Genshin Impact players have a lot to look forward to with the 5.0 update. Mihoyo has revealed details about the game’s newest region, Natlan, as well as several new playable characters, exploration features, and quality-of-life improvements.

The Land of Natlan: A Region on the Brink

The Natlan region, located to the west of the Sumeru Desert, is said to be about the same size as Mondstadt. However, the region is on the verge of destruction, with only one year left before its impending doom. Players will need to unite the six tribes of Natlan to save the region from its fate. The Fatui are also creating new rules for Natlan, adding to the region’s perilous state.

At the heart of Natlan is the theme of fire and the indomitable spirit of its people. The region features an advanced form of Pyro called Phlogiston, which players can use in combat and exploration. Players can unlock a “Nightsoul’s Blessing” state that fully showcases their character’s power through a ritual called Phlogiston Engraving.

Natlan also seems to have a strong emphasis on sports and competition, with the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame being a major event in the region. This suggests players may encounter various athletic-themed challenges and activities during their time in Natlan.

Flames of Change

The 5.0 update introduces three new playable characters: Kachina (Geo Polearm), Mualani (Hydro Catalyst), and Kinich (Dendro Claymore). Each character brings unique abilities that enhance both combat and exploration in Natlan.

Mualani, a 5-star Hydro character, exemplifies the innovative design of these new additions. Her Elemental Skill allows her to ride a shark, enabling swift movement across water and even liquid phlogiston. This ability significantly enhances open-world exploration. Additionally, when Mualani passes through enemies while using this skill, she accumulates up to 3 stacks of Wave Momentum, boosting her normal attack damage.

Mualani’s Elemental Burst, “Super Shark Missile,” deals AoE Hydro damage to enemies. Her signature weapon, a shark-shaped catalyst called Surf’s Up, complements her kit by providing an 88.2% Crit DMG bonus at max level and an additional 20% HP cap. After using her Elemental Skill, Mualani gains a 4-stack buff for 14 seconds, with each stack increasing normal attack damage by 12%, up to 48% with full stacks.

This design encourages a playstyle that relies on normal attacks to trigger the Vaporize reaction, as normal attacks on enemies remove 1 stack every 1.5 seconds, but triggering Vaporize within the same timeframe restores 1 stack, up to the maximum of 4.

While Kachina and Kinich have their own unique abilities, including Kachina’s Turbo Twirly drill vehicle and Kinich’s grappling hook Ajaw, the developers designed all three new characters to synergize with Natlan’s new exploration mechanics and combat challenges.

Exploration Companions: Your New Allies in Natlan

The region features a diverse array of landscapes, from mines filled with Phlogiston to a paradise-like area by the waters. Players will also encounter a giant volcano that erupts periodically, adding to the dynamic and potentially dangerous nature of Natlan.

Exploration in Natlan will be enhanced by the introduction of new “Exploration Companions” – Tepetlisaurus, Koholasaurus, and Yumkasaurus – which can aid players in navigating the region’s diverse landscapes, including underground areas and bodies of water. Players will also encounter new enemy types, such as the Gluttonous Yumkasaurus Mountain King and Goldflame Qucusaur Tyrant.

Quality of Life Improvements: Enhancing the Player Experience

In addition to the exciting new content, the Genshin Impact 5.0 update also brings a number of quality of life improvements that will enhance the player experience.

One highly requested feature is the ability to complete Archon Quests and Story Quests to earn Primogems and level-up materials. Finishing the 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 Archon Quests will now reward players with 500 Primogems, while completing Story Quests will grant Primogems and materials to ascend characters up to level 60.

The update also introduces a “Quick Start” feature for Natlan’s Archon Quests, allowing players who have completed the Liyue Archon Quest and reached Adventure Rank 28 to immediately access the new questline. This quality of life change is expected to be expanded to other regions in the future.

The developers have also made notable improvements by adjusting the Stellar Reunion system for returning players. These players can now claim 10 Intertwined Fates and additional rewards, making it easier for them to catch up.

Quality of life changes also extend to artifact management, with the addition of a “Salvaging” feature that automatically converts unwanted artifacts into artifact experience materials. Players can also now use the new Sanctifying Elixir item to select the main stat and two substat rolls on an artifact, providing more control over artifact builds.

The World Level cap has also been increased to World Level 9, further increasing drop rates for bosses and regular enemies. The Battle Pass rewards have been adjusted as well, allowing players to select the type of reward they want to claim.

Anniversary Rewards and Free 5-Star Selector

The Genshin Impact 5.0 update coincides with the game’s 4th anniversary, bringing with it a generous array of rewards for players. This year’s anniversary will provide players with ample resources for wishing on character banners.

However, the most significant addition is the introduction of “A Quest to Kindle Ancient Flames,” a new feature that allows players to select a free 5-star character from the standard banner. This selector will be available every anniversary moving forward, starting with the 4th anniversary in version 5.0.

It’s worth noting that Mihoyo has hinted at expanding the pool of standard 5-star characters in the future, potentially giving players more options in subsequent anniversaries.

This new feature addresses long-standing player requests for more agency in obtaining specific 5-star characters, especially those from the standard banner which can be challenging to acquire through normal wishing.

In addition to the free 5-star selector and Primogems, the 4th anniversary rewards also include:

• 2 Fragile Resin
• 1 Sanctifying Elixir
• 1,600 Primogems
• Firstborn Firesprite (a new companion)
• Kaboom Box (an explosive gadget)

These anniversary rewards, particularly the introduction of the free 5-star selector, represent a significant step in Mihoyo’s efforts to enhance player satisfaction and provide more value to long-time Genshin Impact enthusiasts.

Overall, the Genshin Impact 5.0 update delivers a fresh and engaging experience for players, with a new region, characters, and features that will further expand the game’s already impressive world.