Genshin Impact‘s latest major update launch is coming ever closer, adding the much anticipated new character Yae Miko. Judging from Yae Miko’s debut and other additions, Genshin Impact version 2.5 is set to be a very Inazuma-oriented update. Here’s everything that we’ve compiled from leaks and official announcements regarding the Genshin Impact 2.5 Update.
Genshin Impact 2.5 Update Release Date
According to rumors swirling about on the internet, miHoYo might release Version 2.5 around February 16, 2022, until March 30. In addition, this timing could coincide with the in-game Spring Festival. miHoYo already said that it plans to release new content for the game “every 6 weeks” since the game’s debut, and they’ve been consistent so far. Version 2.4 itself was launched on January 5, and as you can see the schedule should line up perfectly.
When Will the Genshin Impact 2.5 Livestream Start?
Most of the time, the Livestream where miHoYo officially announces new content and gives away free Primogems codes is scheduled two weeks before the release of a new update. With that in mind, we can expect the Genshin Impact 2.5 Livestream to be broadcasted on Friday, February 4, 2022.
New Characters and Rerun Banners: Yae Miko and Kuki Shinobu
The long-awaited Yae Miko is expected to be a 5-star Electro character and will be available to pull in the first Wish banner of Version 2.5. You can read more about how to level her Ascension and Talent up in our Yae Miko Materials List article. According to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Discord server, here’s how her playstyle works:
- Yae Miko won’t need to be paired with Raiden Shogun.
- She does not have an issue with Energy Recharge.
- Her primary source of damage will be the Charged Attack.
- Yae’s Artifact sets don’t need the usual ATK/Electro DMG/Crit setup.
- Some rumors suggest Elemental Mastery sands might be required.
Based on SaveYourPrimos‘ Genshin Impact leak sources, there is a good chance that Kuki Shinobu, the deputy of the Arataki Gang that Arataki Itto himself is scared of, could be released together with Yae Miko as the 4-star Electro unit and might be using the young female character model just like Ayaka, Sucrose, or Yanfei.
Along with Yae Miko, three Inazuma characters might also be getting rerun Wish banners in Genshin Impact 2.5 Update. However, a credible source Lumie has mentioned that Yae Miko will not be getting a concurrent banner, thus the rerun banners might not be available in the first half of Version 2.5:
- Kokomi.
- Kazuha.
- and Raiden Shogun.
New Alternate Skins for Genshin Impact 2.5 Update?
In late January 2022, miHoYo finally released the new alternate skins for Jean, Amber, Rosaria, and Mona. These Alternate Outfits were reportedly added because of pressure from the Chinese government regarding racy content in video games. However, that won’t be the end of it.
As seen above, supposedly there was a leak from the Genshin Impact Chinese server that shows Yoimiya, Raiden, Ayaka, and Kokomi are also getting redesigns. And the same leak also mentioned that Raiden Shogun will even get a complete Ultimate animation overhaul as well. Considering the rerun banners rumor, Version 2.5 could indeed be the perfect time to introduce the new skins.
Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko Story Quest and New Weekly Boss
Genshin Impact 2.5 Update will finally release Imperatrix Umbrosa Act II, the continuation of Raiden Shogun’s story questline. Together with Raiden’s second chapter and her playable debut, of course, the Head Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine will also come with her own story quest too. The words on the street added that Raiden Shogun is coming as a Weekly Boss and the Electro Archon will probably drop materials for Yae Miko, Kamisato Ayato, and other future characters.
New or Changes to In-game Areas
Fans are expecting The Chasm area in Liyue (beside Lingju Pass and Qingxu Pool) to be available for Genshin Impact 2.5 Update, but there is no indication for that so far. Instead, we’ll most likely be getting a new location in Enkanomiya. Rumors suggest that there is going to be a “dark version” of Enkanomiya, shrouded by a purple fog, not unlike Tsurumi Island, complete with unique enemies, Chests, and Teleport Waypoints.
