4-Star vs. 5-Star Characters in Genshin Impact: A Comprehensive Guide

What exactly is the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star character in Genshin Impact? The simple answer lies in their rarity and pull rates, with 5-star characters being significantly harder to obtain than their 4-star counterparts. However, the disparity goes beyond mere availability. 5-star characters often boast more potent base stats, unique abilities, and more complex kits designed for high-end gameplay. In contrast, 4-star characters are more accessible, easier to obtain constellations for, and surprisingly capable in various roles, sometimes even outperforming certain 5-stars. The 4-star vs 5-star distinction shapes the entire gacha experience within Genshin Impact, influencing team compositions, strategic choices, and resource management. It’s a crucial concept to grasp for both novice and veteran players alike.

The Core Differences: Rarity and Power

Rarity and Gacha Mechanics

The primary difference stems from how characters are obtained: through the gacha system, using Wishes. The odds of pulling a 5-star character are notoriously low. Typically, you have a mere 0.6% chance of getting a 5-star character with each individual wish. Thankfully, Genshin Impact utilizes a pity system which guarantees a 5-star character every 90 wishes on a character banner. On the other hand, 4-star characters are far more common, with a guaranteed pull every 10 wishes. This discrepancy in pull rates significantly impacts how players build their roster. 4-star characters are realistically easier to achieve full constellations (duplicates) for, unlocking significant boosts to their abilities, which can often bridge the gap in power between a base 4-star and a 5-star at Constellation 0.

Base Stats and Kit Complexity

Generally, 5-star characters have higher base attack, HP, and defense stats, along with higher scaling in their talents, contributing to increased damage output, survivability, or utility. They also often feature more complex kits, with more intricate interactions between their elemental skills, bursts, and passives. 5-star skills often have unique visual effects and animations that set them apart from 4-stars. This is a key area where the power difference is most noticeable. 4-star characters, while often effective, typically feature simpler kits and lower stat ceilings. However, there are crucial exceptions and some 4-stars can synergize remarkably well with a variety of team compositions.

Role Specialization and Team Dynamics

While 5-star characters often headline in DPS or Main Carry roles, many 4-star characters excel as support characters, enabling crucial elemental reactions, energy generation, or healing. For example, Xingqiu and Bennett are arguably two of the best support characters in the game, both being 4-star units. The 4-star roster can be built out quite powerfully and often forms the backbone of many successful teams. It’s therefore not just about 5-star vs 4-star, but about effective team compositions where the synergy and function are key.

The Nuances: When 4-Stars Shine

It’s a mistake to dismiss 4-star characters as inferior. Many 4-star units are incredibly powerful and essential for optimal gameplay. Some notable examples include:

• Bennett: A premier support unit, providing both healing and significant attack buffs.
• Xingqiu: A top-tier sub-DPS and support character, known for consistent off-field Hydro application and damage reduction.
• Xiangling: A powerful sub-DPS unit capable of delivering massive Pyro damage.
• Sucrose: An excellent Anemo support, providing elemental mastery buffs and crowd control.
• Fischl: A reliable Electro sub-DPS that excels at off-field application.

These characters, despite their 4-star status, are cornerstones of many high-performing teams, showcasing that character rarity doesn’t always equate to character strength. The ability to get multiple copies of them from wishes is what makes them so strong at later constellations. Some of them can even outcompete 5 star characters, highlighting the importance of proper resource management and team building.

The Pitfalls of 4-Star Characters

Despite their strengths, there are certain drawbacks to relying solely on 4-star characters. Their base stats are generally lower, leading to lower overall damage output compared to their 5-star counterparts. While constellations are easier to obtain, it does take time and resources. Some 4-stars can also fall behind in the meta, as new content pushes power and synergy requirements. For example, while Amber is a 4-star unit, she is considered by many as being one of the less useful characters in the game.

The Allure of 5-Star Characters

5-star characters often bring unique mechanics and higher power ceilings. Their base stat advantage, unique animations and abilities, and generally stronger scaling on talents makes them highly sought after. Characters like Diluc, Keqing, Zhongli, and Venti are prime examples of 5-star units that can significantly enhance a player’s roster, especially at high investment. However, the higher investment also applies to resource cost, and their rarity means that fully achieving constellations is often costly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are 5-star characters always better than 4-star characters?

No, not always. While 5-star characters generally have higher base stats and unique abilities, many 4-star characters can outperform some 5-stars, especially with high constellations. Team synergy and character role matter more than rarity.

2. Why is it harder to get a 5-star character?

5-star characters have a very low pull rate. You have only a 0.6% chance to get a 5-star character in a single wish. The game’s gacha mechanics make them intentionally harder to obtain to create a sense of rarity and desirability.

3. What is the pity system for 5-star characters?

The pity system guarantees you a 5-star character every 90 wishes on character event banners. It’s a safeguard ensuring players eventually get the characters they want even if they have bad luck with individual pulls.

4. How does the 4-star pity system work?

You are guaranteed a 4-star character or weapon every 10 wishes. This pity counter also includes 5 star drops as they are also counted as 4 star drops as well.

5. Are constellations more important for 4-star or 5-star characters?

Constellations are important for both. However, it’s generally easier to obtain constellations for 4-star characters due to their higher pull rate. This makes them competitive with some 5-stars, especially in support roles.

6. Is it worth spending money to get 5-star characters?

Spending money is optional. Genshin Impact is playable for free. While spending can accelerate the acquisition of 5-stars, many powerful teams can be built using 4-star characters.

7. Is Diluc a 5-star character?

Yes, Diluc is a 5-star character. He is a popular Pyro DPS unit, highly regarded for his consistent damage output and versatility.

8. Why is Ningguang a 4-star character?

Ningguang was made a 4-star character in order to make sure there was an adequate amount of geo 4 stars at release. It is speculated that she was originally intended to be a 5 star character.

9. Is Fischl a good 4-star character?

Yes, Fischl is an excellent 4-star Electro unit, particularly at high constellations. She excels as a consistent off-field Electro damage dealer.

10. Who is considered the best 4-star Anemo character?

Sucrose is widely regarded as the best 4-star Anemo character, known for her ability to group enemies and buff elemental mastery.

11. Which 4-star characters are considered the best overall?

Characters such as Bennett, Xingqiu, Xiangling, and Fischl are among the best 4-star characters, excelling in both support and sub-DPS roles.

12. Is Keqing a 5-star character?

Yes, Keqing is a 5-star character. She is an Electro DPS character, renowned for her mobility and consistent damage output.

13. Can 4-star characters be as powerful as 5-star characters?

Yes, some 4-star characters can be just as powerful, if not more so, than certain 5-star units, especially when well-invested and at high constellations.

14. Is it better to focus on building a team of strong 4-star characters instead of chasing 5-stars?

While 5-stars can be powerful, it’s a wise strategy to build a strong foundation using well-synergized 4-star characters. This will allow you to complete most content and be ready for when you get the 5-stars you need.

15. Is Qiqi a bad 5-star character?

Qiqi is often considered one of the weakest 5-star characters, mainly due to her weak cryo application and lack of energy generation. While she can heal well, there are far better alternatives available.

Conclusion

The 4-star vs 5-star debate in Genshin Impact is nuanced. While 5-star characters offer premium power and unique mechanics, the accessibility and versatility of 4-star characters make them indispensable. Success in Genshin Impact hinges on smart team compositions, resource allocation, and character synergy, rather than focusing solely on character rarity. Both 4-star and 5-star characters have a place in your team, so it’s important to understand their different functions, advantages, and disadvantages to build the strongest possible teams for your adventures in Teyvat.