How to Get the Free 4-Star Selector in Genshin Grand Defense

The Genshin 7.2 free 4-star selector is the biggest reward in The Grand Defense: Defy the Unjust Judgment, the main event of Version 7.2. Clear enough of the event and you can invite one of eight 4-star characters for free, including Thoma, Alyosha and Aino. The catch is that the best choice depends on your account, not on which character is strongest. At gamemarket.gg, we explain how to unlock the event, how its missions work, what rewards you get and who to pick for your team.

When Does The Grand Defense Run?

• Start: November 4, 2026, with the Version 7.2 update
• End: December 16, 2026 (UTC+8), when Version 7.2 ends

HoYoverse says the event is available throughout Version 7.2. The combat zone missions close at the end of the version, while the event quest itself is reported to stay in the game permanently. The free selector comes from the time-limited part, so it is worth claiming before the deadline.

How to Unlock the Event

According to HoYoverse, the event unlocks as you progress through Archon Quest Chapter VII: Act VI, "A Yesterday Sent From Beyond."

The event is closely tied to the Archon Quest, and HoYoverse suggests playing it alongside your story progress for the best experience. If you want to try the event content first, you can also join through the Quick Start button on the event page.

How to Earn the Free 4-Star Selector

As the Holy Soil spreads, the Ley Lines fall into turmoil and monsters run rampant across three major battlefields: the Northern, Central and Eastern Combat Zones. Taking part in the relief operations reduces the Holy Soil threat, and once it drops to a certain level, you can invite one 4-star character of your choice. HoYoverse has not published the exact threshold, so the safest plan is to keep clearing operations in every zone.

Tactical Sweep

Deploy members to earn combat buffs, take on monster bosses and reduce the effects of Ley Line Disorders. Your Main Force of playable characters fights alongside a Support Squad of NPCs.

Each operation also has deployment objectives. In HoYoverse's example, they include dispatching at least two members, bringing a Main Force member with a specific trait such as Hydro or Pyro, and using certain weapon types such as Catalyst or Sword. Meeting them boosts your Operation Rewards, so check the list before you deploy.

Emergency Rescue

Use Overhead Surveillance Devices to find injured targets and bring them to safety. Some rescues ask you to fight off enemies using trial characters, so you do not need a strong roster for every stage.

Securing Air Supremacy

Guide the Favonian Falcon through the storm, fend off monsters along the way and deliver vital intelligence. The Qucusaur and Cacucu lend a hand in some missions, and players who remember the Favonius Falcon's Recon Log minigame will find it familiar.

Event Rewards

On top of the 4-star selector, HoYoverse lists:

• Primogems
• Crown of Insight
• Character Talent Materials

Exact amounts will be confirmed once the event is live. For every Primogem source this version, our Version 7.2 event calendar lists the full schedule.

The 8 Characters You Can Choose

• Thoma (Pyro)
• Alyosha
• Aino
• Xiangling (Pyro)
• Collei (Dendro)
• Kachina (Geo)
• Lynette (Anemo)
• Amber (Pyro)

According to Game8, every option except Thoma can also be obtained for free elsewhere, through the Spiral Abyss or Archon Quests. That one detail changes the whole decision.

Who Should You Pick?

There is no single best answer, so pick based on what you already own.

Pick Thoma If You Do Not Have Him

Thoma is the only character in this selector with no other free way to get him. He gives your team a shield, which makes him a comfortable pick for players who struggle to stay alive. If he is missing from your account, he is the choice you cannot easily replace later.

Pick Alyosha If You Run Stellar-Conduct Teams

Alyosha is one of the few 4-star supports built around Stellar-Conduct. He buffs the reaction rather than enabling it, so he shines next to Odette, Sandrone or the new Mitya. If you already own him at Constellation 1, the free copy takes him to C2, which is reported to be his key upgrade. Our Odette best teams guide shows where he fits, and our Alyosha build guide covers how to build him.

Pick Aino If Your Team Relies on Reactions

Aino raises your team's Moonsign level, which helps Lunar reaction teams. Game8 recommends her mainly for players who do not have Columbina. Her Constellation 1 reportedly adds 80 Elemental Mastery, so she is a strong pick at C0 or C1.

Pick Xiangling or Collei to Finish a Constellation

If you already have Xiangling or Collei at C3, one more copy takes them to C4. That is a good use of the selector if either of them is a regular in your teams.

Kachina, Lynette and Amber

Kachina is a fallback option for Geo teams. Lynette and Amber are best treated as favorites, since an extra constellation does not change much for most teams.

Tips Before You Claim

• Finish your Phase 1 wishes first. If you pull a 4-star copy on the banner, the best selector choice may change
• Pick for the constellation you can actually reach, not for the character who looks strongest at C0
• Check the invite screen for duplicates. Extra copies of characters you already own at C6 are reported to turn into Stella Fortuna and Masterless Starglitter instead
• Claim it before December 16. The selector comes from the time-limited combat zone missions

If you are also deciding where to spend your Primogems this version, our Version 7.2 banner guide covers Mitya and the weapon banner.

If you want an account with more characters and constellations already unlocked, you can explore trusted Genshin Impact Accounts, keep your Resin and events on track with reliable Genshin Impact Hourly Services, or clear tough content faster through dependable Genshin Impact Boosting.

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