Genshin Impact Version 5.3, featuring Mavuika, will arrive on 1 January

Four months after the release of Genshin Impact Version 5.0, which saw the release of the new region of Natlan as its biggest addition, Hoyoverse has announced a release date for Version 5.3, which will finally add Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, as a playable character through the Event Wishes banner. Version 5.3 will also see the return of the Lantern Rite event.

Titled "Incandescent Ode of Resurrection", the update is due to arrive to Genshin Impact on 1 January 2025. Mavuika, the new character addition to the game, has been teased since Natlan was introduced to Genshin's world, with her first official appearance in a trailer in July earlier this year. A Pyro claymore user, a unique aspect of her character design is her motorcycle-like Flamestrider, which she incorporates as part of her Elemental Skill.

Another 5-star character being introduced to the game is Citlali. Contrasting with Mavuika, the Cryo catalyst user acts appears to be more support oriented, with the ability to deploy Cryo shields, as well as a passive ability that lowers the Pyro and Hydro resistance of opponents affected by Frozen or Melt elemental reactions, even when she's off-field. Both Mavuika and Citlali will be available during the first half of Version 5.3's Event Wishes, while the second half will see reruns for Arlecchino and Clorinde.

The final new character coming in Version 5.3 is Lan Yan, a 4-star Anemo catalyst user arriving in the second half of Version 5.3's banner, and whose abilities include a Swallow-Wisp Shield that converts its element to Hydro, Pyro, Cryo or Electro to absorb the corresponding elemental damage. In addition, Version 5.3 will also see the return of the Chronicled Wish banner, which will feature Ganyu and Shenhe as characters you can summon, among others.

Version 5.3 also adds the fifth act in Natlan's Archon Quest chapter, continuing Genshin Impact's main story. Following the their invasion of Natlan in Act IV, Act V will see the Abyss unleashing a new boss, an Abyssal Mimic Dragon called the "Lord of Eroded Primal Fire".

As part of the update, the Lantern Rite event will be returning to Genshin Impact. The staple New Year's event will see customised gift envelopes, mini-games such as the block-clearing 'Immortal Combat', as well as a combat event with Strategem buffs that will allow players to build up their Festive Fever. Rewards you get when you build your Festive Fever up to a certain level include Xiangling's "New Year's Cheer" outfit. The 5-star character Hu Tao will also be getting a new outfit, titled "Cherries Snow-Laden", which will be available in Genshin's shop at a limited-time discount.

Of course, there's also login bonuses, including 1,600 Primogems and a new glider through in-game mail, as well as 10 Intertwined Wishes through a daily login event. You can also get a free 4-star Liyue character through completing the Lantern Rite event.

Finally, other features for Version 5.3 include a permanent rhythm game mode, the addition of Envisaged Echo cosmetics for existing characters Kazuha and Ganyu, as well as various quality-of-life changes, including increasing the amount of artifacts you can carry in your inventory to 2,100, and a direct button to the Training Guide, which sees its overviews revised for simplicity, and a rework of respawn time for enemy Bosses for players to more efficiently obtain character level-up materials. Again, look out for the update when 1 January comes around.

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