January 2026 Paimon's Bargains Overview
Paimon's Bargains resets monthly on the 1st after daily server reset. January and July rotations feature Blackcliff weapons alongside Fischl and Xiangling—a predictable six-month cycle since Version 1.0.
Pricing:
- Character constellations: 34 starglitter
- Weapons: 24 starglitter
- Unlocks at Adventure Rank 35
You can't purchase constellations at C6, preventing accidental waste.
For players managing limited resources, Genshin Impact Recharge offers competitive pricing and fast delivery to supplement Genesis Crystal reserves when planning major banner investments.
Starglitter Opportunity Cost
34 starglitter = 6.8 Intertwined Fates (each costs 5 starglitter, unlimited monthly). This opportunity cost is critical when evaluating constellation value versus seven additional pulls toward a featured 5-star.
Alternative purchases:
- Intertwined/Acquaint Fates: 5 starglitter each
- Crown of Insight: 50 starglitter monthly (requires AR40)
Starglitter Income Rates
Duplicate yields:
- 4-star characters: 2 starglitter (5 at C6)
- 5-star characters: 10 starglitter (25 at C6)
- Weapons: Same pattern as characters
Active players earn 10-30 starglitter monthly depending on wish frequency, making 34 starglitter a substantial investment.
Xiangling C4 Mechanics Breakdown
C4 Slowbake extends Pyronado duration by 40%: 14 seconds → 19.6 seconds. This applies multiplicatively regardless of talent level.
Pyronado mechanics:
- 1U Pyro hit every 0.5 seconds
- No internal cooldown
- Base: 28 Pyro applications (14 seconds)
- C4: 39 Pyro applications (19.6 seconds)
- Application rate: 1.17-1.4 per second
Snapshot Interaction
Pyronado snapshots stats at cast time—attack, EM, crit stats persist for full duration. C4's extra 5.6 seconds maximizes short-duration buffs:
- Bennett's Fantastic Voyage: 12 seconds
- Thrilling Tales buff: 10 seconds
Extended snapshot window allows flexible rotation timing without sacrificing damage optimization.
Energy Requirements
80 Energy Cost, 20-second cooldown requires 180-220% ER (200% without battery). C4 doesn't change ER breakpoints directly, but extended duration provides more particle collection time, potentially lowering ER thresholds in quickswap teams.
DPS Increase
40% duration extension = ~28-30% total Pyronado damage increase, assuming full uptime. Against enemies surviving the full window, this is significant. Against enemies dying within 14 seconds, C4 provides minimal value—enemy HP pools matter.
Xiangling's Meta Position (January 2026)
Xiangling maintains tier-1 status as premier off-field Pyro DPS. Her 1.17-1.4 applications per second significantly outpaces Mavuika's 3 applications per second over 2 seconds (6 total 1U procs), making her superior for extended reaction windows.
National Team variants (Xiangling, Bennett, Xingqiu, flex) consistently achieve sub-90-second Spiral Abyss Floor 12 clears. Snapshot synergy with Bennett creates unmatched quickswap potential.
Pyro Application: Xiangling vs Mavuika
Mavuika:
- 6 1U procs in 2 seconds
- 0.5-0.67 applications per second sustained
- Burst-damage windows
Xiangling:
- 28-39 1U procs over 14-19.6 seconds
- 1.17-1.4 applications per second
- Sustained reaction enabler
Different profiles suggest complementary roles, not competition.
Starglitter Cost Analysis
34 starglitter = 6.8 Intertwined Fates—nearly seven pulls toward pity. For players approaching soft pity (75) or hard pity (90), these wishes could secure a featured 5-star.
Monthly income by player type:
- F2P (Welkin + BP): 15-25 starglitter
- Low spenders: 30-50 starglitter
- Dedicated spenders: 100+ starglitter
Buy Primogems Cheap through BitTopup provides secure transactions and competitive rates, helping reach pity thresholds while preserving starglitter for strategic purchases.
Long-Term Resource Planning
Accumulating 34 starglitter requires ~17 duplicate 4-stars (2 each) or 7 C6 duplicates (5 each). This represents 170-340 wishes depending on luck—starglitter is precious.
Mavuika Release Impact
Mavuika's kit delivers 6 1U Pyro procs in 2 seconds—fundamentally different from Xiangling's 28 hits over 14 seconds. Concentrated application excels in teams requiring immediate Pyro aura for melt/vaporize with Ayaka or Tartaglia.
Expected early 2026 release based on Natlan archon quest patterns. Monitor official announcements for precise banner schedules.
Will Mavuika Replace Xiangling?
No. Mavuika's burst windows vs Xiangling's sustained presence serve different roles. Xiangling's extended off-field presence and snapshot mechanics synergize uniquely with Bennett's buff duration and Xingqiu's Rain Swords. Mavuika enables new burst-damage archetypes, but Xiangling's sustained application remains irreplaceable in reaction-focused teams.
Team Rotation Optimization with C4
19.6-second Pyronado covers nearly entire 18-20 second National Team rotations with minimal downtime.
14s vs 19.6s Windows
Base 14 seconds requires tight execution to maximize buff overlap. Bennett's Fantastic Voyage (12s) and Xingqiu's Rain Swords (15s) align well, but mistimed swaps waste uptime. C4's 19.6 seconds provides 5.6-second buffer, accommodating animation delays and enemy movement.
National Team Combo
Optimal rotation:
- Bennett Skill → Burst
- Xiangling Burst (snapshot Bennett buff)
- Xingqiu Burst → Skill
- Flex character abilities
- Repeat
C4 allows 5-6 seconds extra flex field time without Pyronado expiring.
Spiral Abyss Floor 12 Application
Against high-HP enemies (Ruin Serpent, Perpetual Mechanical Array), C4 ensures Pyronado remains active throughout damage phases. Eliminates rotation resets mid-phase, maintaining continuous vaporize reactions. In multi-wave chambers, extended duration bridges enemy spawn gaps, reducing clear time by 5-10 seconds per chamber.
Decision Framework: Should YOU Buy C4?
Scenario 1: Already C3 Xiangling
One constellation away = immediate value. Players using Xiangling in National Team or reaction comps will notice tangible Abyss improvements.
Recommendation: Strong purchase if Xiangling appears in primary Abyss teams and you have 50+ starglitter reserves post-purchase.
Scenario 2: Planning Mavuika Pulls
Prioritize starglitter → Intertwined Fates. 34 starglitter (6.8 wishes) could mean securing Mavuika at soft pity vs missing 50/50. Mavuika and Xiangling serve different roles, but acquiring Mavuika takes priority.
Recommendation: Skip C4, convert to wishes unless you have 100+ starglitter surplus.
Scenario 3: F2P Limited Starglitter
15-25 monthly starglitter makes 34 represent 1.5-2 months income. Substantial opportunity cost when considering future banners. C4 provides improvements, but F2P benefits more from wish accumulation toward guaranteed 5-star pity.
Recommendation: Skip unless Xiangling is primary DPS and no 5-star targets within 3 months.
Scenario 4: National Team Main
Consistent Abyss clears with National Team gain maximum C4 value. Extended Pyronado directly improves primary team performance, enabling faster clears and higher star counts. If National Team = 50%+ Abyss usage, C4 is high-priority.
Recommendation: Strong purchase if National Team is primary Abyss comp and you maintain 40+ starglitter reserves post-purchase.
Decision Checklist
- Starglitter count: 70+ total (C4 + emergency reserves)?
- Xiangling usage: 50%+ of Spiral Abyss teams?
- Banner plans: Pulling Mavuika or limited 5-stars within 2 months?
- Constellation level: At C3 or lower?
- Team comp: Run reaction-based teams benefiting from extended Pyro application?
Yes to 1, 2, 4 + No to 3 = strong value. Otherwise, prioritize wish accumulation.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: All 4-Star Constellations Are Low Priority
High-impact 4-star constellations (Xiangling C4, Bennett C1, Xingqiu C2) provide greater account value than marginal 5-stars. Xiangling C4's 40% duration extension delivers DPS increases rivaling entire character additions in specific comps.
Myth: Always Save for 5-Stars
Ignores opportunity cost. If you own core 5-stars and use Xiangling in primary teams, C4 provides immediate, guaranteed value. 34 starglitter (6.8 wishes) adds minimal pity progress with no guaranteed outcome. Context trumps blanket rules.
