Genshin Impact Officially Confirms Big Update for January 14 With New Characters, Map Expansion, and More
HoYoverse has officially unveiled Genshin Impact’s next major update, Version 6.3, set to launch on January 14, 2026. The update, detailed in a special developer livestream, promises to be a landmark patch, concluding the current chapter of the story while introducing highly anticipated new characters, a significant map expansion, and the return of the beloved Lantern Rite festival.
The headline addition is the playable debut of Columbina, a long-rumored Fatui Harbinger. She will join the roster as a 5-star Hydro Catalyst user, designed to elevate teams utilizing the new Lunar Reactions. She will be featured alongside a re-run of the support character Ineffa in the first half of the version’s event banners.
Two other new characters will also arrive. Zibai, a 5-star Geo Sword wielder, will serve as a dedicated hypercarry for Lunar Crystallize teams. He will headline the second banner phase alongside a re-run of Neuvillette. Joining them will be Illuga, a new 4-star Geo Polearm support character from the Lightkeeper faction.
The update will also expand the world of Teyvat northward, adding a new island region to the nation of Nod-Krai. This area will include the Lightkeeper headquarters at Piramida and the enigmatic Lake Amsvartnir, a location steeped in lore about the lost realm of Hyperborea. This expansion will provide fresh exploration alongside the conclusion of the current Archon Quest, where players will finally confront the Harbinger Dottore.
Coinciding with the update is the 2026 Lantern Rite festival. This permanent event will introduce Zibai’s story and allow players to claim a free 4-star Liyue character. It also brings new outfits, including a free costume for Yaoyao and a discounted alternate outfit for Neuvillette.
Also, Read
- Genshin Impact Durin Build Guide – Best Weapons, Artifacts & Constellations in Genshin Impact
- Genshin Impact Leak Reveals Columbina’s Kit as Lunar Reaction Specialist
- Genshin Impact Leak Hints at Major Map Expansions Returning to Mondstadt
With new characters, a major new zone, and a festival celebration, Version 6.3 is poised to offer both climactic storytelling and a wealth of new content for travelers to uncover.