HSR 4.0 Phase 2 banner Guide: Sparxie Release Date & Rerun Characters

The February 2026 banner cycle in Genshin Impact has left players curious and confused. Many players are searching whether they should Pull Zibai or Save for Varka. Every player is curious to learn whether they should spend their hard-earned Primogems now or save them for later.

Alt Text: Pull Zibai or Save for Varka Cover Image

Are you one of those who are looking for the right answer or an effective Genshin 6.4 banners prediction? You have landed on the right page, as we will help you make a selection wisely and confidently.

From this blog, you will get a comprehensive overview of the currently featured character, Zibai, and the upcoming ones, Verka and Skirk. We know that every pull matters, especially when you belong to the F2P or low-spending players category. Let’s get started and learn more!

Current & Upcoming Banner Schedule (Feb–April 2026)

To make a smart decision, you must understand the banner timeline. It will help you manage pity, save Primogems, and avoid unnecessary pulls. Check the following table to get an idea about the banner timeline and schedule.

Now, you have got an idea about the timeline and must be curious to get an idea of what every phase includes, as it will help you make Genshin 6.4 banners prediction. Here we have shared a brief overview of what the current banner has and what will come in the next banners.

Current Banner – Zibai

In the current Genshin Impact banner, you can get the 5-star character, Zibai. She has been featured in the current banner phase. Zibai is a Geo sword DPS/sub-DPS playstyle character that is considered a unique addition to the game.

Alt Text: Zibai from Genshin Impact

According to the official sources, her banner will end on February 24, 2026, which means that you will have limited time to decide whether you should Pull Zibai or Save for Varka.

In addition, she also comes with a set of boosted 4-star characters and a signature weapon banner. If you are interested in investing in Geo teams, you can invest during this banner phase.

Upcoming Phase 1 – Varka Banner

Just after the completion of the Zibai banner, you will get the Varka banner that will keep streaming from February 25, 2026, to March 17, 2026. He is expected to have a flexible reaction-based playstyle, being a 5-star Anemo claymore DPS.

Varka is expected to fit into multiple team compositions because of his flexible playstyle. Many players have claimed in different communities that he can become a top-tier DPS unit. Therefore, his banner can be a high-priority target for you if you focus on meta and long-term value.

Alt Text: Varka Character from Genshin Impact

It means that you should either save for Varka or Buy Genshin Genesis Crystals cheaply to be ready for pulling him.

Phase 2 – Skirk Rerun

From March 17, 2026, to April 7, 2026, you will get Skirk return in a rerun banner. She has already got the attention of a prominent proportion of players because of her Cryo sword DPS capabilities.

Undoubtedly, reruns are less exciting than new launches. However, Skirk has stood as a solid option for those players who have missed her earlier and want to strengthen their Cryo-based teams.

Alt Text: Skirk Rerun in Genshin Impact 6.4

To pull her, you should be familiar with the Skirk rerun release date and keep enough Primogems in your account. Now, let us take you to a complete character overview and kit breakdown of all these characters to help you be familiar with their capabilities.

Zibai Character Overview & Kit Breakdown

She is a 5-star Geo sword user who has entered the roster of Genshin Impact. Zibai has been designed to deliver consistent on-field damage with a focus on stability. Unlike other characters, she doesn’t focus on flashy elemental reactions.

Her kit revolves around Geo infusion, sustained damage output, and crystalize interactions, which make her different from other reaction-heavy DPS options. Additionally, her kit also makes her a traditional damage dealer and suitable for controlled gameplay.

With her Elemental Skill, she can deal AoE Geo damage while generating shields through Crystallize. This is what makes her suitable for offensive pressure and survivability at the same time.

Her Elemental Burst also enhances her overall damage output and improves her role as a primary DPS or hybrid sub-DPS character.

Overall, she seems to be a good option to pull from the current banner update. However, she lacks strong amplifying reactions like Vaporize or Melt. It makes her damage ceiling limited compared to modern reaction-based units.

Let us share a quick list of strengths and weaknesses of this character, which will help you be confident in whether to Pull Zibai or Save for Varka.

Strengths of Zibai

• Consistent and reliable DPS output.
• Easy to build with straightforward mechanics.
• Strong synergy with Geo teams.
• Provides survivability through shields.
• Beginner-friendly playstyle.

Weaknesses of Zibai

• Limited reaction potential due to the Geo element.
• Lower damage ceiling compared to meta DPS units.
• Restricted team flexibility.
• Less future-proof in evolving meta.

Is It Worth Pulling Zibai?

Overall, Zibai can be a safe selection from the current Genshin Impact banner. However, she doesn’t remain useful to everyone because of the unique playstyle of every player. If you love enjoying stable and low-maintenance gameplay, you should pull Zibai from this banner.

However, if you prefer focusing on meta performance, Spiral Abyss optimization, and reaction-based team compositions, you shouldn’t Pull Zibai or Save for Varka.

Varka Character Overview & Kit Analysis

He is one of the most anticipated additions to Genshin Impact. Varka is also a 5-star Anemo claymore DPS playstyle character, which focuses on elemental reactions and team synergy. He will come to the scene from the second banner phase of the update.

Unlike Zibai, he will become more impactful in dynamic combat scenarios where he can leverage Swirl reactions to amplify his damage as well as help his teammates. Varka’s kit is expected to center around high AoE damage, crowd control, and reaction-based scaling.

It makes him a versatile option to choose in different team compositions. He can adapt to multiple setups by interacting with Pyro, Hydro, Electro, and Cyro elements. This interaction and adaptation make him a flexible character with strong offensive potential.

