Genshin Impact is built around a gacha system, so most characters are obtained through randomized wishes that use Primogems or paid currency. Even so, HoYoverse has consistently ensured that players can build functional teams without spending money. Several characters are permanently available for free, earned simply by progressing through the story, reaching certain Adventure Rank milestones, or completing specific challenges.
For the purposes of this guide, “free” refers strictly to characters that do not require Primogems, Genesis Crystals, or paid wishes. While some may require time investment or combat readiness, they are always obtainable through standard gameplay and do not rotate out like limited-time rewards. From the opening moments in Mondstadt to the latest regions added to Teyvat, these characters form the backbone of many free-to-play and low-spend accounts.
Early Companions Introduced Through the Main Story
Genshin Impact wastes little time in giving players a starting lineup. Amber is the first character to permanently join the Traveler during the prologue chapter in Mondstadt. After appearing as a trial character in the Wind-Riding Knight quest, she becomes a full party member once the Traveler reaches the city. While her combat potential falls behind later Pyro characters, she remains useful early on for exploration and puzzle-solving, particularly when ranged Pyro application is required.
Shortly after, players are introduced to Kaeya and Lisa through the Knights of Favonius storyline. Each has an individual quest that can be completed in any order, and both join the party permanently upon completion. Kaeya offers consistent Cryo application and still holds up as a reliable sub DPS option, especially in reaction-based teams. Lisa, on the other hand, provides Electro damage through an area-based Elemental Burst that continues to apply Electro even when she is off the field. While she faces stiff competition from other Electro units, she remains serviceable for players lacking alternatives.
Guaranteed and Event-Based Early Unlocks
Noelle occupies a unique space among free characters. She is guaranteed from the Beginner’s Wish banner, which uses Acquaint Fates provided during the onboarding process. While this technically involves wishing, it is an unavoidable step for all new players. Noelle combines shielding, healing, and damage, though her healing requires on-field time and active attacks. She is most useful early on when survivability matters more than efficiency.
Barbara becomes available shortly after the prologue once players reach Adventure Rank 18. Her event invite appears automatically in the Events menu and grants her without any currency cost. As a Hydro catalyst user, Barbara fills the role of a dependable healer and enables reactions such as Bloom. Her main drawback is that her healing skill applies Hydro to the active character, which can result in frequent freezes against Cryo enemies.
Spiral Abyss Rewards That Shape Free-to-Play Teams
Several of the strongest free characters are tied to the Spiral Abyss, Genshin Impact’s combat-focused dungeon. Xiangling is unlocked after reaching Adventure Rank 20 and clearing Floor 3. She remains one of the most valuable free characters in the game due to her off-field Pyro application, which enables consistent Vaporize and Melt reactions. Even years after her release, she continues to be a core unit in many high-performing team compositions.
Collei follows a similar unlock path and becomes available after clearing Floor 4 of the Spiral Abyss at the same Adventure Rank threshold. As an accessible Dendro character, she plays an important role in Bloom, Hyperbloom, and Burgeon teams, especially for players without premium Dendro options. Paired with the Dendro Traveler, she provides reliable elemental coverage for reaction-based setups.
Regional Free Characters and Later Progression Rewards
As players move beyond the early regions, Genshin Impact continues the trend of offering at least one free character per major area. Lynette becomes available at Adventure Rank 25 and can be claimed regardless of whether the Fontaine storyline has been completed. She offers Anemo utility, a taunt mechanic, and limited self-healing, making her a solid option for teams lacking Anemo support.
Kachina is unlocked at the conclusion of the Natlan story arc. Although Natlan is the fifth major nation, it can be accessed after completing the Liyue storyline. Kachina’s primary value lies in her interaction with Natlan-specific mechanics like Nightsoul’s Blessing and Nightsoul Burst. While she does not redefine Geo team compositions, she enables players to engage with the region’s unique combat systems.
The most recent addition to the free roster is Aino, a Hydro claymore user from Nod-Krai. At the time of writing, she is available through a limited quick-start option tied to the Song of the Welkin Moon update. Once that window closes, she will require completion of the Nod-Krai prologue. Her kit is designed around Lunar-based mechanics introduced in version 6.0, making her more specialized than other free Hydro characters.
Ongoing Opportunities for Free Characters
Beyond permanently available characters, HoYoverse regularly distributes free 4-star characters through limited-time events such as Lantern Rite and Windblume Festival. Since version 5.0, anniversary celebrations have also included free standard banner 5-star characters. While these rewards are time-limited, they significantly expand the options available to free-to-play players who stay active.
Genshin Impact is available to download and play for free via the Epic Games Store.
Source: Epic Games Store
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many free characters can you get in Genshin Impact without spending money?
As of 2026, players can obtain more than ten permanently free characters through story progression, Adventure Rank milestones, and Spiral Abyss challenges, with additional characters available during limited-time events.
Is Noelle considered a free character in Genshin Impact?
Noelle is guaranteed from the Beginner’s Wish banner using free Acquaint Fates. While it involves wishing, it does not require paid currency and is part of the standard onboarding process.
What is the best free character to build in Genshin Impact?
Xiangling is widely considered the strongest free character due to her consistent off-field Pyro application and synergy with many top-tier team compositions.
Do free characters rotate out or become unavailable?
The characters listed in this guide are permanently free and can be unlocked at any time. Limited-time event characters are separate and may not return immediately.
Can free characters clear endgame content like Spiral Abyss?
Yes, with proper investment and team building, free characters such as Xiangling, Kaeya, Collei, and the Traveler can clear high-level content, including later Spiral Abyss floors.
