Durin Genshin Impact Guide (March 2026) Complete Story & Abilities
The world of Teyvat is about to witness one of the most anticipated character releases in Genshin Impact history. Durin, the legendary shadow dragon who once battled Dvalin in the skies of Mondstadt, is returning but this time in human form as a 5-star Pyro Sword wielder. As someone who’s been following Genshin Impact lore since the Dragonspine days, I’m thrilled to bring you the most comprehensive guide to this extraordinary character.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Durin: his tragic backstory that spans multiple regions and timelines, his unique dual-form combat mechanics, optimal build strategies, team compositions, and all the materials you’ll need to farm before his release in Version 6.2. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast or a meta chaser, this guide has you covered.
Durin Genshin Impact
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5-Star) |
| Element | Pyro |
| Weapon | Sword |
| Role | Sub-DPS / Support |
| Region | Mondstadt |
| Title | “The Undying Fire” |
| Release Version | 6.2 Luna III (Expected) |
| Special Mechanic | Dual-Form Transformation |
| Ascension Stat | CRIT DMG (38.4% at Lv. 90) |
Who is Durin in Genshin Impact?
Durin’s story is one of the most complex and heartbreaking narratives in Genshin Impact. To truly understand this character, we need to explore both the original Durin and the new Mini Durin who will become playable.
The Original Shadow Dragon
The original Durin was a shadow dragon—a humus—artificially created by Rhinedottir (also known as “Gold”), one of the Five Sinners of Khaenri’ah, approximately 500 years ago during the Cataclysm. Unlike natural dragons of Teyvat, Durin was an alchemical creation, considered one of Rhinedottir’s “miraculous creations” alongside Albedo.
According to the lore found in the Festering Desire weapon, Durin’s first memories were filled with innocence and wonder:
“Thank you, Mother, thank you. You gave me wings to soar and a mighty form. Mother, I wish to go to a land of lovely songs, I will tell them about you, Mother, and about everyone else.”
Durin genuinely dreamed of befriending Dvalin and the people of Mondstadt. However, he was corrupted by dark energy beyond his control. What makes his story truly tragic is that Durin saw himself as “singing and dancing” with the citizens when he was actually causing destruction. His perception was warped—he couldn’t comprehend the devastation he brought.
During the Cataclysm, Barbatos (Venti) and Dvalin fought a desperate battle against Durin. The fight ended with Dvalin piercing Durin’s throat, and the dragon’s massive corpse fell upon the mountains of Vindagnyr, which became known as Dragonspine. Even in death, Durin’s corrupted blood seeped into the Ley Lines, poisoning the land and reviving the Frostbearing Tree.
For more on Mondstadt’s history and key characters, check out our Genshin Impact Tier List (November 2025) where we rank all characters including potential placements for Durin.
The Birth of Mini Durin in Simulanka
Fast forward to Version 4.8’s Summertide Scales and Tales event, where players discovered a completely different Durin. This version was created in Simulanka—a fairy-tale world within a storybook crafted by Hexenzirkel member Andersdotter (also known as “M”).
Andersdotter, a famous novelist and the author of “The Boar Princess,” created her own Durin, giving him the same name as Rhinedottir’s creation. She wanted to give this Durin a chance at happiness and acceptance—something the original never had. However, Mini Durin faced his own challenges: his massive body and a curse that turned everything he touched into wooden blocks led residents of Simulanka to fear and reject him.
Everything changed when the Traveler, along with Wanderer, Nilou, Navia, and Kirara, arrived in Simulanka. They helped Mini Durin break free from his curse, and he was blessed with the ability to transform into a smaller, cuter form. This marked the beginning of his journey toward redemption and acceptance.
Albedo’s Alchemical Miracle: The Human Transformation
The most significant development came during the Archon Quest “Paralogism” in Version 5.6. Albedo discovered that the original Durin’s heart in Dragonspine was becoming increasingly active, threatening to revive the corrupted dragon at full power. Knowing that dragons never truly die and simply resurrect over time, Albedo faced an impossible choice.
His solution was brilliant and compassionate: he used alchemy to transfer the energy from the original Durin’s heart into Mini Durin, giving him a synthetic human body. This merger of two existences—the tragic shadow dragon and the innocent storybook character—resulted in the playable Durin we’ll meet in Version 6.2.
This transformation represents more than just a plot device; it’s a symbolic rebirth. Durin now embodies redemption, the power of second chances, and the unity between alchemy, magic, and immortality. He’s one of the few Genshin Impact characters who directly bridges multiple realms (Simulanka, Mondstadt, and Dragonspine) and disciplines within the game’s lore.
