Now that Sumeru and the Dendro element are here, will Genshin Impact's Baizhu release as a playable character? Here is what we know about the mysterious herbalist of Liyue Harbor's Bubu Pharmacy.
Not only does he have a Dendro vision, but just like Fischl and her night raven, Oz, Baizhu also has a walking, talking companion. Well, not so much walking, since Changsheng is a snake that spends her time wrapped around the pharmacist's neck. All you have to do is look at Baizhu to know that he's intended as a playable character – he has an intricate design and appears in Genshin Impact's main story quests.
While we await more information about Baizhu, we recommend checking out the banner schedule to see who is coming up next, and our up-to-date Genshin Impact tier list for who are the strongest characters.
When will Baizhu release in Genshin Impact?
Though he originally leaked as a playable character way back in Version 1.5, Baizhu wields a Dendro vision, and so is only viable as a playable character now that the Sumeru region is available.
There is nothing concrete or confirmed by Hoyoverse, but leaks suggest Baizhu will release in Verison 3.6, which should release around April 2023. This is still a way off yet, but we expect to see Baizhu appear in the story before his release.
Will Baizhu have his own banner?
Again, nothing is confirmed as to Baizhu's rarity or release, but he will likely be a 5-Star. After all this time, it would be the respectful thing for Hoyoverse to do!
What do we know about the Genshin Impact Baizhu build?
At this point, Baizhu is basically confirmed as a Dendro catalyst. As a frail character himself, this makes sense as him hefting a physical weapon would cause more harm than good.
Based on his character, he will likely have a healing skill set, or perhaps a shield - none of the Dendro characters that we have or know about has this type of kit yet, so a healing character with a Dendro vision would round the element out nicely.
Currently, nothing is known about his specific skills, constellations, or talents. In the game's files, he seems to use a copy of Yae Miko's skill and burst as a placeholder, which suggests he will have an AoE damage and a skill that spawns a trail.
Rumours also suggest that his materials needed for ascension and talents will include Violetgrass from Liyue, and Fungal Spores.
Which weapon should Baizhu use?
When dataminers discovered Baizhu was planned as a playable character, they also found evidence of a signature weapon known as the Jade Catalyst. We have no idea what this does, or if it will even return when Baizhu finally rolls around, but if he doesn't receive his own unique weapon, there are more than enough strong catalysts for him to choose from.
For now, this is what we can recommend in advance:
Weapon | Rarity | Bonus stat | Skill | How to get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fruit of Fulfillment | 4-Star | Energy Recharge 45.9% | Obtain the "Wax and Wane" effect after an Elemental Reaction is triggered, gaining 24 Elemental Mastery while losing 5% ATK. For every 0.3s, 1 stack of Wax and Wane can be gained. Max 5 stacks. For every 6s that goes by without an Elemental Reaction being triggered, 1 stack will be lost. This effect can be triggered even when the character is off-field. | Crafting |
The Widsith | 4-Star | CRIT DMG 55.1% | When the character takes the field, they will gain a random theme song for 10s. This can only occur once every 30s. Recitative: ATK is increased by 60%, Aria: Increases all Elemental DMG by 48%. Interlude: Elemental Mastery is increased by 240. | Wishes |
Mappa Mare | 4-Star | Elemental Mastery 110 | Triggering an elemental reaction grants an 8% Elemental DMG bonus for 10s. Max 2 stacks. | Crafting |
Sacrificial Fragments | 4-Star | Elemental Mastery 221 | After damaging an opponent with an Elemental Skill, the skill has a 40% chance to end its own CD. Can only occur once every 30s. | Wishes |
What artifacts should Baizhu have?
Again, until we know more about his skills, talents and abilities, we'll have to just go by the fact he is a Dendro character and recommend the new Deepwood Memories set that is available in Sumeru, as it buffs Dendro damage.
Other than that, any set like Noblesse Oblige or Gladiators Finale that can add to ATK, DEF or Elemental Mastery will work wonders.
Who is Baizhu in Genshin Impact's story?
We meet Baizhu while doing the Liyue Archon quest, at his place of work, the Bubu Pharmacy. He works here alongside Qiqi, and some feel that he keeps her around for nefarious reasons as it is no secret he is ill of health, and wants to find a cure.
There is a chance that Baizhu could be inflicted with Eleazar, the same as Collei, and this could be where he is re-introduced to the story. When the Sumeru quest is all said and done, it is likely that the cause of Eleazar will be gone, and those inflicted will be cured of the disease. If this is the case, this is surely why Baizhu will suddenly reappear, and be fit enough to join the Travelers party. This is of course just our theory crafting.
Baizhu is also never seen without his snake, Changsheng. Found wrapped around his neck, Changsheng is a mysterious white snake that can actually speak. There is every chance that she is his familiar, and may be part of what keeps him going. We hope that she will be involved with his combat kit.
- Read More: Everything we know about Genshin Impact Yun Jin.
And that's everything we know about Genshin Impact's Baizhu. If you're looking for more info on upcoming characters, we have guides about Gorou, Arataki Itto, and even the Golden Wolflord boss.