HoYoverse has announced that Genshin Impact Version 5.5, titled Day of the Flame’s Return, will be released on 26 March 2025. This update expands the game’s world into the southwestern region of Natlan, where players will encounter the Collective of Plenty, a new tribe, and explore the Great Volcano of Tollan. The update also introduces new playable characters, Varesa and Iansan, along with a Saurian companion, the Tatankasaurus.
The Great Volcano of Tollan, long regarded as a sacred mountain, now opens its depths for exploration. Within, players can discover remnants of an ancient city constructed by the Dragonborn, with the mysteries of the “Flamelord’s Blessing” and the Little One waiting to be uncovered. Accessing the Sacred City of Tollan requires a special method however, so it doesn’t appear to be an area one can access immediately.
Along the way, players will meet the Collective of Plenty, a tribe known for its dedication to physical prowess and strength-based competitions. The fertile volcanic soil sustains their rich harvests, but occasional eruptions send falling rocks across the land. During these events, players can transform into the Tatankasaurus, a powerful Saurian from the tribe, capable of breaking through Pulverite rocks and briefly dashing across water or liquid Phlogiston.
New characters Varesa and Iansan will also debut in this update. Varesa is a 5-star Electro Catalyst user whose combat style revolves around Plunging Attacks and her Fiery Passion state, enhancing her Electro-based damage output. She also possesses a unique talent that helps restore Phlogiston after consuming food. Despite her ferocity in battle, her Tribal Chronicle suggests she maintains a particularly laid-back lifestyle.
After first debuting in the first chapter of the Natlan narrative, and even representing the region in some of Genshin Impact’s earliest trailers, Iansan is finally becoming playable this update. She is a 4-star Electro Polearm user who serves as both a combat support and healer. Her Elemental Burst enhances the on-field character’s attack power, even when she is off-field, with the buff increasing based on the distance her teammates move. Additionally, her healing ability, Warming Up, is activated when teammates trigger a Nightsoul Burst. In the first phase of the Version 5.5 Event Wishes, Varesa and Iansan will appear alongside a rerun of Xianyun, followed by reruns for Xilonen and Venti.
Version 5.5 also marks the return of Natlan’s Bloomflower Trials, where players will team up with characters such as Mavuika and Ifa to assist a Saurian suffering from a rare illness. Additionally, the “Saurian Treasure Seeker” mini-game will allow players to help baby Saurians overcome obstacles and gather treasures, with Ororon available as a free event reward.
New challenges and system optimizations will be introduced in this update, including a new boss, the Lava Dragon Statue, which lurks within the geothermal fissures of the volcano. Additionally, artifact enhancement mechanics will be improved, ensuring that upgrading artifacts with Sanctifying Elixirs guarantees at least two upgrades to selected Minor Affixes.
