The 5.8 update for Genshin Impact brings back a fan-favorite and introduces a brand-new unit — Citlali and Ineffa. With limited resources and Primogems to spend, deciding who to pull for is more important than ever, especially as the meta continues to evolve. This guide breaks down the value of both characters based on their current and future potential, synergy, and usability.
Citlali Overview: Powerful Melt Enabler with High Team Value
Citlali may not have the flashiest abilities on paper, but her strength lies in how well she supports pyro DPS characters, especially in melt comps. Her key strengths include:
- 20% Hydro & Pyro RES Shred: A strong baseline for amplifying elemental damage.
- Consistent Cryo Application: Excellent for triggering melt reactions.
- Mediocre Shield: Offers some protection but isn’t her main selling point.
- Synergy with Cinder City Set: Grants her +40% elemental damage.
- Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers Compatible: Easy F2P buffing option, though situational.
Best Team Synergies:
- Mavuika + Citlali: Practically made for each other. Citlali boosts Mavuika’s performance and quality of life in rotations.
- Arleccino: Another pyro DPS who benefits from Citlali’s cryo application and shield. Just be mindful of mIneffaging pyro overload.
- Other Pyro DPS (Hu Tao, Yoimiya, Xinyan): All benefit from her shred and melt-enabling tools.
- Hydro DPS (Neuvillette, etc.): Gains less from Citlali, especially if they scale with HP or don’t rely on reactions.
Constellation Recommendations:
- C2: A strong investment for players focused on melt teams. Adds utility and consistency.
- C6: Extremely powerful, though costly.
- Signature Weapon (Starcaller’s Watch): Often underrated. It helps with rotation efficiency and is particularly useful in non-melt setups or teams without good Thrilling Tales uptime.
Should You Pull for Citlali?
Yes — if your account revolves around melt-based pyro DPS characters, or if you use Mavuika regularly. For hydro or cryo DPS teams, she’s useful but not essential.
Ineffa Overview: The Future-Proof Option with Lunar-Charged Tech
Ineffa brings a whole new mechanic into play — Lunar Charged, a reaction that’s starting to build its own archetype. While her immediate meta placement isn’t game-breaking, her long-term potential is promising.
Strengths:
- New Reaction Enabler: Unlocks Lunar Charged mechanics, replacing Electrocharged.
- Crit Scaling & Flexibility: Good damage and works with many hydro applicators.
- Solid Shielding: Adds survivability in team comps.
- Ease of Use: Doesn’t need niche conditions to work well.
Best Team Synergies:
- Taser Teams (Sucrose, Fischl, Xingqiu): High value in low-cost setups.
- Electro DPS (Varesa, Clorinde): Efficient with Ineffa in quickbloom or charged reaction teams.
- Hydro DPS (Neuvillette): A reliable support, though not a “best-in-slot.”
- Quickbloom and Reaction Comps: Works well with Alhaitham, Kuki, Cyno, etc.
Weapon Recommendation:
- Fractured Halo: A very powerful polearm that buffs Lunar Charged damage team-wide and significantly increases Ineffa’s own damage. If you’re investing in the Lunar Charged archetype, it’s a top-tier option.
Should You Pull for Ineffa?
Yes — if you’re looking toward Genshin’s future content in Natlan and want to future-proof your roster. Ineffa’s flexibility and reaction-based playstyle makes her an adaptable pick for many different teams.
If you’re already invested in melt comps or have Mavuika/Arleccino, Citlali is the clear winner. But if you want a more future-oriented, flexible character, Ineffa is the better long-term choice, especially with the Lunar Charged system evolving. Whether you decide to go for Citlali or Ineffa in the 5.8 banner really depends on your current team needs and long-term goals.
If you’re focused on optimizing melt setups or already run Mavuika, Citlali is an easy pick. On the other hand, if you want to prepare for upcoming content in Natlan and experiment with new reactions like Lunar Charged, Ineffa offers more forward-looking value. Whichever route you take, make sure you also check the four-star lineup — Xingqiu and Fischl provide great value and can complement either banner choice.