Mavuika vs. Citlali: Who’s Worth Your Pull in Genshin Impact 5.3?

Genshin Impact has introduced its 5.4 update, which comes with exciting new characters. But which of these characters should players invest in? While Genshin might appear to be overshadowed by newer titles like Star Rail and the rising Zenless Zone Zero, it remains a powerhouse in the industry. These newer games have brought valuable quality-of-life enhancements that even benefit Genshin.

The updates from version 5.0 onward have provided a mixed experience for Genshin players. The narrative in Natlan has sometimes felt uneven, and several characters introduced didn’t leave a lasting impression like those from previous regions. Before the 5.4 release, Mualani, as a top-tier DPS, and Xilonen, effective in resistance reduction, stood out as notable exceptions. Thankfully, the introduction of Mavuika and Citlali seems set to change that trend.

Mavuika & Citlali Available in Genshin Impact 5.3 Banners Until January 21

Likely to Come Back Soon

There is some contention surrounding Mavuika and Citlali being available during the Lantern Rite event, which follows shortly after the banners have been released. This makes it challenging for free-to-play players to choose between the two characters since acquiring both would require considerable luck or saving. Even for paying players, the cost is front-loaded, making it less ideal for those hoping to gradually recoup their pulls.

Fortunately, both characters are essential to the storyline and have been featured early in the Natlan updates. As a result, it’s likely they will see reruns before update 6.0. Mavuika coming back seems almost guaranteed, considering that Archon characters usually have high demand and strong sales. Citlali’s return might be less certain, though, as there has been a pattern of Cryo characters going long periods without reruns, particularly since that element has been less popular lately.

Pros & Cons of Pulling for Mavuika in Genshin Impact 5.3

Role: Main/Sub DPS

Mavuika and her optimal builds are almost a requirement for players of any level. She shines as a Main DPS for Melt/Vaporize teams and can also serve effectively as a Sub DPS. This versatility is especially valuable since there aren’t many Pyro characters who can fill the Sub DPS role well. Xiangling is currently the only viable option, but while she is easy to obtain and build, she doesn’t reach Mavuika’s damage potential.

The main drawback with Mavuika is that her effectiveness diminishes when she’s part of teams without multiple Natlan characters. Since her ultimate relies on Nightsoul points, characters like Xilonen, Citlali, and Mualani are integral when using her as a Sub DPS. If players lack any Natlan characters, they may find it challenging to capitalize on Mavuika’s strengths. However, investing in her can still pay off in the long run, especially if paired with other Natlan characters.

Pros & Cons of Pulling for Citlali in Genshin Impact 5.3

Role: Cryo Support/Shielder

Citlali presents a unique case. Her abilities are immensely beneficial, providing significant shielding and reducing enemy Pyro and Hydro resistance. However, she is somewhat limited in the types of teams she can enhance, which complicates her appeal. If you’re aiming to create a powerhouse team with Mavuika or amplify Melt teams featuring characters like Arlecchino, then pulling for Citlali is worthwhile.

Without those specific team synergies, Citlali’s utility diminishes significantly. Sadly, Cryo has taken a backseat in Genshin since the introduction of Dendro, as there is no interaction between the two elements, and previous synergies haven’t introduced compelling characters until now with Mavuika. The simultaneous release of both characters makes it difficult for many players to acquire them both.

Ultimately, update 5.4 brings a wealth of strong characters, but the dynamic between Mavuika and Citlali creates a unique necessity for pairing them effectively. This is fantastic for players with pull resources or a budget to spend, but it presents a complex challenge for those without. If the situation allows, both Genshin Impact characters Mavuika and Citlali are definitely worth pursuing for the incredible value they bring to your roster.