New Enemy Type, The Shadowy Husks
Version 2.5 will introduce a new type of enemy called the Shadowy Husks that drop Gloomy Statuette, Dark Statuette, and Deathly Statuette world materials. Capable of healing and shielding other enemies, like most mobs, they have a number of variations:
- Hydro Husk: When a shielded character is hit, it will give up a portion of its HP to create healing ripples that regenerate HP for both itself and the Husks around. This effect can stack.
- Cryo Husk: When a shielded character is hit, it will spend a portion of its HP to change stance to a shield that protects against damage and enhances its attack. This effect can stack.
- Pyro Husk: When a shielded character is hit, it sacrifices a portion of its HP and builds a shield for itself and adjacent Husks.
Three New In-game Events
There are three new (and one rerun) events that reportedly could come in future updates past 2.4, but not all have been confirmed for Version 2.5:
- Three Realms Gateway Offering:
- Light up the darkened areas of Enkanomiya using the Bokuso Box and claim a free 4-star Catalyst weapon upon completion.
- Reportedly this is the main event for Version 2.5.
- Drink a Dreaming Event:
- As you create your own drinks and liquor for your favorite character, you will unlock new character voice lines as a reward.
- Characters involved: Eula, Kaeya and Rosaria, Diluc, Lisa and Jean, Zhongli, Beidou and Ningguang, and Shenhe.
- Divine Ingenuity Event:
- Create your own Domain with trampolines, windfields, and other obstacles, then challenge other players to complete it.
- However, you cannot set the Domain enemies.
- Hyakunin Ikki Event:
- An event rerun.
- Complete Trial combat challenges with teams of two.
- Playable characters: Ayaka, Yoimiya, Kazuha, Itto, Xiangling, and Razor.
New Weapons and Artifacts
Genshin Impact 2.5 Update might be adding two new Catalyst-type weapons and an Artifact set, that are “coincidentally” going to be perfect paired with Yae Miko:
Light up the darkened areas of Enkanomiya using the Bokuso Box and claim a free 4-star Catalyst weapon upon completion.
Reportedly this is the main event for Version 2.5.
As you create your own drinks and liquor for your favorite character, you will unlock new character voice lines as a reward.
Characters involved: Eula, Kaeya and Rosaria, Diluc, Lisa and Jean, Zhongli, Beidou and Ningguang, and Shenhe.
Create your own Domain with trampolines, windfields, and other obstacles, then challenge other players to complete it.
However, you cannot set the Domain enemies.
An event rerun.
Complete Trial combat challenges with teams of two.
Playable characters: Ayaka, Yoimiya, Kazuha, Itto, Xiangling, and Razor.
Kagura’s Verity, the 5-star Catalyst from a limited-time banner:
Base Attack: 608
Secondary stat: 66.2% Crit DMG
Passive R5: When using an Elemental Skill character receive the Shinra Dance, increasing the Elemental Skill DMG by 24%. The effect lasts 12s and stacks 3 times. When 3 stacks are reached wielder gains additional 24% damage.
Ascension Materials: Mask items (from Court of Flowing Sand Domain), Concealed Pieces, and Spectral Pieces.
Oathsworn Eye, the 4-star Catalyst presumably from Three Reals Gateway Offering:
Base Attack: 565
Secondary stat: 27.6% ATK
Passive R5: Increases Energy Recharge by 48% for 10s after using an Elemental Skill.
Ascension Materials: Branch of Distant Sea items (from Court of Flowing Sand Domain), Concealed Pieces, and Spectral Pieces.
And an unnamed Artifact set that’s targeted towards buffing Electro characters.
Genshin Impact is available on PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 platforms.
Base Attack: 608
Secondary stat: 66.2% Crit DMG
Passive R5: When using an Elemental Skill character receive the Shinra Dance, increasing the Elemental Skill DMG by 24%. The effect lasts 12s and stacks 3 times. When 3 stacks are reached wielder gains additional 24% damage.
Ascension Materials: Mask items (from Court of Flowing Sand Domain), Concealed Pieces, and Spectral Pieces.
Base Attack: 565
Secondary stat: 27.6% ATK
Passive R5: Increases Energy Recharge by 48% for 10s after using an Elemental Skill.
Ascension Materials: Branch of Distant Sea items (from Court of Flowing Sand Domain), Concealed Pieces, and Spectral Pieces.
