HoYoverse has revealed details for the next major Genshin Impact update, Version Luna IV “A Traveler on a Winter’s Night,” which arrives on January 14. The update introduces two new 5-star characters, continues the main story arc in Nod-Krai, and brings back the popular Lantern Rite festival.

New Characters

Two new playable characters join the roster with this update. Columbina, known as the Moon Maiden, is a 5-star Hydro Catalyst user who specializes in support abilities centered around Lunar Reactions. She can trigger coordinated Lunar Reaction damage even when not actively on the field, and her Lunar Domain ability boosts all Lunar Reactions with damage bonuses and additional effects. Columbina can also convert certain existing reactions like Electro-Charged, Bloom, and Hydro Crystallize into Lunar Reactions. During the Nod-Krai storyline, she has the unique ability to revive fallen teammates.

The second new character is Zibai, a 5-star Geo Sword wielder known in Liyue legends as the White Horse Adeptus. Zibai works well with the new Lunar-Crystallize reaction, which triggers when Geo meets Hydro under specific conditions. This reaction summons three Moondrifts near enemies, and after three triggers, activates Moondrift Harmony to deal Geo damage with a chance for critical hits. Zibai can enter a special state to unleash powerful Elemental Skills that deal Lunar-Crystallize damage, with the frequency and damage increasing as more reactions trigger.

Story and Region Expansion

The main Archon Quest in Nod-Krai reaches its climax in this update. After gaining power from the Moon Marrows, Il Dottore prepares for a final confrontation with the Traveler and allies. The battle takes place in his domain where reality itself is distorted. Players who complete this quest will unlock a new outfit for the Traveler.

Nod-Krai also expands northward for the first time, revealing Piramida, the headquarters of the Lightkeepers. The new area includes the western Pillar of Embla and Kipumaki Cliff, where the Wild Hunt remains active. A new World Quest allows players to team up with the Lightkeepers and Illuga to fight against the Wild Hunt.

The annual Lantern Rite festival comes back to Liyue with various events and activities. This year’s story focuses on Zhanzhu the Moon-Devourer and explains how Zibai, the White Horse Adeptus, returns to the mortal world after a long absence. Players can place special Xiao Lanterns around Liyue Harbor with wishes to share, collect Fortune Coins from Auspicious Treasure Trees to exchange for gifts, and participate in festive mini-games.

Event Wishes and Rewards

The Event Wishes run in two phases. Phase one features Columbina and a rerun of Ineffa. Phase two introduces Zibai alongside Illuga, a new 4-star Geo polearm user who fights with a messenger bird, plus a rerun of Neuvillette. Neuvillette’s new outfit will be available in the shop at a discounted price for a limited time.

Players can earn various free rewards, including 1,600 Primogems through in-game mail, 10 Intertwined Fates from a login event, a new outfit for Yaoyao through the Lantern Rite event, and the option to invite one 4-star Liyue character for free. Additional rewards include a special horse mascot cosmetic set and items from events.

Miliastra Wonderland: “Luna IV” Development Preview | Genshin Impact#GenshinImpact #MiliastraWonderland

Brand-new gameplay, brand-new atmosphere, brand-new rewards, and a brand-new creator experience!
More development progress for Miliastra Wonderland is gradually being… pic.twitter.com/aFf1oSchF5

— Genshin Impact – Miliastra Wonderland (@GenshinImpactMW) January 2, 2026

The update also adds a new Classic Mode to Miliastra Wonderland, letting players invite select characters to join stage adventures. Players can purchase the Colorful Surprise Box to support the Craftspeople and unlock extra gameplay experiences. Genshin Impact Version Luna IV launches on January 14 and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC, iOS, and Android.