HoYoverse has announced the launch of Genshin Impact version 6.3. The update will be released on January 14, 2026, as expected to rule the very important turning point in the Nod-Krai storyline. Such an update marks the climax of the current regional storyline, finally diving into a battle with the Fatui Harbinger Dottore to decide the ultimate fate of Columbina. Besides the long-awaited storyline events, the patch adds a considerable landmass extension northward to Paha Isle. The Lightkeeper stronghold of Piramida and the lake of Amsvartnir, rumored to connect to the long-lost Seelie realm of Hyperborea, are major parts of this update.
The character roster gets its most transformative addition in months in the form of Columbina, a 5-star Hydro Catalyst who will be playable. Designed to anchor the emerging “Lunar Reaction” meta, her kit focuses on off-field Hydro application and specialized buffs for lunar-based elemental compositions. Joining her as a new 5-star character is Zibai, a Geo Sword user serving as a dedicated hypercarry for Lunar Crystallize teams. Rounding out the 4-star additions is Illuga, a Geo Polearm-wielding Lightkeeper who provides essential utility for Zibai’s specific playstyle.
The update banner schedule has two very distinct phases. There would be a debut of the newly introduced character, Columbina, alongside a rerun for the very much sought out support character, Ineffa, in the first half. For the second half, the focus will shift to Zibai, who will share the limelight with a rerun of the Hydro Sovereign, Neuvillette. While this is the major attraction for many, Version 6.3 is all-inclusive to add mechanical changes to the Traveler, even “buffs” long asked from the system, and new skins for completing the latest Archon Quest.
This coincide the patch with the festival of Lantern Rite 2026, to be held on January 30 onwards. The new story arc, this year, will be made permanent for Zibai, further continuing the tradition of giving players a free 4-star character from the Liyue roster. It will also grant an outfit for free for Yao Yao and a discounted skin for Neuvillette. Among the things in store for future peering are hints that indicate 2026 would be a jam-packed year concerning releases, with silhouettes giving clues to be released in later patches with Varka, Sandrone, and Nicole.
