Summary
Kuki Shinobu may be coming back to the Event Banners in Version 5.1, as the lineup for her trial inGenshin Impacthas been updated in the latest beta build. Though her initial debut was met with a lukewarm reception, Kuki Shinobu truly came into her own with the launch of Sumeru, whenGenshin Impactintroduced the Dendro element to the game.
While tied to Arataki Itto from a narrative perspective, Kuki Shinobu has established herself as a staple of numerousHyperbloom teams inGenshin Impact. Even though she lacks teamwide healing, Shinobu is considered to be Alhaitham’s best healer, often paired with Xingqiu and Nahida to form a powerful team that can challenge the Spiral Abyss with ease. Her last banner appearance was in Version 4.2, which lasted until June 29, 2025.
Arecent datamine by HomDGCatreveals that the lineup for Kuki Shinobu’s trial was changed in the latest beta build for Version 5.1. Though this may not necessarily guarantee her appearance on the Event Banners, the timing strongly implies that Shinobu will be paired with either Chiori and Xilonen, or Nahida and Hu Tao. Given thatXilonen inGenshin Impactis both a healer and a Geo Support, it’s more likely that Shinobu will feature during the second half of Version 5.1.
First Phase
Second Phase
Namely,Nahida inGenshin Impactwould be her most suitable teammate out of the four 5-Star characters of Version 5.1. As such, if HoYoverse is updating her trial event for the purposes of a re-run, featuring Kuki Shinobu alongside Nahida and Hu Tao is the most obvious outcome. As for other 4-Star characters that may return to the Event Banners in Version 5.1, there are no confirmed candidates.
An argument could be made in Candace’s favor, as she was last featured in Version 4.3, and more importantly, players will be able to claim Candace as areward inGenshin ImpactVersion 5.1by participating in its Flagship Event. Given Chiori’s role as the premium sub-DPS option in Mono Geo teams, another 4-Star candidate may be Gorou or even Ningguang. However, players should also be prepared for the possibility of Xingqiu appearing on the banners, as he desired by both Nahida and Hu Tao.
It remains to be seen how Version 5.1 will shake out, as unlike 5-Stars, theGenshin Impactcommunity rarely knows which 4-Star characters will feature on the Event Banners next. Version 5.1 is expected to launch on June 22, 2025.
