A new leak about a potential Mavuika in Genshin Impact, for example, has been an important NPC since Version 5.0.

The Pyro Traveler has also been locked since their arrival in Natlan, in direct contrast with their other forms, which were unlocked simply by interacting with a Statue of the Seven in each Nation. The new content being provided by Version 5.3 will be substantial, especially because it also coincides with the annual Lantern Rite Festival, which should add a new storyline of its own in addition to the many activities. However, as the game moves closer to Version 5.3, there have already been some leaks about the next patch, such as a possible Inazuma character in Genshin Impact 5.4.

Genshin Impact 5.4 May Have A Wriothesley Rerun Banner

The Character May Make His First Reappearance Since Version 4.1

In spite of all the new content that may emerge from the patch, there may be a reason to celebrate the return of an older piece of content. According to information obtained by the leaker known as Flying Flame, there will be a Wriothesley rerun banner in Version 5.4. The leak was shared in a post flagged as “Questionable” on Wriothesley’s banner absence in Genshin Impact 5.3, for instance, was felt by players.

Wriothesley is a special case compared to other characters in the game. The first reason is that Wriothesley has never had a rerun banner since his initial release back in Version 4.1. This becomes an evident problem when put side by side with Neuvillette, who also debuted in Version 4.1, and has already been featured in two distinct rerun banners (in Versions 4.5 and 5.2, respectively). Even Furina, who was released in Version 4.2, has already been featured in a rerun banner (in Version 4.7), but a rerun for Wriothesley in Genshin Impact has been thoroughly ignored by HoYoverse.

Wriothesley’s Rerun In Genshin Impact Is Long Anticipated

The Entire Cryo Element’s Status Is At Risk

The big issue with Wriothesley’s absence from banners is not only that it’s already been a long time since his one and only appearance in banners, but he is also, arguably, the best Cryo DPS in the game – depending on how well-built he is and the combat situation in which players are, Wriothesley is a lot stronger than the already powerful Ganyu. With the best Cryo character in Genshin Impact locked behind a banner that simply doesn’t rerun has helped detriment the entire element, which had already been something of a problem before his release.

In fact, Cryo characters are being somewhat excluded from rerun banners in a very notable way. Other powerful and desired Cryo units like Ganyu and Shenhe have also not been featured in banners for a long time. Ganyu’s last rerun was in Version 3.6, while Shenhe’s last appearance in banners was in Version 3.5. Curiously enough, both characters received new skins during 2024’s Lantern Rite Festival, but players who perhaps desired to obtain them and start using the new outfits were not given the chance to do so because neither character appeared in rerun banners in Genshin Impact 4.4.

With Wriothesley’s absence from rerun banners at the forefront and sustained by other Cryo characters’ absences, the community has said that HoYoverse instilled a “Cryo prison” in the game because players are essentially locked out of the chances to obtain Cryo units or enhance their Constellation levels. A part of this should be resolved soon, as the developer has already confirmed that Shenhe will appear in Genshin Impact 5.3’s banners – however, she will not have a dedicated rerun banner; instead, she will be obtainable from a new Chronicled Wish.

Even so, this leaves Wriothesley missing from rerun banners in what is becoming a very concerning situation with every new patch. The strongest Cryo DPS in the game must be made available for players to at least have a chance of pulling for him. Shenhe is a great Cryo , but she would shine even more if players also had Wriothesley in the team comp, for example. If the Version 5.4 leak about a Wriothesley rerun in Genshin Impact is true, then there may be a positive improvement in the future of Cryo, which has been looking rather grim.

Wriothesley May Become Obsolete In Genshin Impact

Another Unit May Take Over The Cryo Character’s Throne

The time it’s taking for Wriothesley to rerun also sparks concern about his future as the best Cryo DPS in the game. Even though his status remains unchanged for now, it may actually be at risk with some of the new characters lined up for future patches. HoYoverse has teased seven new units for the updates leading up to Version 6.0 and, while they still need to be detailed, there are leaks hinting at Skirk’s release in Genshin Impact 5.7, with rumors mentioning that she will be a Cryo character.

At the moment, it’s hard to determine how Skirk will operate and if she will even be a DPS unit, but considering her in-lore strength as a swordswoman, she does have the potential to top Wriothesley at the job he is best known for. If Wriothesley does have a short lifetime as a Cryo DPS because of a new contender in Version 5.X patches, a lot of the fault lies in HoYoverse’s inability to present him as a rerun character in due time.

The hope is that, even if Wriothesley is sured, Cryo will make a comeback in Genshin Impact.

For now, all these leaks should be taken with extreme caution. The information provided may be incorrect, incomplete, or subject to changes. There is a chance Wriothesley will, once again, not rerun in the patch, or that Skirk is not a Cryo character once she is released in a future update. As devalued as Cryo is at the moment, it is still a foundational element in Genshin Impact and, hopefully, players soon get the chance to pull for the best characters within the element.

Source: Reddit