In Genshin Impact, playable characters are primarily unlocked through the gacha Wish system, but several can be obtained for free via quests, events, and progression. There are currently 17 free characters (counting Traveler's forms separately for unlock methods, plus selectors and Manekins), with the rest of the 109 roster available via Wishes or Paimon's Bargains.
Free Characters (No Primogems Required)
These are permanently available (unless noted). Here's a complete list:
|
Character |
Rarity |
Element |
Weapon |
How to Unlock |
|
Traveler (Anemo) |
5★ |
Anemo |
Sword |
Start the game & activate Mondstadt Statue of the Seven. |
|
Traveler (Geo) |
5★ |
Geo |
Sword |
Activate Liyue Statue of the Seven. |
|
Traveler (Electro) |
5★ |
Electro |
Sword |
Activate Inazuma Statue of the Seven. |
|
Traveler (Dendro) |
5★ |
Dendro |
Sword |
Activate Sumeru Statue of the Seven. |
|
Traveler (Hydro) |
5★ |
Hydro |
Sword |
Activate Fontaine Statue of the Seven. |
|
Traveler (Pyro) |
5★ |
Pyro |
Sword |
Complete Chapter V: Act V Archon Quest (Natlan). |
|
Amber |
4★ |
Pyro |
Bow |
Prologue: Act I Archon Quest (Wind-Riding Knight). |
|
Kaeya |
4★ |
Cryo |
Sword |
Prologue: Act I Archon Quest (Crash Course). |
|
Lisa |
4★ |
Electro |
Catalyst |
Prologue: Act I Archon Quest (Sparks Amongst the Pages). |
|
Barbara |
4★ |
Hydro |
Catalyst |
Prologue: Act III Archon Quest + Baptism of Song event. |
|
Xiangling |
4★ |
Pyro |
Polearm |
Clear Spiral Abyss Floor 3, Chamber 3 (People's Choice). |
|
Collei |
4★ |
Dendro |
Bow |
Clear Spiral Abyss Floor 4, Chamber 3 (Curtain of Leaves). |
|
Lynette |
4★ |
Anemo |
Sword |
Reach Adventure Rank 25 + claim from The Curtain Never Falls on Magic event. |
|
Kachina |
4★ |
Geo |
Polearm |
Chapter V: Act I Archon Quest (Natlan). |
|
Aino |
4★ |
Hydro |
Claymore |
Archon Quest: Song of the Welkin Moon Act I (step 16). |
|
Razor OR Fischl OR Sucrose |
4★ |
Varies |
Varies |
Complete Witch's Homework event tutorial (choose one). |
|
Wonderland Manekin / Manekina |
N/A |
None |
Varies |
Progress in Miliastra Wonderland (pick one, customize other later). |
|
Aloy |
5★ |
Cryo |
Bow |
Expired (limited mail reward, 2021). |
Xiangling is the strongest free character for F2P players due to her off-field Pyro application and Burst DPS.
The Wish (Gacha) System
Unlocked around AR5 via Prologue Act I. Convert Primogems (earned from quests, events, exploration, Abyss, etc.) into Intertwined/Acquaint Fates (160 Primogems each).
- Beginners' Wish: Discounted (20 pulls max); guarantees Noelle + one 4★/5★.
- Wanderlust Invocation (Standard): Permanent pool (e.g., Jean, Diluc); Acquaint Fates.
- Character Event Wishes: Limited banners (1 featured 5★ + 3 4★); Intertwined Fates. Pity: 90 pulls for 5★ (50/50 featured; soft pity ~75), 10 for 4★.
- Chronicled Wish: Rerun old 5★ characters (select one to guarantee). Pity carries over between the same banner types. Duplicates give Starglitter/Stardust for shop use.
Paimon's Bargains (Starglitter Shop)
Accessible from the menu; resets monthly (1st).
- Buy two standard 4★ characters/month (34 Masterless Starglitter each; rotating 12-char cycle over 6 months).
- Earn Starglitter from duplicate wishes (5★ dupes: 5–25+), events, etc.
Other Notes
- Limited Events: Occasionally reward 4★ characters (e.g., past: Diona, Fischl), but most are one-time events.
- No direct purchases outside gacha/shop; save for targeted banners.
- Progress Archon Quests/Abyss for freebies; check events regularly.
The above content is compiled by ModeZone, a fashion and entertainment magazine.
