With all the delays associated with Hoyoverse (Formerly MiHoYo) getting Version 2.7 live, it would not have been surprising were the company to have delayed the next update for Genshin Impact. Yet we need to wonder no longer about the release date, with Hoyoverse confirming that Genshin Impact Version 2.8: Summer Fantasia will be launching on-time on 13 July 2022. In the Summer Fantasia update, players will be able to visit or return to The Golden Apple Archipelago, with brand-new areas, story events, puzzles, treasures and other activities to enjoy. Furthermore, Meanwhile, Diluc and Fischl will sport fresh looks in their new outfits, while Kaedahara Kazuha and a bunch of old friends will be revisiting along with the new playable character Shikanoin Heizou.
The coming update will start the big Summertime Odyssey seasonal event, with the feature characters being Fischl, Xinyan, Kaedahara Kazuha and Mona. The Golden Apple Archipelago has undergone a drastic makeover, adding new realms, extensive exploration gameplay, more treasure chest, and unexpected storylines about the Traveler’s companions. There is also the opportunity to recruit 4-star character Fischl should you undertake these adventures.
The Golden Apple Archipelago also offers refreshing island recreations whether players journey solo or with friends. During the “Resonating Visions” event, players may collect special conches carrying tales and messages, and redeem Fischl’s new outfit. With the latest co-op event “Reminiscent Regimen,” players can set sail with friends together and complete various challenges at sea.
Meanwhile on land, Diluc, Kaedehara Kazuha, and the new playable four-star Shikanoin Heizou will receive events and stories of their own. Diluc will receive a new outfit featuring a distinctive look, new idle animation, and new effects, available in-store at a limited-time discount. The outfit also carries its back story that can be found in the “Hidden Strife” challenge event. Another character Kaedehara Kazuha is also ready to reveal more about himself with the first chapter of his Story Quest opening soon. Besides, his friend Shikanoin Heizou, a young genius crime solver for the Tenryou Commission, will premiere in Version 2.8. And players are welcome to join Heizou in being a detective for a day in his Hangout Event.
In combat, Shikanoin Heizou is noteworthy for being the first melee catalyst user in the game. He can deal Ameno damage with powerful strikes and kicks, and he can even cause extra elemental damage to enemies affected by Hydro/Pyro/Cryo/Electro. Heizou will be available in the Event Wishes of Kaedehara Kazuha’s and Klee’s rerun in the early phase of Version 2.8. Yoimiya’s Event Wish will be available in the later phase of the update.
For those who have yet to jump into Genshin Impact, it is a free-to-play gacha supported open-world adventure game in a similar style to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wilds. You can download it for free on the PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (Natively), iOS and Android platforms.
