Genshin Impact’s Version 5.7 update brings new banners that reflect a more deliberate approach to team composition. HoYoverse has confirmed that the first phase, beginning June 18, will feature Skirk as the new five-star Cryo sword user. Joining her on the banner are Shenhe, a well-known Cryo support, and Dahlia, a four-star Hydro unit. This lineup offers immediate value for players aiming to build a cohesive Cryo or Freeze-based team in the iconic RPG.

Skirk’s abilities center around Cryo damage with unique interactions that reward consistent trigger timing. Shenhe, known for amplifying Cryo effects, fits into this structure without needing additional adjustments. Dahlia, though newer and less established, adds support-oriented Hydro utility that can help stabilize Freeze teams or supplement reaction-focused strategies.

Banners That Point Towards Synergy

Looking at this banner setup, it’s clear HoYoverse is continuing to favor combinations that promote easier team assembly. Skirk and Shenhe share Cryo resonance, making it simpler to plan elemental reactions without having to mix and match across multiple updates. Including Dahlia as a supportive option allows players to cover a second element—Hydro—without pulling from another banner or reconfiguring older teams.

While not every character benefits from their banner companions, the Phase 1 lineup is shaped around compatibility. Shenhe may not be the only way to support Skirk, but she remains one of the most reliable Cryo buffers. Having her featured alongside a new DPS lets players streamline their building process. It reduces the risk of acquiring a character who lacks in-banner synergy, which is often a concern for those saving their resources.

Dahlia’s Hydro role makes her a useful addition even outside the main Cryo focus. Players interested in Freeze mechanics or needing more Hydro coverage can experiment with her as an alternative to long-standing choices like Barbara or Xingqiu. For those who don’t intend to pull multiple five-stars, this four-star support can fill in gaps and ease team planning.

Phase 2 and Broader Utility

The second phase of Version 5.7, running from July 9 to 29, includes reruns for Mavuika and Emilie. These characters bring solid functionality for specific team setups. Emilie continues to support Dendro-based reaction builds, giving players options for elemental synergy with recent additions. Mavuika’s full kit remains less defined in terms of meta placement, but she offers another opportunity for players to expand their roster with a character that may see more support in future content.

While this phase doesn’t feature the same immediate synergy as Phase 1, it provides room for experimentation and gives returning players a chance to catch up on previously missed units. For players less focused on Cryo or Freeze builds, this half of the update offers alternative directions without compromising team flexibility.

Team synergy in Genshin Impact often requires planning across multiple updates. This banner configuration removes some of that friction. Players who want to invest in Skirk get direct access to one of her best supports without waiting for a separate rerun. This also supports those who are less focused on theorycrafting and more interested in building a team that works reliably with minimal adjustments.

The presence of Dahlia reinforces this structure. Her kit is still new, but the Hydro-Cryo interaction she enables gives players a reason to explore Freeze setups that don’t rely on older, more meta-locked options. It’s a chance to expand builds without backtracking through past banners or relying on event-limited units.

Version 5.7’s banner layout prioritizes clarity. By placing a new character like Skirk alongside a strong existing support and a versatile four-star, the banner reduces guesswork for players building or refining teams. Whether you’re targeting synergy, exploring new comps, or simply looking for stable team foundations, the Phase 1 lineup is structured to support those goals.

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