Throughout 2024, Genshin Impact suffered a drought of Cryo characters, where very few new and rerunning Cryo characters were featured in the Wish Banners. Overall, this Cryo drought in Genshin Impact was equally troublesome for both new and longtime players who had limited options to expand their roster with new Cryo characters and Constellation upgrades for their existing Cryo characters.
As of the version 5.6 update, the release of Citlali, and rerunning Cryo characters frequently appearing throughout recent Event and Chronicled Wish Banners has been a large step toward addressing the Cryo drought. However, some of the latest leaks and rumors for Genshin Impact’s upcoming updates suggest that Cryo could be making an even bigger comeback soon, potentially ending the Cryo drought and simultaneously ushering in a new meta.
Genshin Impact Version 5.6: Predicting Escoffier’s Place in the Meta
Genshin Impact’s upcoming five-star Cryo character, Escoffier, could be a game-changer for Hydro and Cryo Freeze team compositions in version 5.6.
Genshin Impact’s Upcoming Cryo Characters Could Shake up the Meta
Based on recent leaks, and what’s known about the upcoming Snezhnaya region updates, not only could the Cryo drought in Genshin Impact come to an end soon, but this Element could also be the foundation for a new meta. Initially, there will be two new Cryo characters coming to Genshin Impact throughout the next few updates: Escoffier and Skirk.
Escoffier and Skirk Could Be Game-Changers for Freeze and Shatter Team Compositions
- According to leaks from HomDGCat, Escoffier is a polearm character and a support/sub-DPS unit. Escoffier’s leaked kit features off-field Cryo and healing abilities, and she can shred the Cryo and Hydro Elemental resistance of enemies, making her effective for Freeze team comps.
- According to leaks from tieba, Skirk is a sword character and a DPS unit. Skirk’s kit allows her to infuse her basic attacks with Cryo Elemental damage ; she could establish a new meta for Shatter team comps.
Escoffier’s release date is confirmed for the version 5.6 update on May 7. Skirk’s release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but she is speculated to arrive in the version 5.7 update on June 18.
Between Escoffier and Skirk, players who have been patiently waiting for new Cryo characters will soon get their fill. Beyond this, at least two more powerful Cryo characters are all but guaranteed to be released throughout Genshin Impact’s Snezhnaya region arc, which is anticipated to begin around September 2025.
Expectations for The Cryo Traveler and the Cryo Archon are Naturally High
So far, not much is known about the Cryo Traveler, but it’s safe to assume a few things based on the existing Elemental attunements for the Traveler. Firstly, the Cryo Traveler will likely be able to utilize a new mechanic introduced in the Snezheya region, which will help them to interact with exploration puzzles throughout this region, and it will also help them to synergize with other characters from the Snezhnaya region. Beyond this, the Cryo Traveler and all of their character Constellation upgrades should be available free for all players. Overall, while the Traveler typically isn’t considered a meta character, they are still an incredibly helpful resource for players to build new team compositions with.
Another playable character anticipated for the Snezhnaya region updates is the Cryo Archon. The current Cryo Archon in Genshin Impact is known to be the Tsaritsa, who is also the head of the Fatui Harbingers. It remains to be seen whether or not the Tsaritsa herself will become available as a playable character, but if so, her status as both an Archon and the leader of the Fatui Harbingers has massive implications for how strong she could be as a playable character.
Between Escoffier, Skirk, the Cryo Traveler, and the Cryo Archon, the Cryo Element may finally make a comeback after the long Cryo drought in Genshin Impact. Not only are there at least four new Cryo characters to look forward to, but the potential for a new Cryo meta seems inevitable.
Genshin Impact
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- Released
- September 28, 2020
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Publisher(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World
