The highly anticipated Genshin Impact Version 5.5 special program has officially wrapped up, delivering a wave of exciting announcements from HoYoVerse. Fans can look forward to fresh characters, brand-new artifacts, and an entirely new region to explore in Natlan. The update, set to go live on March 26, 2025, promises plenty of content to keep players engaged.
New Characters and Banners in Version 5.5
Genshin Impact Version 5.5 will introduce two new characters in the first phase: Varesa, a five-star Electro Catalyst user, and Iansan, a four-star Electro Polearm wielder. Alongside them, Xianyun will make a reappearance in the banners. Players who enjoy catalyst characters will also have a chance to obtain Varesa’s signature weapon, Vivid Notions Catalyst, through the corresponding weapon banner.
The second phase of the update will bring back the popular five-star Anemo Bow user, Venti, while also debuting another fresh face: Xilonen, a five-star Geo Sword user. These banners are expected to stir excitement, particularly for players looking to add a new Geo main DPS to their roster.
Fresh Artifacts and Their Potential Users
Two new artifact sets will be introduced in this update, each with unique benefits that could shake up character builds:
- Long Night’s Oath: Enhances Plunging Attack DMG, making it an excellent choice for characters like Xiao, who rely heavily on aerial combat.
- Finale of the Deep Galleries: Boosts Cryo DMG, Normal Attack DMG, and Elemental Burst DMG when the character has 0 Elemental Energy. Currently, there are no characters who can fully take advantage of this set, but future updates may introduce a perfect candidate.
These artifacts will likely open up new possibilities for team compositions and playstyles, particularly for those who favor plunge attacks or Cryo-based strategies.
Natlan Expansion: The Sacred Mountain and Sanctified Land
Genshin Impact’s ever-growing world will expand once again with the addition of a new region in Natlan. Players will get the chance to explore The Sacred Mountain and Sanctified Land, a terrain expected to bring fresh environmental challenges and lore-rich storytelling. Details about this region’s mechanics and enemies remain limited, but expectations are high for breathtaking landscapes and unique gameplay elements.
In addition, the game will introduce a formidable new boss—Lava Dragon Statue—which is expected to test players’ combat skills. Given the name, it’s likely to be a Pyro-based opponent, which means Hydro and Cryo characters could be the best choices to counter its attacks.
Upcoming Events and Free Character Reward
The highlight event of Version 5.5 will be the Tournament of Glory in Bloom, where players can earn valuable rewards, including a free copy of Ororon. This event’s promotional image features Iansan, Varesa, and Ifa—another character who has yet to become playable, hinting at future story developments.
Other limited-time events that will appear throughout the patch include:
- Quirky Quaking Arena
- Rhythm Ball Meztli
These events typically feature a mix of mini-games, combat trials, and puzzle-solving challenges, offering Primogems and upgrade materials as rewards.
What to Expect Moving Forward
With Genshin Impact Version 5.5 shaping up to be a significant update, players have plenty to look forward to. The introduction of new characters, an expanded region, and limited-time events ensures that both new and veteran Travelers will have fresh content to experience. As the game continues to evolve, many are already speculating about what surprises HoYoVerse has planned for the next major update.
