During the latest developer livestream, Genshin Impact revealed Columbina, Zibai, and Illuga as new characters coming in Version 6.3, as well as a new permanent Lantern Rite event, new map expansion, and new character outfits. By all parameters, Version 6.3 is expected to be a major patch for Genshin Impact. It will close out the primary storyline for Nod-Krai, offering players a chance to confront Dottore and determine Columbina's fate. However, it will also give players the opportunity to explore the northern edges of Nod-Krai – featuring the Lightkeeper headquarters at Piramida and the mysterious Lake Amsvartnir, rumored to lead to the lost Seelie realm of Hyperborea.
The three new Genshin Impact characters coming in Version 6.3 are: Columbina, Zibai, and Illuga. Columbina has been a long-awaited addition to the playable cast, and she is expected to join it as a 5-Star Hydro Catalyst capable of taking Lunar Reaction teams to new heights. As part of her ability kit, Columbina will provide off-field Hydro damage on top of enabling all three Lunar Reactions and granting them new effects. Zibai will be a 5-Star Geo Sword character in the primary role of a dedicated Lunar Crystallize hypercarry. Illuga, a 4-Star Geo Polearm from the Lightkeepers, is expected to be a premium support for Lunar Crystallize teams.
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Genshin Impact: Version 6.3 Overview
In terms of Event Banners, the livestream revealed that Columbina and Ineffa in Genshin Impact would feature in the first half of Version 6.3, while the second half would be headlined by Zibai and Neuvillette. No 4-Stars have been datamined for Version 6.3 as of December 29, 2025, but HoYoverse has confirmed that Illuga will accompany Zibai and Neuvillette. Zibai and especially Columbina are expected to garner plenty of interest with their debut banners, but given Ineffa's value as a Lunar-Charged support, her re-run may draw plenty of pulls as well.
Version 6.3 will also feature the Lantern Rite for 2026, introducing Zibai as a character via a new permanent storyline. Much like previous Lantern Rites, Genshin Impact players will be able to select a free copy of any 4-Star character from Liyue. The Lantern Rite will also give players an opportunity to earn a free outfit for Yao Yao, while an alternate outfit for Neuvillette in Genshin Impact will be discounted for the duration of the event. By completing the Archon Quest for Version 6.3, players will also be able to obtain free outfits for their respective Traveler, who will also be receiving major buffs as part of the update.
The new map expansion for Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact will add an island to the north of Paha Isle for players to explore. Its southern tip will feature the Lightkeeper city of Piramida, while Lake Amsvartnir will be found on the island's northern half. The new zone will also introduce a major base of operations for the Knights of Favonius, whose leader, Varka, is expected to join the playable cast in Version 6.4 as a 5-Star Anemo Claymore hypercarry built for Hexerei teams in Genshin Impact.
The livestream also teased a few upcoming Genshin Impact characters for 2026, with silhouettes allegedly hinting at Lohen, Varka, Nicole, Linnea, Snegurochka, and Sandrone. Sandrone is expected to change her model when she becomes a playable character, as was the case with Wanderer in Version 3.3 – and to a lesser extent, Baizhu and Skirk in Version 3.6 and Version 5.7, respectively. Fans can expect these six characters to release during the first half of 2026, with Lohen being a new Permanent Banner character. Version 6.3 is set to launch on January 14, 2026, with the Lantern Rite kicking off on January 30, 2026.
Genshin Impact
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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
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.
You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.
Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds...
MASSIVE OPEN WORLD
Climb any mountain, swim across any river, and glide over the world below, taking in the jaw-dropping scenery each step of the way. And if you stop to investigate a wandering Seelie or strange mechanism, who knows what you might discover?
ELEMENTAL COMBAT SYSTEM
Harness the seven elements to unleash elemental reactions. Anemo, Electro, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, and Geo interact in all sorts of ways, and Vision wielders have the power to turn this to their advantage.
Will you vaporize Hydro with Pyro, electro-charge it with Electro, or freeze it with Cryo? Your mastery of the elements will give you the upper hand in battle and exploration.
BEAUTIFUL VISUALS
Feast your eyes on the world around you, with a stunning art style, real-time rendering, and finely tuned character animations delivering you a truly immersive visual experience. Lighting and weather all change naturally over time, bringing every detail of this world to life.
SOOTHING SOUNDTRACK
Let the beautiful sounds of Teyvat draw you in as you explore the expansive world around you. Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the soundtrack changes seamlessly with the time and gameplay to match the mood.
BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM
Team up with a diverse cast of characters in Teyvat, each with their own unique personalities, stories, and abilities. Discover your favorite party combinations and level up your characters to help you conquer even the most daunting of enemies and domains.
JOURNEY WITH FRIENDS
Team up with friends across various platforms to trigger more elemental action, tackle tricky boss fights, and conquer challenging domains together to reap rich rewards.
As you stand atop the peaks of Jueyun Karst and take in the rolling clouds and vast terrain stretching out before you, you may wish to stay in Teyvat a little longer... But until you are reunited with your lost sibling, how can you rest? Go forth, Traveler, and begin your adventure!
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World
