As I stare at the Phase 2 banners for Genshin Impact 4.5, the familiar dilemma hits me again. Two incredible characters, Neuvillette and Kazuha, both tempting me to spend my hard-earned Primogems. But with resources being finite, especially in 2026, I can only choose one. It's a decision that many players face, and it boils down to a simple, yet complex question: what does my account truly need right now?

Neuvillette & Kazuha's Availability in Genshin Impact 4.5

Time is of the essence! Both Neuvillette and Kazuha compose the featured 5-star characters in the Phase 2 banners of Genshin Impact 4.5. Based on the game's regular six-week schedule, Phase 2 started on April 3 (late April 2, depending on your region) and is expected to last until April 24 (April 23 for some regions). So, if you're reading this now, the clock is ticking! Neuvillette and Kazuha will be available in the banners from April 3 to April 24, right before the anticipated arrival of Version 4.6. I always mark my calendar for these dates – it's the only way to avoid the heartbreak of missing a banner.

Pros & Cons of Pulling for Neuvillette

Let's talk about the Hydro Dragon himself, Neuvillette. As a Hydro DPS character wielding a catalyst, his playstyle is unique and immensely powerful. He is capable of dealing Hydro DMG with his Normal and Charged Attacks, which means he's not solely reliant on his Skill or Burst cooldowns. This constant Hydro application is a dream for triggering Elemental Reactions. His entire kit revolves around his Charged Attack, which unleashes a devastating Hydro cannon blast. Seeing an enemy's health bar evaporate under that torrent is one of the most satisfying feelings in the game.

But, as they say, great power comes with great... HP loss? Neuvillette's signature mechanic drains his own HP to fuel his mighty Charged Attack. This high-risk, high-reward style defines him. On one hand, players can take further advantage of that HP loss and build him with that in mind. The Marechaussee Hunter Artifact set, for instance, becomes incredibly potent on him, as its bonuses activate with HP fluctuations. On the other hand, this dependency is a double-edged sword. Neuvillette only really performs well if his build is solid. A poorly built Neuvillette feels like a waste of potential and Primogems. Furthermore, the Hydro Dragon does need someone to help him survive battles. A reliable healer like Bennett or Furina, or even a shielder like Zhongli, is almost mandatory in his team to ensure he can spam his powerful attacks without turning himself into a liability. So, are you ready to invest in a top-tier DPS that demands careful team building and artifact farming?

Pros & Cons of Pulling for Kazuha

Now, let's shift our gaze to the wandering samurai from Inazuma, Kaedehara Kazuha. He is the quintessential 5-star Anemo support, a character whose value has only grown over the years. His primary role is as an Elemental Reaction enabler. He operates as an Elemental Reaction enabler capable of Swirling elements into a field, grouping enemies together and infusing them with elements for your main DPS to exploit. His most celebrated trait, however, is the substantial Elemental DMG Bonus he provides to his teammates based on the element he Swirls. This alone makes him a cornerstone of teams that rely on amplifying their elemental damage.

One of Kazuha's greatest strengths is his accessibility. His Elemental Burst has a rather low Energy cost, allowing for near-constant uptime on his buffing and crowd-control field. Building him is also comparatively straightforward, especially when you consider the intricate needs of a character like Neuvillette. By pumping enough Elemental Mastery and Energy Regeneration into Kazuha, players can optimize his Swirling capabilities and keep his Burst up for most of the time. He's a plug-and-play unit that elevates almost any team he joins.

But is he truly universal? The main caveat with Kazuha is that he does not fit teams whose elements do not interact with Anemo. If your favorite team is a mono-Geo composition centered around Itto or Navia, Kazuha's talents for Swirling and elemental damage buffs will be completely wasted. He thrives in teams built for Vaporize, Melt, Electro-Charged, or any other reaction where his Swirl can set up or amplify damage.

The Verdict: Who Should You Pull For?

So, we arrive at the million-mora question: Is Neuvillette or Kazuha better? The truth is, both do their distinct functions superbly, and declaring one objectively "better" is impossible. It's all about what you need.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What is my account missing? A hyper-carry DPS or a versatile support?

• What are my current teams like? Do I have strong healers/shielders to enable Neuvillette? Do my main teams rely on Elemental Reactions that Kazuha can buff?

• Am I willing to farm? Neuvillette requires a more specific and optimized build, while Kazuha is easier to get up and running.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Ultimately, Kazuha is a versatile and universal support for teams that thrive on Elemental Reactions. If your account lacks a premier support to amplify your existing DPS characters, he is arguably the single best pull you can make. His value transcends the meta shifts of 2026.

Conversely, if you look at your roster and feel the absence of a powerhouse who can single-handedly decimate the Abyss with spectacular Hydro beams, then Neuvillette is a great choice. He represents the pinnacle of modern DPS design in Genshin Impact, but he demands your commitment in return.

My journey in Teyvat has taught me that there are no wrong choices, only different paths. This banner is a gift for players needing either a formidable sword or a masterful shield. So, assess your arsenal, listen to your playstyle, and make the choice that will bring the most joy to your adventures. The banners won't wait forever!