Varka’s Elemental Skill enables fast mobility and grouping, while his Elemental Burst improves his damage output through continuous Anemo-infused attacks. His future-proof design makes him different from other characters.

Because of his reaction-based mechanics, he will scale with new units like previous Anemo characters. It makes him a valuable long-term investment, especially when you are looking for a DPS unit that remains relevant across multiple updates.

Check here the quick list of strengths and weaknesses, which will help you understand is Varka worth it or not.

Strengths of Varka

• High flexibility across multiple team comps.
• Strong reaction-based damage potential.
• Excellent AoE and crowd control capabilities.
• Likely to be meta-defining.
• Future-proof scaling with new characters.

Weaknesses of Varka

• Requires well-built teams for maximum efficiency.
• It may be complex for beginners.
• Final performance depends on release tuning.

Is Varka worth it?

Overall, you have an idea of whether you should Pull Zibai or Save for Varka. Let us give you a reality check by sharing who should pull this character and who shouldn’t do this.

If you prioritize meta performance, flexibility, and long-term value, Varka can be a perfect option to choose. However, if you are focused on simple and low-investment characters or lack strong elemental supports, you shouldn’t pull for Varka.

Skirk Character Overview & Kit Breakdown

From the above sections, you have learned whether to Pull Zibai or Save for Varka. Along with new characters, you will also get Skirk rerun in this update. It is good to get an idea about his skills to get an idea of whether this character is still worthy to pull in 2026, or you should avoid it.

She is a 5-star Cryo sword DPS and represents a proven and reliable damage dealer with strong sustained output. Her kit has been built around Cryo infusion, fast attack sequences, and consistent elemental application.

It makes her highly effective in Freeze and Melt team compositions. Her Elemental Skill enables quick Cryo application while enhancing her normal and charged attacks. It allows her to stay on-field as a primary DPS unit.

Meanwhile, her Elemental Burst delivers a powerful AoE Cryo strike that is ideal for both mob clearing and boss damage. Her balance between accessibility and performance makes her different from other similar options.

Is It Worth Pulling Skirk?

Most players are already familiar with this character because it is returning instead of getting a new introduction. However, it is still relevant to learn whether you should pull for her or not because it’s a new update, and checking her relevance is essential.

If you are looking for a strong Cryo DPS who can outperform in Melt and Freeze teams, you should go for Skirk. On the other hand, you should avoid pulling for her if you already have a strong Cryo DPS and are looking for more flexible and future-proof characters.

Zibai vs Varka vs Skirk – Full Comparison

From the above sections, you have got a brief overview of all new and rerun characters and Genshin 6.4 banners prediction. You may have got an idea of whether you should Pull Zibai or Save for Varka.

For your ease, we have shared a quick table here that will help you get a clear comparison of all these characters. It will help you determine if you should go and pick the Calculated Primogems count version 6.4 for a new character or a rerun.

For your better analysis, we have compared all these characters from this update in the following section, depending on their roles. You can have a better idea of which one will outperform while you are choosing them for a specific role.

DPS Potential Comparison

• Varka: He will outperform in overall damage potential due to his reaction-based scaling and AoE capabilities.
• Skirk: She can be a good option for the DPS unit because of her strong, sustained playstyle and reliable Cryo application.
• Zibai: She stands lower to be chosen as a DPS unique because of lower ceiling damage and Geo limitations, but can provide a stable playstyle.

Team Flexibility Comparison

Regarding team composition, Varka stands as the best option to choose. It is because he can fit into multiple team compositions, including Pyro, Hydro, Electro, and Cryo. Similarly, Skirk can be best selected if you are focused on Freeze and Melt team compositions.

Zibai can only perform well when you are looking to build Geo teams. She is mostly restricted to such teams by many players across different communities.

Long-Term Value (2026 Meta Perspective)

If you are looking to get long-term value from your pull, you should choose Varka because he is the most future-proof option due to reaction-based scaling. You can choose Skirk, which can be a long-term investment with a little chance of declining over time.

In the last, Zibai can be a suitable option for you when you are looking for a niche pick with limited long-term growth.

Pull Zibai or Save for Varka? Final Selection

Overall, you have an idea of which character you should prefer to pull in Genshin Impact. Here is a quick and final selection list to help you choose the best option from the available ones.

• You should save for Varka if you are an F2P player because it is the safest and smartest option.
• If you are a low spender, you should keep Zibai your first priority. Otherwise, you should prioritize Varka if you are not close to pity.
• If you need immediate DPS, you can rely on Zibai as it can provide instant value.
• If you care about Meta, Varka will be your first choice because her kit aligns with current and future meta trends.

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FAQs

Is Zibai better than Varka?

Yes, overall, Varka is far better than Zibai because of his flexibility to outperform in different team compositions due to his unique playstyle.

Should I skip Zibai and save for Varka?

It is good to save for Varka unless it is necessary to have Zibai on your side while playing Genshin Impact.

Is Varka stronger than Skirk?

According to available information, Varka is far better and stronger than Skirk.

Final Thoughts

By reading this blog, you must have understood whether to Pull Zibai or Save for Varka. We have shared this comprehensive guide based on official data and authoritative Genshin 6.4 banners prediction.

It is time for you to decide whether you should pull Zibai during her banner timeline or wait for Varka’s banner timeline. However, we recommend that you browse our Genshin top-up safe site to buy Genshin Genesis Crystal cheap or other precious items for enhanced gameplay.