Genshin Impact 6.4 Brings Varka to Mondstadt

Genshin Impact is heading back to Mondstadt in Version 6.4, bringing long-awaited developments to the game’s oldest region. The update will introduce Varka as a playable character, debut a new Knight of Favonius named Lohen, and mark the return of the Mondstadt Chronicled Banner for the first time in nearly two years.

While Version 6.4 may appear lighter in content compared to Version 6.3, it plays a key role in expanding Mondstadt’s lore and laying the groundwork for the next major chapter of the story. Players can also look forward to Varka’s Story Quest, which will explore his long-teased role in the narrative.

Character Banners in Version 6.4

The first half of the update will feature Varka alongside Flins, while the second half will spotlight Skirk and Escoffier.

From a meta perspective, early theorycrafting around Varka has been cautious, with comparisons drawn to powerful Fontaine and early Natlan 5-Star characters. However, interest in Varka remains high due to his unique gameplay style, impressive animations, and years of anticipation surrounding his debut.

Flins arrives shortly after Columbina and Ineffa, offering players more options for Lunar-Charged team compositions. Meanwhile, Skirk and Escoffier continue to dominate Frozen team strategies in the current meta.

Special Program Highlights

The Version 6.4 Special Program, streamed on YouTube and Twitch, outlined the update’s major features.

The Flagship Event will take place in Mondstadt and reward players with a free 4-Star Catalyst weapon skin for participating in story content and mini-games. Free-to-play players can expect to earn approximately 66 Intertwined Wishes throughout Version 6.4, making resource management especially important for those planning to pull on upcoming Event Banners.

In addition to the limited-time banners, the update brings back Mondstadt’s Chronicled Banner, featuring Klee, Albedo, Eula, Diluc, Jean, Mona, and associated 5-Star weapons from the region.

Other additions include:

• New Character Anecdotes
• Additional Envisaged Echoes for the Imaginarium Theater
• A new Nod-Krai-themed map for the Serenitea Pot

Story Developments and Future Setup

Version 6.4 will see Varka, the Knight of Boreas, confronting Roland, the Bloodstained Knight. While the Flagship Event and Story Quest are largely self-contained, the update also acts as a narrative bridge toward Dornman Port, a northern Mondstadt expansion teased in Version 6.2 and expected to arrive shortly after 6.4.

Varka’s Gameplay Overview

Varka comes with specific team-building requirements. His kit encourages players to include:

• At least one additional Anemo teammate
• Two teammates sharing the same element (Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo)

His primary damage output stems from his Elemental Skill, which infuses his dual claymores with Anemo and a secondary element, allowing him to swirl his Normal Attacks for sustained damage. While he may not surpass the strongest Lunar Reaction teams in Version 6.4, many players believe his optimal support options have yet to be introduced.

Lohen’s Introduction

The livestream also introduced Lohen, another Knight of Favonius. Rumored to be a 5-Star Cryo character scheduled for Version 6.6, Lohen is expected to join the Standard Banner, unlike Varka. Early speculation suggests he could become one of Varka’s strongest teammates.

Genshin Impact Version 6.4 is scheduled to release on February 25, 2026, with Varka making his debut on the Event Banners.

With lore expansion, long-awaited character releases, and future map developments on the horizon, Version 6.4 serves as a meaningful stepping stone toward the next major arc of Genshin Impact’s story.