Genshin Impact 7.1: Vesna is a game-changing 5-star, says veteran

Ever feel like a new character completely changes how you play Genshin Impact? That's exactly what's happening with Vesna, the new 5-star in update 7.1. After six years of playing, one veteran is so impressed they're telling everyone—including their boss. And honestly, after hearing the details, you might be just as excited.

Vesna is one of two new 5-stars in 7.1, alongside Vodyanitsa, who happens to be one of her best teammates. She's a fae warrior and an on-field DPS who specializes in the new Stellar Swirl reaction introduced with the Snezhnaya region. Vodyanitsa is a solid support, but Vesna is on another level. Her playstyle is similar to Zibai, the Lunar Crystallize DPS from the Nod-Krai arc: pop her skill to enter a special stance, use normal attacks to build a resource, then unleash powerful elemental skills, weaving in a burst (ideally before your final three skills). If you liked Zibai, you'll love Vesna.

But it's not just about damage. Many reputable theorycrafters rate Vesna as one of the strongest DPS characters in the game—possibly the best for certain teams and builds. That alone would make her worth pulling, but what truly sets her apart is her movement utility. She's the first Genshin character who can fly so fast and freely in the open world. Even Chasca, another Anemo flyer, can't compete, even with Natlan's regional bonuses. Hold dash or jump and Vesna unfurls her wings, covering huge distances and ascending quickly before stamina runs out. In Snezhnaya, you can swap to Vesna mid-air (and only Vesna) to instantly start flying and regenerate a chunk of stamina. It's a total game-changer.

For context, Xianyun is one of the weakest limited 5-stars today, but she's also one of the most-used because her triple-jump is so fun and useful for exploration. Chaining Xianyun's jump into Vesna's glide in Snezhnaya is utterly transformative. Even in other regions where you can't swap into her mid-air, her flight time is astounding. Exploration is a pillar of Genshin, and Vesna is never leaving this veteran's exploration party. At least not until Genshin releases, say, Anemo Spider-Man. But it's hard to imagine exploration getting much breezier.

Having played Mavuika, Sandrone, Varesa, Xilonen, Yelan, Kazuha, and other exploration standouts (except Wanderer), this player says nobody comes close. They've never had this much fun just roaming around Genshin, and they couldn't recommend a character more strongly. So, will you be pulling for Vesna? Let us know in the comments!