Are you having trouble keeping up to date with the frequent Genshin Impact update schedule? Well, sit back, relax, and let us fill you in on everything you need to know. Hoyoverse generally drops an update for the popular title every six weeks, meaning you never have long to wait for some fresh content.
If you can’t get enough of one of the best gacha games mobile has to offer, we’ve got plenty of other content just like this. Take a look at our Genshin Impact tier list to see where your favorite character ranks, or check out our Genshin Impact codes and Genshin Impact download guides for even more content to consume.
Here’s everything you need to know about the current and next Genshin Impact update.
When is the next Genshin Impact stream?
The Genshin Impact 4.8 livestream went live on Friday, July 5, at 5:05 PDT / 8:05 EDT / 13:05 BST on the official Genshin Impact Twitch channel and the Genshin Impact YouTube.
Hoyoverse is yet to announce the date for the 5.0 livestream, but we predict that it will be on Friday, 16 August.
When was the Genshin Impact 4.8 release date?
The Genshin Impact 4.8 release date arrived on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Before the update, Genshin Impact went into maintenance starting Tuesday, July 16, at 15:00 PDT / 18:00 EDT / 23:00 BST.
Each time maintenance concludes you receive a minimum of 300 primogems in your in-game mailbox as compensation for the game’s downtime.
When is the Genshin Impact 5.0 release date?
The Genshin Impact 5.0 release date is set for Wednesday, August 28, with maintenance starting on Tuesday, August 27 at 15:00 PDT / 18:00 EDT / 23:00 BST.
The 5.0 update invites us to explore the long-awaited, fiery nation of Genshin Impact’s Natlan, which is set to introduce multiple new mechanics and characters to the game – so be sure to check back here later, as we’ll share all the latest info to get you ready to face the flames.
What are the Genshin Impact 4.8 banners?
During the last livestream, Hoyoverse announced the 4.8 banners as follows:
In the Name of the Rosula – phase one
Twirling Lotus – phase one
- Genshin Impact’s Nilou
- Kaveh
- Ningguang
- Kirara
Ambrosial Essence – phase two
Discerner of Enigmas – phase two
Of course, alongside the featured characters, you can also pull for their signature weapons on the weapon banners, including Emilie’s signature five-star polearm, Lumidouce Elegy.
To find out more about all of the current and upcoming characters and weapons, be sure to keep an eye on our Genshin Impact banner guide.
Is there a new area in Genshin Impact 4.8?
Version 4.8 ushers in this year’s summer event, meaning there’s a brand new summer-themed region for you to explore. For a limited time only, you can dive into the stunning, toy-themed world called Simulanka. Unfortunately, this fairytale land is facing all sorts of crises – so, of course, it’s up to you to help.
As you follow a trail of giant footprints from an unknown creature into the depths of the region, you come across all sorts of adorable, origami animals who just might be able to help you unravel the mystery at play.
You find that some of the origami animals are in big trouble, as the color on their paper is fading. Luckily, you have the opportunity to revitalize the forest and help those cute little critters. But don’t worry, you won’t be alone – all sorts of friends show up in Sumulanka alongside you, including Navia, Kirara, and Wanderer.
Additionally, in this world, Genshin Impact’s Nilou gets a brand new outfit and a whole new identity. But you’ll have to hop aboard the toy train and make the journey there yourself if you want to know more!
On top of all of that, at the end of the livestream we got to have a sneak glimpse of Natlan, the next region we’ll be visiting in our journey across Teyvat. You can check out the trailer below.
What are the new Genshin Impact 4.8 events?
As we mentioned above, the time has finally come for this year’s summertime festivities! Version 4.8’s flagship event continues the annual tradition of inviting players on a magical, summer-themed adventure in an entirely new realm.
This time, we’re invited on a fresh adventure in Summertide Scales and Tales, where we can ride around on a flying toy train, play heaps of minigames, and earn heaps of rewards including a free copy of Genshin Impact’s Kirara and her brand new ‘Phantom In Boots’ skin.
And that’s not all – there are a bunch of other limited-time challenges to take on and rewards to claim. So, to keep on top of all the current and upcoming events, keep an eye on our Genshin Impact events guide.
Are there any new features in Genshin Impact 4.8?
Version 4.8 includes quite a few new features, including a new permanent gameplay mode called Envisaged Echoes. In version 4.8, we get five Envisaged Echo challenges.
In order to take on the Envisaged Echoes, you must reach the requirements in the Imaginarium Theater performance challenge to earn keys of echoes. You can then use two keys to unlock one character’s Envisaged Echoes stage. After completing that challenge, you can obtain the corresponding character’s Echo cosmetic reward – a unique sprinting effect that appears behind your character when you’re running around Teyvat.
Are there any new optimizations in Genshin Impact 4.8?
Carrying on the trend of new system optimizations coming in each update, 4.8 sees improvements to the encounter point system. You can now store excess encounter points from daily activities, then turn your long term encounter points into daily encounter points by spending original resin. Long term encounter points only reset in updates that end with .0 – meaning you can spread them out across your journey in each region. The cooldown for all world bosses is now reduced to ten seconds, meaning you can farm for those boss materials much quicker.
For those of you who love to follow the game’s story, there are optimizations in this area, too. There’s now a one-click ‘hide UI’ feature to provide a more immersive experience. On top of that, we now have a new option that allows you to review dialogue text and audio in your current conversations, so you don’t have to worry about missing any details.
There are also some adjustments to domains in Mondstadt and Liyue, you can choose to lower your world level when you reach world level three, and the difficulty of the ‘License to Glide’ quest has lowered. And that’s not all – so be sure to keep an eye out for future announcements to learn more information.
If you’re thinking about trying a new game before the next Genshin Impact update, take a look at our list of the best mobile RPGs on iOS and Android, or check out our Honkai Star Rail update and Zenless Zone Zero update guides.