The annual Lantern Rite festival is returning to Genshin Impact 6.3, and with it comes one of the most generous traditions in Teyvat: a free Liyue 4-star character of your choice. This guide will walk you through the "Words to a Good Friend" event, its exact schedule, and provide a clear, strategic guide to help you decide which of the eleven characters will benefit your account the most.
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When is the Lantern Rite 2026 Event?
The festivities kick off with the main event, "A Lanternlit Ode to the Silver Moon," which will run from January 30, 2026, to February 23, 2026. This major event is where you'll participate in various mini-games and quests to accumulate rewards.
The character selection event itself, "Words to a Good Friend," is a central part of this celebration. To unlock it, players typically need to reach a certain level of progress within the main Lantern Rite event, often by accumulating a special event currency. To be eligible, you must also have reached Adventure Rank 20 and completed the Archon Quest "Prologue: Act III - Song of the Dragon and Freedom".
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The "Words to a Good Friend" Event
This event is straightforward in its generosity. Once unlocked, it presents you with a list of all 4-star characters native to the Liyue region. You can choose one of them to add to your roster for free.
Here are the eleven characters available for selection:
- Beidou
- Ningguang
- Xiangling
- Xingqiu
- Chongyun
- Xinyan
- Yanfei
- Yun Jin
- Yaoyao
- Gaming
- Lan Yan
The brand-new 4-star character, Illuga, who debuts in Version 6.3, is from the Natlan region. Therefore, he is not included in this Liyue-specific selection.
A wonderful bonus during this Lantern Rite is the opportunity to earn a free outfit for Yaoyao, titled Rainlit Bamboo Reverie. This can be obtained by completing mini-games and collecting points during the main event.
Who Should You Choose?
The best choice depends entirely on your account status, current character roster, and playstyle goals. Use the following priority framework to make your decision.
Priority I: Best Sub-DPS
If you are unsure or want the most universally powerful options, these characters are top-tier:
Xingqiu: The gold standard for off-field Hydro application. He deals significant damage, provides damage reduction, minor healing, and is crucial for most Vaporize, Bloom, and Electro-Charged teams. If you don't have him or his C6 constellation, he is arguably the single most valuable pick.
Xiangling: An absolute powerhouse of off-field Pyro damage. Her Burst, Pyronado, is one of the strongest abilities in the game and is central to numerous top-tier team compositions. Her C4 constellation, which extends Pyronado's duration, is a massive power spike.
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Xingqiu |
Xiangling |
Priority II: Powerful Newer Characters
Lan Yan: One of the newest additions to the list. She provides a strong, flexible shield that adapts to swirled elements and boosts the party's Elemental Mastery. An excellent choice if you lack a shielder or want to boost reaction-based teams.
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Priority III: Role-Specific Picks
Yaoyao: An excellent Dendro healer. If you love Dendro reaction teams (like Spread or Hyperbloom) and need a reliable healer, she's a perfect fit. Getting her also pairs nicely with her new free skin.
Gaming: A powerful 4-star main DPS focused on plunge attacks. He can be a fantastic driver for teams featuring Xianyun and is a solid choice if you lack a strong primary damage dealer.
Other Damage Dealers (Yanfei, Ningguang, Beidou): Solid options if you specifically enjoy their playstyle and need a character for that role (e.g., Yanfei as a Catalyst Pyro DPS, Beidou as an off-field Electro DPS).
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Yaoyao |
Gaming |
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Yanfei |
Ningguang |
Beidou |
What if I Have Everyone?
For veteran players who own all characters, this is the perfect opportunity to acquire a crucial constellation. Prioritize the high-value constellations mentioned above: Xingqiu (C6), Xiangling (C4), or Lan Yan (C1/C2).
Conclusion
The above is the best guide for this Liyue 4-star character selector event! Meta-focused players should prioritize Lan Yan, Gaming, Xiangling, and Xingqiu. Players who choose based on personal preference can simply pick whomever they like.
Don't forget to also claim the free Yaoyao skin by participating in the event's mini-games. The "A Lanternlit Ode to the Silver Moon" event will feature activities like lantern lighting, combat challenges, and greeting card creation. Remember, the event ends on February 23, 2026, so be sure to complete the requirements and claim your chosen character in time. Happy Lantern Rite~~!
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Sakura Experienced Game Editor
Sakura is a senior game editor at LDShop.gg, specializing in in-depth coverage of RPG and strategy games. With a strong focus on titles like Wuthering Waves, Honkai: Star Rail and Whiteout Survival, she combines industry insight with firsthand player experience to deliver clear, informative, and actionable content. Her work is dedicated to helping gamers make smarter decisions—whether it’s understanding new updates or optimizing their in-game strategy.
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