Neuvillette vs Columbina 6.3: Hydro DPS Guide 2026

Understanding the 6.3 Hydro DPS Dilemma

Version 6.3 launches January 14, 2026, featuring Neuvillette's rerun alongside new 5-star Hydro Catalyst Columbina in Phase 1. This simultaneous release creates unprecedented planning challenges for limited primogem budgets. Hydro remains the most versatile element, enabling Vaporize, Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Freeze compositions dominating Spiral Abyss.

The core dilemma: opportunity cost. Neuvillette offers known performance with established teams, while Columbina brings Fatui Harbinger appeal with HP-scaling kit and new Lunar Reaction mechanics. Phase 1 runs through February 4, 2026—21 days to decide.

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Why Hydro DPS Matters

Hydro DPS characters trigger Vaporize for 1.5x-2x damage multipliers or enable Bloom variants scaling independently of CRIT stats. Current Spiral Abyss cycles consistently feature Pyro/Cryo shields, making Hydro application essential.

Fontaine introduced HP-scaling mechanics that changed Hydro design philosophy. Furina and Neuvillette proved HP-based kits achieve competitive damage while offering improved survivability—directly influencing Columbina's predicted ceiling.

Neuvillette Banner Opportunity

Neuvillette's Phase 1 rerun is his second banner appearance. His kit delivers consistent 30,000-50,000 damage per Charged Attack at C0, requiring 150-160% Energy Recharge. Self-sufficient nature allows flexible team building without strict support requirements.

Maintenance: January 13, 6:00-11:00 PM UTC-5 (NA), January 14, 12:00-5:00 AM UTC+1 (EU), January 14, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM UTC+8 (Asia). Players receive 300 Primogems compensation. Phase 1 also features Illuga (4-star Geo Polearm) in both phases.

Columbina: Speculation vs Reality

Confirmed specs: 5-star Hydro Catalyst with complete Max HP scaling. Signature weapon Nocturne's Curtain Call: Base ATK 542, CRIT DMG +88.2%, Max HP +10-22%, recovers 12-16 Energy every 18 seconds. Alternatives include Jadefall's Splendor (Base ATK 608, HP +49.6%, 0.3-1.1% Elemental DMG per 1000 Max HP up to 44%) and F2P Prototype Amber.

Damage ceiling: 45,000-55,000 DPS at C0 through Lunar Reactions tied to Eternal Tides accumulation (60 point cap). Normal Attacks contribute 3-5 points, Charged Attacks 8-12, Lunar Reactions 10-15. At 60 accumulation, triggers 800-1200% Max HP damage with immediate cooldown reset.

C1 generates 20 points every 15 seconds. C2 adds +34% accumulation rate, +40% Max HP for 8 seconds—fundamentally altering rotation efficiency. C2 requires 180-270 pulls (28,800-43,200 Primogems worst-case).

Account Assessment Checklist

Before deciding, assess:

• Current Hydro DPS: Own Furina, Yelan, Mualani, or Tartaglia with investment?
• Primogem reserves: Can you reach 14,400 (single 5-star) or 28,800 (guaranteed featured)?
• Pity status: Guaranteed featured or facing 50/50?
• Spending: F2P, Welkin only, or Welkin + BP?
• Preference weight: Meta performance or character design/lore?

Players with zero invested Hydro DPS face different risk calculations than established rosters. F2P players need 4-6 patch cycles for 180-pull guarantees, while Welkin purchasers gain ~4,200 additional Primogems per patch.

Neuvillette Performance Analysis

Kit Breakdown and DPS Ceiling

Neuvillette operates as on-field Charged Attack DPS with self-sufficient Hydro application. Charged Attack enters special state after consuming HP, firing continuous Hydro projectiles dealing 30,000-50,000 damage per hit. Consistent output across extended rotations makes him reliable for Spiral Abyss time-attacks.

Elemental Skill provides positioning utility and energy particles. Elemental Burst delivers AoE Hydro damage with brief crowd control, requiring 150-160% ER for consistent uptime. Passives enhance Charged Attack damage based on nearby opponents and provide interruption resistance.

Optimal builds: CRIT Rate/CRIT DMG (1:2 ratio, 70/140 minimum), HP% for scaling, sufficient ER. Artifact sets: Heart of Depth (4pc +30% Charged Attack DMG) or mixed 2pc combinations. Talent priority: Charged Attack > Burst > Skill.

