Genshin Impact’s Version ‘Luna I’ introduces new Nod-Krai region, coming 10 September

I remember early into Genshin Impact’s life when Dendro was a mentioned-only element, and regions like Natlan and Fontaine were barely a twinkle in anyone’s eye. It’s surreal that, five years after the game’s launch, we’re close to entering the long-teased Snezhnaya, the game’s Siberian-inspired seventh nation. 

Specifically, this next update will unlock Nod-Krai, an autonomous region of Snezhnaya located on the edge of the game’s world, Teyvat. The chapter that comes with this update is titled “Song of the Welkin Moon: Segue”.

Interestingly enough, this update also breaks a convention in Genshin’s releases in that it’s not officially called Version 6.0, but instead bears the name Version Luna I. HoYoverse says that it’s reflective of a new approach to writing and weaving the game’s stories in a more character-centred way. It’s also notable that it’s not fully debuting Snezhnaya in one update, similar to Inazuma’s release pattern back in 2021, though we don’t know yet if this is a one-off or if HoYoverse is planning to segment Snezhnaya further.

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The trailer features three new characters that will be arriving as part of the event banner: Lauma (Dendro 5-star), Flins (Electro 5-star) and Aino (Hydro 4-star), a catalyst, polearm and claymore wielder respectively. A major character also fitting into this chapter is Columbina, a former Fatui Harbinger who has retreated to Nod-Krai, and who is “revered as a Moon Maiden.”

This update also expands on Lunar reactions, which first appeared in Version 5.8 via the character Ineffa. Flins is able to deal Lunar-Charged (electro-hydro) attacks while, with Lauma’s introduction, a new dendro-based Lunar Bloom effect is introduced. Through this, Lauma can produce Verdant Dew, a resource that buffs the team’s Bloom-based attacks.

Other new mechanics introduced include Kuuvahki, an ancient elemental force prevalent in Nod-Krai. Areas with strong Kuuvahki energy allow the player to enter an ‘Empowered’ state, which allows for higher jumps and act as part of puzzle-solving in Nod-Krai. One of the forms that Kuuvahki manifests itself is in the Kuuhenki, elemental beings that glide through the air leaving Moonlanes, a new movement mechanic. Kuuvahki is also tipped to be relevant in combat, enabling certain unique Lunar reactions.

A new Abyss-related group called the Wild Hunt is also set to make its appearance in Version Luna I; the HoYoverse team in its behind-the-scenes video noted that Nod-Krai was the first region to face the Abyss’s effects hundreds of years ago.

Outside of main story content, Meeting Points are a new method of interacting with the game’s playable characters. Similar to Hangout Events, Meeting Points allow you to talk to Lauma, Flins and Aino, though they take a decidedly more slice-of-life approach compared to the quest-based Hangout Events. 

Other quality-of-life improvements include the addition of the Masterless Stella Fortuna, which allows you to convert extra 5-star Stella Fortuna to push your characters to level 100, beyond the current level 90 cap. Harvestable materials will also be included as part of the Battle Pass, and Adventure EXP will soon be attainable via “more diverse means.” 

User-generated content in Genshin also got a tease with the Miliastra Wonderland, which allows users to make their own stages, coming in Version Luna II. And to round out five years of Genshin, players get some freebies, including a free 5-star character of your choice from the standard banner, ten Intertwined Fates from the login event, 1,600 Primogems via in-game mail, and two Nod-Krai-themed gadgets, among others.

Genshin Impact Version Luna I is set to arrive on 10 September.