Genshin Impact: Update with New Characters and Much More

Genshin Impact's 5.7 update, coming June 18, introduces Skirk as a new five-star character, expands the main story with the advancement of the Order of the Abyss, adds permanent combat modes, strategic events set in Sumeru, and significant optimizations to the gameplay experience on all platforms

Developer miHoYo has announced the release of Genshin Impact version 5.7, titled A Space and Time for You, scheduled for June 18. The update introduces important new features in terms of both narrative and gameplay, continuing the evolutionary path of the title through new playable characters, main quests and permanent content. Among the main additions is the arrival of Skirk, a five-star character with a dual combat mode and deeply linked to the Abyss. Known as Tartaglia's (Childe) teacher, Skirk uses an abyssal power disguised as a Cryo element.

His combat style features two distinct approaches: one focused on enhanced normal attacks to deal sustained damage, the other based on the use of Elemental Burst to strike with area-of-effect effects. Both modes are powered by a unique resource called Serpent's Subtility, distinct from conventional elemental energy. In specific team compositions that include at least one Hydro and one Cryo character, Skirk can offer strategic synergies, enhancing the abilities of his allies and increasing his own damage.

Joining Skirk is Dahlia, a new four-star Hydro support character and Deacon of the Church of Favonius. Dahlia offers protection and versatility with a barrier generated by her elemental blast, which can be reactivated by normal attacks or freeze reactions. Her abilities also include an attack speed boost for allies and the application of damage from Hydro or support while mobile. Event Wishes for version 5.7 will include Skirk, Dahlia, and a re-roll of Shenhe in the first phase, followed by Mavuika, a Pyro-type Archon, and Emilie in the second half of the update.

The Archon mission continues with new developments in the Natlan region, where the Order of the Abyss intensifies its activities within the plan devised by the Traveler's twin brother. Dainsleif returns to the scene with a new role, alongside the protagonist in the heart of the abyssal operations, while new truths about the bond between the two brothers begin to emerge.

A new simulation-style event that mixes strategy, exploration, and randomness will also be available within the Sumeru Academy. Players will be able to assemble a team with companion pieces, upgrade them, and choose narrative paths set in desert or rain environments. Research phases will provide additional benefits, and among the rewards will be the possibility of recruiting Sethos as a playable character.

The update also introduces Stygian Onslaught, a new permanent combat mode. This cyclical challenge features three rotating bosses and six levels of increasing difficulty. Completing the trials will reward you with Artifacts and a new item called Dust of Enlightenment, which allows you to reassign secondary affixes on a level 20 Artifact.

In addition to the combat content, Travelers' Tales: Gilded Chapter will bring a series of short stories set in the various regions of Teyvat. Thoma will return to Mondstadt, Neuvillette will visit the village of Merusea, and Dori will attempt to close a deal with Sayu in Inazuma, offering more relaxed moments between adventures. Among the planned optimizations, there will be a more efficient management of the game's resources on mobile devices, adapted to individual progression. It will also be possible to directly use the Fragile Resin to triple the rewards of the Ley Line Flowers and common Challenge Domains. Finally, the update will introduce new Imagined Echoes challenges for Raiden Shogun and Shenhe. Genshin Impact is currently available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (via the official client and Epic Games Store), iOS and Android devices.