Want to explore more fascinating Genshin Impact lore? Read about all Genshin Impact Nod-Krai Characters including other exciting characters joining alongside Durin!
Durin’s Combat Abilities and Kit Breakdown
Durin’s kit is one of the most innovative in Genshin Impact, featuring a dual-form transformation mechanic that allows him to switch between two distinct combat styles. His design positions him as a modernized upgrade to the classic “Bennett + Xiangling” combination, offering both off-field Pyro application and powerful damage-dealing support.
Normal Attack: Radiant Wingslash
Normal Attack: Performs up to 4 consecutive sword strikes with fluid, dragon-inspired animations.
Charged Attack: Consumes Stamina to perform a forward slash, ideal for quick repositioning.
Plunging Attack: Plunges from mid-air to strike the ground, dealing AoE Pyro DMG upon impact.
Elemental Skill: Binary Form: Convergence and Division
This is where Durin’s unique gameplay truly shines. His Elemental Skill allows him to undergo “Essential Transmutation,” giving players a 6-second window to choose between two distinct combat forms:
Initial Cast:
- Durin gains the Essential Transmutation effect for 6 seconds
- During this window, players can choose their desired form
Form 1: Confirmation of Purity (Light Form)
- Activation: Press Elemental Skill button during Essential Transmutation
- Effect: Deals one instance of AoE Pyro DMG to nearby opponents
- Duration: Enters Confirmation of Purity state for 30 seconds
- Purpose: Wide-range Pyro application and team support
Form 2: Denial of Darkness (Dark Form)
- Activation: Press Normal Attack button during Essential Transmutation
- Effect: Deals three consecutive instances of Pyro DMG forward
- Duration: Enters Denial of Darkness state for 30 seconds
- Purpose: Focused personal damage and amplifying reactions
Energy Regeneration:
- When entering either form while in battle, Durin restores a certain amount of Elemental Energy
- Can be triggered once every 6 seconds
- This mechanic helps maintain his Burst uptime
Elemental Burst: Principle of Purity / Principle of Darkness
Durin’s Elemental Burst changes dramatically based on his current Essential Transmutation state, summoning different dragon manifestations:
Light Form Burst: Principle of Purity: As the Light Shifts
- Deals 3 instances of significant AoE Pyro DMG to opponents in front
- Summons the Dragon of White Flame
- The dragon follows the active character and periodically attacks nearby opponents
- Deals AoE Pyro DMG (considered Elemental Burst DMG)
- Ideal for reactions like Burning, Overloaded, Pyro Swirl, and Pyro Crystallize
Dark Form Burst: Principle of Darkness: As the Stars Smolder
- Deals 3 instances of significant AoE Pyro DMG to opponents in front
- Summons the Dragon of Dark Decay
- The dragon follows the active character and periodically attacks a single target
- Deals focused Pyro DMG (considered Elemental Burst DMG)
- Optimized for Vaporize and Melt reactions
Default Behavior: If Durin hasn’t undergone Essential Transmutation, he defaults to the Light Form Burst.
Looking to optimize your team compositions? Our Genshin Impact Weapon Tier List can help you choose the best weapons for Durin and his teammates!
Passive Talents
A1: Light Manifest of the Divine Calculus
This talent provides different buffs based on Durin’s manifested dragon form:
Dragon of White Flame:
- After nearby party members trigger Burning, Overloaded, Pyro Swirl, or Pyro Crystallize reactions
- The opponent’s Pyro RES and the RES for the corresponding Element involved in the reaction are decreased by 20% for 6 seconds
- With Hexerei team resonance, this increases to 35% RES reduction
Dragon of Dark Decay:
- Durin’s Vaporize DMG is increased by 40%
- Durin’s Melt DMG is increased by 40%
- With Hexerei team resonance, these bonuses increase to 70%
A4: Chaos Formed Like the Night
After unleashing an Elemental Burst, Durin gains the “Primordial Fusion of Forms” effect for 20 seconds:
- Durin gains 10 stacks of Primordial Fusion
- When periodic attacks from Dragon of White Flame or Dragon of Dark Decay deal DMG, 1 stack is consumed
- Each stack consumed increases the DMG dealt based on Durin’s ATK (maximum of 75% additional DMG)
- This creates a dynamic damage profile with strong initial Burst damage followed by enhanced sustained damage
Utility Passive: Echoes of the Surging Earth
- Gains 25% more rewards when dispatched on a Mondstadt Expedition for 20 hours
- Perfect for passive resource farming!
