Should You Pull for Zibai? Which Lunar Reaction Should You Choose?

With the highly anticipated launch of Genshin Impact's "Luna IV" (Version 6.3) on January 14, 2026, the nation of Nod-Krai is about to reach a narrative climax. This update introduces the long-awaited "Moon Maiden" Columbina, and with her, the game's elemental combat system expands further with the debut of the Lunar-Crystallize reaction.

Standing at the center of this new Geo-centric reaction is Zibai, a new 5-star Geo sword wielder. For players navigating these new systems, the question arises: should you pull for Zibai, and how does the new Lunar-Crystallize compare to the existing Lunar-Charged and Lunar-Bloom teams? This guide tells you all~~!

Zibai Overview

Zibai is a 5-star Geo Sword character designed as the premier on-field Main DPS for the new Lunar-Crystallize reaction. Hailing from Liyue's folklore as a companion to the Geo Archon Morax, her kit is built around converting her formidable DEF stat into devastating Geo and Lunar-Crystallize damage. Her arrival is perfectly timed with the annual Lantern Rite Festival, where her story will be a central part of the celebrations.

• Element & Weapon: Geo, Sword.
• Role: DPS.
• Core Mechanic: DEF-scaling damage and enabling/enhancing Lunar-Crystallize reactions.
• Key Stat Priority: DEF%, CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, Elemental Mastery.

Dissecting Zibai's Kit

Zibai's gameplay revolves around managing a state called "Lunar Phase Shift" and a resource named "Phase Shift Radiance."

Elemental Skill: Heaven and Earth Made Manifest

• Upon activation, Zibai enters the Lunar Phase Shift state for 15 seconds.
• Her Normal and Charged Attacks are infused with Geo DMG that scales with her DEF.
• Her fourth Normal Attack hit triggers an additional instance of Lunar-Crystallize Reaction DMG.

This state generates Phase Shift Radiance (up to 100) automatically over time and by hitting enemies with her infused attacks.

Elemental Burst & Passive Talents

Elemental Burst: Tri-Sphere Eminence: A straightforward nuke that deals two instances of Geo DMG, the second also being Lunar-Crystallize damage.

Key Passives: Her DEF is increased by 15% for each other Geo party member, and her Elemental Mastery is boosted by 60 for each Hydro member. This mandates a Hydro/Geo team composition. Converts Hydro Crystallize reactions into Lunar-Crystallize for the party, and its base damage scales with Zibai's DEF.

Constellation Highlights

• C1: Dramatically improves rotation fluidity by starting with max Radiance and increasing Stride uses.
• C2: Boosts the entire team's Lunar-Crystallize DMG.
• C6: A major power spike that increases Radiance gain and allows Stride to consume all Radiance for massive bonus damage.

 

Understanding the Three Lunar Reactions

Columbina, the 5-star Hydro Catalyst user, is the core enabler of all Lunar Reactions. Simply by having her in the party, standard Hydro-based reactions (Electro-Charged, Bloom, Crystallize) are upgraded to their Lunar versions.

Here is a comparison of the three Lunar Reactions:

Reaction	Trigger Elements	Core Mechanism	Primary Role
Lunar-Charged	Hydro + Electro	Creates a thundercloud that strikes enemies with CRIT-able Electro DMG. Damage scales from all participating characters.	Stable, accessible sustained damage.
Lunar-Bloom	Hydro + Dendro	Generates enhanced "Lunar Dendro Cores" with higher damage ceilings.	High investment, high ceiling transformative damage.
Lunar-Crystallize	Hydro + Geo	Generates three "Lunar Cages" . After multiple triggers, they resonate for heavy, CRIT-able Geo DMG.	Geo-focused, DEF-scaling on-field DPS

Comparison Of Lunar Reactions

To help you decide between the three Lunar Reaction archetypes, here is a breakdown of their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal investment level.

Lunar-Charged (Electro)

• Pros: Most versatile and beginner-friendly. Offers good damage at low constellations, works in many combat scenarios. Enablers like Ineifu (from Phase I) provide utility and solid off-field damage.
• Cons: Arguably has a lower damage ceiling compared to highly invested teams from other reactions.

Best for: Players who want a reliable, all-purpose team with less strict investment requirements.

Lunar-Bloom (Dendro)

• Pros: Possesses the highest potential damage ceiling of the three reactions. Rewards heavy investment in characters and constellations with exceptional returns.
• Cons: Has a high initial cost to feel powerful and may have more complex team-building requirements.

Best for: Veteran players or spenders looking to maximize end-game damage output and who enjoy transformative reaction playstyles.

Lunar-Crystallize (Geo)

• Pros: Offers a unique and powerful new playstyle for Geo. Zibai's team can be fast to assemble with just her and Columbina. It creates a fresh identity for Geo DPS, focusing on active combat instead of mono-element buffs.
• Cons: Team composition is rigid (requires Hydro + Geo). May face challenges against enemies with high Geo resistance, a traditional weakness of Geo teams. Requires a shielder for optimal performance.

Best for: Players who already have Columbina and want to explore the new Geo meta, or those who love Geo characters and want their most modern, reaction-focused iteration.

 

Should You Pull for Zibai?

Your decision depends heavily on your account goals and existing roster.

You should pull for Zibai if:

• You want to build a top-tier Geo DPS team around the new reaction.
• You enjoy on-field, DEF-scaling characters with a dynamic playstyle (managing Phase Shift Radiance).
• You have or plan to pull for Columbina, as she is Zibai's best Hydro partner and reaction amplifier.
• You have resources to acquire her dedicated 4-star support, Illuga, who boosts Geo and Lunar-Crystallize damage.

You may reconsider pulling for Zibai if:

• You do not have Columbina and are not interested in her. Zibai's teams are significantly weaker without her.
• You already have a heavily invested Lunar-Charged or Lunar-Bloom team that handles all content.
• You prefer flexible team compositions. Zibai requires a specific Hydro/Geo core.
• You are saving for other confirmed future characters like the Knave (Arlecchino) or the Geo "Puppet" character rumored to be part of the system.

 

Conclusion

A New Dawn for Geo

Zibai is not just another Geo DPS; she represents a fundamental evolution for the element, moving it into the transformative reaction space that has defined top-tier teams in other regions. Her success is intrinsically linked to Columbina.

Pull for the duo of Columbina and Zibai if you're ready to invest in the new Lunar Reaction ecosystem, particularly if you seek a dynamic and potent Geo carry. However, if you already have a functioning Lunar team or lack the resources for both characters, the more versatile Lunar-Charged or the high-ceiling Lunar-Bloom paths remain excellent choices.