalty (Raiden Shogun).
If You Fall for the Trap…
Well, you might find yourself out of primogems when Skirk and Mavuika arrive in Version 5.7.
And make no mistake — 5.7 is going to be one of the most important updates of the year. Both Skirk and Mavuika have deep lore significance, exciting playstyle potential, and extremely high expectations. If you want to pull for them, you’ll need to start saving now.
Final Thoughts
It’s not that Escoffier or Raiden Shogun aren’t worth pulling — they absolutely are. But HoYoverse knows that. They’re counting on it.
This banner isn’t a happy coincidence. It’s a calculated move to drain your resources before the real game-changers drop. So if you’re sitting on a pile of primogems, be extra cautious. Make sure you’re pulling because you want the character, not just because the banner looks good.
This is primogem control, and HoYoverse is playing the long game.
To learn more about the upcoming 5.7 patch, Skirk, Mavuika, and in-depth Genshin character analysis, be sure to visit us at ExploreGenshin.gg.
Frequently Asked Questions about Genshin Impact 5.6 Banner Strategy
Why is Raiden Shogun getting a rerun in 5.6?
Raiden Shogun’s rerun in Version 5.6 breaks the usual pattern of Archon reruns, as she already had one in Version 5.0. Her sudden return is likely a strategic move by HoYoverse to increase banner sales ahead of the highly anticipated 5.7 patch.
Is Escoffier worth pulling for?
Yes. Escoffier is a powerful Cryo support character who excels in Freeze teams. She provides healing, Cryo application, and resistance shred, making her a top-tier support for units like Ayaka.
Why are players calling the 5.6 banners a ‘trap’?
The banners are considered a trap because HoYoverse is releasing two strong units — Escoffier and Raiden Shogun — just before Skirk and Mavuika in Version 5.7. This tactic is likely designed to deplete players’ saved Primogems.
Should I skip the 5.6 banners to save for Skirk and Mavuika?
If you’re interested in Skirk or Mavuika, it’s wise to save your Primogems. Version 5.7 is expected to be major, and pulling now could leave you short when those characters arrive.
How does Escoffier compare to other Cryo supports?
Is it common for HoYoverse to use bait banners?
Yes, it’s a well-documented strategy. HoYoverse has a history of releasing strong or popular characters right before highly anticipated updates to encourage players to spend their Primogems early.