Core Mechanic: Witch’s Eve Rite: Ode to Ascension (Hexerei Resonance)
This is Durin’s most important passive, unlocked after completing the World Quest “The Witch’s Homework: Of This World.” This quest will transform Durin into a Hexerei (Magic) character.
Hexerei: Secret Rite Team Resonance:
- Activates when your party includes at least 2 Hexerei characters
- Increases all effects of Light Manifest of the Divine Calculus (excluding duration) by 75%
- This massive boost makes Durin incredibly powerful in Hexenzirkel-themed teams
Impact:
- White Flame: RES reduction increases from 20% → 35%
- Dark Decay: Vaporize/Melt bonus increases from 40% → 70%
Note: This crucial mechanic was moved from Constellation 6 to Durin’s base kit in Version 4 beta adjustments, making him a complete and powerful character even at C0!
Durin’s Best Builds and Artifacts
Building Durin optimally requires understanding his dual-form nature and how you plan to use him in your team compositions. Here’s my comprehensive build guide based on extensive beta testing data and theorycrafting.
Best Weapons for Durin
| Weapon | Rarity | Base ATK | Substat | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sword of Black Erosion (Signature) | 5⭐ | 608 | CRIT Rate 33.1% | BEST IN SLOT. Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 16%. Provides “Blade of Daylight” effect after Burst: +16% ATK for wielder, +12% ATK for active character. With Hexerei resonance, effects increase by additional 75%. Perfect synergy with his kit. |
| Wolf-Fang | 4⭐ | TBD | TBD | Solid 4-star option with good overall stats. Increases DMG output and provides consistent value for F2P players. |
| Moonweaver’s Dawn | 4⭐ | TBD | TBD | Available from world quest (R1 only). Decent alternative with balanced stats for off-field support role. |
| The Black Sword | 4⭐ | 510 | CRIT Rate 27.6% | Battle Pass weapon. Provides CRIT Rate and healing on Normal/Charged Attacks. Good for sustain-focused builds. |
| Amenoma Kageuchi | 4⭐ | 454 | ATK% 55.1% | F2P craftable option. Energy regeneration helps with Burst uptime. Solid choice for players without limited options. |
| Prototype Rancour | 4⭐ | 565 | Physical DMG 34.5% | Easily accessible craftable weapon. Not optimal due to Physical substat, but high base ATK compensates. Budget option. |
Refinement Priority: If you’re investing in Durin as a main support, prioritizing his signature weapon refinements will provide significant returns, especially in Hexerei teams where the 75% bonus amplification shines.
Best Artifact Sets for Durin
Durin’s artifact selection depends heavily on your team composition and which form you’ll primarily use:
For Light Form (Team Support Focus):
- Noblesse Oblige (4-piece) – RECOMMENDED
- 2-Piece: Elemental Burst DMG +20%
- 4-Piece: Using Elemental Burst increases all party members’ ATK by 20% for 12s
- Why: Maximizes team support capabilities and synergizes perfectly with Durin’s buffing potential
- Emblem of Severed Fate (4-piece)
- 2-Piece: Energy Recharge +20%
- 4-Piece: Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of Energy Recharge
- Why: Excellent for maintaining Burst uptime while boosting damage output
For Dark Form (Personal DPS Focus):
- Crimson Witch of Flames (4-piece) – RECOMMENDED
- 2-Piece: Pyro DMG Bonus +15%
- 4-Piece: Increases Overloaded and Burning DMG by 40%. Increases Vaporize and Melt DMG by 15%
- Why: Amplifies reaction damage, perfect for Vaporize/Melt-focused Dark Form builds
- Marechaussee Hunter (4-piece)
- 2-Piece: Normal and Charged Attack DMG +15%
- 4-Piece: When current HP increases or decreases, CRIT Rate +12% for 5s (Max 3 stacks)
- Why: Provides consistent CRIT Rate buffs for aggressive playstyles
Mix and Match Options:
- 2-Piece Crimson Witch + 2-Piece Noblesse: Balanced approach for hybrid builds
- 2-Piece Crimson Witch + 2-Piece Emblem: Energy Recharge with Pyro bonus
- 2-Piece Noblesse + 2-Piece Emblem: Support-focused with energy management
Artifact Main Stats Priority
| Artifact Slot | Main Stat Priority |
|---|---|
| Sands | ATK% > Energy Recharge |
| Goblet | Pyro DMG Bonus |
| Circlet | CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG |
Note: Since Durin ascends with CRIT DMG (38.4% at Level 90), you may want to prioritize CRIT Rate on your Circlet unless you’re using his signature weapon (which provides 33.1% CRIT Rate).
