Genshin Impact Officially Confirms Big Update for January 14 With New Characters, Map Expansion, and More

During the latest developer livestream, Genshin Impact revealed Columbina, Zibai, and Illuga as new characters coming in Version 6.3, as well as a new permanent Lantern Rite event, new map expansion, and new character outfits. By all parameters, Version 6.3 is expected to be a major patch for Genshin Impact. It will close out the primary storyline for Nod-Krai, offering players a chance to confront Dottore and determine Columbina’s fate. However, it will also give players the opportunity to explore the northern edges of Nod-Krai – featuring the Lightkeeper headquarters at Piramida and the mysterious Lake Amsvartnir, rumored to lead to the lost Seelie realm of Hyperborea.

The three new Genshin Impact characters coming in Version 6.3 are: Columbina, Zibai, and Illuga. Columbina has been a long-awaited addition to the playable cast, and she is expected to join it as a 5-Star Hydro Catalyst capable of taking Lunar Reaction teams to new heights. As part of her ability kit, Columbina will provide off-field Hydro damage on top of enabling all three Lunar Reactions and granting them new effects. Zibai will be a 5-Star Geo Sword character in the primary role of a dedicated Lunar Crystallize hypercarry. Illuga, a 4-Star Geo Polearm from the Lightkeepers, is expected to be a premium support for Lunar Crystallize teams.

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Genshin Impact: Version 6.3 Overview

In terms of Event Banners, the livestream revealed that Columbina and Ineffa in Genshin Impact would feature in the first half of Version 6.3, while the second half would be headlined by Zibai and Neuvillette. No 4-Stars have been datamined for Version 6.3 as of December 29, 2025, but HoYoverse has confirmed that Illuga will accompany Zibai and Neuvillette. Zibai and especially Columbina are expected to garner plenty of interest with their debut banners, but given Ineffa’s value as a Lunar-Charged support, her re-run may draw plenty of pulls as well.

Version 6.3 will also feature the Lantern Rite for 2026, introducing Zibai as a character via a new permanent storyline. Much like previous Lantern Rites, Genshin Impact players will be able to select a free copy of any 4-Star character from Liyue. The Lantern Rite will also give players an opportunity to earn a free outfit for Yao Yao, while an alternate outfit for Neuvillette in Genshin Impact will be discounted for the duration of the event. By completing the Archon Quest for Version 6.3, players will also be able to obtain free outfits for their respective Traveler, who will also be receiving major buffs as part of the update.

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The new map expansion for Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact will add an island to the north of Paha Isle for players to explore. Its southern tip will feature the Lightkeeper city of Piramida, while Lake Amsvartnir will be found on the island’s northern half. The new zone will also introduce a major base of operations for the Knights of Favonius, whose leader, Varka, is expected to join the playable cast in Version 6.4 as a 5-Star Anemo Claymore hypercarry built for Hexerei teams in Genshin Impact.

The livestream also teased a few upcoming Genshin Impact characters for 2026, with silhouettes allegedly hinting at Lohen, Varka, Nicole, Linnea, Snegurochka, and Sandrone. Sandrone is expected to change her model when she becomes a playable character, as was the case with Wanderer in Version 3.3 –and to a lesser extent, Baizhu and Skirk in Version 3.6 and Version 5.7, respectively. Fans can expect these six characters to release during the first half of 2026, with Lohen being a new Permanent Banner character. Version 6.3 is set to launch on January 14, 2026, with the Lantern Rite kicking off on January 30, 2026.