Constellation Value

C0: Top-tier Hydro DPS without constellation dependency. Damage ceiling exceeds most 4-stars and competes with limited 5-stars.

C1: Quality-of-life improvements through enhanced energy generation and extended Charged Attack duration. DPS increase: 8-12%. Cost: 62-65 pulls average (9,920-10,400 Primogems).

C2: Substantial damage amplification through resistance shred and Hydro DMG bonuses. DPS increase: 18-25% over C0. Requires 180-270 total pulls worst-case—fails cost-benefit analysis vs roster diversification.

Best Team Compositions

Vaporize Core: Neuvillette + Xiangling + Bennett + Kazuha/Sucrose

• Consistent 1.5x damage amplification through reverse Vaporize

• Bennett provides ATK buffs and healing
• Kazuha shreds Hydro resistance

Hyperbloom Enabler: Neuvillette + Nahida + Kuki Shinobu + Fischl

• Consistent Hydro application triggers Bloom cores
• Electro supports convert to Hyperbloom for additional damage

Freeze Variant: Neuvillette + Ganyu/Rosaria + Kazuha + Kokomi/Diona

• Permanent Freeze on applicable enemies
• Cryo supports contribute off-field damage

Mono Hydro: Neuvillette + Furina + Yelan + Kazuha

• Maximizes Hydro Resonance (+25% Max HP)
• Highest theoretical damage vs bosses immune to Freeze/Vaporize

Weapon Options

Prototype Amber (F2P): HP% mainstat, energy regeneration. ~75% signature weapon damage, adds team healing.

Sacrificial Fragments (4-star): EM mainstat benefits reactions, skill reset improves energy. 78-82% signature performance in Vaporize teams.

The Widsith (4-star): Random buff rotation creates inconsistency but delivers 80-85% signature damage during favorable rotations.

Weapon banner requires up to 240 pulls for guaranteed selection (38,400 Primogems worst-case)—exceeds value for most players unless both weapons provide account value.

Columbina Predictions

Fatui Harbinger Pattern Analysis

Previous Harbingers (Tartaglia, Wanderer, Arlecchino) introduced unique mechanics expanding gameplay: stance-switching, flight combat, Bond of Life. Columbina follows with Lunar Reactions tied to Eternal Tides accumulation.

Harbingers consistently receive premium damage scaling and animation quality. Columbina's complete HP-scaling aligns with Fontaine's design while differentiating from existing Hydro DPS using ATK or hybrid scaling.

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Leaked Kit Details

Elemental Skill Moonlit Melancholy: Grants 25-40% Lunar Reaction DMG bonus for 12 seconds, party-wide +20% Max HP for 8 seconds. Positions her as primary DPS and team buffer.

Elemental Burst: Activates Lunar Domain state, enhancing accumulation generation and triggering 800-1200% Max HP damage at 60 points. Party-wide HP buff synergizes with Fontaine characters (Neuvillette, Furina, Wriothesley).

Artifacts: New Aubade of Morningstar and Moon set (2pc: +80 EM; 4pc: +20% off-field Lunar Reaction DMG, +40% with Ascendant Gleam). Alternative: mixed 2pc HP%/Hydro DMG. Mainstats: HP% Sands, Hydro DMG Goblet, HP% Circlet with 120-140% ER substats.

Release Timeline

Columbina appears Phase 1 (January 14-February 4, 2026) alongside Neuvillette. Simultaneous release creates the resource dilemma. Players can't obtain both without substantial reserves or financial investment.

Phase 2 (February 4-25, 2026): Zibai (5-star Geo Sword), Ineffa (5-star Electro Polearm), Illuga continuing. No Hydro DPS alternatives during 6.3, emphasizing Phase 1 decision importance.

Speculated Role and Meta Impact

Confirmed 5-star Hydro Catalyst positions her as on-field DPS with off-field support through party-wide HP buffs. Catalyst enables consistent Hydro application via Normal/Charged Attacks.

HP-scaling creates natural synergy with Fontaine artifacts and supports. Silken Moon's Serenade focuses ER, addressing 120-140% requirement. Talent priority: Skill and Burst to 9+ with three crown investments (requires 114 Philosophies of Moonlight, 4,957,500 Mora).