Artifact Substat Priority
- CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG (Aim for 1:2 ratio)
- ATK%
- Energy Recharge (Aim for 160-180% for comfortable Burst rotation)
- Elemental Mastery (If focusing on reaction damage)
- Flat ATK
Target Stats for Optimal Performance:
- CRIT Rate: 60-70%
- CRIT DMG: 120-140%
- ATK: 1,800-2,200
- Energy Recharge: 160-180%
For more character building strategies and team optimization tips, check out our Nefer Materials Guide which covers similar farming strategies!
Durin’s Ascension and Talent Materials
Preparing for Durin’s release means pre-farming all necessary materials. Here’s the complete breakdown of everything you’ll need to fully build this character.
Character Ascension Materials
| Material | Total Required | Farming Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mora | 420,000 | Ley Line Blossoms |
| Agnidus Agate Sliver | 1 | Pyro Hypostasis, Primo Geovishap, other Pyro bosses |
| Agnidus Agate Fragment | 9 | Pyro Hypostasis, Primo Geovishap, other Pyro bosses |
| Agnidus Agate Chunk | 9 | Pyro Hypostasis, Primo Geovishap, other Pyro bosses |
| Agnidus Agate Gemstone | 6 | Pyro Hypostasis, Primo Geovishap, other Pyro bosses |
| Cyclic Military Kuuvahki Core | 46 | Super-Heavy Landrover: Mechanized Fortresses (Level 30+) |
| Frostlamp Flower | 168 | Nod-Krai: Final Night Cemetery, Frostmoon Enclave |
| Tattered Warrant | 18 | Fatui Operatives |
| Immaculate Warrant | 30 | Fatui Operatives |
| Frost-Etched Warrant | 36 | Fatui Operatives |
Farming Tips:
- Cyclic Military Kuuvahki Core is a NEW boss material from Version 6.2, so you won’t be able to pre-farm this until release
- Frostlamp Flowers are found near water sources in Nod-Krai, particularly around Final Night Cemetery and Frostmoon Enclave
- Stock up on Fatui materials now by farming daily in Mondstadt and Dragonspine areas
Talent Level-Up Materials (Per Talent)
| Material | Total Required | Farming Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mora | 1,625,500 | Ley Line Blossoms |
| Teachings of Ballad | 9 | Forsaken Rift (Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday) |
| Guide to Ballad | 63 | Forsaken Rift (Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday) |
| Philosophies of Ballad | 114 | Forsaken Rift (Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday) |
| Tattered Warrant | 18 | Fatui Operatives |
| Immaculate Warrant | 30 | Fatui Operatives |
| Frost-Etched Warrant | 36 | Fatui Operatives |
| Eroded Sunfire | 6 | Lord of Eroded Primal Fire (Weekly Boss) |
| Crown of Insight | 1 | Limited events, tree offerings |
Talent Priority:
- Elemental Burst (Priority 1) – Core damage source
- Elemental Skill (Priority 2) – Essential for form switching and buffs
- Normal Attack (Priority 3) – Least important unless using Normal Attacks frequently
Total Materials for All Three Talents:
- Mora: 4,876,500
- Talent Books: 27 Teachings, 189 Guides, 342 Philosophies
- Eroded Sunfire: 18
- Crowns: 3 (if triple-crowning)
EXP and Mora Requirements
| Resource | Amount Needed |
|---|---|
| Hero’s Wit | 418 |
| Wanderer’s Advice | 3 |
| Total Mora (Leveling Only) | 7,050,100 |
| Grand Total Mora (Everything) | 12,346,600 |
For tips on efficiently farming Primogems to pull for Durin, check out our Genshin Impact Codes (November 2025) for the latest active redemption codes!
