Version 5.6 of Genshin Impact is already shaping up to be one of the most surprising updates in recent memory—and not just because of new characters. In a video from Daddy Shogun, we learned that Raiden Shogun is returning yet again, breaking a long-standing pattern for Archon reruns and raising questions about the future of HoYoverse’s banner rotation strategy.

Let’s break down what’s happening in 5.6 and why it could change everything.

Raiden Shogun’s Double Rerun – A First for Archons

Raiden Shogun is set to return in version 5.6, marking her second rerun within the same regional cycle. This is a major break from tradition—until now, Archons have only appeared once per major patch arc.

Her comeback could signal a shift in how Genshin Impact handles its most powerful and popular characters. Is this a one-time exception… or the beginning of a new norm?

Who’s on the 5.6 Banner?

According to leaks and speculation, here’s what we can expect:

Escoffier – The brand-new 5-star Cryo polearm user
Navia – Powerful Geo DPS returning for her first rerun
Kinich – The Dendro DPS joining the banner lineup
Raiden Shogun – Electro Archon back again

While the exact phase split is unconfirmed, the community expects something like this:

Phase 1: Escoffier + Kinich
Phase 2: Navia + Raiden Shogun

This pairing balances new characters with fan-favorite reruns, a pattern HoYoverse has followed in recent updates.

Why Are Players Concerned?

Raiden Shogun’s rerun is exciting—but also controversial.

While she returns once again, characters like Emilie, who debuted months ago, still haven’t received their first rerun. This uneven character rotation creates an unpredictable pull schedule and makes it harder for players to plan.

If HoYoverse begins prioritizing Archon reruns or top-performing units over more balanced rotations, players might face longer wait times for their favorite characters. It also increases pressure to spend Primo Gems faster, which could be a deliberate move to drive purchases.

What This Could Mean for Future Updates

This update could mark the start of a new rerun era where:

Top meta units return more frequently
Archons become regular headliners
More characters end up waiting a full year or longer for their next banner

Or… it could be a one-time exception to support Skirk’s release in 5.7, since Raiden and Cryo units often synergize in specific team comps. Until HoYoverse confirms their long-term banner philosophy, we’ll have to wait and see.

Final Thoughts: Should You Pull for Raiden?

If you don’t have Raiden Shogun, or if you’re aiming to push her constellations, this rerun is a golden opportunity.

But if you’re eyeing Escoffier, Navia, or even Skirk in 5.7, you may want to hold onto your Primo Gems. With more characters getting crammed into fewer banners, strategic saving is more important than ever.

Are you pulling for Raiden again, or waiting for someone else? Let us know in the comments!

And for more updates, banner leaks, and Genshin Impact guides, visit ExploreGenshin.gg.