In a nutshell

• In Genshin Impact Version Luna IV, Columbina (Hydro Catalyst) and Zibai (Geo Sword) debut as new 5-star characters.
• Lantern Rite returns with festive events, rewards, and a new Yaoyao outfit.
• Archon Quest climax pits the Traveler against Il Dottore in Nod-Krai’s expanded Piramida region.

HoYoverse has announced the first major update of 2026 for Genshin Impact, Version Luna IV: “A Traveler on a Winter’s Night,” goes live on January 14, 2026.

The new update brings new characters, elemental reactions, and the annual Lantern Rite festival.

Genshin Impact Version Luna IV Details

New Characters: Columbina and Zibai

• Columbina Hyposelenia (Moon Maiden): A 5-star Hydro Catalyst wielder who specializes in Lunar Reactions. Her Lunar Domain ability boosts reaction damage, summons thundercloud strikes, and can even revive a fallen teammate during battles in Nod-Krai.

• Zibai (White Horse Adeptus): A 5-star Geo Sword wielder from Liyue. Zibai enhances the new Lunar-Crystallize reaction, unleashing powerful Geo DMG through relentless assaults as more reactions are triggered.

The update also introduces Illuga, a new 4-star Geo polearm user who fights alongside a messenger bird.

Lantern Rite 2026 Returns

Back in Liyue, the Lantern Rite festival lights up the harbor with:

• Special Xiao Lanterns inscribed with wishes.
• Fortune Coins from Auspicious Treasure Trees.
• Festive mini-games and stories of the Adepti.

Players can earn 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, a new Yaoyao outfit, and invite one free 4-star Liyue character.

Archon Quest Climax in Nod-Krai

The Genshin Impact Archon Quest reaches its dramatic peak as Il Dottore harnesses the Moon Marrows, forcing the Traveler into a chaotic showdown. Nod-Krai expands northward to Piramida, headquarters of the Lightkeepers, where the Wild Hunt continues to threaten the region.

Event Wishes and Outfits

Additionally, the Genshin Impact Luna IV update will being the following Event Wishes:

• Phase 1: Columbina + Ineffa rerun.
• Phase 2: Zibai + Illuga debut, alongside Neuvillette rerun.
• New Outfits: Neuvillette’s limited-time outfit and a horse mascot cosmetic set