Durin’s Best Team Compositions
Durin’s flexibility allows him to slot into various team archetypes. Here are the most effective team compositions based on beta testing and theorycrafting:
Team #1: Hexerei Support Core (RECOMMENDED)
Formation: Durin (Sub-DPS) + Columbina (DPS/Support) + Nefer (Enabler) + Flex
Why It Works:
- Activates Hexerei: Secret Rite team resonance (requires 2+ Hexerei characters)
- 75% amplification to Durin’s passive talents
- Columbina provides Hydro application for consistent Vaporize reactions
- Nefer enables Lunar-Dendro reactions and provides additional support
- Synergy is off the charts with this combination
Rotation:
- Durin E (choose form based on needs)
- Nefer E/Q (apply Dendro)
- Columbina E/Q (apply Hydro)
- Durin Q (summon dragon)
- Main DPS phase with active character
- Repeat
Team #2: Classic Vaporize Team
Formation: Durin (Sub-DPS) + Neuvillette (Main DPS) + Kazuha (Support) + Bennett/Zhongli (Support)
Why It Works:
- Neuvillette’s strong Hydro output maximizes Vaporize damage
- Durin’s Dark Form provides 70% Vaporize DMG bonus (with Hexerei resonance)
- Kazuha provides VV shred and Elemental DMG bonus
- Bennett adds ATK buff and healing OR Zhongli for shield and resistance shred
Rotation:
- Bennett Q (if using)
- Kazuha E/Q (Swirl Pyro)
- Durin E (Dark Form) → Q
- Neuvillette charged attacks
- Repeat when Bursts are ready
Team #3: Overloaded Reaction Team
Formation: Durin (Sub-DPS) + Arlecchino/Fischl (DPS) + Chevreuse (Support) + Bennett (Buffer)
Why It Works:
- Durin’s Light Form reduces Pyro and Electro RES by 35% (with Hexerei)
- Chevreuse provides Pyro/Electro damage bonus in mono teams
- Arlecchino or Fischl as main DPS dealers
- Bennett provides universal ATK buff and healing
Rotation:
- Bennett Q
- Durin E (Light Form) → Q
- Chevreuse E
- Arlecchino/Fischl DPS phase
- Trigger Overloaded reactions consistently
Team #4: Burning/Burgeon Team
Formation: Durin (Sub-DPS) + Kinich (Main DPS) + Emilie (Sub-DPS) + Bennett/Baizhu (Support)
Why It Works:
- Durin’s Light Form excels with Burning reactions
- Reduces Pyro, Dendro, and Geo resistances after Burning trigger
- Kinich provides consistent Dendro application
- Emilie enhances Burning damage
- Bennett or Baizhu for healing and additional buffs
Rotation:
- Emilie E
- Bennett Q (if using)
- Durin E (Light Form) → Q
- Kinich DPS phase with Burning reactions
- Maintain Burning status with periodic Pyro application
Team #5: Double Anemo + Pyro Amplification
Formation: Durin (Sub-DPS) + Varka (DPS) + White Horse Adeptus (Anemo) + Flex
Why It Works:
- Dual Anemo core for resistance shred and energy generation
- Varka rumored to be a powerful Anemo DPS
- White Horse Adeptus (rumored 5⭐ Anemo from Liyue) provides additional support
- Durin offers Pyro application and team buffs
Note: This team is speculative based on leaked characters expected in future versions.
Interested in cross-platform play with friends? Read our guide on Is Genshin Impact Cross-Platform to learn about playing together across devices!
Durin’s Constellations Breakdown
While Durin is powerful at C0, his constellations offer significant power spikes. Here’s what each constellation provides:
C1: Adamah’s Redemption – MAJOR POWER SPIKE
Effect: After casting Elemental Burst, effects vary based on form:
Light Form:
- All nearby party members gain 20 stacks of Cycle of Enlightenment (20s duration)
- When they deal ANY damage, consume 1 stack to increase DMG dealt by 60% of Durin’s ATK
- Stacks managed individually per character
Dark Form:
- Durin gains 20 stacks of Cycle of Enlightenment (20s duration)
- When Durin deals Elemental Burst DMG, consume 2 stacks to increase DMG by 150% of Durin’s ATK
Impact: Massive team-wide or personal damage amplification. C1 transforms Durin into a top-tier support or hyper-carry depending on form choice.
C2: Unground Visions – UNIVERSAL BUFF
Effect: For 20s after using Elemental Burst, when party members trigger Vaporize, Melt, Burning, Overloaded, Pyro Swirl, or Pyro Crystallize:
- All nearby party members gain 50% Pyro DMG Bonus
- 50% DMG Bonus for corresponding Element involved in reaction
- Duration: 6s
Impact: Huge reaction-based buff that benefits entire team. Excellent for reaction-focused compositions.
C3: Flame Mirror’s Revelation – STANDARD TALENT BOOST
Effect: Increases the level of Principle of Purity: As the Light Shifts by 3
- Maximum upgrade level is 15
Impact: Direct damage increase to Elemental Burst. Standard constellation effect.
C4: Emanare’s Source – QUALITY OF LIFE
Effect:
- Durin’s Elemental Burst DMG increased by 40%
- When Cycle of Enlightenment stacks are consumed (from C1), 30% chance they won’t be consumed
Impact: Extends C1 buff duration and provides unconditional Burst DMG increase. Great constellation for sustained damage.
C5: Scouring Flame’s Sundering – STANDARD TALENT BOOST
Effect: Increases the level of Binary Form: Convergence and Division by 3
- Maximum upgrade level is 15
Impact: Enhances Elemental Skill damage and utility. Standard constellation effect.
