The Genshin Impact update 4.8 is approaching its midpoint, heralding the imminent release of Emilie, a new 5-star Dendro polearm character. Emilie will debut with the second half of the patch’s banners, set to go live around 7pm ET today, August 6, or 4pm PT and 12am BT (August 7). This update brings a fresh wave of excitement as players anticipate Emilie’s arrival.
Emilie’s release will coincide with a rerun banner for Yelan, a 5-star Hydro bow user known for her substantial off-field damage capabilities. Early feedback from players on the test server suggests Emilie is poised to be a formidable off-field DPS character. However, her effectiveness is tied to the Burning reaction, which has traditionally been less favored due to its association with Dendro and Pyro elements.
Unlike Nilou, who modifies the Bloom reaction, Emilie does not alter Burning itself but benefits from the damage boost provided by Burning. This could make the reaction more appealing, especially with the recent introduction of an artifact set that enhances the impact of Burning enemies. This update seems to be placing a greater emphasis on the less popular Burning reaction, offering new strategies for players to explore.
The banners for Emilie and Yelan will also feature 4-star characters Yanfei, Xiangling, and Razor. Xiangling remains a top choice for off-field Pyro DPS, and Yanfei brings utility with her shield from her fourth Constellation and benefits from the Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayer. Razor, however, appears to lack synergy with the featured 5-star characters and feels somewhat out of place in this lineup.
The weapon banner accompanying Emilie and Yelan features their signature 5-star weapons, along with solid 4-star options like the Favonius spear and bow.
While the featured Flute sword is less desirable and the Sumeru claymore and catalyst are more niche, the overall selection is good, particularly for those interested in Emilie. As this update marks the end of the Fontaine region, players should prepare for the upcoming Natlan region and manage their Primogems wisely in anticipation of new characters and content.
