HoYoverse officially confirmed massive content updates for Genshin Impact Version 6.3 during their latest developer livestream. The update launches on January 14, 2026. It brings long-awaited characters, a major map expansion, and the annual Lantern Rite festival.
Genshin Impact 6.3: New Banners & Playable Characters
Version 6.3 introduces three new characters to the roster.
- Columbina:
The highly anticipated “Fatui Harbinger” arrives in the first half of the update. She is a 5-Star Hydro Catalyst user. Her kit focuses on off-field Hydro damage and buffs all three “Lunar Reactions”. Ineffa, a Lunar-Charged support, joins her for a re-run banner. - Zibai:
The second half features Zibai and a re-run for Neuvillette. Zibai debuts as a 5-Star Geo Sword user. He functions as a dedicated “Lunar Crystallize” hypercarry. - Illuga:
Illuga joins the cast in the second phase. Illuga is a 4-Star Geo Polearm user from the “Lightkeepers” and serves as a premium support for “Lunar Crystallize” teams. Currently, no other 4-Star characters are confirmed for the update.
Nod-Krai Map Expansion & Story Finale
The update expands the Nod-Krai region northward. Players will explore a new island north of Paha Isle. This zone contains Piramida, the Lightkeeper headquarters, on its southern tip. The northern half features the mysterious Lake Amsvartnir. Rumours suggest this lake leads to the lost Seelie realm of Hyperborea. Furthermore, the Knights of Favonius will establish a major base of operations here.
Genshin Impact 6.3 also concludes the primary Nod-Krai storyline. The Archon Quest pits players against Dottore and determines Columbina’s ultimate fate. Upon completing this quest, travellers receive major buffs and a free outfit.
Lantern Rite 2026 & Future Teasers
The Lantern Rite festival begins on January 30, 2026. This permanent event introduces Zibai via a new storyline. As usual, players can select a free 4-Star character from “Liyue”. The event also offers a free outfit for Yao Yao and a discounted outfit for Neuvillette.
Looking ahead, HoYoverse teased content for the rest of 2026. Varka is expected to release in Version 6.4 as a 5-Star Anemo Claymore hypercarry for “Hexerei” teams. Other upcoming characters include Lohen, a future Permanent Banner unit, and Sandrone. Similar to the Wanderer, Sandrone will likely receive a model change before her release. Developers also hinted at future characters Nicole, Linnea, and Snegurochka, for the first half of 2026.
