The Harbinger’s Return: Arlecchino Rerun Facts

Genshin Impact Patch 5.3, titled “Incandescent Ode of Resurrection,” is a massive update centered on the new Pyro Archon, Mavuika, and the Natlan region’s ongoing Archon Quest. However, the second phase of the character banners features a highly anticipated rerun: the 5-star Pyro Polearm user and Fatui Harbinger, Arlecchino.

The key facts regarding the rerun are:

  • Banner Placement: Arlecchino is confirmed to be featured in the Phase 2 banner of Patch 5.3, paired alongside another returning 5-star unit, Clorinde. This is a critical factor for players managing Primogems.
  • Role Confirmation: Arlecchino remains a potent on-field Pyro DPS. Her kit heavily utilizes the Bond of Life mechanic, demanding high uptime and aggressive play to maximize her damage output, often functioning as a high-risk, high-reward character.
  • Contextual Strength: Her return occurs after the release of the new Pyro Archon and the Dendro meta’s entrenchment. Her viability is assessed based on her continued strength in Vaporize and Mono-Pyro teams, which still boast high ceilings in the Spiral Abyss.

The decision to pair a powerful Harbinger rerun with the debut of the new Archon highlights the competitive nature of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 banners, forcing players to make tough choices.

Community Response: Strong Value, Primogem Anxiety

The community reaction is a strong mixture of hype for Arlecchino’s power and frustration over the difficult timing of her banner.

  • Praise for DPS Value: Players universally acknowledge Arlecchino’s high damage floor and ceiling, solidifying her as one of the best Pyro damage dealers in the game. For players who missed her debut, this rerun is considered a “must-pull” if they lack a premier Pyro carry. The general sentiment is that her competitive strength has not diminished since her initial release.
  • “Archon vs. Harbinger” Conflict: The main point of contention is the “Primogem crisis” caused by running Arlecchino and the new Pyro Archon, Mavuika, in the same patch. Many players are dedicated to collecting all Archons, forcing them to spend their resources on Mavuika in Phase 1, leaving them short for Arlecchino in Phase 2. This difficult choice generated significant discussion and complaints about banner scheduling on forums like Reddit.

Strategic Impact: Pyro Team Diversity

Arlecchino’s rerun has distinct strategic implications for players looking to build out their Pyro roster.

Firstly, Arlecchino provides a high-ceiling alternative to the Pyro Archon. While Mavuika (the Pyro Archon) focuses on a versatile Pyro DMG dealer with off-field capabilities, Arlecchino is a pure, dedicated on-field carry. Players can choose based on their preferred playstyle: high-risk, high-reward aggression (Arlecchino) versus sustained, flexible damage (Mavuika).

Secondly, the rerun offers a crucial opportunity for players to obtain her signature weapon, Crimson Moon’s Semblance, which is vital for maximizing her DPS due to its direct synergy with the Bond of Life mechanic. The Weapon Banner run alongside Arlecchino’s character banner will be highly valued by dedicated players.

Ultimately, Arlecchino’s return confirms her continued relevance as a top-tier damage dealer. The Patch 5.3 banner structure ensures that Pyro enthusiasts face a major dilemma, but it also gives the entire player base a chance to obtain one of the game’s most powerful characters.