HoYoverse has announced that the next major update for Genshin Impact, Version Luna V, is scheduled to release on 25 February 2026. Titled “Song of the Welkin Moon: Variation — Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind,” the update focuses on a return to the region of Mondstadt, where the player’s initial journey began.
The headline addition for Version Luna V is the debut of Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and Knight of Boreas. After being a background lore figure since the game’s launch and appearing as part of the Nod-Krai questline, Varka will join the roster as a playable 5-star Anemo claymore user. While players initially learned of his easygoing nature during early Mondstadt storytelling, narratives set in Nod-Krai have depicted a more bold and dependable side to his personality. His personal Story Quest will deal with a crisis facing the Great Wolf King of the North, where Varka leads allies against a new “Wild Hunt” calamity.
Mechanically, Varka utilises a unique dual-wield combat style capable of dealing two types of Elemental damage simultaneously. His Elemental Skill buffs his Normal Attacks and converts the damage type of his right-hand claymore to match his teammates’ elements (Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo), while his left-hand claymore continues to deal Anemo damage. His kit includes a “Hexerei” effect designed to boost damage and allow for the frequent use of special Elemental Skills and Stamina-free Charged Attacks. Players can also unlock a free weapon appearance for Varka after defeating a specific Wolf Spirit fragment in battle.
Regarding the “Event Wish” banners for this version, the first phase will feature the debut of Varka alongside a rerun of Flins. The second phase will see the return of Skirk and Escoffier. HoYoverse has also confirmed that the Chronicled Wish, specifically featuring Mondstadt characters, will return during this update.
The flagship event for Version Luna V invites players to revisit Mondstadt. In the “Echoes of Memory” event, players must use a Spotter Kamera to identify subtle differences in familiar environments. Other event activities include a beverage crafting minigame tailored to NPC tastes, as well as new Gliding and Combat Challenges. In the combat portion, players can summon “Knight Shadows” to target enemy weaknesses. Participation in these events allows players to earn the “Phantasmal Gift: Star Omen”, a weapon appearance compatible with Catalyst users.
Additional content includes a new photography challenge covering Natlan, Fontaine, and Sumeru, a strategic defense game mode, and updates to the Travelers’ Tales. The Miliastra Wonderland will receive a new voice feature and associated gameplay modes. Furthermore, a new Manekin/Manekina cosmetic set titled “Owl Envoy” will be available to claim for free through in-game events.