45,000-55,000 DPS ceiling at C0 positions her competitively vs Neuvillette's 30,000-50,000 per hit. However, Neuvillette's damage represents per-hit during sustained sequences, while Columbina's DPS averages include burst windows from 60-point triggers dealing 800-1200% Max HP.

C2 (+34% accumulation, +40% Max HP) dramatically accelerates damage ceiling, potentially reaching top-tier territory. Requires 28,800-43,200 Primogems beyond initial acquisition.

Primogem Mathematics

Income Calculation

Since Columbina releases Phase 1 alongside Neuvillette (January 14-February 4, 2026), waiting period is irrelevant. Understanding income helps assess if you can obtain both.

F2P per patch (13,260-14,760 Primogems):

• Daily commissions: 1,800
• Events: 2,100-2,400
• Spiral Abyss: 1,200-1,800
• Exploration: 1,500-2,000
• Maintenance: 600
• Miscellaneous: 1,260-1,560

Supports one guaranteed 5-star every 2 patches.

Welkin Moon (17,460-18,960 Primogems):

• F2P baseline: 13,260-14,760
• Welkin daily: 3,780 (90 × 42 days)
• Genesis conversion: 420

Supports one guaranteed per 1.5 patches.

Welkin + BP (18,940-20,440 Primogems):

• Welkin baseline: 17,460-18,960
• BP Fates: 1,480 equivalent

Supports one guaranteed per patch with gradual constellation accumulation.

Guarantee Requirements

Pity guarantees 5-star within 90 pulls (14,400 Primogems), average at 62-65 pulls (9,920-10,400). 50/50 mechanic: first 5-star has 50% chance of featured character, guarantee after losing.

Worst-case for specific featured: 180 pulls (28,800 Primogems)—losing 50/50 at pull 90, reaching guarantee at 180. Columbina C2 requires 180-270 pulls (28,800-43,200 Primogems) for two copies beyond initial.

Soft pity starts pull 74, increasing rates from 0.6% base to near-certainty by 90. Most obtain 5-stars between pulls 75-82 (12,000-13,120 Primogems realistic baseline).

Building Personal Timeline

1. Calculate current resources: Count Primogems, Fates, Genesis Crystals
2. Determine pity: Check wish history for pulls since last 5-star, guarantee status
3. Project income: Multiply daily income by days until banner end (21 for Phase 1)
4. Add events: Include announced events during banner
5. Calculate shortfall: Subtract total from target (14,400 single, 28,800 guarantee)

Example F2P targeting Columbina guarantee:

• Current: 8,000 Primogems, 15 Fates (2,400 equivalent) = 10,400 total
• Pity: 45 pulls since last 5-star, on 50/50
• Phase 1 income (21 days): ~7,000
• Total available: 17,400
• Shortfall: 28,800 - 17,400 = 11,400 (requires top-up or skip)

Emergency Primogem Sources

• Unexplored regions: Fontaine surface/underwater provides 3,000-5,000 through chests, puzzles, quests
• Achievement hunting: Incomplete categories offer 500-1,500
• Hangout Events: 60 Primogems per character across endings
• Spiral Abyss optimization: 33-star to 36-star adds 150 per reset
• Character trials: 20 Primogems each
• Web events: 40-120 Primogems minimal time investment

Total: 4,000-7,000 one-time for players with incomplete exploration. Veterans face genuine constraints requiring financial investment or extended saving.

Direct Comparison: Neuvillette vs Columbina

DPS Output Projections

Neuvillette: 30,000-50,000 per Charged Attack hit = ~180,000-300,000 per 6-second rotation (6 hits). Sustained DPS consistent across extended encounters.

Columbina: 45,000-55,000 DPS includes burst windows from 60-point triggers dealing 800-1200% Max HP. With 50,000-60,000 Max HP, triggers deliver 400,000-720,000 damage. Accumulation speed determines rotation length, potentially creating downtime lowering average DPS.

