SUMMARY
- Genshin Impact's update 4.4 brings a lot of changes to the game including a new map and characters.
- Xianyun, the human form of Cloud Retainer, makes her debut in the update along with reruns for Nahida, Xiao and Yae Miko.
Developers HoYoverse recently released the latest official update Genshin Impact 4.4 via a livestream. The majority of the content released through the patch had already been shared by leakers. Nonetheless, the official reveal arrives as good news since it confirms the details.
Among the various things revealed include Xianyun’s gameplay kit in Genshin Impact 4.4, facts about this year’s version of the Lantern Rite Festival, as well as two map expansions to the region of Liyue.
Genshin Impact Update 4.4 release date
All details regarding Version 4.4 were announced through the update’s special event. It was hosted on the official Genshin Impact channel on Twitch. The livestream disclosed that Genshin Impact 4.4 will arrive on January 31, 2024.
It is reasonable to release the update on the said data since it follows the game’s regular six-week schedule. Further, it also confirms that there have been no delays to the content originally planned by the devs. Now that the update is officially announced, it is unlikely that Version 4.4 will be delayed further.
Previously the update was pushed due to content delays that were preceded by livestream delays. The most notable content delay occurred in mid-2022 during Version 2.7. Recently, Version 4.2’s livestream also suffered a delay in October 2023, however, it did not affect the launch date of the update itself.
Genshin Impact Update 4.4 new characters and maps
HoYoverse had already announced the new characters previously, however, they recently revealed their official ratings as well as the order of the four character banners on cards for Genshin Impact 4.4. The first phase of the update, known as Phase 1, will have character banners featuring the 5-star heroes Xianyun and Nahida. Although Nahida is a rerun, Xianyun is a new character.
Xianyun is basically the human form of the Adeptus, which is known as Cloud Retainer. She will be an Anemo unit, with the ability to buff her teammates with HP restoration. She can also increase their jump height, which can then be utilized for Plunging Attacks.
Besides, Gaming will also make his debut in Phase 1 banners. He will come with an improved pull rate during the period. Gaming is basically a 4-star Pyro DPS unit with expertise in using a special form of Plunging Attack by the activation of his Elemental Skill. Post his debut in these banners, Gaming will be then added to the standard loot pool.
He can be obtained in all other banners in Genshin Impact as well if players are lucky enough. This includes the standard banner and the weapons banner. Apart from these, the other 4-star characters featuring improved rates in Phase 1 character banners are yet to be revealed.
On the other hand, The Phase 2 banners will comprise reruns of Xiao and Yae Miko. Yae Miko’s rerun comes as a surprise and a welcome addition, although it had been leaked ahead of the announcement. Xiao’s rerun in the latest update 4.4 may not exactly be a surprise.
That being said, the 5-star Anemo DPS unit reruns annually, generally during the same Version that hosts the Lantern Rite. The Phase 1 weapons banner will also feature Crane’s Echoing Call, Xianyun’s signature catalyst, as well as A Thousand Floating Dreams, Nahida’s signature catalyst. While, during Phase 2, Xiao’s Primordial Jade Winged-Spear and Miko’s Kagura’s Verity will have improved pull rates.
Version 4.4 “Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze” Trailer | #GenshinImpacthttps://t.co/a94V3e3Fnw
Spring has come early, and in its wake a rising beast, gazing up towards the clouds against an auspicious breeze. pic.twitter.com/Xzq1tqXlYG
— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) January 19, 2024
Another highlight of the update is the Lantern Rite Festival. Although the update does not add any new Archon Quests, it does include story missions through the annual event. This year, the theme of the festival will be kites. Additionally, the Fontainian technology will make kites fly more seamlessly.
Along with the Lantern Rite Festival’s story, Version 4.4 will also introduce a new extension to the Liyue map. Towards the northwest area of Qingce Village, players will have the ability to explore the Chenyu Vale, a rich new environment featuring several landmarks, such as Qiaoying Village, Yilong Wharf, the Jademouth, Mt. Lingmeng, Chizhang Wall, and much more.
Throughout the exploration process, players will be guided by a carp god called Fujin, which was previously leaked as a new Adeptus in Genshin Impact 4.4. The latest update also makes a lot of quality-of-life changes to the game.