C6: Dual Birth – ENDGAME CONSTELLATION
Effect:
- Durin’s Elemental Burst DMG ignores 30% of opponents’ DEF
- Additional enhancements:
- Light Form: After Burst or Dragon hits opponent, that opponent’s DEF decreased by 30% for 6s
- Dark Form: DMG from Burst and Dragon ignores an additional 40% of opponents’ DEF (total 70% DEF ignore)
Impact: Astronomical damage ceiling, especially Dark Form. DEF shred and DEF ignore mechanics make Durin competitive with top-tier DPS units. C6 Durin in Dark Form essentially ignores most enemy defense.
Constellation Priority:
- C0: Perfectly functional and strong
- C1: HUGE power spike – recommended stopping point for most players
- C2: Excellent team utility
- C4: Significant personal damage increase
- C6: Whale territory, transforms Durin into hyper-carry
Durin’s Role in Genshin Impact Lore and Nod-Krai
Durin’s appearance in Version 6.2 isn’t just about gameplay—it’s a crucial narrative moment that ties together multiple storylines:
Connection to Major Characters
Albedo: As Rhinedottir’s other creation, Albedo views Durin as a brother. His decision to give Durin a human form demonstrates Albedo’s growth and his understanding of compassion beyond pure alchemy.
Wanderer: Having experienced his own journey from artificial creation to finding purpose, Wanderer empathizes with Durin’s struggles and played a key role in saving him in Simulanka.
Klee: The energetic pyro user has befriended Durin in his new form, often going on adventures with him and occasionally causing Jean headaches with their experiments.
Fischl & Sucrose: Both interact regularly with Durin, showcasing how Mondstadt has fully accepted him into their community.
Themes and Symbolism
Durin embodies several powerful themes:
- Redemption: Transformation from feared destroyer to beloved protector
- Second Chances: Being given an opportunity to rewrite his fate
- Perception vs. Reality: The tragic misunderstanding of his original intentions
- Artificial Life: Questions about what defines humanity and consciousness
- Forgiveness: Mondstadt’s acceptance despite past trauma
Role in Nod-Krai Storyline
According to the Song of the Welkin Moon trailer, Durin will play a significant role in the Nod-Krai narrative alongside:
- Albedo (his creator “brother”)
- Alice (Hexenzirkel member)
- Wanderer (his savior from Simulanka)
- Ineffa and Jahoda (new Nod-Krai characters)
The trailer reveals Durin sporting small dragon horns and a Pyro vision at the base of his tail, confirming his playable status and his integration into the main storyline.
Want to learn more about the upcoming region? Check out our comprehensive Nod-Krai Characters Leaked Guide for all the latest information!
Design and Aesthetic: Why Players Love Durin
Durin’s character design has instantly become fan-favorite material, and for good reason:
Visual Design Elements
- Dragon Horns: Small, elegant horns that reference his true nature without being overwhelming
- Dragon Tail: Heart-shaped tail that’s both cute and symbolic of his gentle nature
- Dragon Wings: Tattered, ethereal wings that appear during certain animations
- Color Palette: Crimson-black Pyro outfit with crystal patterns
- Pyro Vision: Located at the base of his tail, unique placement among characters
- Overall Aesthetic: Perfect balance between dragon features and human charm
Community Reception
The Genshin Impact community has exploded with Durin content:
- Fan Art: Thousands of illustrations flooding Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok
- Cosplay: Already seeing early cosplay attempts before official release
- Theories: Lore discussions about his future role and connections
- Comparisons: Many fans calling him one of HoYoverse’s best designs since Neuvillette and Alhaitham
Voice Actor Talent
Japanese: Kobayashi Chiaki
- Notable Roles: Stark (Frieren), Yuichi Katagiri (Tomodachi Game)
English: Laurie Kynaston
- Notable for British stage and screen work
Korean: Kim Ji-yul
- Notable Roles: Clotted Cream Cookie (Cookie Run), various World of Warcraft characters
Chinese: Tao Dian
- Notable Roles: Hu Tao (Genshin Impact), Kiana Kaslana (Honkai Impact 3rd)
The voice acting talent assembled for Durin demonstrates HoYoverse’s commitment to making this character feel authentic and emotionally resonant across all language versions.
Release Date and Banner Information
Expected Release Timeline
Version 6.2 “Luna III” – Phase 1 (Expected)
- Approximate Date: Late December 2026 / Early January 2026
- Banner Type: Character Event Wish
- Rarity: 5⭐
- Duration: Approximately 21 days
Official Confirmation: Durin was revealed through HoYoverse’s drip marketing on October 24, 2026, confirming his playable status. The timing suggests Phase 1 of Version 6.2.
