Gossip circulating within the Genshin Impact community indicates a sudden change of course in one of its leading characters: Fontaine Chief Justice Neuvillette is allegedly in line for a new character appearance. This rumor, by several leakers such as Hoshino and founded upon Foul and Shirai Nokochan, suggests the rumored upcoming release of a new cosmetic in the next Nod-Krai event. With Neuvillette’s phenomenal popularity and continued rotation within the meta of Genshin Impact, this rumor has necessarily caught players’ attention.
The idea of a new 5-star appearance for a character, and especially a male character, is extremely meaningful in the world of Genshin Impact. Occasional releases of such cosmetics have occurred in the history of the game, and only one 5-star character and one 5-star male character have had a new look introduced to them so far.
Developer HoYoverse has also been frugal in their practice, having usually released no more than five skins each year, usually during the Lantern Rite and Summer Events. This restrictive release habit makes alternate dress a precious commodity, usually not necessarily reserved for the most popularly coveted or meta-deciding characters of the game, like recent releases for Xiangling and Bennett in 2025.
With the proven habituation, the leak on Neuvillette is especially significant. While several leakers reported witnessing concept art for a new piece of clothing, the precise context is a little unclear. Rumor posits two main theories. Leaked winter skins are pending for male characters but aren’t necessarily linked to Liyue events given past launches for Lisa and Ayaka. So, Neuvillette’s possible skin can either be realized as part of the 2026 Lantern Rite collection, or it could be hinting at a collaboration set, like the now-known-to-be-Sanxingdui-Museum-collab Zhongli skin that was rumored.
Genshin Impact players need to take these leaks with a level head. Leaks gain information without having the entire context on how it will eventually be done. Therefore, tempered expectations are justified until at least Version 6.2. Meanwhile, Version 5.8, scheduled for release on July 30, 2025, will bring new fashion costumes to Bennett and Yelan. Of particular note, Bennett’s new appearance, slated to have a unique Natlanese flavor, is most likely to be a Summer Event-free reward. Nod-Krai, the time when Neuvillette’s next skin supposedly occurs, will be taking place on September 10, 2025.