Truth: Context-Dependent Value
Constellation value depends on roster, team usage, resource availability. National Team main with C3 Xiangling and 100 starglitter gains more from C4 than 6.8 wishes toward unneeded 5-star. C0 Xiangling with 40 total starglitter should prioritize accumulation. Evaluate against specific account needs.
Alternative Starglitter Strategies
Save for Future High-Value Constellations
Paimon's Bargains rotates six characters yearly: Fischl, Xiangling, Beidou, Noelle, Xingqiu, Ningguang. If you don't need C4 immediately, save 34 starglitter for future rotations featuring Xingqiu (C2/C6) or Bennett (event availability). Track six-month cycle to plan around roster priorities.
Convert to Intertwined Fates for Mavuika
5 starglitter = 1 Intertwined Fate. 34 starglitter = 6.8 wishes. Players approaching soft pity (75) or hard pity (90) on Mavuika's banner should prioritize conversion. Guaranteed pity progression outweighs speculative constellation value.
Weapon Shop Analysis
Blackcliff weapons: 24 starglitter, 565 Base ATK, 36.8-55.1% CRIT DMG at level 90. Passive grants 12% ATK per kill (24% at R5), stacking 3x for 30 seconds. Competitive for F2P, but most endgame accounts possess superior alternatives. Stopgap solutions, not optimal long-term.
Build Emergency Fund
Maintain 50-100 starglitter reserve for unexpected high-value purchases or urgent wish conversions. Prevents forced decisions during limited events/banners, enabling strategic vs reactive management. Treat as strategic reserve, not immediate spending currency.
Expert Recommendations
Xiangling C4 = high-value investment for National Team users or reaction-based comps with extended combat phases. 40% Pyronado extension delivers measurable DPS increases in Abyss scenarios where enemies survive beyond 14 seconds, justifying 34 starglitter for dedicated users.
Players planning Mavuika pulls or operating below 70 starglitter should prioritize wish accumulation. 6.8 Intertwined Fate equivalent provides guaranteed pity progress toward limited 5-stars, offering more universal account value.
Best Value Scenarios
- C3 Xiangling users with 70+ starglitter reserves
- National Team primary users clearing Abyss consistently
- No upcoming 5-star targets within 2-3 months
- Endgame accounts optimizing existing rosters vs expanding pools
When to Skip
- Below 70 total starglitter (insufficient reserves)
- Planning Mavuika pulls within 2 months
- C0-C2 Xiangling not maining National Team
- F2P players prioritizing wish accumulation for guaranteed pity
Future-Proofing 2026 Meta
Xiangling's sustained Pyro application ensures continued relevance regardless of new releases. Mavuika's burst-focused kit complements rather than replaces Xiangling's role—both will coexist in 2026 meta serving different archetypes. Investing in C4 future-proofs reaction teams while Mavuika enables new burst strategies.
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FAQ
What does Xiangling C4 do? Extends Pyronado duration by 40%: 14 seconds → 19.6 seconds. Allows ~39 total Pyro applications instead of 28, maintaining 1U Pyro hit every 0.5 seconds with no internal cooldown.
Is C4 Xiangling worth 34 starglitter in 2026? Worth it if you actively use National Team, have 70+ total starglitter reserves, and aren't planning major banner pulls within 2 months. 40% duration extension provides measurable DPS increases in extended combat, justifying investment for dedicated users.
Will Mavuika replace Xiangling in National team? No. Mavuika delivers 6 Pyro applications in 2 seconds (burst-focused) vs Xiangling's 28 over 14 seconds (sustained). Xiangling's extended off-field presence and snapshot mechanics remain uniquely valuable for reaction-based compositions.
How much starglitter for a 4-star character? 34 Masterless Starglitter per constellation in Paimon's Bargains. Represents ~17 duplicate 4-stars (2 each) or 6.8 Intertwined Fates opportunity cost.
Should F2P buy constellations from Paimon's Bargains? Only when you have 70+ starglitter reserves, actively use character in primary teams, and have no 5-star banner targets within 2-3 months. Otherwise, converting to Intertwined Fates provides better long-term value through guaranteed pity progress.
How does C4 affect team rotations? Extends Pyronado from 14 to 19.6 seconds, providing 5.6-second buffer in standard 18-20 second cycles. Allows flexible timing, extended buff windows, and additional flex character field time without Pyronado expiring, reducing execution pressure.
