Genshin Impact 5.6 First Half Banner, Navia or Escoffier Which Should You Pull?

The first half of the Genshin Impact 5.6 banner cycle has arrived, and it’s bringing a lot of interesting choices — both for dedicated Cryo players and anyone looking to expand their roster with new team options. While the four-star lineup might not turn many heads, the five-star units tell a different story. Let’s break down everything you need to know before spending your precious Primogems. Check out Genshin Impact Codes for more redeemable rewards & primogems!

Four-Star Characters: Decent, But Not the Main Attraction

Ororon

Ororon is easily the standout of this four-star lineup. If you participated in the previous patch’s event, you likely already got him for free. While he shines brightest in Electro-Charged teams — especially when paired with characters from Natlan or using the “Scroll of the Hero” set — he holds his own as a sub-DPS. He becomes especially valuable if you have Elegy for the End, allowing him to fit smoothly into many compositions. He can also serve as a substitute for Iansan in several Cryo/Hydro team variations.

Ipha

Ipha is the latest addition, and while he may be exciting simply because he’s new, he’s not a game-changer unless you heavily invest in his constellations. His most effective performance comes at C6, where he can anchor one of the best Electro-Charged teams in the game. That said, it’s a niche setup — involving Ororon, and Yelan — and won’t be optimal for most players.

Layla

Layla’s appeal is more aesthetic than practical at this point. While she once had a niche in mono-Cryo or Melt teams, those strategies are rarely relevant in today’s meta. She’s still viable for overworld play thanks to her shield and consistent Cryo application. She can be used as a budget partner for Escoffier teams, potentially enabling a mono-Cryo setup when paired with Shenhe. Just don’t expect high-end Abyss clears from her without heavy investment.

Five-Star Characters: The Real Reason to Pull

Escoffier – A Team Builder’s Dream

Escoffier continues to prove why she’s such a valuable unit for account flexibility. If you have Furina — and let’s face it, most players do — Escoffier becomes a strong support or sub-carry in a wide range of Cryo and Hydro-based teams. She’s not just useful now; her future synergy with upcoming characters like Skirk could make her even more crucial later. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with new comps or playing non-meta setups that still clear content, Escoffier is a solid investment. Check out How to Build Escoffier Genshin Impact Guide!

Navia – Dual DPS Potential

Navia might not be a top-tier meta DPS, but she offers some unique team compositions that can be very satisfying to play. When paired with Mavuika, she becomes part of a truly functional dual-DPS lineup. This synergy helps patch up her weaknesses — mainly the lack of impactful on-field presence — by sharing screen time and cooldowns effectively. She works well with Bennett, Xiangling, Mika, and others, offering plenty of team flexibility. However, she’s high-investment: you’ll need her signature weapon and decent artifacts to unlock her full potential.

Banner Strategy: Who Should You Pull For?

If you’re looking for:

• Cryo synergy or strong team versatility → Go for Escoffier, especially if you have Furina.
• Fun, stylish team comps and like dual-DPS playstyles → Navia could be the one for you, but be ready to invest.
• Solid four-star utility → Ororon is your guy, but don’t pull just for four stars. The odds are unreliable, and you’re better off saving for guaranteed five-star value.

Avoid pulling on this banner just because of the four-star lineup — it’s not worth it. Focus on the five-stars that align with your account goals or team gaps.

The Genshin Impact 5.6 first half banner is a tale of two sides: underwhelming four-stars with limited overall impact, and two five-star characters who cater to very specific playstyles and account needs. Escoffier is the more universally useful option, particularly for Cryo/Hydro players, while Navia offers a fun and rewarding experience if you’re ready to put in the resources. As always, be smart with your Primogems. If neither character fits your current needs or future plans (like the Cryo Archon), it’s perfectly fine to skip and wait. There’s always another banner on the horizon.