Single-Target Sustained (180-second encounter):

• Neuvillette C0: 180,000-300,000 × 30 rotations = 5,400,000-9,000,000 total
• Columbina C0: 45,000-55,000 × 180 seconds = 8,100,000-9,900,000 total

Multi-Target (3+ enemies):

• Neuvillette: Damage splits across targets based on positioning
• Columbina: Lunar Reaction AoE maintains full damage vs grouped enemies

Columbina achieves higher theoretical ceiling, especially AoE. Neuvillette's proven performance and lower execution requirements provide consistency for varying skill levels.

Team Building Flexibility

Neuvillette: Operates effectively with minimal support, functions with 4-stars (Xiangling, Bennett, Sucrose, Fischl) without significant degradation vs 5-star alternatives.

Columbina: Lunar Reactions introduce support requirements tied to accumulation. Benefits from:

• Off-field Hydro application (accelerates triggers)
• HP% buffers (amplifies scaling)
• ER support (maintains 120-140% requirement)
• EM sharing (enhances Lunar Reaction damage)

Optimal teams likely include Furina (HP manipulation, off-field Hydro), Kazuha (Elemental DMG, grouping), flex for reactions. Higher support requirements than Neuvillette's self-sufficient design, potentially limiting flexibility for underdeveloped rosters.

Constellation and Weapon Dependency

Neuvillette: Achieves 85-90% maximum potential at C0 with 4-star weapons. Constellations provide incremental improvements, not fundamental changes. Reduces pressure for investment.

Columbina: C2 (+34% accumulation, +40% Max HP) represents substantial performance increase, potentially creating dependency similar to Raiden/Hu Tao whose early constellations dramatically alter efficiency. Players targeting optimal performance may feel compelled toward C2 (28,800-43,200 additional Primogems).

Weapon dependency similar. Neuvillette performs adequately with Prototype Amber (75% signature performance). Columbina's signature provides CRIT DMG, HP%, energy regeneration difficult to replicate with 4-stars. Jadefall's Splendor competitive but requires separate weapon banner investment.

Long-Term Account Value

Neuvillette: Second banner suggests 6-8 month rerun cycles, providing multiple future opportunities. Straightforward kit resists power creep better than complex characters whose niches may be replaced.

Columbina: Fatui Harbinger status suggests infrequent reruns similar to Archons (8-12 month gaps). Unique Lunar Reactions may remain exclusive for multiple patches, preserving meta relevance. Future Hydro DPS could introduce superior HP-scaling or more efficient accumulation.

Account synergy:

• Own Furina: Immediate value from Columbina through HP-scaling synergies
• Invested Pyro supports (Xiangling, Bennett): Maximize Neuvillette's Vaporize
• Lack any Hydro DPS: Prioritize immediate acquisition over optimization
• Multiple Hydro DPS: Can afford to wait for reruns or skip

Meta vs Character Preference

Meta-focused: Prioritize damage, team flexibility, Spiral Abyss performance. Both offer competitive value with slight advantages by scenario (Neuvillette consistency, Columbina burst). Performance gap narrow enough that player skill and artifacts outweigh character selection.

Character preference: Value design, lore, personality, voice acting. Columbina's Fatui Harbinger status and mysterious lore create strong appeal for narrative-invested players. Neuvillette's established development through Fontaine Archon Quest provides different but equally valid attachment.

Optimal framework weights both factors per personal priorities. Players deriving primary enjoyment from collection and story should prioritize Columbina regardless of meta. Players focused exclusively on combat can confidently choose either based on team needs and resource availability.

Alternative Hydro DPS Options

Furina and Yelan

Furina: Hybrid support/sub-DPS providing massive team-wide damage bonuses through HP manipulation. Off-field Hydro enables reactions while Fanfare stacks grant up to 75% damage bonus to entire party. Support value often exceeds dedicated DPS in optimized teams.

Yelan: Pure sub-DPS with exceptional single-target damage through Elemental Burst's coordinated attacks. 15-second duration off-field Hydro scaling with HP, dealing competitive damage while enabling on-field DPS reactions. A4 passive grants progressive damage bonuses to active character.

Both enable competitive Hydro performance without on-field Hydro DPS investment. Teams using Furina or Yelan as primary Hydro clear all content including 36-star Abyss—Neuvillette and Columbina represent optimization, not necessity.