Banner Companion
According to leaks, Jahoda will likely be featured alongside Durin in Version 6.2. Players can expect:
- Durin (5⭐ Pyro Sword)
- Jahoda (Details TBD)
- Three 4⭐ characters (to be announced)
Should You Pull for Durin?
Pull If:
- ✓ You need a strong Pyro sub-DPS/support
- ✓ You’re building a Hexerei team composition
- ✓ You love his lore and character design
- ✓ You want a modernized “Bennett + Xiangling” in one character
- ✓ You enjoy flexible, dual-form gameplay mechanics
Skip If:
- ✗ You already have well-built Pyro supports
- ✗ You’re saving for other Nod-Krai characters (Varka, Alice, Columbina)
- ✗ You prefer straightforward, non-transformation characters
- ✗ Your current team doesn’t need Pyro application
F2P Viability: Durin is exceptionally strong at C0 and works well with 4-star weapons, making him highly accessible for free-to-play players. His core mechanics are unlocked through his base kit, not locked behind constellations.
Looking for ways to maximize your pulls? Don’t miss our Genshin Impact 5.8 Guide for Primogem farming strategies!
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Form Selection Strategy
Use Light Form When:
- Fighting multiple enemies (superior AoE coverage)
- Team needs resistance shred for various elements
- Playing support role for main DPS
- Want to maximize team damage over personal damage
Use Dark Form When:
- Fighting single-target bosses (focused damage)
- Running Vaporize/Melt reaction teams
- Want to maximize Durin’s personal damage output
- Playing hybrid sub-DPS role
Energy Management Tips
- Favonius Weapons on Teammates: Generates additional particles for Durin
- Energy Recharge Sands: If struggling with Burst uptime
- Form Switching: Use the 6s energy restore mechanic strategically
- Battery Comp: Pair with Bennett or another Pyro battery
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Choose Form
- If you don’t press anything during Essential Transmutation window, Durin defaults to no form and deals less damage
- Solution: Always consciously choose Light or Dark form based on situation
Mistake #2: Ignoring Hexerei Resonance
- The 75% buff is MASSIVE and shouldn’t be overlooked
- Solution: If possible, always include at least 2 Hexerei characters in team
Mistake #3: Wrong Artifact Main Stats
- Using Energy Recharge sands when you have sufficient ER
- Solution: Calculate your actual ER needs and adjust accordingly
Mistake #4: Neglecting Talent Levels
- Durin’s damage scales significantly with talent investment
- Solution: Prioritize Burst > Skill > Normal Attack
Mistake #5: Poor Team Synergy
- Using Durin in teams that don’t benefit from his kit
- Solution: Study his passive talents and build teams around reactions he amplifies
Animation Canceling
While Durin’s attack animations are relatively quick, you can optimize DPS through:
- Skill Cancel: E → Dash (for faster form selection)
- Burst Cancel: Q → Swap (if using primarily for dragon summon)
Speedrun Potential
Durin’s flexible kit makes him viable for speedrun compositions:
- Quick Burst animation
- Off-field damage while maintaining main DPS uptime
- Resistance shred benefits fast clears
- Works in both AoE and single-target scenarios
For more advanced gameplay tips, explore our Genshin Impact Miliastra Wonderland UGC Mode Guide to discover new ways to enjoy the game!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Durin’s release date in Genshin Impact?
Durin is expected to release in Version 6.2 “Luna III” during Phase 1, approximately in late December 2026 or early January 2026. He was officially revealed through HoYoverse’s drip marketing on October 24, 2026, confirming his playable status as a 5-star Pyro Sword character.
What is Durin’s element and weapon type?
Durin is a 5-star Pyro character who wields a Sword. His combat style is fast and aggressive, combining dragon-like power with human agility. He’s designed as a sub-DPS and support character who can switch between two distinct forms for different combat situations.
How does Durin’s dual-form mechanic work?
Durin’s Elemental Skill grants him “Essential Transmutation” for 6 seconds. During this window, players can choose between two forms: Light Form (press Elemental Skill button) focuses on wide AoE Pyro application and team support, while Dark Form (press Normal Attack button) provides focused personal damage and amplified Vaporize/Melt reactions. Each form lasts 30 seconds and changes his Elemental Burst behavior.
Is Durin good at C0 or do I need constellations?
