Summary
After a rather uncharacteristic delay,Genshin Impacthas finally started its drip marketing for Version 5.3 by showcasing Citlali, the long-awaited Stargazer of Mictlan. While most people expected the Pyro Archon to draw the most interest fromGenshin Impactplayers, the surging popularity of Citlali was far less predictable by comparison. After her story debut in Version 5.1, players took a liking to Citlali and her larger-than-life personality. Alongside Xilonen and Mavuika, Citlali is easily among the most popular characters to come out of Natlan.
However, it’s not just her charm that captured the hearts ofGenshin Impactfans, as Citlali’s ability kit is designed with strong utility in mind. As the third 5-starShield Support character inGenshin Impact, Citlali is expected to rival Zhongli and Baizhu, who frequently show up on the Spiral Abyss charts as popular picks. As a Cryo character, Citlali is built for hypercarries such as Arlecchino and Chasca, and potentially even Yoimiya or Neuvillette as well.
While beta testing for Citlali is well underway,Genshin Impacthas officially announced the character for Version 5.3 with a drip marketing post on Twitter. Under normal assumptions, Citlali should be expected to arrive in the second half of Version 5.3, but even this is no longer guaranteed, as theEvent Banners forGenshin Impactin Version 5.3are expected to break a major pattern.
Is Citlali Worth Pulling for in Genshin Impact?
As a Shield Support with a decent Cryo application and an Elemental Burst capable of setting up high Melt numbers, there is definitely value in Citlali as a character. WhileCitlali inGenshin Impactis not designed for Cryo characters, she is easily the best Melt support in the entire game. Most Pyro hypercarries will be happy to have her, especially Mavuika. Despite having a formidable Shield, what makes Citlali shine is her unusually high damage as a support, as she consistently outshines even Furina in Melt scenarios.
Another aspect of Citlali worth mentioning is that she provides additional damage bonuses via her Artifact set. As aNatlan character inGenshin Impact, Citlali can wield the Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City to its full potential. In terms of Constellations, her C2 is a good stopping point, as it doubles the Elemental Shred for Pyro and Hydro, on top of providing a boost to Elemental Mastery for all party members.Genshin ImpactVersion 5.3 is expected to launch on Jul 06, 2025.
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds…
