It’s 2026, and Genshin Impact has evolved into an absolute titan of storytelling and exploration. Yet, whenever Raiden Shogun or Sangonomiya Kokomi grace the limited banners again, the same question pops up in every traveler’s mind: “Who’s really worth my primogems this time around?” Even after all these patches, both characters remain incredibly relevant – but for completely different reasons. Let’s break it down from a casual but smart-player perspective, so you can stop stressing and start saving (or swiping) wisely.

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🔍 The 4-Star Lineup: Bennett, Sara, Xinyan

First things first, the four-star companions matter. In 2026, most veteran players already have C6 Bennett, but for newer travelers, this is a golden opportunity. Bennett is still the pyro archon of support – massive attack buffs and healing in one package. However, and this is crucial: never, ever activate his C6 unless you’re absolutely certain you’ll never run physical teams or characters like Eula. That constellation can ruin your vape and melt setups.

Kujou Sara shines brightest at C6 for hypercarry Raiden comps, but before that, she’s a bit clunky. Xinyan… well, there are better options, but her shield has niche uses. Remember, if you don’t want the featured 5-star, don’t pull just for the 4-stars. You think you’re “building pity”? That’s a trap! You’ll end up with a 5-star you didn’t want and reset your pity – ask any player who “accidentally” got Qiqi in the early days and they’ll tell you it stings. Save for the banner where both the 4-star and the 5-star make your heart sing.

⚡ Should You Pull Raiden Shogun (Ei) in 2026?

Raiden Shogun is still the ultimate battery and a devastating burst DPS. Her Elemental Skill provides constant off-field Electro application, and her Elemental Burst transforms her into a sword-wielding monster for a few seconds. But here’s the catch: she can be interrupted or even launched during that burst state. Without a sturdy shield, a samurai’s charge or a Mitachurl’s swing can ruin your rotation. That’s why she pairs so beautifully with Zhongli or any solid shielder. If you’ve got Zhongli and need a second Electro powerhouse, Ei is a no-brainer.

What about constellations? Whale territory, but for the most dedicated Ei fans, C2 is the sweet spot – it adds an ignore-DEF effect to her initial slash, ramping her damage to absurd levels. For free-to-play or low spenders, though, C0 is more than enough to clear all content. In 2026, we’ve seen new artifacts like “Eons of Thunder” that further amplify her, making her even deadlier. Still, the question isn’t “is she strong?” – it’s “do you actually need her role filled?”

✨ Quick Raiden Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Incredible energy recharge for the whole team

  • ✅ High burst damage in a short window

  • ✅ Synergy with national and hypercarry teams

  • ❌ Vulnerable during burst without a shield

  • ❌ Requires heavy investment in ER and crit stats

🐟 Should You Pull Sangonomiya Kokomi in 2026?

Kokomi has held her title as the best healer in the game for four years now, and it’s unlikely she’ll lose it anytime soon. With the right artifacts (Ocean-Hued Clam is still king), she can turn healing into respectable AoE damage. She’s a staple in freeze teams alongside Ayaka, and in bloom-based compositions with Dendro characters, her hydro application is flawless.

But here’s the honest truth: for 90% of the overworld and story content, you don’t need a dedicated healer. Most battles are DPS checks, and if you’re not pushing Abyss Floor 12 or challenging the newest local legends, slapping a few steaks in your NRE works just fine. However, if you’re tackling the Spiral Abyss or certain artifact domains (looking at you, Crimson Witch), Kokomi is a comfy queen who makes your runs brainlessly smooth.

Remember how Genshin often buffs characters after release? Kokomi was considered “meh” at launch, then the Ocean-Hued Clam set and Dendro reactions made her indispensable. The same could happen for future units – but as of 2026, she’s already a proven healer and hydro enabler. If your account lacks a reliable healer and you enjoy effortless survival, Kokomi might just be the answer.

🌊 Quick Kokomi Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Best sustained healing in the game

  • ✅ Excellent hydro application for freeze and bloom

  • ✅ Tanky enough to bait enemies while healing

  • ❌ Low personal damage without Ocean-Hued Clam

  • ❌ Not necessary for exploration or casual play

🗡️ The Weapon Banner: Engulfing Lightning or Everlasting Moonglow?

Let’s be real: weapon banners are bait for whales and dolphins. Engulfing Lightning turns Raiden into a hyper-carry beast, boosting attack based on ER, while Everlasting Moonglow perfectly matches Kokomi’s HP scaling and healing. But do you need them? Absolutely not. The Catch, a free 4-star polearm from fishing, is still competitive for Raiden. For Kokomi, Prototype Amber or even Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers works wonders.

Pulling on the weapon banner means risking your primogems for a 50/50 of the featured weapons, and the other off-banner trash can make you cry. Unless you’re deeply in love with the character and willing to skip multiple future banners, just stick to 4-star alternatives. After all, skill and artifact quality matter way more than a shiny 5-star weapon.

💭 So, Who Should You Choose in 2026?

The answer hasn’t changed much since 2022, but it bears repeating: pull for who you’d want as a companion on your journey, not just for meta. Genshin’s greatest strength is its characters and story, and a character you adore will always feel more satisfying than one you pulled because a tier list said so.

If you’re a meta-focused traveler, here’s a simple rule:

  • Need a battery + burst DPS and you have Zhongli? ➡️ Raiden Shogun

  • Need a hydro healer and you dream of comfy clears? ➡️ Sangonomiya Kokomi

  • Already have both, or saving for future releases? ➡️ Skip and save for upcomings like the rumored “Dendro Archon alter” or another harbinger.

And a gentle reminder: the “building pity” mindset is still the stupidest mistake in the gacha world in 2026. You’ve got a guaranteed limited 5-star at 90 pulls; don’t gamble it away.

Travelers of Teyvat are still discovering new secrets, new artifacts, and new teams. The choice between Raiden and Kokomi might seem tough, but with a clear look at your own roster, the path becomes obvious. What’s your experience been like? Haven’t pulled one of them yet? Let fate decide – but maybe keep that wallet closed unless you’re truly smitten.

Happy pulling, and may your 50/50s always win! ✨