Mualani and Tartaglia

Mualani: Specializes in Vaporize burst damage through surfing mechanic and Charged Attack multipliers. Requires specific teams (Pyro enablers, Hydro resonance) and execution (surfing navigation, reaction timing) but delivers exceptional damage in optimized scenarios. Peak performance rivals or exceeds Neuvillette in favorable matchups.

Tartaglia: Remains viable in International (Tartaglia + Xiangling + Bennett + Kazuha/Sucrose) maintaining meta relevance since 1.x. Stance-switching enables rapid Hydro application for Xiangling's Pyronado, creating highest sustained AoE damage. Melee cooldown management requires practice but rewards skill with consistent performance.

Both demonstrate older limited 5-star Hydro options retain competitive value through proper team building and investment.

4-Star Solutions

Xingqiu: Most universally valuable 4-star, providing unmatched single-target off-field Hydro, damage reduction, minor healing, interruption resistance. Burst's Rain Swords enable consistent Vaporize/Electro-Charged while contributing significant personal damage (15,000-25,000 per sword wave at high investment). Every account benefits from Xingqiu regardless of 5-star roster.

Candace: Niche value in Normal Attack teams through Burst's Hydro infusion and damage bonuses. Synergizes with Ayato or Tartaglia relying on Normal Attack sequences, limited value in reaction teams requiring off-field application. 4-star accessibility makes her reasonable investment lacking alternatives, though ceiling remains below 5-stars.

Barbara: Primarily healer with incidental Hydro application through Skill. Healing exceeds most characters, providing safety for survivability struggles, but Hydro frequency and personal damage limit viability in optimized DPS teams. Adequate placeholder until acquiring superior options.

Competitive Teams Without Neuvillette

Furina Hypercarry: Furina + Xingqiu + Fischl + Jean

• Furina primary damage through HP manipulation and Fanfare
• Xingqiu off-field damage, enables Electro-Charged
• Fischl triggers reactions, provides energy
• Jean heals, enables Furina's HP drain via Swirl

Yelan Vaporize: Yelan + Hu Tao/Diluc + Xingqiu + Zhongli

• Yelan + Xingqiu dual Hydro resonance (+25% Max HP), off-field application
• Pyro DPS triggers Vaporize
• Zhongli shields, resistance shred

International Variant: Tartaglia + Xiangling + Bennett + Kazuha

• Tartaglia rapid Hydro for Xiangling's Pyronado
• Bennett ATK buff, healing
• Kazuha grouping, resistance shred

Bloom Core: Mualani + Nahida + Xingqiu + Kuki Shinobu

• Mualani + Xingqiu maintain Hydro for Bloom
• Nahida triggers cores, EM sharing
• Kuki converts Bloom to Hyperbloom

Spiral Abyss Without Neuvillette/Columbina

Current rotations (Floors 9-12) require two functional teams clearing chambers within time limits. Hydro typically occupies one half while Pyro/Cryo/Electro handle the other.

Floor 12 First Half (Single-Target): Yelan + Hu Tao + Xingqiu + Zhongli

• Single-target burst vs bosses
• Dual Hydro consistent Vaporize
• Zhongli survivability for uninterrupted rotations

Floor 12 Second Half (AoE): Furina + Fischl + Beidou + Jean

• Electro-Charged vs grouped enemies
• Furina's AoE Hydro triggers multiple simultaneous reactions
• Jean healing, Viridescent resistance shred

Alternative strategies substitute Hydro entirely, using Pyro (Arlecchino, Lyney) or Cryo (Ayaka, Ganyu) for primary DPS while reserving Hydro for support. Equally viable, demonstrating Hydro DPS investment represents one of multiple valid paths, not mandatory requirement.

Strategic Decision Framework

Scenario 1: Strong Existing Hydro DPS

Own invested Furina, Yelan, or Mualani? You possess sufficient Hydro capability for all content. Both Neuvillette and Columbina represent luxury acquisitions, not necessities.

Recommendation: Skip both unless strong personal preference. Allocate primogems toward roster gaps (missing elements, supports, weapons) or save for future releases addressing specific needs.

Scenario 2: F2P Limited Primogems

F2P accumulates 13,260-14,760 per patch, supporting one guaranteed every 2 patches. Acquiring both within same patch requires exceptional luck or abandoning F2P status.

