Genshin Impact 4.0 Release Date, New Characters, Banners, NPCs, Artifacts, Weapons & Mechanic

August 7, 2023
Genshin Impact 4.0 Release Date
Images via miHoYo

Genshin Impact Version 4.0 is just around the corner, and we have all the details you need, from the release date to banners, weapons, and more.

Genshin Impact 4.0 – Release Date and Livestream

Mark your calendars for August 16, 2023, as that’s when Genshin Impact Version 4.0 is scheduled to be unleashed, offering a host of surprises and fresh challenges to players.

Here’s is the release time for other time zones:

  • Australia: Wednesday 16th August, 1pm (AEST)
  • Central US: Tuesday 15th August, 10pm (CDT)
  • East Coast US: Tuesday 15th August, 11pm (EDT)
  • Europe: Wednesday 16th August, 5am (CEST)
  • Japan: Wednesday 16th August, 12pm (JST)
  • UK: Wednesday 16th August, 4am (BST)
  • West Coast US:Tuesday 15th August, 8pm (PDT)

For a sneak peek into what’s in store, catch the Genshin Impact 4.0 Livestream, which aired on August 4, 2023, at 07:30 AM (UTC-4) on the official Genshin Impact Twitch account.

Genshin Impact 4.0 – Banners & New Characters

Phase 1 Banners

Banner 5-Star Character 4-Star Character
Conjuring Chiaroscuro Lyney (Pyro Bow) Lynette (Anemo Sword)
Discerner of Enigmas Yelan (Hydro Bow) Lynette (Anemo Sword)

Phase 2 Banners

Banner 5-Star Character 4-Star Character
Gentry of Hermitage Zhongli (Geo Polearm) Freminet (Cryo Claymore)
Farewell of Snezhnaya Tartaglia (Hydro Bow) Freminet (Cryo Claymore)

Genshin Impact 4.0 – New Area Fontaine

A realm steeped in grandeur and ruled by the Hydro Archon Focalors, the Fontaine region welcomes you with open arms. Comprising three captivating regions – Court of Fontaine, Beryl Region, and Belleau Region – Fontaine is a land of culture and spectacle, with justice at its core.

Genshin Impact 4.0 – New Fontaine NPCs

After arriving in Fontaine, travelers will meet various new characters. HoYoverse teased interactions with non-human Melusine NPCs as well as human characters like Euphrasie, the chief editor of The Steambird publication. These NPCs will likely offer new side quests and insight into Fontaine’s culture.

Euphrasie will introduce Fontaine’s new reputation system which allows players to unlock rewards like a unique glider, the Crystalfly Trap, and the Wind-Powered Wind Generator. The reputation system offers incentives to deeply explore Fontaine.

The Crystalfly Trap makes collecting these elemental insects much easier by capturing them automatically. The Wind-Powered Wind Generator gives players a quick updraft to take flight from any location. Gadgets like these will aid exploration and collection activities.

New Artifacts and Weapons

Two new artifact sets coming in 4.0 are the Golden Troupe with increased skill DMG, and Marechaussee Hunter which boosts CRIT Rate when HP fluctuates.

  • Golden Troupe
    • 2-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Skill DMG by 20%
    • 4-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Skill DMG by 25%. Additionally, when not on the field, Elemental Skill DMG will be further increased by 25%. This effect will be cleared 2s after taking the field.
  • Marechaussee Hunter
    • 2-Piece Set: Normal and Charged Attack DMG +15%
    • 4-Piece Set: When current HP increases or decreases, CRIT Rate will be increased by 12% for 5s. Max 3 stacks.

Alongside these two sets, we also have a chance to get our hand on five new Fontaine-themed 4-star weapons in this version:

  • Flowing Purity Catalyst
  • Finale of the Deep Sword
  • Rightful Reward Polearm
  • Tidal Shadow Claymore
  • Song of Stillness Bow

New Events

  • Mega Meka Melee: This is the main event for Version 4.0, featuring the best rewards. The event seems to involve Mondstadt adventurer Bennett, as one of the mini-game dolls is modeled after him.
  • Relic Records: Creations of the Hydro Nationan exploration event focused on collecting special items from monsters and areas in Fontaine.
  • Studies in Light and Shadow: A Fontaine of Enchantment brings back the photo-taking mechanic in the new region.
  • Verdict of Blades: A combat challenge testing out new characters like Lyney. The update concludes with another Ley Line Overflow for stocking up on valuable rewards.

Images via miHoYo

New Bosses

Brace yourself to confront two new formidable bosses in Fontaine – Icewind Suite, a duo of Clockwork Mekas with icy prowess, and Emperor of Fire and Iron, an Armored Crablord wielding devastating Pyro attacks.

New Story and Content

Version 4.0 unfolds the next chapter of the Archon Quest, Chapter 4 Act 1 and 2, delving deeper into the captivating story of Fontaine. Complete the “Caribert” Archon Quest in Sumeru to unlock Fontaine’s Archon Quest.

Additionally, players with AR25 and above can invite Lynette to join their team, and upon inviting her, they will receive her Ascension Materials to ascend her to Ascension Level 1.

Underwater Exploration Mechanic

4.0 introduces the thrilling underwater exploration mechanic. Stamina won’t be a concern while swimming underwater, but Aquatic Stamina will be consumed while sprinting. Keep an eye out for Recovery Orbs to restore your Aquatic Stamina, and utilize Turbulent Bubbles to speed up your movement.

Images via miHoYo

System Optimizations

Version 4.0 brings improvements to the Party Setup Screen, showcasing unique character animations while adjusting party lineups. Additionally, players can toggle between different map layers, providing a comprehensive view of all current maps at varying elevations.

With an all-new hydro region to explore, powerful new characters, and exciting events and quests, Version 4.0 promises to be one of the biggest Genshin Impact updates yet. Stay tuned for more details as the release date approaches!

Related: