Genshin Impact's ever-expanding roster presents a challenge in creating balanced banner schedules. While meta characters often take precedence, as seen with Neuvillette in the Natlan update, the Chronicled Banner offers a potential long-term solution, though some players remain skeptical.

Version 5.3 showcased powerful 5-Stars like Mavuika, Citlali, Arlecchino, and Clorinde.  While Mizuki and Sigewinne might not have drawn as many pulls, the subsequent Furina and Wriothesley banners likely compensated. Version 5.5 is anticipated to introduce Varesa, alongside reruns for Xianyun, Xilonen, and Venti.

Leaked data suggests the following 4-Star characters will be featured on the Version 5.5 Event Banners: Iansan, Gaming, Faruzan, Beidou, and Yanfei.  Iansan's presence on her debut banner was expected, but the other featured 4-Stars are exciting additions. Faruzan, a powerful Anemo support, might be paired with Xianyun.  Players are also hoping to see Iansan alongside Varesa due to their synergistic abilities.

While the exact character order is uncertain, Genshin Impact typically debuts new 5-Stars in the first half of an update (with some exceptions like Emilie).  Considering Varesa's Plunge hypercarry role and Xianyun's Plunge healing, pairing them makes sense from a marketing perspective.  However, Gaming is also a Plunge hypercarry.

Based on these factors, a likely first-half banner includes Varesa, Xianyun, Iansan, Gaming, and Faruzan.  This leaves Xilonen, Venti, Beidou, Yanfei, and an unknown 4-Star for the second half.  If this prediction holds, the second half's Weapon Banner, featuring Elegy for the End and Peak Patrol Song, should be very popular.

Version 5.5 is projected to launch on March 26, 2025.