Recommendation: Choose one based on guaranteed availability. Neuvillette offers proven performance and rerun certainty, minimizing risk. Columbina provides higher potential ceiling and unique mechanics but introduces uncertainty regarding reruns and final kit balance. F2P should prioritize Neuvillette for stability unless Columbina is absolute priority.

Scenario 3: Columbina Absolute Priority

Prioritize Columbina for lore, design, or collection? Character preference legitimately outweighs performance for players whose enjoyment derives from collection and story.

Recommendation: Skip Neuvillette, commit all resources to Columbina guarantee (28,800 Primogems worst-case). Save immediately, exhaust exploration and achievements, consider Welkin to accelerate timeline. Accept potential performance gaps during saving as acceptable cost.

Scenario 4: Lacking Any Hydro DPS

No invested Hydro DPS creates genuine progression constraints. Hydro's versatility and consistent Abyss relevance makes Hydro DPS high-priority. Delaying creates extended suboptimal performance and potentially missed Abyss primogems.

Recommendation: Acquire Neuvillette Phase 1 to immediately address gap. Proven performance, low support requirements, 4-star weapon viability provide immediate value with minimal additional investment. Columbina's higher support requirements and potential constellation dependency create risk for underdeveloped rosters. Plan Columbina acquisition during future rerun after establishing stable foundation.

The Rerun Safety Net

Neuvillette's second banner establishes precedent for future reruns. Players skipping Phase 1 can expect additional opportunities within 6-8 months based on historical patterns. Reduces decision urgency, supports conservative resource management.

Columbina's rerun timing uncertain as new character, but Fatui Harbinger status suggests treatment similar to Archons with 8-12 month cycles. Missing Phase 1 means longer wait but maintains eventual acquisition certainty.

Rerun system fundamentally changes risk vs games with limited-time exclusives. Genshin's reruns ensure skipping represents delayed acquisition, not permanent loss—reducing pressure for immediate decisions, supporting long-term planning.

Maintaining Account Strength While Saving

Optimizing Current Roster

Skip Phase 1? Redirect resources toward existing optimization:

Talent Investment:

• Crown priority characters (9-10 talents) for max damage
• Focus highest DPS impact talents (typically Burst or primary damage skill)
• Farm weekly bosses on resin-efficient days

Constellation Acquisition:

• Target 4-star constellations via Starglitter shop (34 per copy)
• Prioritize universal value (Xingqiu, Bennett, Fischl, Xiangling)
• Avoid pulling solely for 4-star constellations (poor primogem efficiency)

Weapon Refinement:

• Refine craftables (Prototype Amber, Amenoma) using weekly billets
• Consider weapon banner only when both featured provide value
• Prioritize upgrades for main DPS over supports

Artifact Farming for Future Hydro DPS

Universal Hydro Sets:

• Heart of Depth (4pc +30% Charged Attack, +15% Hydro DMG)
• Noblesse Oblige (4pc +20% Burst DMG, party ATK buff)
• Emblem of Severed Fate (4pc converts ER to Burst DMG)

Columbina-Specific:

• Farm Aubade of Morningstar and Moon (releases 6.3)
• Prioritize HP% Sands/Circlet with CRIT and ER substats
• Target 120-140% ER through substats and weapon

Efficient Strategy:

• Use Condensed Resin (40 per run) for guaranteed 2 artifacts
• Farm domains with multiple useful sets (Emblem/Shimenawa serves multiple characters)
• Maintain fodder reserves for immediate upgrades upon acquisition

Weapon Banner Considerations

Weapon banner features Epitomized Path requiring up to 240 pulls (38,400 Primogems). Exceeds character banner guarantees, provides lower account value unless both featured serve invested characters.

Pull Criteria:

• Both featured provide immediate value to invested characters
• Account possesses 240+ pull reserves for guarantee
• Featured represents 20%+ damage increase over current
• No upcoming character banners require allocation

Skip Criteria:

• Only one featured provides value (50% unwanted weapon chance)
• Insufficient reserves for guarantee (resource waste risk)
• 4-star alternatives achieve 75%+ featured performance
• Upcoming character banners higher priority

Most should avoid weapon banner entirely, redirecting toward character acquisition and constellations. Viable only for established rosters with comprehensive coverage and surplus primogems.

