Durin in Genshin Impact: Ultimate Guide

Genshin Impact's newest 5-star character Durin brings an exciting dual-nature gameplay style that's capturing the attention of travelers across Teyvat. As we move into 2025, this powerful Pyro Sword user is quickly becoming one of the most versatile additions to the roster, with unique mechanics that allow players to adapt their strategy mid-combat.

Who is Durin in Genshin Impact?

Durin represents one of the most fascinating character origins in Genshin Impact. Unlike typical Vision bearers, he is the fusion between Mini Durin (a dragon from Simulanka created by the Hexenzirkel witch Andersdotter) and the original Dragon Durin (a creation of Rhinedottir that invaded Mondstadt 500 years ago). Through Albedo's intervention, Mini Durin was given a synthetic human body containing the original Dragon Durin's heart, creating the playable character we now know.

Lore enthusiasts will appreciate that Durin is considered one of Rhinedottir's masterpiece creations alongside Albedo. In fact, during Act 4 of the Nod-Krai Archon Quest, Albedo refers to Durin as his brother, establishing a fascinating sibling relationship between these two products of Rhinedottir's genius.

Durin's Release Date and Availability

Durin was officially released in Phase 1 of Version 6.2 Luna III on December 3, 2025. His banner runs alongside Venti's rerun until December 23, 2025. For players planning their primogem spending, this gives you approximately three weeks to secure this powerful character.

Durin's Unique Dual-Nature Gameplay

What makes Durin stand out in the genshin leaks gameplay durin discussions is his ability to switch between two distinct combat states, each with different strengths:

Confirmation of Purity (White) State

When in this state, Durin functions primarily as an off-field support character. His key strength is applying Pyro RES shred to enemies, making him an excellent team enabler. This state is activated by pressing his Elemental Skill twice, dealing AoE Pyro DMG and entering the White state for 30 seconds.

Denial of Darkness (Dark) State

This state focuses on Durin's personal damage output, particularly enhancing his Vaporize and Melt reaction damage by a substantial 40%. You enter this state by pressing Normal Attack after using his Elemental Skill, dealing consecutive Pyro DMG and maintaining the Dark state for 30 seconds.

Best Durin Teammates Tier List

Based on early testing, Durin works exceptionally well with:

1. Hydro applicators like Furina and Nefer for Vaporize reactions when in Dark state

2. Cryo supports like Wriothesley and Charlotte for powerful Melt combinations

3. Anemo characters with Viridescent Venerer to further amplify his Pyro damage

4. Dendro characters for Burning reactions when in White state

His versatility means he can slot into numerous team compositions, making him a valuable addition to almost any account.

Durin Materials: Preparing for Ascension

To fully ascend Durin, you'll need to gather these durin materials:

• 420,000 Mora

• 168 Frostlamp Flowers (a new local specialty)

• Various boss materials from the new Nod-Krai region

• Talent books from the Sumeru domain

Farming these materials in advance will allow you to quickly build Durin to his full potential upon obtaining him.

Talents and Abilities Overview

Durin's talent kit revolves around his dual states and elemental mastery:

Normal Attack: Radiant Wingslash

• Up to 4 consecutive sword strikes with respectable scaling

• Standard Charged and Plunging attacks

Elemental Skill: Binary Form: Convergence and Division

• Allows switching between White and Dark states

• Each state transition deals Pyro DMG and restores Elemental Energy

Elemental Burst: Principle of Purity/Darkness

• Different effects based on current state

• White state: Summons Dragon of White Flame that deals AoE Pyro DMG

• Dark state: Summons Dragon of Dark Decay focusing on single-target Pyro DMG

Passive: Light Manifest of the Divine Calculus

• White state: Decreases enemy Pyro RES and the corresponding element's RES by 20%

• Dark state: Increases Vaporize and Melt DMG by 40%

Duringenshin Community Reception

Since his release, the duringenshin community has been extremely positive about this character. Many players appreciate the tactical depth his state-switching brings to combat, allowing for both support and main DPS roles depending on team needs.

The character's unique visual design, combining human and dragon elements, has also been praised for its originality and connection to established lore. His voice acting by Laurie Kynaston (EN) and Kobayashi Chiaki (JP) brings the character to life with appropriate gravitas.

Is Durin Worth Pulling?

For most players, Durin represents an excellent investment of primogems. His versatility allows him to fit into numerous team compositions, and his dual-state gameplay means he can adapt to different content requirements. Whether you need an off-field support or a powerful on-field DPS, Durin can fulfill both roles effectively.

The only players who might consider skipping would be those who already have heavily invested in multiple Pyro characters and are saving for specific upcoming characters.

In conclusion, Durin stands as one of the most interesting character releases in Genshin Impact's recent history, combining fascinating lore, unique gameplay mechanics, and strong combat potential. Whether you're pulled in by his connection to Albedo and Rhinedottir's story or simply want a powerful and flexible Pyro character, Durin deserves serious consideration for your next character pull.

Have you added Durin to your team yet? What combinations have you found most effective? The evolving meta around this character will certainly be interesting to watch in the coming months.

The analysis is based on Kotaku, a globally respected source for gaming news and in-depth features. Kotaku's editorial coverage often explores the impact of new character releases like Durin on both gameplay diversity and community engagement, emphasizing how innovative mechanics can redefine player strategies and meta compositions in Genshin Impact.