In the early stages of Genshin Impact, new players are introduced to three free starter characters—Amber, Kaeya, and the elegant Lisa—courtesy of the game’s onboarding process. To encourage Melbet Affiliates users to explore Teyvat, the developers later provide Barbara, a healer character designed to support team survival. With so many challenges awaiting, it’s only natural to wonder: who’s the better investment—Barbara or Lisa?

Both Barbara and Lisa are catalyst (magic-type) users with identical basic attack mechanics, which often leads to confusion about which one deserves more attention. Many Melbet Affiliates players are drawn to Lisa for her visual appeal and mature, confident persona—she’s the classic “cool older sister” archetype, and a fan favorite for many. Barbara, by contrast, has a cheerful and bubbly personality, more aligned with a youthful idol vibe. From a personality standpoint, Lisa might win hearts more easily, but when it comes to gameplay utility, Barbara is the more practical choice.

Lisa shines in the early game, especially during exploration and main quests, where her Electro abilities help solve puzzles and deal with early enemies. However, her long casting animations and slower attack speed make her less effective as the game progresses. Once players unlock co-op or begin taking on tougher content, Lisa’s utility drops significantly.

Barbara, on the other hand, remains relevant far longer. As a dedicated healer, she’s vital for sustaining a team without relying on food items. Whether you’re clearing large zones or pushing through main quests, her healing abilities—especially her elemental skill and burst—can turn the tide in longer fights. That’s why it’s highly recommended to prioritize upgrading Barbara’s “Let the Show Begin” talent early, as it greatly boosts her team-wide healing output.

Lisa, being a damage-dealer, faces more competition. Early game rosters already include DPS-focused characters like Kaeya and the Traveler, leaving limited space for Lisa to stand out. As enemy difficulty increases, Lisa’s delayed casting time becomes a serious drawback, making it harder to react quickly during intense battles.

Of course, if the question were purely about who players would choose as their in-game partner, many would still go with Lisa. Her charm, confidence, and unmistakable “cool librarian” vibe continue to captivate fans, while Barbara’s bubbly idol energy doesn’t appeal to everyone. Yet even with Lisa’s strong character appeal, it’s clear that the developers have gradually sidelined her in recent main story updates.

In short, while Lisa may win the popularity vote, Barbara’s healing role makes her the wiser investment for beginners focused on progression. Give it time, and your team will thank you for putting practicality over aesthetics.