Are you awaiting new adventures in Tyvatt? Developer MiHoYo has this evening confirmed that the next major patch – Update 2.4 – will go live for Genshin Impact on 5 January 2022. This update is subtitled ‘Fleeting Colors in Flight’, and shall bring new content, including the second annual Lantern Rite Festival, the new ‘Enkanomiya’ map area, newly playable characters Shenhe and Yunjin, and more.
The main new feature is the new area, Enkanomiya. Unlike the other islands in Inazuma, Enkanomiya is a huge floating island located beneath the ocean, constantly eroded by the Abyss. Ancestors of the people of Watatsumi Island once lived there, leaving the ruins of an ancient civilization that are older than any other relics found on land. Without day and night underground, players will find a way to use Dainichi Mikoshi, the artificial sun developed by the ancient civilization, as they delve into the puzzles and depths of Enkanomiya.
Dangerous enemies also await in the unknown new area. Living in the dark waters of Enkanomiya, Bathysmal Vishaps are cunning social predators who can hunt together and take advantage of their surroundings in combat. More enemies also show up from the Abyss. The Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames can unleash Pyro attacks that deal delayed bursts of damage regardless if characters are shielded or not.
The two new playable characters joining at the start of Version 2.4 are both polearm users and are described as “reliable supports to the team”. The new five-star character Shenhe not only wields the power of Cryo herself but also increases the Cryo damage dealt by her teammates. Her Elemental Skill can also boost either nearby party members’ Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst damage, or their Normal, Plunging, and Charged Attack damage. The four-star character Yun Jin owns a Geo Vision, and she can buff her teammates’ Normal Attacks based on her Defense and the variety of Visions in the player’s party. As an opera master, Yun Jin’s opera performance will be voiced by a professional Peking Opera Artist, while her daily-life dialogues will be delivered by voice actors in different languages. Players may also recruit Xiao, Ganyu, and Zhongli in their own Event Wishes during the upcoming version.
As the world of Teyvat sees its own new year arrive in Version 2.4,Liyue Harbor will once again be packed with games, stalls, vendors, and all sorts of festivities to celebrate the Lantern Rite. In this year, the Traveler can also pitch in to help Ningguang and the locals rebuild the Jade Chamber. Meanwhile, a range of rewards including 10 Intertwined Fates, a chance to get one of the eight free four-star Liyue characters (Including Yun Jin), and Ningguang’s new outfit Orchid’s Evening Gown can be obtained in the latest seasonal events. Keqing’s new outfit Opulent Splendor will also be on sale with a limited-time discount.
Haven’t played Genshin Impact yet? You can now download the game for free on the PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android and iOS gaming platforms. Keep in mind that while you get a lot of content in Genshin Impact’s open-world for free, the game is supported by a gacha system that requires grinding or real money spent to unlock characters and high-level weapons outside of events.
