Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 Character and Weapon Banners: Should you go for Escoffier or Navia

Escoffier is a 5-star Cryo Polearm character, specializing in being a Cryo support/sub-DPS who excels in Freeze and Mono Cryo teams.
Navia is a 5-star Geo Claymore character, specializing in being a high-damage Geo DPS.
Escoffier is a must-pull for Freeze enthusiasts, while Navia is an excellent choice for players who want a powerful, self-sufficient Geo DPS.

Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 banners will go live from the 7th May, 2025, till the 27th of May, 2025. The Version 5.6 Phase 1 banners will feature one newly released 5-star character and one re-run character in a dual banner.

Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 First character banner: La Chanson Cerise

Escoffier (5* Cryo/Polearm)
Ororon (4* Electro/Bow)
Ifa (4* Anemo/Catalyst)
Layla(4* Cryo/Catalyst)

Escoffier is a 5-star Cryo Polearm character, specializing in being a Cryo support/sub-DPS who excels in Freeze and Mono Cryo teams. She provides an unmatched Hydro and Cryo resistance shred.

Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 banners — Genshin Impact La Chanson Cerise – Escoffier (Image via HoYoverse)

Her Elemental Burst offers teamwide healing, making her a rare hybrid of damage dealer and sustain support, while her off-field Cryo application ensures consistent reactions.

Massive Resistance Shred: Escoffier provides high Cryo and Hydro RES shred (highest in the game), revitalizing Freeze teams. Which means she’ll work in Mono Cryo teams but shines best in Freeze comps.
Strong Off-Field Damage: High-scaling sub-DPS with consistent off-field Cryo application.
Teamwide Healing: Escoffier bursts heal the entire team and provide additional on-field healing with passives. This is a pretty rare combination of damage plus team sustain in one kit.
Flexible Team Options: She’s not locked into Freeze as she can still provide high RES shred in other teams. Her kit seems to be a potential future synergy with upcoming Cryo DPS characters.
Future-Proof for Cryo: With the introduction of Escoffier, there may be a Freeze meta resurgence, especially against non-boss enemies.

Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 Second character banner: In the Name of the Rosula

Navia (5* Geo/Claymore)
Ororon (4* Electro/Bow)
Ifa (4* Anemo/Catalyst)
Layla(4* Cryo/Catalyst)

Navia is a 5-star Geo Claymore character, specializing in being a high-damage Geo DPS. She scales through DEF and can deal big shotgun-style attacks with her Elemental Skill, dealing massive nuke damage.

High Damage and Flexibility: Navia is a strong Geo DPS with a shotgun-style E skill. She can work in multiple team comps (Double Geo/Pyro, Rainbow, etc.).
F2P-Friendly: Her best team includes Zhongli (but not mandatory), Bennett, Furina, or Ningguang. Navia also has good 4-star weapon options.
Signature Weapon is a Big Boost: Her BiS weapon significantly increases damage output.
Geo’s Niche but Strong: Doesn’t rely on reactions, making her consistent in all content. Great for players who enjoy uncomplicated, high-damage playstyles.

Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 Weapon banner: Epitome Invocation

Symphonist of Scents (Polearm)
Verdict (Claymore)
The Dockhand’s Assistant (Sword)
Portable Power Saw (Claymore)
Prospector’s Drill (Polearm)
Range Gauge (Bow)
The Widsith (Catalyst)

Why you should go for Escoffier or Navia in Genshin Impact Version 5.6

If you’re looking for a top-tier Cryo support who revitalizes Freeze teams, Escoffier is an exceptional choice. Her kit provides an unmatched Hydro and Cryo resistance shred, the highest in the game, dramatically boosting damage for characters like Ayaka or Wriothesley.

Beyond her debuffing power, she also heals the entire team with her Elemental Burst while dealing strong off-field Cryo damage, making her a rare hybrid of support, sustain, and sub-DPS. While she excels in Freeze and Mono Cryo teams, she remains flexible enough to work in other compositions with slightly reduced effectiveness.

However, her value diminishes against unfreezable bosses, so players should consider whether they need a dedicated enabler for Cryo-based strategies. On the other hand, Navia is a high-impact Geo DPS who specializes in burst damage with her shotgun-style Elemental Skill, delivering massive nukes without relying on elemental reactions.

Genshin_Impact_Navia_Game_Cover — Image via HoYoverse

She’s F2P-friendly, performing well even without her signature weapon, and fits into multiple team compositions—whether paired with Zhongli for Geo resonance, Bennett for ATK buffs, or Furina for additional damage amplification.

However, as a Geo unit, she lacks reaction-based damage, meaning her strength lies in raw, uncomplicated power rather than team synergy. Players who enjoy straightforward, high-damage playstyles will appreciate Navia, but those seeking elemental flexibility may prefer more reaction-focused carries.

In short, Escoffier is a must-pull for Freeze enthusiasts, while Navia is an excellent choice for players who want a powerful, self-sufficient Geo DPS. Your decision should depend on whether you need a meta-defining Cryo support or a versatile Geo damage dealer.

Check our other articles on Genshin Impact:

What are your thoughts about the Genshin Impact Version 5.6 Phase 1 banners? Let us know in the comments below!

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