Are you ready for the next big update of Genshin Impact, the popular open-world RPG from miHoYo? The 4.4 update is expected to launch on January 31, 2024, bringing new and exciting content to the game.
According to the latest leaks, we can look forward to new characters, skins, locations, and events in the 4.4 update. This article will give you a sneak peek of what’s coming and why you should be hyped. Let’s get started!
New Characters: Madame Ping and Liondancer
The 4.4 update throws two highly-anticipated characters into the arena: Madame Ping and Liondancer! (Madame Ping takes center stage, potentially dethroning Cloud Retainer as the main banner character.) This 5-star Adeptus veteran of the Archon War, with a deep connection to the Geo Archon Zhongli, also holds the keys to your realm – the charming teapot. Prepare for fiery chaos as Madame Ping wields a Pyro catalyst and summons a colossal lotus flower that pummels enemies and heals allies. Remember, details like abilities and playstyle are based on current leaks and may shift before the official release.
Liondancer, a vibrant young boy masked in lion’s grace, joins the fray in the 4.4 update! Grasping a polearm and affiliated with the ever-unique Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, this 4-star character enjoys a close bond with director Hu Tao. It harbors youthful admiration for the Vigilant Yaksha, Xiao. Whispers suggest he’ll dance the winds of Anemo as a polearm user, weaving acrobatic moves and whipping up helpful currents. Remember, like Liondancer’s energetic spirit, leaked abilities and playstyles might evolve before the official release.
These two new characters will add more diversity and fun to the game as they have unique designs, personalities, and backgrounds. They will also enrich the story and lore of Genshin Impact. It’s about unraveling secrets that bind them to cherished heroes and uncharted lands. How do you feel about these new characters? Are you excited to try them out? Let us know in the comments below!
New Location: Chenyu Vale
Another exciting feature of the 4.4 update is adding a new location: Chenyu Vale. Chenyu Vale is a Liyue sub-area between Fontaine and Sumeru, located near Qiaoying Village and Yilong Port. This is famous for its tea leaves, which have a special origin and meaning. Chenyu Vale also has a lot of mountains and rivers, which make its climate relatively humid.
Chenyu Vale has a rich history and legends, as it was once under the dominion of an Adeptus known as the Herblord, who fought in the Archon War and took the form of a young lady. She had a close friendship with another Adeptus, who planted a tea tree on Mt. Yaojun, a sacred mountain in Chenyu Vale. The tea tree was later grafted by the people who lived on the mountain, and its leaves became famous in Liyue Harbor and other areas. However, the tea tree only grows well in Chenyu Vale, as it remembers the promise between the two friends.
New Skins: Ganyu and Shenhe
The game will delight fans with new skins for Ganyu and Shenhe, both 5-star Cryo characters. According to the latest leaks, these skins will be part of the Lantern Rite Festival, a major Liyue event celebrating the Lunar New Year. The skins are expected to have a traditional Chinese style, with black and blue colors as the main theme.
The new skin for Ganyu is called Mysterious Jade Fragrance, and it features a formal dress with leg rings and bare feet. The dress has a high slit on the side, revealing Ganyu’s legs and her blue scales. The dress also has a blue ribbon on the back, which matches her hair and eyes. The skin gives Ganyu a more elegant and mature look while retaining her cute and shy personality.
The new skin for Shenhe is called Cold Flower, Secret Dew, and it features a long robe with a fur collar and sleeves. The robe has a floral pattern on the hem and a blue belt on the waist. The skin also has a blue headband and earrings, contrasting with Shenhe’s white hair and skin. The skin gives Shenhe a more graceful and refined look while still showing her cheerful and lively attitude.
New Events: Lantern Rite Festival and More
The 4.4 update will also bring back the Lantern Rite Festival, a major Liyue event celebrating the Lunar New Year. The Lantern Rite Festival is a time to honor the fallen heroes, make wishes with lanterns, and enjoy various festivities. The Lantern Rite Festival has three stages, each with different quests, activities, and rewards.
The first stage, We’ve Only Just Begun, will start on January 19, 2023. In this stage, players can participate in the Lantern Rite Tales, which are requests from the people of Liyue that will increase the Festive Fever and unlock more content. Players can also join the Theater Mechanicus, a tower defense mini-game, to test their strategy and skills. Peace Talismans, the spoils of your Mechanicus mastery, unlock a trove of wonders in the Xiao Market. “Celebration: Lantern-Light,” a new name card ablaze with festivity, is just one tempting prize that awaits your valiant efforts.
The second stage, Guests Flock From Afar, will start on January 25, 2023. In this stage, players can continue the Lantern Rite Tales and the Theater Mechanicus and unlock the Stand by Me event. In this event, players can choose one 4-star Liyue character to obtain for free as long as they have reached a certain Festive Fever level and own at least one copy of the six featured characters.
The third and final stage is called Glow of a Thousand Lanterns, and it will start on January 31, 2023. In this stage, players can complete the Lantern Rite Tales and the Theater Mechanicus and witness the Mingxiao Convergence. This special cutscene will show the release of the Mingxiao Lantern, a giant lantern representing the spirit of Liyue and its heroes. The Mingxiao Lantern will light up the night sky and grant the people’s wishes.