The comprehensive details regarding Genshin Impact Version 4.8, encompassing its official release date, new characters, banner lineup, narrative updates, and events, have been disclosed several weeks prior to the patch’s launch. This version is anticipated to be the concluding six-week update before the introduction of Version 5.0, which will subsequently bring Natlan into the playable regions of the existing Teyvat map. Although the release of this nation is the most significant forthcoming content, players will need to exercise patience before they can delve into Natlan within Genshin Impact.
In the interim of Version 4.8, players will have numerous opportunities to engage in various activities. Although a primary Archon Quest has not been announced for this patch, participants will have the chance to partake in an event that introduces a new limited map, allowing them to prepare for the upcoming release of Natlan. The developer, HoYoverse, has a history of providing such maps prior to the launch of a significant Nation, a practice that has been in place since before the advent of Inazuma. Recent leaks regarding Genshin Impact 4.8 have surfaced, and a majority of these have now been validated.
Genshin Impact 4.8 – Release Date
The official announcement of the patch details took place during the Version 4.8 livestream, which was aired on the official Genshin Impact channel on Twitch. The developers have indicated that Genshin Impact 4.8 will be released on July 17. This suggests that the popular action RPG has not encountered any internal setbacks that would delay forthcoming content, maintaining its regular six-week release cycle. Provided there are no delays for Version 5.0 and Natlan, Version 4.8 is anticipated to span from July 17 to August 27 and will be segmented into two phases.
Genshin Impact 4.8 – New Characters & Banners
It has been previously indicated that the introduction of only one new character suggests that Version 4.8 will feature a single new playable unit. The remaining 5-star units included in this update will be reruns, while the 4-star units with enhanced drop rates have been part of the game for an extended period. According to earlier predictions from Genshin Impact 4.8 character banner leaks, the Phase 1 banners will consist of reruns for Navia and Nilou. The 5-star Geo DPS unit and the 5-star Hydro sub-DPS character will be available in the gacha system from July 17 to August 6.
The weapons associated with the featured characters will also be available in the weapons banner throughout the same timeframe, providing players with an opportunity to acquire their distinctive, custom-designed equipment. On August 6, Phase 2 will begin, introducing a new set of featured characters. During this phase, Yelan will return as a rerun character in one of the banners. The 5-star Hydro sub-DPS will make her return alongside the introduction of Emilie, a fact that HoYoverse had confirmed several weeks prior. Furthermore, the Dendro character has been officially recognized as a 5-star unit who will headline her own dedicated character banner in Phase 2.
As previously disclosed, Emilie’s kit in Genshin Impact positions her as a Dendro sub-DPS, specifically designed to amplify the effectiveness of the Burning Elemental Reaction. This character is particularly proficient in off-field Dendro application and is optimally utilized alongside a strong Pyro DPS, such as Hu Tao, Lyney, or Arlecchino, to trigger the Burning effect. The Version 4.8 livestream further confirmed that Emilie utilizes a polearm in combat. Additionally, during Phase 2, Yelan’s Aqua Simulacra and Emilie’s new Lumidouce Elegy will be featured in the weapons banner.
Emilie’s effectiveness as a Dendro sub-DPS remains to be fully established, as more players engage in testing her capabilities. However, the banner structure for Version 4.8 presents numerous opportunities. Currently, Navia stands out as one of the premier Geo DPS characters, particularly for those who possess a strong Geo sub-DPS such as Chiori or Albedo. While Nilou serves as a competent Hydro sub-DPS, Yelan is widely regarded as the leading character in this category and is arguably the top off-field damage dealer across all characters, although her performance heavily depends on her Elemental Burst in Genshin Impact.
Genshin Impact 4.8 – Events, Updates, & More
In Version 4.8, players can look forward to the addition of Emilie as a new playable unit, focusing on Burning Reactions within team strategies, along with the opportunity to acquire older characters or their respective weapons. The update will also introduce a variety of events, with the most significant being the summer event titled Summertide Scales and Tales. This event will lead players to a new, limited-time map called Simulanka, where they will engage in a new narrative quest and a range of activities. Additionally, the flagship event will present two new outfits for Nilou and Kirara in Genshin Impact.
During the event, the Nilou skin will be highlighted, although it will be classified as a premium item available for purchase in the store. Conversely, players have the opportunity to acquire Kirara’s new skin for free by participating in the event. Furthermore, a free version of Kirara will be distributed as part of this special occasion. As the flagship event, Summertide Scales and Tales will feature a wide range of rewards, including numerous materials and Primogems.
The forthcoming update, Envisaged Echoes, will introduce a new permanent game mode within the Imaginarium Theater. To engage with the challenges presented in this activity, players will be required to use regular Imaginarium Theater keys. Completing these challenges will allow players to unlock new character trails linked to particular characters. During the special challenges, players will have the opportunity to control the character for whom they wish to unlock the cosmetic items. The characters confirmed to receive trails in Genshin Impact are Diluc, Jean, Qiqi, Ningguang, and Kirara.
Alongside the events, HoYoverse has revealed a range of quality-of-life (QoL) enhancements set to be introduced in Version 4.8, many of which had previously been leaked. A notable feature is the Hide UI function, enabling players to eliminate interface elements while exploring Teyvat, thereby creating a less cluttered visual experience. Additionally, world bosses outside of Trounce Domains will experience a significant reduction in respawn time, with the cooldown period decreasing from five minutes to just 10 seconds. This change will facilitate easier challenges against world bosses in Genshin Impact without prolonged waiting periods.
Improvements are on the horizon for the encounter point system. Players will have the option to store long-term encounter points, which can be utilized to enhance their daily encounter points via Resin. Moreover, a Dialogue Review feature will be added, allowing players to examine the dialogue from their conversations. The summer event is the main highlight of this patch; however, it is reasonable to note that the game is slowing down in light of the anticipated release of Natlan in Genshin Impact later this year.