January 14th is going to be a big day for Genshin Impact

During the latest developer live stream Genshin Impact revealed Columbine, Zibai, and Illug as new characters coming in version 6.3, as well as a new Lantern Rite permanent event, a new map expansion, and new character outfits. By all accounts, version 6.3 is expected to be a major patch Genshin Impact. It will conclude the primary story for Nod-Krai and offer players a chance to confront Dottore and determine Columbine's fate. However, it will also give players the opportunity to explore the northern fringes of Nod-Krai – with the Keeper of Light headquarters in the Pyramid and the mysterious Lake Amsvartnir, said to lead to the lost Seelie realm of Hyperborea.

Three new ones Genshin Impact characters coming in version 6.3 are: Columbina, Zibai and Illuga. Columbina is a long-awaited addition to the playable cast and is expected to join as a 5-star Hydro Catalyst capable of pushing Lunar Reaction teams to new heights. As part of her ability set, Columbina provides off-field hydro damage in addition to activating all three Lunar Reactions and granting them new effects. Zibai will be a 5-star Geo Sword character in the primary role of Lunar Crystallize's specialized hypercarry. Illuga, a 4-star Geo polearm from Lightkeepers, is expected to be a premium support for Lunar Crystallize teams.

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As for the event banners, the live stream revealed that Columbina and Ineffa are participating Genshin Impact will appear in the first half of version 6.3, while the second half will feature Zibai and Neuvillette. As of December 29, 2025, no 4-stars have been mined for version 6.3, but HoYoverse has confirmed that Illuga will be accompanied by Zibai and Neuvillette. Zibai and especially Columbina are expected to draw a lot of interest with their debut banners, but given Ineffa's value as a Lunar-Charged support, her relaunch may also attract a lot of draws.

Version 6.3 will also include the Lantern Rite for 2026 and introduce Zibai as a character through a new persistent story. Like previous Lantern Rites, Genshin Impact players will be able to choose a free copy of any 4-star character from Liyue. Lantern Rite will also give players a chance to get a free outfit for Yao Yao, while an alternate outfit for Neuvillette v Genshin Impact will be discounted for the duration of the event. By completing the Archon Quest for version 6.3, players will also be able to get a free outfit for their respective Traveler, who will also receive big bonuses as part of the update.

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New map expansion for Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact adds an island north of Paha Island for players to explore. Its southern tip will feature the city of Lightkeeper Piramida, while Lake Amsvartnir is located on the northern half of the island. The new zone will also introduce the main base of operations for the Knights of Favonius, whose leader Varka is expected to join the playable cast in version 6.4 as the 5-star hypercarry Anemo Claymore built for the Hexerei teams in Genshin Impact.

The livestream also teased a few upcoming ones Genshin Impact characters for 2026, with the silhouettes reportedly hinting at Lohen, Varka, Nicole, Linnea, Snegurochka and Sandrone. Sandrone is expected to change her model when she becomes a playable character like Wanderer did in 3.3 –and to a lesser extent Baizhu and Skirk in version 3.6 and version 5.7. Fans can expect the release of these six characters during the first half of 2026, with Lohen being the new Permanent Banner character. Version 6.3 is scheduled to launch on January 14, 2026, with the Lantern Rite starting on January 30, 2026.