Event and Exploration Maximization

Daily Activities:

• Complete all 4 commissions (60 Primogems + 20 Adventure EXP)
• Claim from Katheryne (avoid forgetting final step)
• Rotate regions for region-specific achievements

Event Participation:

• Complete all stages for max rewards (typically 420 per event)
• Prioritize primogems over talent books/materials
• Participate in web events (40-120 minimal time)

Exploration:

• Unlock all waypoints and Statues for rewards
• Open all chests (Common 2, Exquisite 5, Precious 10, Luxurious 10-40)
• Complete world quests and hidden achievements
• Solve puzzles and time trials

Spiral Abyss:

• Clear Floors 9-12 every reset (600 per full clear)
• Focus 36-star for max rewards
• Adjust teams based on current buffs and enemy lineups

Setting Realistic Expectations

Saving may create temporary performance plateaus. Set realistic expectations:

Acceptable Targets:

• Abyss 33-star clears (missing 50 per reset)
• Event completion at medium difficulty (primogems remain accessible)
• Boss farming with extended times (efficiency loss acceptable for F2P)

Unacceptable Compromises:

• Missing event primogems due to insufficient roster
• Inability to complete Archon Quests or story
• Consistent failure to achieve any Abyss stars

Experiencing unacceptable compromises? Reconsider saving, prioritize immediate strengthening over long-term optimization. Missed primogem income from Abyss and events compounds over time, potentially exceeding value of waiting for specific characters.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Need Every Meta Character to Progress

Genshin's content accommodates diverse rosters and investment levels. Spiral Abyss is only time-gated DPS check, and Floor 12 remains clearable with well-invested 4-star teams. Story, exploration, events feature minimal difficulty, ensuring all players access primogems regardless of roster.

Reality: Progression depends on investment quality (artifacts, talents, synergy) rather than specific ownership. Optimized 4-star teams consistently outperform poorly-invested 5-star rosters. Skipping meta characters creates minimal long-term impact provided players maintain consistent investment in alternatives.

Myth: Skipping Neuvillette Guarantees Columbina

Primogem accumulation and pity operate independently of skipping decisions. Skipping Neuvillette gains 21 days additional income (~1,260 from commissions plus events), but doesn't guarantee Columbina without sufficient existing reserves.

Reality: Columbina guarantee requires 28,800 Primogems worst-case (losing 50/50, reaching hard pity twice). Assess total available resources (current + projected + emergency) against this threshold. Skipping Neuvillette contributes but doesn't independently ensure success without proper planning.

Myth: Leaked Kits Always Match Release

Leaks provide valuable planning but carry inherent uncertainty. Beta testing frequently results in kit adjustments, damage changes, mechanical revisions before official release. Columbina's confirmed specs (HP-scaling, Lunar Reactions, 45,000-55,000 DPS) represent current information subject to potential modification.

Reality: Plan based on leaks while maintaining flexibility for changes. Avoid committing irreversible resources (primogem spending, artifact farming) until official kit confirmation through Version 6.3 Special Program. Decisions based exclusively on leaks risk disappointment if final release differs.

Reality Check: Progression Without Limited 5-Stars

Numerous players achieve 36-star Abyss using exclusively 4-stars and free 5-stars (Traveler, Aloy). Demonstrates limited 5-stars provide convenience and optimization, not mandatory progression. Investment quality, mechanical skill, strategic building outweigh rarity in determining capability.

F2P showcase accounts consistently clear endgame using characters available to all: Xiangling, Bennett, Xingqiu, Fischl, Sucrose. Proves Genshin's progression rewards knowledge and effort over financial investment, supporting diverse approaches.

Expert Recommendations by Archetype

F2P: Conservative Strategy

Strictest resource constraints require disciplined long-term planning and conservative decisions.

Priority 1: Address Roster Gaps

• Ensure coverage of all elements for shield breaking
• Acquire at least one invested DPS per element
• Prioritize versatile supports (Bennett, Kazuha, Zhongli) over specialized DPS

Priority 2: Meta Stability Over Innovation

• Choose proven characters with established performance over speculative releases
• Favor low support requirements and 4-star weapon viability
• Avoid constellation dependency (target C0 sufficiency)

Neuvillette vs Columbina:

• Choose Neuvillette if lacking invested Hydro DPS (proven, low risk)
• Choose Columbina only if Hydro needs met and character is absolute priority
• Skip both if roster has Furina, Yelan, or Mualani with investment

Low Spenders (Welkin): Balanced Approach

Welkin gains 4,200 additional per patch, supporting one guaranteed per patch with gradual constellation accumulation. Enables balanced optimization and preference accommodation.

