With the Natlan region updates well underway with a new Archon questline arc, several new meta characters, and an Xbox release among other recent improvements,Genshin Impacthas had quite a strong year throughout 2024. However,Genshin Impactis already well on track for another massive year in 2025, potentially starting the year off with an immediate bang.
Based on HoYoverse’s update release schedule,Genshin Impact’s 5.3 updateis expected to be released on January 1, kicking the year off with a suite of new improvements and features. This update has been a long time coming for many fans ever since the Natlan region was first introduced in the 5.0 update, namely because of the new playable characters that are expected to be introduced in the 5.3 update.
Genshin Impact’s 5.3 Update Will Potentially Be Stacked With New Characters
While there’s no official announcement for what to expect fromGenshin Impact’s 5.3 update yet, early leaks and rumors suggest that the main attraction of this update will arguably be the new playable characters introduced throughout this update. So far, the 5.3 update is speculated to introduce at least three new playable characters.
Genshin Impact’s 5.3 Update is Expected to Introduce Mavuika the Pyro Archon
One of the new playable characters anticipated forGenshin Impact’s 5.3 update is Mavuika, the Natlan region’s Pyro Archon. Both in terms of lore and gameplay, Archons are considered to be among the strongest characters, so whenGenshin Impact’s Pyro Archon Mavuikafinally releases, she’s expected to significantly shift the current meta. Mavuika is believed to be a five-star Pyro Claymore user, who will serve as a primary on-field DPS unit.
Genshin Impact’s Citlali Could Bring the Drought of Cryo Character to an End
Another character rumored to be introduced inGenshin Impact’s 5.3 update is a Cryo Catalyst user known as Citlali, who is believed to be a shield-support unit. Currently, leaks are still uncertain of whether Citlali will be a five-star or a four-star character. Although, regardless of Citlali’s rarity, a new Cryo character will still be a cause for celebration, considering the currentyear-long drought of Cryo characters inGenshin Impactcould finally be brought to an end in the 5.3 update.
Recent leaks forGenshin Impactalso claim thata new Chronicled Wish Banner might be coming in version 5.3, potentially featuring reruns of five-star Liyue characters.
Genshin Impact’s 5.3 Update Could Finally Introduce the Pyro Traveler
Normally the new Elemental attunements for the Traveler main character are introduced early on in the series of regional updates, so fans have been suspensefully waiting for the Natlan updates to introduce the Pyro Traveler. Based on recent leaks and rumors, the 5.3 update could finally introduce the Pyro Traveler. Details are still sparse aboutthe Pyro Traveler’s potential ability kit, but some leaks already claim that the Pyro Traveler will have abilities that can synergize with other Natlan characters’ Nightsoul’s Blessing States.
Genshin Impact’s 5.3 Update Will Start the New Year Strong
Between these three new playable characters alone,Genshin Impact’s 5.3 update is anticipated to be nothing short of a game-changer. Beyond this, fans can also look forward to the next steps ofGenshin Impact’s Natlan Archon questline, as well as the anticipated return of the Lantern Rite Festival event, among other surprise features and improvements that have yet to be officially revealed.
Overall,Genshin Impact’s Natlan region updates have been relatively well-received by fans, so the remaining updates from this region’s arc are naturally expected to be significant milestones for the game. Based on unofficial sneak peeks,Genshin Impact’s 5.3 update is already well on track to kick off the new year with another great update.
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds…
