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

During the recent developer livestream, Genshin Impact revealed Columbina, Zibai, and Illuga as new characters coming in version 6.3, as well as a new permanent Lantern Rite event, new map expansion, and new character outfits. By all parameters, Version 6.3 is expected to be a major patch for Genshin Impact. It will close the primary storyline for Nod-Krai, offering players a chance to confront Dottore and decide Columbina's fate. But it will also allow players to explore the northern fringes of Nod-Krai – with the Lightkeeper headquarters in Piramida and the mysterious Lake Amsvartnir, rumored to lead to the lost Seelie kingdom of Hyperborea.

The three new ones Genshin Impact characters coming in version 6.3 are: Columbina, Zibai and Illuga. Columbina has been a long-awaited addition to the playable cast, and she is expected to join it as a 5-star Hydro Catalyst who can take Lunar Reaction teams to new heights. As part of her ability kit, Columbina will deal off-field hydro damage in addition to activating all three Lunar Reactions and giving them new effects. Zibai will be a 5 star Geo Sword character starring as a dedicated Lunar Crystallize 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 were in attendance Genshin Impact would be in the first half of version 6.3, while the second half would be titled Zibai and Neuvillette. No 4-stars have been datamined for version 6.3 on December 29, 2025, but HoYoverse has confirmed that Illuga will join Zibai and Neuvillette. Zibai and especially Columbina are expected to get a lot of interest with their debut banners, but given Ineffa's value as a Lunar-Charged support, her re-run could draw a lot of moves as well.

Version 6.3 will also include the Lantern Rite for 2026, introducing Zibai as a character via a new permanent storyline. Much 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 an opportunity to earn a free outfit for Yao Yao, while an alternate outfit for Neuvillette i 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 obtain free outfits for their respective travelers, who will also receive major buffs as part of the update.

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

The live stream also teased some upcoming ones Genshin Impact characters for 2026, with silhouettes allegedly hinting at Lohen, Varka, Nicole, Linnea, Snegurochka and Sandrone. Sandrone is expected to change her model when she becomes a playable character, as was the case with Wanderer in version 3.3 –and to a lesser extent, Baizhu and Skirk in version 3.6 and version 5.7 respectively. Fans can expect these six characters to be released in the first half of 2026, with Lohen as a new Permanent Banner character. Version 6.3 will launch on January 14, 2026, with the Lantern Rite starting on January 30, 2026.