HoYoverse has announced that the next major update to their now longish-running open world adventure RPG game Genshin Impact will be launching on 20 November 2024 across all supporting platforms. Titled ‘Genshin Impact Version 5.2: Tapestry of Spirit and Flam’, this update introduces a range of new gameplay features, events, playable characters, and story opportunities.
Two new playable characters are set to feature as part of Version 5.2, one five-star and one four-star:
Chasca: A five-star Anemo bow wielder and peacekeeper from the Flower-Feather Clan, Chasca’s abilities incorporate mid-air combat with her unique weapon, Soulsniper. She can float and attack while airborne, utilising Shadowhunt Shells that transform to match the elemental affinities of her teammates, making her a versatile addition for elemental synergy. Her Elemental Burst attack divides into multiple bullets, each with elemental conversion potential, depending on her team composition.
Ororon: A four-star Electro bow wielder from the Masters of the Night-Wind, Ororon’s abilities enhance mobility, increasing his team’s glide speed and vertical movement. In his Spiritspeaker state, activated during Aimed Shots, Ororon can uncover hidden elements and draw energy from Natlan’s ancient runes. He accumulates Nightsoul Points through his teammates’ Electro or Hydro attacks, increasing his Electro-based damage output and supporting allies with area-of-effect taunts and Nightsoul-aligned damage.
Chasca and Ororon are both set to feature in the first half of Version 5.2, along with a re-rerun of Lyney. The latter half of the update’s lifecycle will see a rerun of both the Zhongli and Neuvillette banners.
The Archon Quest Chapter V: Interlude, titled All Fires Fuel the Flame, provides a moment of relief for players as they aid the Flower-Feather Clan in recovering from Abyssal contamination, with help from characters such as the Captain and Iansan. Meanwhile, the main seasonal event, Iktomi Spiritseeking Scrolls, invites players to team up with Citlali and Ororon to investigate a mysterious incident among the Masters of the Night-Wind. This event includes a range of activities, from combat challenges to assembling woven scrolls and gathering spirits, with rewards such as Primogems and the exclusive 4-star sword, Calamity of Eshu. As players explore these new areas, they’ll also encounter Abyssal foes like the Tenebrous Papilla, a boss that can shift forms to become even more formidable.
Other Features of the update include:
New Saurian Companions
The update introduces two new Saurian creatures with distinct abilities:
- Qucusaurs: Known for long-distance horizontal glides, Qucusaurs can also perform mid-air rolls and accelerate using Phlogiston.
- Iktomisaurs: These creatures specialise in vertical leaps, allowing players to reach high vantage points or hidden areas. They also grant players the ability to reveal hidden objects and absorb Phlogiston to create temporary graffiti or mystical objects.
New Area: Ochkanatlan
After only receiving a few tweaks in Version 5.1, Natlan finally receives its first major update. Ochkanatlan is a multi-layered city filled with ancient secrets, Abyssal corruption, and dangerous creatures, including a new dragon boss. Players will encounter Cocouik, a new companion who aids in clearing Abyssal contamination. With the help of the aforementioned Qucusaurs and Iktomisaurs, players can traverse this complex cityscape, which contains hidden paths and intricate puzzles that reveal more about Natlan’s history and its relationship with dragons.
Phlogiston and Aerial Mechanics
The update enhances Phlogiston mechanics with Gaseous Phlogiston Lumps for sustained flight and Phlogiston Wind Tunnels that allow fast, one-way travel through certain areas.
New Abyssal Monsters and Boss Challenges
- Tenebrous Mimiflora: A mimic that can replicate other monsters’ forms, this creature deploys a Void Ward, applying a stacking Attrition effect that reduces player health over time.
- Tenebrous Papilla: A formidable boss capable of morphing into other bosses by drawing from contaminated Ley Line memories. To defeat it, players must break its protective barriers using Elemental or Nightsoul-aligned attacks.
Quality-of-Life Updates
- Artifacts: New auto-lock settings for Artifacts allow batch-locking, and a marking system makes it easier to filter and prioritise items.
- Imaginarium Theater: Improvements include streamlined combat transitions, added character and boss information, and records of borrowed characters.
- Serenitea Pot: The update adds more seed storage, allows wood purchases with Realm Currency, and reduces cooldowns for wood-gathering abilities.
