HI3 meta snapshot (late v9.0): what to pull before the Herrscher of Time

Version 9.0 is the quiet stretch before a big anniversary patch: no new battlesuit, a new AstralOp (Senadina) and a Divine Key for Fenghuang of Vicissitude. Meanwhile, v9.1 is already live in China with the Dreamseeker's Herrscher of Time (see our v9.1 preview). Here is how we would spend in the meantime.

This is a snapshot based on official patch notes and current community guides (Marisa Impact, HoYoLAB). HI3's Part 2 meta revolves around Astral Ring specializations, so "who is best" always depends on which team you are building.

1. You own Fenghuang of Vicissitude: get the Divine Key

Vermillion Liuli switches Fenghuang to the Wheel of Destiny specialization, simplifies her gameplay and brings her back as a Fire DPS. She also receives exclusive signets in the Elysian Realm. Community guides advise pairing the key with Senadina, who was designed for Wheel of Destiny teams. The Weeping Philosopher stigma set is partly free (login selector) and craftable, which keeps the cost down.

2. Senadina is the safest long-term pull

AstralOps stay useful across many teams, and Senadina is officially getting new abilities in v9.1 when she supports the Herrscher of Time (more Fire and Total DMG, plus a higher starting Astral Ring level). Her banner guarantees her within 60 pulls and returns up to 12 Equipment Supply Cards along the way. If you plan to use Wheel of Destiny or Fire teams, she is an easy recommendation.

3. Wings of Panacea: still strong, but not urgent

v8.9's Wings of Panacea (Seele, SD / Lightning, World Star) is at once a Stellar Surplus DPS and a flexible support who can raise her teammates' Elemental or Physical Breach. Guides pair her with the AstralOp Bailu Youyun. If you missed her, she is a solid pick when she comes back, but newer releases should come first.

4. F2P and low spenders: save for v9.1

Based on the official CN announcements, the Herrscher of Time is:

• IMG / Fire, Drive Core, Wheel of Destiny, with every Astral Ring trait, so she fits many teams;
• a bonus for teams led by Planar Armament: Warped Spacetime or Behold! Fate-Defying Dragon;
• guaranteed within 90 pulls, with the first 10-pull free on the CN server.

The CN anniversary also includes a free Shadowdimmer / Shadowchaser / Shadowbringer character selector and celebration 10-pull tickets. Global details may change, but saving for her banner plus her weapon is the smartest plan for most players.

Quick verdict