In the ever-evolving world of Teyvat, Genshin Impact old characters have become a topic of significant interest among the gaming community. As we move through 2025, the question of how HoYoverse handles its original roster becomes increasingly relevant, especially as newer characters continue to join the adventure.
The gap between launch characters and recent additions has grown noticeable over time. While los old entenderemos as foundational to the game's initial success, many players have expressed concern about their viability in current meta compositions. This phenomenon isn't unique to Genshin Impact – it's a common challenge for live service games with regular character releases.
The Current State of Original Characters
The old characters from Mondstadt and Liyue hold a special place in many players' hearts. Characters like Amber, Kaeya, Lisa, Razor, and Barbara were companions during our first steps into Teyvat. However, their kit designs reflect the game's early understanding of combat mechanics and team synergies.
Unlike Genshin's sister games Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero, which have implemented direct character buffs and reworks, Genshin Impact has historically taken a different approach. Rather than updating the old characters' core kits, HoYoverse has primarily addressed power creep through:
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Introducing support characters that specifically enhance older units
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Creating artifacts that benefit particular playstyles
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Developing weapons that synergize with original character abilities
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Adding new combat mechanics that can breathe life into forgotten playstyles
Community Perspectives
The community remains divided on whether direct buffs are necessary. Some players argue that the the old characters deserve mechanical updates to remain competitive, while others suggest that the game's content doesn't require meta-optimal teams anyway.
One Reddit user noted: "While it's no secret now that both of Genshin's sister games, Star Rail and ZZZ would update older characters' kits to make them catch up... Genshin seems reluctant to follow suit."
Interestingly, certain launch characters like Bennett and Xingqiu have defied power creep, remaining staples in many team compositions even in 2025. This phenomenon has actually complicated balance decisions, as any system designed to buff weaker characters might inadvertently make these already-powerful supports even more dominant.
The Future of Legacy Characters
As Genshin Impact continues expanding beyond Fontaine and into newer regions, HoYoverse faces mounting pressure to address the viability gap. Recent developer interviews have hinted at potential solutions that might be implemented in upcoming patches:
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Alternative Progression Systems: New ways to enhance characters beyond conventional constellations
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Region-Specific Bonuses: Buffs that activate when characters operate in their home regions
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Specialized Domains: Content designed to showcase the strengths of specific character archetypes
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Character-Specific Artifacts: Sets designed to address the weaknesses in older character kits
While players wait for official announcements, the debate continues about whether Genshin Impact should follow the more direct approach of its sister titles. The balance between preserving the game's established systems and ensuring all characters remain viable presents a unique challenge.
Staying Relevant in Teyvat
For players invested in the original cast, there are still ways to maximize their potential:
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Explore unconventional team compositions that highlight unique abilities
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Invest in high-refinement weapons that complement their kits
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Farm optimal artifact sets with strong substats
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Utilize newer support characters that can enhance their damage output or utility
The emotional attachment many players feel toward the old characters remains strong. There's something special about returning to Amber's cheerful optimism or Kaeya's mysterious charm that newer characters, despite their mechanical advantages, can't always replicate.
As Genshin Impact celebrates its fifth anniversary, the question of legacy character viability remains open. Whether through direct buffs or alternative enhancement systems, the community hopes that the pioneers of Teyvat will continue to have meaningful roles in the journey ahead. After all, they were the ones who first welcomed us to this magical world of elements and adventure.