As the Genshin Impact community eagerly anticipates the second phase of the massive 4.0 Update, a recent leak has cast a shadow of disappointment over what was supposed to be a celebratory third-anniversary period. Reliable leaker Hxg, via the Genshin Impact Leaks subreddit, has revealed the alleged lineup for the upcoming weapon banner, and the reception has been notably lukewarm. While the update itself brings new regions and adventures, the banner choices are leaving many players questioning their Primogem savings strategy.
The Leaked 5-Star Lineup: A Questionable Pair
According to the leak, the spotlight 5-star weapons for the second phase will be the Polar Star bow and the Vortex Vanquisher polearm. On the surface, this seems logical—the featured character banner is expected to star Childe (Tartaglia), and Polar Star is his signature weapon. However, the community's excitement is heavily tempered by its partner. The Vortex Vanquisher, a polearm with a niche use case primarily for Zhongli in specific builds, is often considered one of the less desirable standard 5-star weapons. Players are asking: Why pair a highly anticipated signature weapon with such an underwhelming counterpart, especially during an anniversary update?
The Real Problem: The 4-Star Weapon Pool 🚫
If the 5-star pair gives pause, the leaked 4-star weapon selection is what truly deflates the banner's value. Reports suggest the lineup includes recurring faces like Dragon's Bane (polearm) and The Flute (sword).
Let's break down why this is so disappointing:
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Dragon's Bane Fatigue: This weapon has appeared in weapon banners an infamous number of times. For veteran players, pulling yet another copy feels more like a punishment than a reward. Haven't we seen enough of it?
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Low Overall Value: Unlike the current Phase 1 banner featuring "Aqua Simulacra" and "The First Great Magic," which boasts stronger 4-star options, this leaked lineup offers little incentive. When the chance of pulling a 5-star weapon is a mere 0.7%, the quality of the 4-star pool is absolutely critical in determining a banner's worth.
| Banner Phase | 5-Star Weapons | 4-Star Weapon Sentiment | Overall Community Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Current) | Aqua Simulacra & The First Great Magic | Strong, desirable options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Phase 2 (Leaked) | Polar Star & Vortex Vanquisher | Weak, overused options | ⭐⭐ |
Is the Current Banner Actually Better for Childe Mains? 🤔
This leak has led to an intriguing reversal of advice. Typically, players save for a character's signature weapon. But in this case, many analysts and veteran players are suggesting that the current weapon banner (Phase 1) might be a smarter pull for those seeking a powerful bow for Childe.
Why? Consider this:
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Aqua Simulacra is a top-tier bow that performs exceptionally well on Childe. While Polar Star might have a slight edge as his signature, the difference is not vast. Aqua Simulacra remains a fantastic and competitive option.
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The 4-star weapon pool in the current banner is objectively more valuable, meaning even if you don't hit the 5-star, your pulls are less likely to feel wasted.
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The second 5-star, The First Great Magic, is a great Catalyst, making the banner risk more palatable.
So, should you really wait for a signature weapon paired with undesirable options, or seize a nearly-as-good alternative in a much higher-value banner? The answer seems clearer now.
Strategic Primogem Saving in 2026
This situation is a perfect case study for wise resource management in Genshin Impact. The game's third anniversary might bring celebration events, but it doesn't automatically guarantee worthwhile banners. Players are reminded of core pulling principles:
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Never pull on a weapon banner for just one 5-star weapon. You must be content with potentially receiving either featured weapon.
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The 4-star lineup is a make-or-break factor. Evaluate the entire package, not just the shiny top-tier item.
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Compare concurrent options. Always assess if an upcoming banner is truly better than what is currently available.
Final Verdict: A Skip for Most
Unless you are a dedicated collector or someone who uniquely desires both the Polar Star and the Vortex Vanquisher, the leaked second weapon banner for Genshin Impact's 4.0 update shapes up to be a easy skip for the majority of the player base. The combination of a niche 5-star polearm and a tired selection of 4-star weapons severely undermines its value proposition, especially during a milestone update. Sometimes, the best wish is the one you don't make. Players are advised to enjoy the new 4.0 content, collect anniversary rewards, and save their precious Primogems for a banner that offers compelling value across all rarities. After all, in the world of Teyvat, patience is often the most powerful weapon of all. 💎