Genshin Impact Reveals Version 2.6 Release Date & Details Including New Character, Location, & More

Today HoYoverse revealed update 2.6 of its popular action RPG Genshin Impact, titled “Zephyr of the Violet Garden.”

We learn that it’ll launch on March 30, and it’ll include a brand new area named the “Chasm” and a new character, Kamisato Ayato, brother of Ayaka.

Of course, events will be included, alongside plenty more goodies to enjoy. You can find a trailer (including the Japanese version if that’s your voice-over language of choice), a gallery of images, and an official description directly from the press release below.

“Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world action RPG that brings players to the visually stunning world of Teyvat. The player takes on the role of the mysterious “Traveler,” who sets off on a journey to discover the fate of their lost sibling and unveils the mysterious secrets of Teyvat along the way. Currently, players can explore Mondstadt, Liyue Harbor, and Inazuma, three of the seven major cities in Teyvat, each with unique cultures, stories, and vast regions, and offering a diversity of creatures, monsters, secrets, and hidden treasures for players to discover. Further cities, stories, characters, and seasonal events will be released as the game progresses!

As Liyue’s primary source of ores, The Chasm consists of a distinct violet-red area with an unfathomably deep space underground. The area has been closed due to a series of mysterious accidents and is now overrun by monsters, Treasure Hoarders, and the Fatui. The new boss enemy Ruin Serpent and unknown danger from the Abyss also await at the end of The Chasm, where the main story continues with the new Archon Quest “Requiem of the Echoing Depths” in the company of Dainsleif. Meanwhile, a gadget named the Lumenstone Adjuvant will be handed to players to help illuminate pathways. Travelers can also unlock bountiful rewards including a four-star Weapon Billet and an all-new Namecard.

After the Sakoku Decree was abolished, Inazuma and the Magnificent Irodori Festival are now welcoming talents and guests all across Teyvat. Organized by the Yashiro Commission and Yae Miko, this year’s Irodori Festival will invite Venti, Xingqiu, and many old acquaintances to celebrate a time of arts and culture. In the meantime, rich rewards always come with festivities and games, ranging from taking themed photographs for a Mondstadt bard, clearing stages in the upgraded Theater Mechanicus, dueling in sword fighting, or practicing the art of flower arrangement. With all challenges accomplished, players can unlock a chance to recruit the four-star playable character Xingqiu.

Kamisato Ayato will make his debut as the newest five-star character during Version 2.6. As the young but highly accomplished head of the Yashiro Commission’s Kamisato Clan, Ayato is a man of many ways and means. In his Story Quest, players will see how Ayato handles troubles and an unusual occasion as Inazuma steps into a new era of progress. In terms of combat, Ayato wields a sword and holds the Hydro Vision. He can unleash immense Hydro damage in a short amount of time, and is capable of increasing the effects of his party’s Normal Attacks.

Players may recruit Kamisato Ayato and Venti in their Character Event Wishes, followed by the first rerun of Kamisato Ayaka in the latter half of the update. The Weapon Event Wish will feature a new five-star sword from Inazuma called “Haran Geppaku Futsu,” among others.”

If you want to learn more about Genshin Impact, you can read our review and watch the trailer dedicated to Kamisato Ayaka, one starring Yoimiya, one showing Sayu, two focusing on Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn and Kujou Sara, one showcasing the Raiden Shogun, one focusing on Sangonomiya Kokomi, one showcasing Thoma, one featuring Arataki Itto, one starring Gorou, one showcasing Shenhe, one focusing on Yun Jin, and one showcasing Yae Miko.

The game is currently available for PS5, PS4, PC, iOS, and Android.