Strategy:

• Allocate 60% to meta-optimal characters addressing roster needs
• Reserve 40% for character preference (design, lore, personality)
• Maintain 14,400 emergency reserve for unexpected high-value banners

Neuvillette vs Columbina:

• Acquire Neuvillette if addresses immediate gap or provides team synergy
• Save for Columbina if current Hydro coverage sufficient and preference strong
• Consider acquiring both through extended saving (skip intervening banners)

Dolphins: Flexibility with Selective Investment

Welkin + BP + occasional Genesis purchases support multiple limited 5-star acquisitions per patch. Enables both meta optimization and collection without severe trade-offs.

Strategy:

• Acquire all characters providing meaningful value or strong personal appeal
• Pursue selective constellation investment (C1-C2) for favorites
• Maintain weapon banner flexibility when both featured provide value

Neuvillette vs Columbina:

• Acquire both if either provides value or appeals personally
• Prioritize Columbina C2 if pursuing constellation investment (34% accumulation increase)
• Consider weapon banner for Nocturne's Curtain Call if Columbina is main DPS investment

Final Verdict

Optimal decision-making synthesizes objective analysis with subjective preference weighting. Framework:

1. Assess roster gaps: Lack invested Hydro DPS? (Yes = prioritize immediate acquisition)
2. Evaluate resources: Can you guarantee target? (No = choose proven option)
3. Weight preferences: Does design/lore create strong appeal? (Yes = justify meta compromise)
4. Consider timeline: Can you wait for rerun if skip? (Yes = reduces urgency)
5. Accept trade-offs: Every choice involves opportunity cost (acknowledge and accept)

No universally correct answer. Meta-focused should choose Neuvillette for proven reliability. Collection-focused should choose Columbina for Harbinger exclusivity. Established rosters should skip both, save for future releases addressing specific needs.

Where to Top Up Efficiently

Why BitTopup Offers Best Value

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BitTopup regularly features promotional pricing on Genesis packages, providing 5-15% savings vs standard in-game prices. Bulk purchase discounts apply to larger packages (6,480 Genesis Crystals), maximizing value for substantial primogem quantities.

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FAQ

Is Neuvillette worth pulling in 6.3?

Neuvillette provides proven Hydro DPS (30,000-50,000 per hit), low support requirements, 4-star weapon viability. Worth pulling for players lacking invested Hydro DPS or seeking reliable on-field Hydro application. Players owning Furina, Yelan, or Mualani can skip without meaningful impact.

When will Columbina be released?

Columbina releases Version 6.3 Phase 1 (January 14-February 4, 2026) alongside Neuvillette. Banner runs 21 days, requiring decision between both characters or committing resources to guarantee during limited window.

How many primogems to guarantee Columbina?

Worst-case guarantee: 28,800 Primogems (180 pulls) assuming lost 50/50 and max pity. Average acquisition: 12,000-13,120 (75-82 pulls). Targeting C2: budget 28,800-43,200 additional beyond initial acquisition.

Can I clear Abyss without Neuvillette?

Yes. Multiple compositions achieve 36-star using alternative Hydro (Furina, Yelan, Xingqiu) or non-Hydro teams entirely. Progression depends on investment quality and team synergy rather than specific character ownership.

Should I pull Neuvillette or wait for Columbina?

Pull Neuvillette if lacking invested Hydro DPS and need immediate roster strengthening. Wait for Columbina if current Hydro coverage sufficient and she represents priority for collection or preference. F2P should choose one based on guaranteed resource availability rather than attempting both.

Best alternatives to Neuvillette?

Furina provides superior team-wide damage amplification through HP manipulation and Fanfare stacks. Yelan delivers competitive sub-DPS with off-field Hydro. Mualani specializes in Vaporize burst damage. Xingqiu offers exceptional 4-star value with unmatched single-target Hydro. All enable competitive clearing with proper investment.