Harkening in the new year with brand new content, HoYoverse has announced that Genshin Impact Version 5.3, titled “Incandescent Ode of Resurrection,” will be released on 1 January. This update introduces Mavuika, the long-awaited Pyro Archon, as a playable character (in addition to two more playable ccharacters) and continues the main storyline with a significant Archon Quest set in Natlan. The update also brings the Lantern Rite festival back to Liyue, offering players opportunities to earn rewards, including free characters, Primogems, and more.
In the new Act V of Natlan’s Archon Quest, the Traveler will unite with Mavuika and Natlan’s warriors for a climactic battle against the Abyssal Mimic Dragon, also known as the “Lord of Eroded Primal Fire”. This boss encounter marks a critical moment in the overarching storyline as the Traveler nears awakening their Pyro power, which for the first time they didn’t acquire by just entering the nation.
3 New Playable Characters
Mavuika, the Pyro Archon
Mavuika, also known as the Pyro Archon Haborym, finally joins the roster in Genshin Impact Version 5.3. Revered as Natlan’s most radiant protector, she brings two distinct combat styles to the battlefield. Equipped with a claymore and the ability to summon her Flamestrider mount, Mavuika excels in both offense and exploration. Her Elemental Skill, Ring of Searing Radiance, delivers continuous Pyro attacks while her mount allows her to traverse land, water, and even scale cliffs. By building Fighting Spirit with her allies, she can activate a powerful AoE Elemental Burst, entering a state of enhanced combat strength. Beyond her impressive Pyro abilities, Mavuika reduces her team’s Nightsoul Transmission Cooldown, offering tactical advantages. Players can delve deeper into her story through her dedicated Story Quest, available after completing the latest Archon Quest.
Granny Itztli (Citlali), the Cryo Shaman
Granny Itztli, also known as Citlali, is a 5-star Cryo Catalyst user with a unique blend of defensive and offensive abilities. A powerful shaman from the Masters of the Night-Wind, she is always accompanied by her two companions, Itzpapa and Citlalin, who assist her in both exploration and combat. These companions transform into cushions during exploration, enabling Granny Itztli to float gracefully in mid-air. In battle, she summons Cryo shields and powerful AoE Cryo storms, dealing massive damage and supporting her allies. Her Nightsoul’s Blessing state enhances her team’s damage output by reducing opponents’ Pyro and Hydro resistance during Frozen or Melt reactions, even while off-field. Her abilities make her a versatile choice for both crowd control and elemental synergy.
Lan Yan, the Anemo Catalyst User
Lan Yan, a 4-star Anemo Catalyst user from Liyue, brings innovation to the battlefield with her inherited Qimen Arts. Her abilities include deploying the Swallow-Wisp Shield, which can absorb elemental damage and convert its element into Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro for adaptive defense and offense. After the conversion, Lan Yan can launch into the air, dealing matching elemental damage to opponents below. As a Liyue native, Lan Yan debuts during the second half of Version 5.3, aligning with the festive Lantern Rite celebration.
In what is sure to be a challenge of managing Primogems, Mavuika and Citlali will have their own respective featured banners in the first half of Version 1.3, with reruns of Arlecchino and Clorinde joining Lan Yan in the second half of the update cycle.
Lantern Rite 2024
The annual Lantern Rite festival returns to Liyue, offering rewards such as:
- Primogems ×1,600 via in-game mails.
- Intertwined Fate ×10 through a daily login event.
- A free 4-star Liyue character for completing the festival’s events.
- A new glider, Wings of Fate’s Course Intertwined.
- A new outfit for Xiangling, “New Year’s Cheer,” unlocked by accumulating Festive Fever during the event. Hu Tao will also be receiving a new outfit, “Cherries Snow-Laden”, which will only be available via the in-game store – albeit at a limited time discount.
The festival includes mini-games such as the block-clearing “Immortal Combat” and a combat challenge with Stratagem buffs. Players can also share customized gift envelopes with companions and other Travelers.
New Features and Optimisations
ersion 5.3 brings several updates to enhance gameplay:
- A permanent rhythm game mode where players can compose and share musical scores.
- New Echo cosmetics for Kazuha and Ganyu in the Imaginarium Theater.
- Improved character level-up processes with direct links to a streamlined Training Guide.
- Increased Artifact Inventory Limit (2,100 slots).
- Faster boss respawn times (5 seconds) for smoother material farming.
The 300 Livestream Primogems
If you missed the livestream and have read this early enough, you can claim 300 Primogems (and some other goodies) by redeeming the three codes below:
- UAMPGJASECZH
- LT5NH2TTXUHM
- 4SLPH3BSFVH9
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play Gacha-supported action-adventure RPG game now available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS and Android.
