Version 5.3 of Genshin Impact: New Characters, Lantern Rite Festival, and Free Rewards Await!

Genshin Impact has officially announced the release date for the highly anticipated Version 5.3, which promises to be one of the most feature-rich updates in the game’s history. As with other HoYoverse gacha games, Genshin Impact adheres to a consistent update schedule, with new versions released approximately every six weeks.

The current Version 5.2 of Genshin Impact is drawing to a close, signaling the arrival of new limited-time characters. Players have just a few days left to summon from the Limited Banner featuring Zhongli and Neuvillette, two fan-favorite characters known for their powerful gameplay and compelling lore.

A recent post on Genshin Impact’s official Twitter account revealed more details about Version 5.3. Scheduled for release on January 1, 2025, the update will roll out regionally at varying times. As always, players can expect a maintenance period lasting approximately five hours. To compensate for this downtime, HoYoverse will reward players with a generous amount of Primogems. The Special Program event confirmed that the first phase of Version 5.3 will feature two new five-star characters: Mavuika and Citlali.

Genshin Impact Version 5.3 Release Date

• Date: January 1, 2025

While HoYoverse generally avoids releasing multiple limited five-star characters simultaneously, Version 5.3 marks an exception. This decision is likely due to the update’s second phase, which will heavily focus on Genshin Impact’s Lantern Rite Festival. This annual event celebrates the Lunar New Year and is traditionally centered in the Liyue region. Including Natlan characters in such a Liyue-centric update might have felt out of place.

Version 5.3 is also set to include a wealth of free content, such as new Primogems and an exclusive skin. HoYoverse typically introduces two character skins during updates: one for a four-star character, usually available for free, and one for a five-star character, purchasable in the in-game shop. This time, the free skin will be for Xiangling, though players will need to claim it within a limited time.

After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the second Lantern Rite skin will belong to Hu Tao, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Additionally, the second phase of Version 5.3 will introduce Lan Yan, a new four-star character, as a free reward. Players can likely add her to their roster by completing a series of straightforward quests.

With Version 5.3, Genshin Impact continues to expand its world, offering fresh content and exciting events that promise to delight its dedicated community.