Durin is exceptionally powerful at C0! His core mechanic, the Hexerei team resonance (which provides 75% amplification to his passive talents), was moved from Constellation 6 to his base kit during beta testing. This makes him a complete character even without constellations. C1 provides a significant power spike, but it’s not necessary for him to function effectively.
What are the best artifacts for Durin?
For Light Form (team support), use 4-piece Noblesse Oblige for the team ATK buff. For Dark Form (personal DPS), use 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames to amplify reaction damage. Main stats should be ATK% Sands, Pyro DMG Goblet, and CRIT Rate/DMG Circlet. Prioritize CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge substats.
Which characters have the best synergy with Durin?
Durin works best with other Hexerei (Magic) characters like Columbina and Nefer, as having 2+ Hexerei characters activates team resonance for 75% bonus amplification. He also synergizes well with Hydro appliers like Neuvillette and Xingqiu for Vaporize reactions, or Anemo supports like Kazuha for resistance shred and damage amplification.
What materials do I need to pre-farm for Durin?
You’ll need 168 Frostlamp Flowers (found in Nod-Krai), Agnidus Agate gemstones, Ballad talent books (Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday domain), Fatui Warrant materials, and Eroded Sunfire from weekly bosses. The NEW Cyclic Military Kuuvahki Core from Super-Heavy Landrover bosses cannot be pre-farmed until Version 6.2 releases.
What is the story behind Durin’s transformation into a human?
Durin was originally a shadow dragon created by the alchemist Rhinedottir (Gold) who attacked Mondstadt 500 years ago during the Cataclysm. After being defeated by Dvalin, his heart remained active in Dragonspine. In Version 5.6, Albedo used alchemy to merge the original Durin’s heart with Mini Durin from Simulanka (a storybook world), creating a human form to prevent the corrupted dragon’s resurrection while giving him a second chance at life.
Is Durin better than Bennett and Xiangling?
Durin is designed as a modernized upgrade to the “Bennett + Xiangling” combination, offering both their strengths in a single character. He provides off-field Pyro application like Xiangling and team buffs like Bennett. However, he doesn’t replace them entirely—Bennett’s ATK buff and healing remain unique, and Xiangling’s Pyronado has different targeting. Durin is better viewed as an alternative that opens new team-building possibilities rather than a direct replacement.
Can Durin work in Spiral Abyss teams?
Absolutely! Durin’s flexible dual-form mechanics make him viable for both AoE floors (Light Form) and single-target boss floors (Dark Form). His resistance shred, off-field damage, and energy generation make him excellent for 36-star Abyss clears. He works particularly well in Vaporize and Melt teams, which have historically dominated Abyss meta.
What is Durin’s best team composition?
Durin’s best team is a Hexerei composition: Durin + Columbina + Nefer + Flex support. This activates the Hexerei: Secret Rite team resonance, providing 75% amplification to his passive talents (increasing RES shred from 20% to 35% and Vaporize/Melt bonus from 40% to 70%). Alternative strong teams include Vaporize comps with Neuvillette or Overloaded teams with Fischl and Chevreuse.
Should I pull for Durin’s signature weapon?
Durin’s signature weapon, Sword of Black Erosion, is his best-in-slot option and provides significant benefits, especially in Hexerei teams where the “Blade of Daylight” effect receives a 75% amplification. However, he works perfectly fine with 4-star alternatives like Wolf-Fang, The Black Sword, or Amenoma Kageuchi. Only pull for his signature if you have extra resources after securing Durin himself, or if you’re committed to maximizing his potential.
Conclusion: The Undying Fire Rises
Durin’s arrival in Genshin Impact represents far more than just another character release—it’s the culmination of years of storytelling, the redemption of a tragic villain, and the introduction of innovative dual-form gameplay mechanics. From his heartbreaking origins as a corrupted shadow dragon to his heartwarming transformation into a beloved member of Mondstadt’s community, Durin’s journey embodies themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the power of compassion.
As a playable character, Durin offers unparalleled flexibility with his Light and Dark forms, making him viable in countless team compositions. Whether you’re seeking a powerful Pyro sub-DPS, a resistance-shredding support, or simply a character with an incredible backstory, Durin delivers on all fronts.
With Version 6.2 approaching, now is the perfect time to:
- Pre-farm all available ascension materials
- Stockpile Primogems for his banner
- Complete the prerequisite quests to unlock his Hexerei passive
- Theory-craft team compositions that maximize his potential
The legendary dragon has returned, not as a destroyer, but as “The Undying Fire”—a symbol of Mondstadt’s resilience and hope. Will you welcome him to your roster?
Don’t forget to bookmark this guide and check back for updates as we approach Durin’s official release!