Unlocking Free 5-Star Constellations in Genshin Impact: What You Need to Know
After nearly five years since its debut, Genshin Impact has introduced a groundbreaking feature: a completely free and pull-free method for players to unlock Constellations on 5-star characters. This addition marks a significant development in the game’s progression system, providing long-awaited benefits to dedicated players without the need for gacha pulls.
Understanding the New Free Constellations Event
This new mechanic is part of the Lunar (6.X, Nod-Krai) patch cycle’s event, aptly titled “To Temper Thyself and Journey Far”. Scheduled to recur every 12 weeks (equivalent to two patch cycles), the event challenges players to complete a series of weekly training goals over an eight-week span.
- Training Goals: Daily activities include clearing four commissions or accumulating equivalent Long-Term Encounter Points and spending 120 Original Resin on domains or bosses.
- Progression: Completing five days of these objectives within a week yields that week’s rewards and progresses the player by one of eight points needed to unlock a Constellation.
- Rewards: Over a year, players can claim up to four free Constellations, with one per eligible character. These Constellations provide new passive effects enhancing combat capabilities.
Key Event Details and Conditions
It is important to note that only certain generally older 5-star characters qualify for these free Constellations. Additionally, the event’s structure imposes a strict timeline that requires players to start promptly; otherwise, they risk missing out on the current available Constellation.
For example, beginning the event after October 8 means missing the chance to claim the currently available Constellation due to the limited time before the weekly reset. Players need to maintain consistent daily participation across the eight-week period to maximize rewards.
Eligible Characters for Free Constellations
The list of characters who can receive these free Constellations includes fan favorites and key players in Genshin Impact’s roster. Importantly, if a player has already maxed out a character’s Constellation to C6, any further Constellation rewards will convert into Masterless Stella Fortuna—valuable items that can be used to level other characters to level 95 or beyond.
- Dehya, Tighnari, Keqing, Mona, Qiqi, Diluc, Jean (all Standard Banner 5-stars except Mizuki)
- Nilou
- Kamisato Ayato
- Yae Miko
- Shenhe
- Arataki Itto
- Sangonomiya Kokomi
- Kamisato Ayaka
- Eula
- Hu Tao (renowned for her impactful C1 Constellation)
- Xiao
- Ganyu
- Tartaglia
- Klee
- Baizhu
- Wanderer
- Cyno
- Yoimiya
- Albedo
What This Means for Players
This new event offers a noteworthy shift in Genshin Impact’s progression and player retention strategy. By providing a path to unlock powerful passive upgrades for 5-star characters without gacha pulls, the game encourages consistent play over time.
However, the demanding schedule and the fact that the event resets every 12 weeks means players need to actively participate and adhere to the timeline or risk missing specific Constellation rewards. This blend of generosity and engagement-driven design reflects an evolving balance between player experience and game longevity in gacha titles.
Supporting Data and Industry Context
Gacha games, including Genshin Impact, have historically depended on randomized pulls for character upgrades, often creating a barrier for free-to-play players. Research from gaming analytics firms such as Sensor Tower shows that retention rates improve markedly when developers introduce meaningful daily or weekly engagement events that reward players without microtransactions (Sensor Tower, 2024).
Genshin Impact’s free Constellations event aligns with this trend by combining free content with scheduled progression, promoting sustained player involvement while tempering pay-to-win dynamics.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
- Start the training event immediately upon its availability to maximize your chances of claiming the current Constellation reward.
- Complete daily objectives including four commissions or equivalent Encounter Points and spending Original Resin on domains or bosses.
- Ensure to fulfill the training criteria five days per week through the eight-week event duration.
- Choose an eligible 5-star character who has not yet received a free Constellation reward to apply your earned upgrade.
Following this structured approach will allow players to acquire up to four powerful Constellations and additional materials beneficial for character progression.
Conclusion
Genshin Impact’s introduction of a free, pull-free method for unlocking 5-star Constellations represents a significant evolution in its gameplay and progression systems. While the event design encourages active participation within a defined timeframe, it ultimately rewards dedication with valuable character enhancements that previously required extensive gacha investment.
For players eager to enrich their roster and explore combat possibilities, understanding the event’s structure, timing, and eligible characters is essential. This initiative underscores HoYoverse’s commitment to balancing captivating content with fair progression mechanics in the ever-expanding world of Genshin Impact.
References:
- Sensor Tower. (2024). Game Retention Trends and Player Engagement Strategies. Retrieved from https://sensortower.com/blog/game-retention-trends-2024
- HoYoverse Official Announcements. (2025). Patch 6.X Lunar Cycle Event Details.
