Genshin Impact – Version 4.4 Launches January 31st, Adds New Area and Free 4-Star Character

Genshin Impact is expected to start its official drip marketing for Chiori on December 29, 2024, though a reliable leak has shared an early preview of what players can hope to see from her ability kit. Though Version 4.3 was considered a dry patch, its Flagship Event introduced Genshin Impact fans to Chiori, a former acquaintance of Kamisato Ayato, and the owner of Chioriya Boutique in the Court of Fontaine. It didn't take long for her to become a fan-favorite, and while Version 4.4 will instead focus on the Lantern Rite, Chiori is expected to make her playable debut in Version 4.5.

With Version 4.4 set for release on January 31, 2024, Genshin Impact has revealed the character teaser for the upcoming 5-Star Anemo Catalyst Xianyun. Though Version 4.4 is set to bring a new Lantern Rite event, Chenyu Vale, three alternate skins, and two playable characters to Genshin Impact, its community hasn't exactly been happy with the annual rewards provided by the game, especially when compared to the generosity shown by the team working on Honkai: Star Rail.

Farming the materials for Xianyun’s Ascension in is the first step to unlocking the character’s full potential as a support unit. Xianyun is a 5-star hero who debuts in Version 4.4. She is the human form of the Adepti known as Cloud Retainer. Xianyun has an Anemo Vision and uses a catalyst in battle, allowing her to trigger Swirl Elemental Reactions with her Normal Attacks. This is, however, not the focus of Xianyun’s kit in , as she is instead specialized in buffing and healing her teammates, while also granting them an increase to their jump height.

A new leak regarding Version 4.8 has been shared, hinting at another limited-time map, though this one is set to be in the region of Fontaine. Although the live-service game by HoYoverse is currently in Version 4.3, moving towards Version 4.4 in late January, there have allegedly been leaks about content planned for later in the year, including for the release of Natlan in . The game has long been struggling with leaks – most of the planned content for Fontaine in Version 4.0 was shared months before its release, and the majority of it was accurate.

Genshin Impact’s next update, version 4.4, will drop on January 31st. As well as bringing back the game’s Lantern Festival with rewards including a new outfit, Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze will bring the usual additions of new characters, quests and a boss. There’ll also be a new area showcased with some shiny new visual tech, that you’ll be able to explore by transforming into a flying fish.

It's shaping up to be a Geo-centered update on Genshin Impact in the near future, as both Albedo and Itto have been missing for over ten patches since their last banner appearance. Waiting lists for limited characters are a favorite in the Genshin Impact community, as it helps players chart their gacha journey by being mindful of the last time a 5-Star character had their rerun. While there is always a chance that an Event Banner in Genshin Impact receives an early rerun, as is the case with Yoimiya, HoYoverse tends to prioritize characters who haven't had a reappearance in recent versions.

The latest Special Preview Program for Genshin Impact has revealed an ambitious slate of new content coming in Version 4.4, which also includes skins for Ganyu, Shenhe, and Xingqiu, as well as confirming the event banners for Xianyun, Nahida, Xiao, and Yae Miko. Chenyu Vale in Genshin Impact is finally making its debut, as the new zone will bridge the gap between Fontaine and Liyue, and connect the two nations together. In addition to exploring its breathtaking sights, Genshin Impact players will also be able to aid the local adeptus in healing the land, and even challenge a new world boss.

The details about 4.4 have been officially confirmed by developer HoYoverse following the related livestream. A lot of the content that is planned for the upcoming patch has already been shared by leakers. Nevertheless, the official reveal comes as good news, as leaks can be inaccurate or subject to change ahead of the release of the Version. Among the reveals are Xianyun’s leaked gameplay kit in 4.4, facts about this year’s version of the Lantern Rite Festival, and even two map expansions to the region of Liyue.

Hello, Travelers! The Genshin Impact dev team is excited to wish you all the best for the new year and announce our first version update of 2024! Version 4.4 Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze will be released on January 31 and brings us back to Liyue! You are invited to join Xianyun and Gaming to celebrate the new year in Teyvat, enjoy the festivities and obtain numerous rewards, including 10 + 3 Intertwined Fate, a free 4-star Liyue character, and a new outfit for Xingqiu.

A new Genshin Impact leak suggests version 4.8 will add a limited-time map that is similar to Fontaine in terms of design. Since its initial launch, Genshin Impact has introduced three temporary locations, with the last one being version 3.8's Veluriyam Mirage, which featured a variety of content, including puzzles and quests. These event-exclusive destinations not only contributed to the game's ongoing story but also offered many treasure chests. Following the conclusion of events, they were permanently removed from the map of Teyvat.

A new Genshin Impact chart has revealed the most used characters in the current Phase 2 of Version 4.4 Spiral Abyss. This domain is considered by many to be the hardest piece of end-game content, as it often requires Travelers to adapt their team composition to exploit the enemies' weaknesses.

A recent Genshin Impact leak hints at the inclusion of birthday banners, revealing that the game's permanent wish will receive a significant update soon. Genshin Impact's banner system promotes a limited number of characters, meaning players can't find a chance to get many old units that aren't featured on the Wanderlust Invocation and event wishes. Though the Wanderlust Invocation offers non-event exclusive characters, this permanent pool still lacks the majority of five-star banners.